Escitalopram for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder User Reviews

• Covey
• January 23, 2020

"Please, please try it. I had anxiety, panic attacks, OCD for 10 years, but was TERRIFIED to try meds. I would cry all the time and drink almost every day one or two so I could tolerate my thoughts. I stopped drinking, nicotine, and caffeine and that's when my OCD came out really bad. I didn't want to live because my intrusive thoughts were too much. I couldn't stop obsessing over EVERYTHING and the panic and lack of sleep was unbearable. I tried Lexapro because life was not worth living anymore. Within 3 days on Lexapro, I stopped having panic and anxiety completely. I am on day 8 and yesterday I switched from 5mg to 10 mg and I was back to normal. I thought I'd never get out of that hole. I took my son to the park today and didn't have any worry in the world...for once in 10 years. I'm also sleeping way better. My therapist has helped as well. I am writing this because I, too, was reading reviews before going on it because I was scared to take it."

• Dtrout
• August 8, 2019

"I gave a review on August 12, 2017 after a month of being on 10mg (my review was 10/10 positive). I just happened to be browsing and saw it, so I thought I’d give an update for all of you wanting to see if this could work for you. It’s officially been 2 years since I started taking this medication and I’m at 20mg a day. Sometimes I can’t even believe I used to have crippling anxiety and OCD - it feels like a lifetime ago and a different person. But that was me. I now feel like how I believe a “normal” person feels, and I almost take it for granted now. This medication has given me the opportunity to be happy, something that my OCD always prevented me to do before. My relationship centred OCD is virtually gone, and when it does rear its ugly head, it’s easy to push aside. 2 years later and this was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made. No side effects, just the opportunity to live life at its fullest for the first time."

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

"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!"

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

Lexapro (escitalopram) "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!"

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2011

Lexapro (escitalopram) "For years, I suffered from almost debilitating obsessive thoughts that ruled my life. I had no control over them. They intruded on every single aspect of my existence, making being present in any given moment virtually impossible, because the thoughts would not let up. About 4 years ago, I started taking Lexapro, and the relief within a few weeks was immense. Now I can actually enjoy my family, my life. It is truly amazing."

• Dani
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2020

"This medicine escitalopram saved my life! I have no intrusive thoughts. I am no longer anxious all the time. I don't have nightmares. I can sleep at night, and my sex drive is so much better than before. I am not sad for no reason, and I don't have suicidal thoughts. Lexapro saved my life! Give it a try, it takes time to work, at least 5 weeks, but when it works, you will be so happy with the result!"

• Kapa
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2024

"I’m here to give a review of my 5-week journey with Lexam. I can tell how helpful and wonderful this medicine is. My life changed, I’m laughing more, I’m calmer and patient, more social, more active, going to work without fear and anxiety. I’m sleeping excellently during the night, not waking at all. I still get mild anxiety around 4-5 PM, but it goes away quickly. My family sees improvement, and I’m not so negative and angry/annoyed as I was before. Strongly recommend escitalopram to everyone who struggles. Be strong and persistent."

• Cal
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 16, 2020

"This drug escitalopram saved my life. I couldn't get out of bed. I wanted to die every single day. My OCD took over my life, intrusive thoughts mixed with memories. I am back to normal now and loving life. All thanks to 10mg of this wonder drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2022

"I have been on escitalopram for 12 weeks now. I started at 10 mg, and then my PCP increased the dosage to 15 mg after 4 weeks (which helped after 5 days of worsening symptoms). This medicine does take time to work. It took about 6-8 weeks until I really felt a difference, and then I continued to see improvement with each passing week. I have sudden-onset pure OCD with horrible, distressful intrusive thoughts. Escitalopram really worked to decrease my anxiety surrounding the intrusive thoughts, and my disturbing thoughts have decreased significantly as well. The main side effect I experienced was dry mouth (which has gone away). I also pray a lot and trust in the Lord who has helped me through this difficult season…so thankful for Him. I also have really worked to see my thoughts for what they are…just thoughts…and I really try to disregard/ignore them, which has helped, too."

