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Lexapro for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 2)

Lexapro has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 898 reviews for the treatment of Anxiety. 69% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 17% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Lexapro

  • Freedom
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 23, 2020

"Lexapro saved my life. Prior to starting the medication, my anxiety was severe. I couldn't leave the house and get into a car without a full blown panic attack-- sobbing, nausea, the works. Therapy wasn't cutting it, and neither was meditation or any of the suggestions people threw at me. The first week of Lexapro, the nausea was very intense. But I could feel it changing my brain, and it was such a weird yet hopeful feeling. For three years, I had my life back. I was able to travel and enjoy taking risks without crippling anxiety. At the three year mark, my Lexapro stopped working. I haven't found a resolution yet, but I hope I can find another alternative that will help me feel the way I have these past few years."

9 / 10
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  • Deebee
  • August 22, 2020

"Lexapro has worked great for me in the past, for my panic disorder and anxiety. I start at 5mg dose, do that for 1 week, and then I increase to 10mg dose, I take it at night to avoid day time drowsiness I always make sure I eat with it. I take 1 mg of Ativan for the first two weeks on it. All that combined really helps with side effects and anxiety when your brain is trying to get used to it. Hang in there!"

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 28, 2019

"Like you, I’ve been reading these reviews over and over and over again and was just so incredulous that this drug could fix my issues. I had horrific social and generalized anxiety. I was self conscious of my voice 24/7, would ruin every experience. 24/7 negative self talk. It was awful. Started with Prozac and had to switch to Lex. Everything took about six weeks to kick in, so be patient. I thought I was hopeless, but I’m laughing, smiling, feel worry slowly dripping away by the day. Social anxiety is lower every day. I feel confident. I feel like who I was mean to to be. My best piece of advice is to not obsess about whether or not it’s working. You WILL know when it does, trust me. Maybe lexapro isn’t for you, if that’s the case, DON'T WORRY you WILL find something that works for you and it will be so worth it. Hang in there and don’t give up!!"

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • BUDDY
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 8, 2019

"Lexapro has worked wonders for me with absolutely zero side effects. I have noticed my anxiety attacks and need for xanax decreased to almost zero since I started this drug. It has almost entirely cured my anxiety and the resulting depression and I have a zest for life again. I never thought I'd feel like I did in my twenties again. I never realized how much of my symptoms were anxiety and depression. I had narrowed it down to just getting older. I have so much more energy and have lexapro to thank for this. Everyone reacts differently to every drug, but for me it has been a miracle."

10 / 10
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  • Tigga
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 30, 2017

"I was once you, anxiously reading reviews for Lexapro. I began getting severe anxiety and mild depression and my doctor recommended 10mg of Lexapro. I have never liked taking drugs, but I felt like it was my only choice. The first 2-3 weeks my experience worsened. Every side effect you could have, I had. Drowsiness, sleep problems, nausea, vomiting, decreased libido, constant yawning, the list goes on. However it started to lighten up every week. By Week 6, every side effect was gone. 11 months later and I'm still on 10mg and I can't explain how much my life has improved over the past year. My life is back. I'm happier than ever and enjoying every aspect of life again. It may be hard at the start, but it's worth it. I believe in you! peace"

10 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Jojo
  • November 2, 2019

"Give Lexapro a chance don’t be scared It’s amazing how good you will feel. I was sick the first 5 days on 5mg. Got better after that, then I increased after 2 weeks to 10mg got little sick again it’s very normal . I’m now on 4 weeks I feel Amazing No more anxiety or fears . Please don’t give up and give it a chance . Good luck"

10 / 10
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  • Kcano
  • December 30, 2020

"The first 3-4 weeks are tough...I knew it would take some time but I felt a bit like a zombie or a sloth those first few weeks. My anxiety fuelled me before and I suddenly had an “I don’t care” attitude about everything. About week 3, I suddenly felt “CLEAR”. I was able to do things like go into my laundry room and do one load of laundry without feeling overwhelmed by the other 5 loads that needed to be done. My anxiety was an all or nothing situation- I either could do it all at one time or could NEVER get it done in my brain. Lexapro allowed me to realize that it’s ok to do part of a task and finish it later- and helped me remember to finish it later. I feel so much better!!!"

