Escitalopram User Reviews & Ratings

• oksy
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I want to thank the people here that have shared their experiences with Lexapro. In my darkest hours whilst waiting for the drug to kick in I would read all the positive reviews on this website and they gave me confidence that everything would be OK. Without you, I don't know what I would have done. A couple of years later and my life is on track and the future is looking rosy!"

• Maxine
• March 26, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Hi there. This is my 1 year update. I started on 2.5 and went up to 5. Let me just tell you this. I got my life back. I was in a point in my life where my brain chemicals reworked themselves into being in CONSTANT flight or fight mode; even when NOTHING was wrong. I couldn’t go into a grocery store without fearing a panic attack. Fast forward one year later - I have traveled on a plane [was my biggest fear] alone and HAPPY. Let me say that I do have a therapist. I eat healthy. Work out 2-3 times and have a good support system. It’s not a magic pill but it does help your chemicals in your brain. I have read the same scary reviews you have. I have overthought myself to death. Trust in the process. You will be okay. (Not a doctor. Personal experience)"

• LCano
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 6, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Currently 10 days into my second time on Lexapro. I’ve been on 10 mg since 2013 for Chronic anxiety. Last year I started to taper off on my own and I pushed it too far. A severe breakdown over the holidays showed me that I’m more myself with my medication. Oh boy the first week was horrible. I would read these reviews for encouragement in my darkest moments. Go for walks, talk with your loved ones, allow yourself to lay low and give the medication a chance to work. My appetite is still missing and I’m still have racing/disturbing thoughts but I feel better each day! My insomnia has subsided and the muscle twitches. Lexapro has saved my life once before and I know it will again. If you’re reading this- hang in there, you’re not alone in this struggle. You can do hard things!"

• Ruthy
• March 30, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I have suffered from extreme anxiety for years now. I would awake at 3:00 am every morning gripped with thrashing unreasonable thoughts that led into a panic. I stayed disoriented, dizzy, glassy-eyed, heart-pounding, crying myself to sleep at night wanting to be "normal" again. The first week of taking 5 mg. of Lexapro, everything got worse, I was more anxious and very tired. 2 Weeks into taking Lexapro, the darkness began to lift! I was finally coming alive. I was feeling much better than I had been in years. After 2 months on 5 mg, I increased to 10 mg. The initial side effects returned and my anxiety and tiredness came back. I fought through the first week. WOW! The outcome is more than I could have hoped for! I am calm, happy, laughing, silly, and ever so grateful! I would encourage you to try Lexapro and be prepared for a possible adjustment stage, but after the storm, oh what beauty! Be good to yourself fight for your happy place. God Bless you on your journey."

• Aztec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "If only I had taken this sooner, how different my life could have been. I have dealt with PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, depression and the whole shebang since I was 18. I am now 40. I am a single mom and keeping up with works, kids, school was just draining on top of being in a flight fight mode 24/7. Going to the grocery store or a simple dr appointment for them was a chore within itself. My first 2 weeks, I was very sleepy during the day, no appetite and awake at night. I stuck with it and I am now on week 4. You know how it is working? I was terrified to even think about going into an unknown situation. A week ago I decided to apply to different jobs. Yesterday, I got ready and went to an interview and nailed it!! I was not anxious nor did I run out of there. I was calm and collected and my thoughts weren't a fog. I am still in shock!!! I am so excited for what life will be from here on out. Hang in there."

• KAano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "This pill changed my life. I was very skeptical to take it after reading about the terrible side effects. Indeed I had awful side effects within the first weeks including waking up shaking, increased anxiety and an increase in suicidal thoughts. In fact I begged the doctor to change me onto something else but he told me to stick with it. After 4 weeks I was absolutely transformed and I still honestly can’t believe the change it made to me. I’m no longer crying everyday, I’ve started enjoying all the things I used to and rediscovering myself. I’m no longer angry or unable to contain my emotions. I was in the position you were reading reviews and asking myself if this can really help me. It can! My advice is stick with it because the side effects can be heavy but for me it has changed everything - so much so that I felt I had to come back to write this in the hope of helping others that were in my position!"