• Anonymous
• November 28, 2020

"I had the worst OCD. It was so hard on my family and my dog. I'd repeat words in my head for hours on end and sometimes didn't sleep for 3 days because of it and ended up in the hospital. I stayed inpatient 3 times because of my OCD and was really suicidal. After taking escitalopram for a while I literally forgot I had OCD. Literally the OCD has gone - I can't believe I'm saying it. It is crazy since I had OCD since I was 11 and because of how bad it got. Only side effect is I'm super sleepy during the day - but who cares."

• Hasan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 2, 2020

"After 1 month, the medication kicked in. I had zero panic attacks and a good sleep. I got even better after four months continuation of the treatment, my intrusive thoughts like repeated thoughts obsessions of thoughts were completely gone - I felt like I'm completely healed. At present, I'm on the lowest dose. It has been 9 months still taking it. People who are afraid to approach for treatment please don't be afraid the medication works awesome. If it doesn't there are tons of other medications to try that will work for you. At first, I was so afraid to take any medication because of my severe anxiety. Now I'm thankful for myself that I took. Don't be afraid of side effects, you won't get side effects, most people don't get them. Side effects are often in higher dosages and these drugs are FDA approved, these drugs went through tons of trials, so there is no need to worry. And one more thing, I took a combination of this medication, escitalopram, and clonazepam together. It really helps for severe anxiety, low mood, and obsessions."

• OCD
• June 3, 2011

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I've had OCD for 25 years. I'm 39 now. When I was 22, I could not take it anymore. First, it was Prozac, then Paxil, etc. But the best one I found out that works best for me is Lexapro. It is amazing for OCD. I was a door checker like 20 times, and the stove too, and my mind would repeat the same things over and over and over. Today, I feel a lot better off."

• Ahmed
• December 11, 2018

"I have been suffering with Severe Pure O OCD (sexual, violent, blasphemous intrusive thoughts, etc.). It had severely impacted almost every single aspect of my life which led me to severe Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Mild Depression. I tried numerous types of Medication, even the BIG ONE - Anafranil. I remained on this medication for several months on a high dosage. It assisted with the OCD (not so much with Anxiety), however, the side effects were utterly terrible, so I decided to give it up. My psychiatrist suggested Lexapro. I began on 5mg and slowly worked my way up to 30mg (currently on this dosage for the last three months). Pros: Anxiety has greatly reduced, very few panic attacks. It hasn't stopped the thoughts, however, they have become much easier to brush off. I am able to think more rationally, and I feel somewhat more hopeful and optimistic. Cons: Constantly tired, extremely sleepy (I could sleep all day if I wanted to). I feel somewhat emotionally numb."

• Aus
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2024

"Nine years ago, I started feeling panic attacks and anxiety, but somehow they vanished because I was traveling and having fun. COVID started, I felt pretty lonely. Five years have passed, and I lost four family members (not in war). I’ve been busy with my daughter and job, so I didn’t pay attention to my mental health because I thought I could manage it. I started noticing that during the winter, I had overwhelming anxiety, panic attacks, and OCD-negative intrusive thoughts were kicking in every night pretty much at the same time. It was scary, always big fear, exhausting brain and body. I started calling people, family, friends for help, then went to the doctor. They prescribed me Lexam 10 mg. Side effects: nausea, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, sleepiness, and cold sweats at night, but it’s more supportable than the hell I’ve been through. I can feel a bit that it works. I’m laughing and including myself more than usual. Still early!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 24, 2012

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have been suffering from Obsessive-compulsive disorder since I was 18. It was not until I was 26 that I discovered I had OCD. I have been on Lexapro for about 5 years now and it is still working, though I have increased the dosage a little bit. In short, it saved my life. The first few weeks on it can be tough, but don't get discouraged - take Xanax if you spike during the initial phase of taking it. Once it kicks in, there's no need for benzos, the medicine worked wonders. I was actually taking a pretty low dose, around 15mg per day, then I tried to taper off to 10mg, but it didn't work. I am back up to 20mg. I hear that anywhere between 20mg and 40mg is a good dose, so I will stick with the low end since my symptoms are under control even after 5 years."

• Daniel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 30, 2024

"I'm currently on 40 mg/day of Lexapro. I have noticed an improvement in my OCD symptoms. I have less of an urge to perform rituals. The rituals I perform are also not taking as long to complete. I'm rating the Lexapro an 8/10 for OCD."