9 / 10
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More FAQ

  • BebeC...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 23, 2014

"I waited 2 months to write this because I was convinced it wouldn't work for me. Lexapro WORKS. Stick it out before giving up. I got much worse before I got better. I started at 10 mg and am now at 20 mg. In the beginning, my anxiety and obsessive thoughts got a lot worse, and when I increased my dose it spiked up again. But it finally passed and the difference is huge. I feel like me again, but me without crippling anxiety and constant obsessive thoughts. My periods do make it worse. My side effects of dry mouth, constipation, sleeplessness, heavy sweating all are gone now. And NO sexual issues for me. Oh, and don't be scared of the generic - that's what I take. Hang in there and give it time!"

9 / 10
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  • dani
  • September 20, 2018

"I never had an issue with anxiety until I turned 26. It was like a switch went off in my head and I had a panic attack that ended up with me in the ER. I had no idea what was happening to me. I didn't want to go on medication because I was ashamed that I couldn't cope by myself. Eventually I broke down and decided I was going to lose my job, house, and life if I didn't get some help. The first few weeks of Lexapro were horrible, but listen to me when I say to stick with it. I had every side effect in the book and felt like I had the flu for three weeks. I am now on week 10 and have never felt better. I finally feel like my old self again and I can honestly say that this medicine saved me! I pray for everyone suffering from this disease. Know that you WILL get better. God speed my friends."

10 / 10
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  • Optim...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 1, 2019

"Hang in there! I am a woman in my mid-fifties who has developed paralyzing anxiety over the last few years. It got to the point this spring where I couldn't go to work. My doctor prescribed Lexapro. I started at 10 mg, and he increased it to 20 mg after the first week. I had never taken any antidepressants before. It took time -- but it does work. Slow improvement. I am on week 9, and I finally feel like my old self. It is so difficult to think you will ever feel better. I know. But, it will get better! It may take time, but hang in there. The Lexapro has made a tremendous difference in the life. I hope it does for you as well."

10 / 10
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  • Much...
  • January 17, 2021

"Lexapro changed my life for sure! My family has a history of anxiety so it was not a surprise when I started having severe anxiety and panic attacks. That warm, flush, buzzing feeling that overtakes your body and your mind immediately thinks you’re going to die or that you're sick. Your heart is racing and feels like it’s going to jump out of your chest and your head is spinning. It’s a feeling I don’t wish on anyone and it was starting to control my life. Once I started lexapro I almost immediately noticed positive results. It took about 6 weeks to really notice significant changes and about a year before I would say I was 100% myself. But it very quickly made my life manageable and now I can’t imagine my life without it! I still get breakthroughs now and then where I get a bout of anxiety but it’s usually short lived and manageable. If you have just started lexapro hang in there!"

10 / 10
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  • hcg
  • January 16, 2015

"Taking Lexapro was the best decision I've ever made!! I've struggled with anxiety and depression since I was a kid. I had never taken any medications for it until I was 24. The anxiety had taken over my life, I could barely go to work and I was up for most of my nights because my mind would be going 100 miles an hour and I couldn't get my mind to stop racing. I had a lot of social anxiety. Every single little thing would seem like such a huge task or issue. I felt completely exhausted all the time, all I wanted to do was sleep. After about 4 months of being it Lexapro I can finally say I am the happiest I've ever been! I've even started college which is something I thought I would never have the courage to do."

10 / 10
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  • Oran
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 7, 2021

"(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 have had no complication with sexual dysfunction. I hope this helps"

9 / 10
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  • Nurse...
  • July 31, 2019

"I have been on Lexapro 10mg 3x- most recently was Jan-May and then weaned myself off (under doctors 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 10lbs 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."

