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Lexapro for Anxiety User Reviews

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.

Lexapro rating summary

7.5/10 average rating

898 ratings from 944 user reviews.

Compare all 136 medications used in the treatment of Anxiety.

10
35%
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23%
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11%
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5%
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3%
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4%
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Reviews for Lexapro

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

"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!"

10 / 10
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  • Maxine
  • March 26, 2021

"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)"

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

"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!"

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Ruthy
  • March 30, 2021

"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."

10 / 10
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  • Hans
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 24, 2020

"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."

9 / 10
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817 Report

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  • Pickles
  • January 5, 2021

"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."

10 / 10
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  • Epello
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 13, 2021

"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.)"

10 / 10
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564 Report

More FAQ

  • Timbo
  • January 30, 2020

"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 !!"

5 / 10
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630 Report
  • Brian
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 19, 2019

"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!"

10 / 10
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  • Aria
  • May 7, 2021

"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."

9 / 10
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417 Report
  • Mel
  • June 23, 2021

"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."

10 / 10
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379 Report
  • Miche...
  • July 5, 2021

"I am grateful for those who have posted on this site, as it was so helpful to read your comments. I began taking Lexapro 7 days ago for anxiety. For years I have had feelings of anxiety, racing pulse, fight or flight feeling, palpitations, adrenaline with some depression. My dr started me out on 5 mg, and I believe that is the right dose for me. By day 3, I actually started feeling a bit better. This does give me some dry mouth, but I have no trouble sleeping. I feel slightly “off” or different but does not hamper me in any way. My evening glass of wine tastes different. By day 7, today, I dealt with some dating / relationship issues and pandemic dread and instead of it being as debilitating as it could have been in the past, I felt a lot calmer. I'm feeling SO MUCH BETTER. Of course we must do the internal work, (therapy, changing past habits that do not serve us) but I truly believe this is a miracle drug. I wish you all the best in your wellness journey!"

10 / 10
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304 Report
  • Kar
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 4, 2020

"I just started Lexapro and so far so good. I’m on day 4 of 5mg had some dizziness and nausea but very very slight, eating helps and now have some tightness in my chest? I’m not sure if that’s normal. I also felt energetic yesterday [I know it’s too soon to tell] but today I have no energy and haven’t gotten out of bed. Everyone has said to keep pushing through but today has been rough. How do I know if it’s just not for me orrrrr if I just need to keep pushing through??"

7 / 10
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353 Report
  • Yoda
  • July 4, 2021

"I started taking Lexapro 5 weeks ago and I can't say enough good about it. I was seriously depressed and my anxiety of just going to work, dealing with everyday life, and staying positive was difficult at best. I broke down and went to the doctors, I'm the kinda dude that doesn't go to the doctors unless it's serious! Anyways very few side effects I had a headache for about a week it wasn't bad just kind of annoying. But I felt that this side effect was manageable, after 5 weeks I am seriously affected positively, my life has changed much, no more bad feelings, no more fear, no more panic attack feelings, no more tight chest, I feel more confident with where life is going, and I owe it all to Lexapro and support from my family! Don't give up, I almost did and So glad I didn't, I have way more positive outlook on my life now!"

10 / 10
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272 Report
  • TiaJaie
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 15, 2020

"Lexapro has changed my life, I suffer from OCD and major anxiety. Originally when I first came on this review page there wasn't much reviews for people with OCD. With having OCD I thought it was a bad idea to start this medication but it honestly has changed everything for me, I still have it minor no where near as bad as what it used to be, I used to think of my life ending now I am so much happier!"

10 / 10
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  • Cheve...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 20, 2020

"Was feeling terrible anxiety, it got really bad. I couldn’t stay asleep, was forgetting stuff, couldn’t concentrate, was losing my appetite and losing weight. I didn’t know what was wrong so I went to doctor for anxiety she gave me Xanax, I then asked her to put me on something with it and she gave me lexapro 10mg. The first week was holy moly as it made the anxiety 10 times worse and I got depressed too. I read these post and it said stick with it that it gets better. It’s super slow and I’m on week 7 and finally I feel a lot better. It’s working feel almost normal and pretty much no more Xanax as I don’t need it. So anyway it does take a lot of time just stick it out"

9 / 10
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  • Kimmy...
  • January 22, 2016

"I am a 24y/o female. I've been taking Lexapro 10mg for almost 4 months now and I can confidently say the only scary thing about this medication is people's negative reviews on it. First and foremost EVERYONE is different, so everyone will react to it differently. I was prescribed it by my primary Doctor due to my severe anxiety and mild depression. Before this medication I was prescribed Celexa, but hated it. My anxiety and depression got so much worse I decided to do something about it. It came to the point where my anxiety and depression affected everyone around me and I just wasn't happy anymore. At first taking this medication gave me some side affects. My side effects were really dry mouth, some intense dreams, and some loss of appetite. The only thing that has stuck for these few months have been the dreams. They seems SO REAL! But I can say I rather have some dreams than those scary anxiety attacks I use to get, and those depressed bed sobs. Lexapro has changed my life! Before this medication my life was hitting rock bottom. My Anxiety was so severe it took over my life. I obsessed over everything, overthought everything, felt like at any moment I was going to die. I was on edge every second. My blood pressure was always high and I'm only 24! I had this obsession of dying in a car accident, it came to a point I couldnt ride in a car with anyone else unless I was driving. If I did I would get panic attacks. My depression was also bad and also had an eating disorder. I felt like I was never going to be happy. Was never going to be happy in a relationship, or in my job, or even be able to hug my own mother again. I'm happy the people in my life noticed how much my disorders were taking over my life and helped me make a change. Lexapro helped my life. I hope my review will change yours."