• Ana
• June 10, 2019

"I had a severe migraine and anxiety. My doctor prescribed Lexapro, and the first two weeks were so bad. My anxiety got worse, and I suffered from many side effects, but after two weeks, my anxiety disappeared. I was more motivated, headaches gone, and my OCD was 50% better. After two months, all side effects were gone. Now I'm on Lexapro for 6 months, and my OCD is 70% better and I'm a happy person, also, my libido is good. So thankful for Lexapro."

• Anonymous
• November 14, 2012

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have been on many antidepressants, and Lexapro has easily been the best fit for me. I have not yet noticed any side effects (I've been on it for two months) but my OCD symptoms have subsided and I am feeling much, much less anxious."

• SLB...
• June 22, 2013

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Like many, I also suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. I have tried Zoloft and found it ineffective. The side effects were unbearable. I couldn't eat, sleep, and had increased anxiety. Lexapro has helped transform my life positively! I feel like my old self again. The side effects are very minimal. I saw results in the first week on this medicine."

• Black...
• May 27, 2015

"Lexapro or Cipralex, as sold on the Romanian market, did a great job on me. Depression, lack of focus, and anxiety had me down and couldn't find my way out and live life again. The doctor prescribed me 10 mg daily, started with 5 the first week and a small dose of Xanax. I noticed the effects within days. A more positive outlook, could do and organize my life, more focus and better sleep, more energy. I didn't have any side effects, or maybe just positive ones: stopped overeating (anxiety eating) and drinking (I was starting to feel like an alcoholic because I used alcohol to stop my restless mind). It made a big difference."

• Marcosv
• September 26, 2020

"First and foremost, never lose hope. I know many people tell you this, but I was the one to say, if only they knew what I’m going through inside my head. I started suffering from OCD, mostly pure OCD with sexual thoughts and plenty of other themes that change as time goes on. Before this drug, I tried plenty: Effexor, Prozac, and with those drugs, I felt horrible. I gave up all hopes until I found Escitalopram. The first month was tough, I thought of quitting. The second month was getting better in terms of anxiety, not the thoughts. Then my sleep, all of a sudden, got better. I started the gym, more enthusiastic to go to work, less afraid of socializing and social anxiety, which is part of my OCD. Now the thoughts never leave, but you have less anxiety to deal with them, so they do not scare you more. Sometimes I even forget about it, and then I think, is it cured? Then it returns."

• Justin
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2019

"I've been taking escitalopram 20 mg for 3 months now, and it has helped my OCD quite a bit. I still get obsessive thoughts, but it's a lot easier to let go of them and not ruminate. Escitalopram has also helped my anxiety and depression a lot. I wish I would've taken this a long time ago."

• Rose
• March 5, 2021

"If you’re struggling right now with OCD, I sympathize with you because I know how hard it is. But you’re not alone, and there is hope. I am 24 years old, and I have been having symptoms of Pure O for the past few years. In September of 2020, things got a lot worse. My doctor prescribed me 2.5 mg of Lexapro. Honestly, I was pretty miserable for the first couple of months, from September to November. I remember being extremely emotional and reacting heavily to my intrusive thoughts. Eventually, I got up to 10 mg and then 20 mg. Around the end of December is when I finally noticed I was getting better. I’ve been on 20 mg now for about a few months, and I feel completely different. The thoughts don’t 100% go away, but they do reduce a lot. I am much happier now. I have accepted that I will never be cured, but I can still live a great life. If you want to get on Lexapro, just go into it by starting on a low dose, be patient, and work with your doctor to get to where you need to be."

• Escit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 15, 2020

"I ended up on a high dose of escitalopram, 30 mg - but it’s been fantastic - a bumpy ride getting to the right dose, and I guess I had anxiety and depression going in as well - but along with good therapy, this medicine has helped me enormously. It’s hard to believe how low I got before I tried it. Well worth a try if you are suffering."

• Elbow
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 20, 2022

"Lexapro is the best thing that has happened to me. Took a few months to start feeling the effects. Have been on it now for almost 3 years. Improved my mood, reduced anxiety, and most importantly for me, basically cured my obsessions, compulsions, and intrusive thoughts. Feels like a miracle drug."