• Lural
• April 6, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "After going into a deep depression after a divorce, with two young children to love, care for and support, I began having major anxiety attacks lasting all day all night long, I Was unable to sleep, I could not eat I lost 40 pounds my weight plummeted to 90 pounds I felt helpless, I useless, I’d almost lost all hope of knowing what joy was. I knew I was in trouble and I had to be honest with myself and get help. After being prescribed Lexapro within three weeks my entire outlook on life changed for the better, my energy came back I was able to sleep again. I beg anyone having trouble with depression please don’t feel embarrassed, don’t think you’re weak because you need help you are not."

• Suz
• June 3, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I will update in a few weeks with my full experience with starting Lexapro. Let me tell you, I was TERRIFIED to start this medication due to bad reviews. I am terrified of feeling ill and ESPECIALLY vomiting. I finally told myself this morning I can no longer live in fear of my own life, constantly anxious, and told myself to just take the medicine. I was prescribed 10 mg, but personally medications do cause significant side effects for me (I am 5’4 and 100 pounds soaking wet) so I broke it down to 2.5 mg to start. I have experienced NO terrible side effects, it’s been roughly eight hours. I have had some “burning” sensation in my stomach, but I also have terrible stomach issues as is. I have been tired as well, but depression does that to a person.. PLEASE TAKE THIS MEDICATION. IT MAY HELP YOU. IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE. You. Can. Do. This.. *I will update in a few weeks with results as of then*"

• Hans
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Started taking lexapro from my anxiety attacks which were almost everyday . I was really struggling , I've had mild depression in my life as well. I've always just gone with the flow but the anxiety attacks were just too much for me I was miserable. I am now a couple of months into my treatment and I can honestly say it's helped me a lot. I feel as normal as I ever have. It keeps my mind relaxed and I sleep so much better the thoughts and anxiety doesn't swarm me like it used to. I still feel anxiety sometimes but it's not nearly as bad . My depression has for the most part gone away. I am way more even now and in control of my feelings . The weeks getting on it were horrible I'm not gonna lie but it is worth it . Stay strong it may not be the med for you but if it is and you stick it out , it's worth it. Remember you are not alone don't give up."

• Pickles
• January 5, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I am a firm believer that everyone has a specific medication that works for their brain chemistry. Lexapro just happens to be my miracle drug! If I could rate it higher than 10 I would. I see that a lot of people have low libido on this medication, but that is not the case with me. My sex drive has actually improved massively when anxiety & depression aren't in the picture. I've been on 10mg Lexapro for 2 years and it has taken the very dark lows out of my life without any side effects. My emotions more controlled, my anxiety is calmer, my life is such much more manageable. Only con to lexapro is night sweats & brain zaps (only if I forget a dose - if I don't forget a dose, that doesn't happen). Other than that, I cannot recommend Lexapro enough. It has improved my life tenfold & given my happiness back. Lexapro doesn't make you feel like a zombie; I feel more myself than I have my whole life. Take negative reviews with a grain of salt. It could be your miracle drug too."

• Nicol...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 24, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have extreme anxiety and chronic depression I can not tell you how much this medication has saved me from harming myself. I’ve been on it now for 5 years started at 2mg daily and now up to 10mg recently after losing my job and this coronavirus pandemic. Overall this pill isn’t magic but it’s helped me and my anxiety and compulsive thinking. It doesn’t give those weird side effects like blank thinking or weird dreams. All this medication has done is ground myself and thoughts and I’m thankful for that. Oh and if your worried that it makes you gain weight it did not make me gain any weight at all."

• Epello
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Lexapro has been literally life-changing. I didn’t realize how bad my anxiety was until it was gone, but WOW what a difference. I was paralyzed with anxiety, had panic attacks regularly, etc, and now that I don’t, it blows my mind that I used to live like that. I’ve always been against meds of any kind and had tried every supplement I could research, but nothing ever worked like lexapro has. (Only take 10mg and have had no side effects.)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "First off I would like to say I feel everybody’s pain , and you are not alone . I went through years of anxiety and panic. Lexapro has changed my life . I’m on day 10 and I already feel a HUGE DIFFERENCE. Please believe me when I say this , while on this drug it has to get worse before it gets better ( exactly what my doctor told me ) . I had massive side affects the first 6 days at least and then are finally starting to taper off on day 10. Do not give up on the drug. I used to have 10 heart palpitations a day and now I have MAYBE 1 and it has only been 10 days . I started with 5 mg and on day 7 I jumped up to 10 mg . Side affects included dizziness , nausea , headache , extreme panic , sweaty hands and feet . You need to let this pass and realize you are going to be fine and get through this . If you play the game mind over matter you will win and it can change your life . I feel all your pain and hope this review has at least pointed one person in the right direction."