10 / 10
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551 Report
  • Oneman
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 20, 2020

"Am I the only one, with panic attack feeling this off and on headache,I have been on lexapro for 8 days now please someone tell me if it’s normal, this first week have never been funny but I’m not giving up just yet on lexapro"

6 / 10
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284 Report
  • Tam
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 7, 2021

"Lexapro gave me my life back. Brought me back to the feeling and experiences of my happiest times of my life. After post-partum depression, losing my husband at a young age, and a year later losing my mom. Lexapro saved me. I was able to graduate with my master’s degree and now raise my two small children effectively. I wake up everyday with gratitude."

10 / 10
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220 Report
  • Leslie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 18, 2021

"An anti-depressant that makes you horny. First I would like to say that I have tried every anti-depressant know to man or woman!!! My last Script was celexa it was ok but coming off that stuff made me want till stab everyone and sex was close to non existent. Now here is the good part! Doc tried me on lexapro no noticeable change after day 1, Day 2 I felt really calm but day 3 Wow!!!! All I could think about was sex! I was so wet. I have really bad anxiety and lexapro is orgasmic bliss!!! Thanks Doc. Leslie From South Carolina"

10 / 10
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242 Report
  • Nervous...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 2, 2022

"I don’t know who needs to hear this but this drug saved my life. I have suffered with anxiety since childhood but never knew what it was till my twenties. By the time I was 27 I was virtually an agoraphobic that was afraid to go anywhere and had panic attacks at the grocery store and at my job, it was debilitating. When my ex and I split and I moved into my apartment I was a mess, I could literally not eat or sleep and never left my house. It got so bad that I told my mother I thought I would either commit myself into a hospital or kill myself. She talked me into seeing my doc. He prescribed me 5mg of lexapro and I had my mom stay the night in case I had a bad reaction. Within a week I felt much better and my only side effect was that I was sleepy in the morning. Within the year of this drug I have become a completely different person. I have no anxiety and I don’t worry about anything. I run every morning, I got a new job and a new relationship! I finally feel normal and starting to live life!"

10 / 10
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174 Report
  • KareB...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 14, 2023

"I just started Lexapro 2 days ago. The doctor prescribed 10mg, but I am taking 5mg. I have severe reactions to medications which cause a racing heart. The first night I took it, I had no issues. Last night, I didn't sleep at all and had a panic attack/anxiety attack all night. Today, I still have anxiety and a tight chest. Please pray that this works for me. My husband has been paralyzed in an accident, and that's when all this started. I am his main caregiver and working 40 hours a week. It's been overwhelming. I am trying my best to stick to the meds to see if they work."

9 / 10
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68 Report
  • Tripp
  • January 26, 2021

"Omg Lexapro has seriously saved my life. I had tried Effexor before it, and the side effects were so bad that I had a mini seizure. I was so afraid to try another drug that I almost didn't take the Lexapro. I'm so glad I did though. I have never felt this free of anxiety. I used to get literally paralyzing panic attacks and endless days of crying over anxiety sparked by freakin' nothing. I can live my life now and I feel so inspired to be creative again. I will never go back. Don't get me wrong I still have anxiety at times, but it doesn't just sit all day with me or trigger depression anymore."

10 / 10
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230 Report
  • CCano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 30, 2019

"Lexapro has saved me! I didn’t want to take any medication, but heightened anxiety and a couple panic attacks made it difficult for me to enjoy life — so much that I was becoming depressed. The first week on Lexapro was awful! Increased anxiety, a clouded feeling, and tiredness! And at the end of week 2, I had a day of high anxiety. But I’d read other reviews that encouraged me to push through! I’m so glad I did! I’m at week 4 on a dose of 5mg Lexapro and I’ve had no more panic attacks and anxiety is greatly reduced/manageable. I’m looking forward to how I’ll feel in another 4 weeks! No side effects have remained after the initial week or two. I did find it made me sleepy taking it in the morning, so I just changed to taking it at night which solved that problem. Hang in there if you’re just starting it and it’s rough. It will get better!"

10 / 10
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  • Sugar...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 4, 2019

"Lexapro is my miracle drug. The most life changing medicine I've ever taken. Because of the mild sexual side effects, I'm not on it year round - even though I should be. I take a small 5 mg dose when I feel my life spinning out of control. Within days, I go from anti-social nervous wreck when I'm off it, to a very rational, confident and outgoing person when I'm back on it. If you're painfully anxious, negative and self-loathing (like I find myself sometimes) , Lexapro can make you the life of the party - an empathetic, engaged and caring human being you know you really are deep down inside. I started taking in my 40s- it would have drastically altered my life if I had started at a younger age. But that's okay, I have it now and I'm eternally grateful. Don't let the bad reviews dissuade you from trying it - try everything until you find a medicine that works for you. Best of luck - you deserve peace and happiness in your life."

10 / 10
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292 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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