10 / 10
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  • swayi...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 25, 2024

"Made all of my anxiety completely and absolutely go away. Was agoraphobic & had many panic attacks, on 15mg I never had any anxiety again. Still had emotions, etc. BUT I slept a minimum of 12 hours a day. It would be extremely hard to get up in the morning and I gained 15-20 lbs. Regardless, I was on it for 5 years because it worked that well."

7 / 10
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  • Just...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 13, 2018

"People!! It takes about 4-6 weeks to work!!!!! Don’t write a review when the drug has not settled and began 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 a 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 tho, 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."

10 / 10
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  • Ohio
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 6, 2024

"This is my 2nd time on Lexapro. Took it in my 30s for 10 years and thought I didn't need it anymore. Back on it again in my 50s. Both times for extreme anxiety and depression. I was barely able to function. First few weeks starting Lexapro were horrific due to side effects. This time I was prepared and took a short-term disability while side effects were in full swing: nausea, brain fog, insomnia, panic attacks worsened. After 3-4 weeks I was pretty much back to normal and the medication was working. I returned back to work in week 4. Even at 4 weeks, I was still a little sluggish and medicated. It took a few months to start feeling happy, motivated, and more focused. The 1st time on Lexapro in my 30s, I was going into it blind, unprepared for the side effects, and the doctor had to add Klonopin to ease my panic attacks along with it. This time, I opted not to have any help from Klonopin and just push through it since I knew what to expect."

8 / 10
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  • Hattie...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 19, 2024

"I came on here in my darkest times, for support, encouragement and most importantly hope. I promised when I got better I would leave a review and my story, so here it is... I hope it helps. I have been medicated for anxiety for 8 years, and had been on 40mg of citalopram the whole time with hardly any anxiety blips. I decided to lower it from 40mg to 20mg and my anxiety came right back. I put it back up to 40mg but it stopped working (I was like this for 3 months). I decided to try Escitalopram (Lexapro). Started on 5mg, after a week 10mg, after another week 15mg, and then a few weeks later 20mg, and this was the sweet spot. My anxiety has been taken away and the depression has lifted. All in all, I'd say it took 4 weeks on 20mg to feel this. I am so happy I tried this medication, the Lord and savior Lexapro!"

10 / 10
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  • RHS
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 25, 2014

"Male, 50, about 1 yr 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."

10 / 10
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290 Report
  • Starry
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 5, 2018

"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 fulltime. I'm calm, and feel mentally able to achieve what I want in my life. The OCD rituals are 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."

9 / 10
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187 Report
  • LineH
  • January 3, 2015

"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!"

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279 Report
  • final...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 10, 2019

"Been on escitalopram for 8 weeks (51 yo woman). SUPER lethargic week 1 as I went from 5 to 10 mg. Urinary problems in week 2 only. No orgasm in week 3 and still now. Benefits crept up SLOWLY. First was PHYSICAL benefits in week 4: no more adrenalin rushes or heart palpitations and my body just felt really good (libido great despite lack of orgasm). This was huge but still no change in my thinking. Week 7, obsessive thinking and worry subsided noticeably. Start of week 8 it REALLY kicked in. I have clarity, a sense of calm, I smile a lot, I genuinely take time for others, my mind is not racing or jumbled with worry, I am willing to ask for what I want more confidently. Biggest thing: I am no longer on edge AT ALL. Still hoping for benefit to self-esteem & being more outgoing. Dr. will up me to 15 mg for this, but I will wait since I literally see improvement daily & I prefer lowest dose. I LOVE the change in myself! Patience & paying attention to little improvements is key!"

9 / 10
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164 Report
  • Hman
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 19, 2014

"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 .5 mg. as needed. I took both medications and the Klonopin erased all the startup 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 !!"

10 / 10
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273 Report
  • Livin...
  • February 25, 2014

"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!"

10 / 10
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286 Report
  • Andygh
  • December 21, 2019

"Life saver. First week on Lexapro ain’t easy. I felt every single emotion within five minutes. All day long. But once you're through with that, life starts being bright again. I experienced few side effects, which are nothing compared to the anxiety I had. If you’re just starting and you feel liken it’s getting worse, push through it, it gets better!"

9 / 10
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149 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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