• Brandon
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "This medicine Lexapro has completely took away my anxiety and is slowly taking down the depression. It took about 8 days for these positive effects to take place, stay patient with this medicine and stay positive and it will change your life. The only side effects I had were drowsiness and decrease in sex drive but those effects are slowly going away. I get excited everyday knowing each pill I take is a step closer to full recovery. God bless!!!"

• Thank...
• February 11, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "2019 Took toll on my life in every aspect. I am 45 years old & my career crashed, my husband left me & I am battling legal issues. My husband locked me out of utility accounts til’ shut off notices arrived. I could not think straight at all. My stress & worries took over me. I began deep depression and the worries would overwhelm me to a point I wanted to sleep, but I had insomnia. My mind would race, I closed myself off to the world and prayed heavily. I could no longer have normal conversations. I pushed everyone away. I finally called my Dr, realizing it was more than I could handle. I’ve only been on it one week & can truly say “LEXAPRO SAVED MY LIFE”. I do not feel different at all. I feel “Normal”. I can think. I can decipher between tasks of importance and have been more productive than I have in a year. I sleep better. I go to bed with a clearer picture & less worry. The stress & reality is all still there, but each day I am managing and making progress now!"

• Timbo
• January 30, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Hi, I’ve been on 10mg of Lexapro for 3+ weeks and still having side effects or anxiety attacks. Shaking hands, burning feet and mouth. Seems to get worse 2 hoiurs after I take a dose. Did anyone have these issues and when oh when does it start to go away ? Thanks !!"

• Snoopy
• November 1, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’ve been on Lexapro for 3 months now for major GAD, social anxiety and moderate to severe depression. I had gotten to the point where I was crying all day every day. Could barely function in social situations and would spend all day negatively ruminating over every little thing. I would wake up every night at 3-4 in the morning and just lay there worrying about everything. Lexapro is wonderful. This is the first time I’ve felt hopeful and productive in so long. I sleep through the night again and I haven’t cried in 2 months (that is HUGE for me). The only negatives I have noticed with Lexapro have leveled off after a couple of weeks. I experienced sexual side effects at first but they went away. Lots of grogginess in the morning at first but it leveled off. Anyway I’m at 20mg of Lexapro/day now and I’m so thankful. I haven’t felt this good in a really long time. It has given me my life back."

• Brian
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 19, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I developed sleep anxiety, which is absolutley awful. After experiencing insomnia I developed an anxiety at the thought of sleep. Even the approaching evening would trigger it. I felt hopeless. It led to depression and suicidal thoughts. I was put on lexapro a eventually went up to 15 mg. It helped me reclaim my life. It put my anxiety at bay so I could change my life. It took about 6 weeks for the drug to really start working along with minimal side effects. It has been a year and I am currently tapering off the medication because I feel I do not need it anymore. It is a good drug! Allow some time for it to kick in. Also, use the medication as a tool. Mental health is about balance. Find ways to change your life/ mentality. The Lexapro is a tool to help with the big picture. There is light on the other side of the storm! Never lose hope and FIGHT for your life!"

• happy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have had anxiety, insomnia and I guess depression for life. I'm 42 and finally told my PCP I felt like I was going to lose it after a lot of drama plus COVID quarantine. I was on zoloft (generic) for weeks and the side effects were unbearable, I almost checked myself into the hospital it was so bad. I was switched to lexapro (generic) and feel like a new woman! Calm cool and collected. Wish I had these in my 20s I would have a different life lol."

• Tried...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 16, 2022

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I begin taking this drug 10 years ago when I thought I was seriously ill. I had numerous medical tests done, but in the end my doctor was right and it was just anxiety and panic attacks. I don’t say JUST lightly. I know you are reading this post because you are miserable with suffering, and struggling so much right now. Please know that you are in good company, and so many people are suffering just as you are. I highly encourage you to give this medication a solid chance. I’m not gonna lie, the first 2 to 3 weeks were pretty brutal. Increased anxiety at times, then better at times. Then one day, I had an entire afternoon where I felt perfectly normal. The next day I had a little anxiety, but those good days grew longer and longer until I realized I wasn’t constantly keeping score about my anxiety. Back and forth for a while, just like the tide. My ideal dose is 20 mg, but I usually take 10 when things are relatively calm; 20 when things get really bad. YOU’VE GOT THIS! Hugs"

• Aria
• May 7, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I'm on day two of taking Lexapro. After starting College remotely full time for nursing and finishing up my first semester, one night out of nowhere I had my first anxiety attack since childhood. The attacks intensified, I was constantly anxious, convinced I was deathly ill, afraid to be around anyone but my husband. I felt like my personality had been ripped away. After about two week of not being able to get it under control I set up an appointment with my doctor and was put on Lexapro. I'm only two days in but so far it has helped, I still feel anxious at times but I'm able to calm myself down. I still don't feel quite like myself but I figure it will come in time. A few things I've noticed since taking the medication are, dry mouth, sluggishness, a bit foggy at times, still a little anxious but it's manageable, and a bit dizzy. My appetite has started to come back but stomach is still a little off. I will update at my 1 month mark, hang in there everyone we will overcome."

• Mel
• June 23, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Anyone going through the reviews please understand that this medication takes 6 to weeks before you get any sort of relief . I started having very bad panic attacks , I was waking up at 3 in the morning having a full on anxiety attack and it would go on all day long , I couldn't go back to sleep or eat or function, tried to be strong and deal with it at home for 3 months and I just couldn't do it anymore so I signed myself into the acute unit . I was bawling, I honestly felt I was never gonna get better that I was better off dead cos the panic and anxiety would not stop ,if it wasn't for my kids or my partner I wouldn't be here. I started on lexapro and olanzapine about 8 weeks ago now, you do get worse before you get better and the last few days I've actually slept and being able to eat and even have coffee, shower and took the kids on a day out. Please don't give up , it takes time."

• Flgfw
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 22, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "I started taking Lexapro 6 months ago at a 10mg dosage the first few weeks I was extremely sleepy and still depressed but slightly better. I knew it would get worse before it got better (I read lots of reviews) but slowly but surely it started to work. I am exercising again and more social. I am in menopause and suffer from PTSD and anyone who has suffered does not want that dark feeling again. After 5 months My Dr. upped my dosage to 20 mg and it has helped even more. This dosage lasts all day and I just feel like my old self again. Be patient Lexapro gave me my life back"

• Dml
• November 22, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 2 weeks in to my 10mg Lexapro. I will say everyday for the first 7 days I wanted to quit! I was tired so, so, so tired felt so much anxiety had panic attacks almost every morning. Like I said I'm 2 weeks in and I literally feel like a new person a new happy person who again wants to go outside I want to talk to friends again. I spent so long no wanting to be around my family friends didn't want to do my job didn't want to shop didn't wanna cook or eat I finally told my doctor I don't feel like a person anymore at all I had no drive to do anything at all. If your struggling please don't stop taking it... I promise life starts in roughly 10 days!!! I get up now I'm not tired I can eat my stomach doesn't stay in knots and I'm not living in my head worried about everything possible and no panic attacks thank goodness! Stay strong you got this!!! These post are the reason I'm at this point...thank you everyone for your stories."

• Liz
• March 13, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "I've been on Lexapro for a year. I resisted it because I was afraid meds would take a toll on my overall health longterm (ie maybe give me hypertension, acne, weight gain, hair loss, etc). But I want to tell anyone that is hesitant to start SSRI's: stress/depression take a toll on your body. I was beating myself up mentally and emotionally, bringing myself to tears and destroying my self-esteem, telling myself I was worthless. This was my life. If you think that treating yourself like this isn't hurting your body, with all the terrible things stress/depression do on the cellular level, you're wrong. Potential side effects of SSRI's aren't as bad as depression. I feel so much better now. I don't tear myself down and cry every night. I don't catastrophize. I move on from things when they don't work out instead of taking a week to convince myself I've ruined my life. I am NOT "CURED", but that ISN'T what the SSRI'S are for. It's for giving you help, space, so you can work on yourself and heal."