Lexapro for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Lady
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2024

"Started on 10mg. The first 4 weeks were extremely tough/awful. I experienced insomnia and was in bed for 4 days with no energy. Please push through the pain and adjustments. Week 6 now and my anxiety is gone, and my mood is starting to lift. I’m doing much more day to day and feel calm and at ease. I’m so happy I took the steps to get help, and this medication has changed my life! Be patient and allow 4-6 weeks to notice changes."

• Tiffany
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2023

"Let me start off by saying this! DO NOT GIVE UP! I have always been a worry wart but last February I went through a lot of stress. In March I was having horrible panic attacks. My chest would feel icy hot, legs and arms would go weak, lost my appetite to the point where I couldn’t physically eat. My heart would pound and I would be dizzy. Went to the doctors and he said I have anxiety. He started me off with 5mg of lexapro for 2 weeks. The side effects made me worse. I wanted to give up. I was dizzy, extremely anxious, nausea, retching all day, couldn't eat, couldn’t sleep, night sweats and I missed my period, Now I’m 6 weeks in on 10mg and I feel amazing!! My period came back, I can eat again, and no anxiety!! God blessed me with a great doctor and this medicine "

• xx001...
• April 23, 2014

"Lexapro has honestly saved my life. I have been dealing with Anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder my entire life and have tried multiple medications, nothing has worked, this is amazing. I would say before Lexapro my anxiety on a scale of 1-10 was a 10 EVERY SINGLE DAY. Now its at 0! Sometimes maybe a 1. It has given me my life back!"

• Sarah
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2023

"I took Lexapro back in 2018 (age 38). I was on it for about a year and decided to come off of it to see how I would do. No major withdrawal symptoms tapering off 10mg. Fast forward to a little over 2 weeks ago (now age 43). I started Lexapro 5mg again for GAD due to recent anxiety attacks. I had horrible side effects for 6 days. It peaked on day 4 with severe anxiety, sweating, extreme nausea, etc. I had to take a Valium. Not sure why I had such bad side effects the second time taking it, other than 5 years had passed and I was also on oral birth control before. I might be perimenopausal now. I have slowly started feeling better since day 7 and now on day 15 I feel amazing! I feel like a huge weight is lifted and I can work, socialize, exercise, eat, do all the things. HANG IN THERE! You got this!"

• Sass
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2021

"I started on Lexapro 2 years ago because of illness and family issues. It worked really well for me. No side effects whatsoever. I began with drops of 2.mg and slowly reached one tablet of 10mg after 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, I began to feel like myself again. 6 months ago, feeling well, I weaned myself myself off. No side effects again. I got sick again this year and my anxiety rose. I have put myself back on Lexapro and I am just starting week 2. I'm ok so far again. This time, I started on 5mg and today have just started 10mg. I feel guilty for having to resort to Lexapro again but if taking a pill gets me back to myself, I will take it. Just be aware that it takes a couple of weeks to start feeling the effects. I start feeling better after a week. I'm hoping it helps me as it's done before. It sort of gives you a floor when you feel your anxiety rising and stops the spiralling effect. I will take it as long as I need it. I'm so grateful it is available. Highly recommended!"

• Kma
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2021

"I promised I would come here & write a review if I experienced any form of relief on Lexapro. When at my absolute rock bottom, I would spend hours reading reviews begging & pleading for any semblance of hope during such a horrifically dark time. I was POSITIVE with every fiber of my being that it wouldn’t work for me & that I would be a shell of myself - anxious, panicky with doom dread & hopelessness forever. I was certain of it. The first 4 weeks were absolutely brutal. I held on by a thread as my body adjusted to the medication. I had morning dread, nausea, zero appetite, anxiety, hopelessness + more. I started feeling relief at 4 weeks almost exactly. I had to use lorazepam to sleep during this time and am weaning slowly off now, but at 8 weeks on Lexapro I feel 10000x better. I cope now. I get through the day with little to no anxiety, and little to no depression. It took around 6 weeks to get what I would say is relief & I am SO grateful. I am so much better now!!"

• Happy
• September 18, 2019

"For ten years I struggled with GAD and panic attacks. I refused to take SSRI and tried natural products. Nothing really worked on a permanent basis. It made me feel discouraged and at the end of my rope. Finally I agreed to take Lexapro. 6 WEEKS later, I was back to my old self. I had not travelled for 8 years. One evening without telling my wife or son, I purchased plane tickets and a cruise for the family. I actually WANTED to go ! Everything changed. Now, it is not 100% perfect but pretty close. I have to watch how long I sleep (need to rest well) and what I eat and exercise a little bit. Side effects were minor and did not last. Didn't lose my libido either. I am grateful for this medication and will not want to stop it anytime soon if all of this continues the way it is. So...if you are in the same situation as me...and you have tried the natural way and it didn't work, maybe give this a try. Good luck."

• Nepaf...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 2, 2014

"I have suffered from GAD for most if my life. In the last 10 years it had slowly gotten worse and side problems showed like health anxiety, physical symptoms like back pain, neck pain, lump in throat, etc. Worry had taken over my life....unfortunately I didn't notice it associate most of these things with GAD. But it had been effecting my family for sometime. Got to the point where my wife moved out and filed for divorce. I finally made the decision to try an SSSRI. I had tried in the past but had rare side effects from all I tried. I started Lexapro 5mg and within 5 days began to feel better. Then after a few weeks it was like waking up from a deep sleep. I had my life back! Been 8 months now and I feel fantastic! Thank God for Lexapro!"

• Madi
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 27, 2019

"This medicine has been life altering. I have been taking it for over 3 years and cannot imagine where I would be without it. I experience no negative side effects with this medication and am able to conduct a normal life. I used to stay up for hours before bed with my mind racing and vomit from social apprehension. I have only had 2-3 anxiety attacks since I began the medication and while I still experience anxiety and nerves it is a healthy amount. I am so happy to have found a drug that allows me to conduct a normal life and still feel like myself!"

• Rebecca
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2023

"Give this a try. Definitely start low and slow. I started at 5 mg, which is lower than most doctors will start at. Ask for that. You can even cut that in half and do that for a week or two. This will greatly reduce those bad side effects people mention. I had a slight increase in anxiety and some stomach upset the first week. After a couple of weeks, I started to feel a bit better. After a month, I increased to 7.5 mg. That’s what I’m at now, and I’m feeling pretty good. If you try this, at least give it a month and I think you will be happy!"

• Goode...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2013

"Started Lexapro 10 mg 11 days ago. At first the side effects were very obvious. 1st day dry mouth, dizzy, tired.2nd day, fuzzy feeling, dizzy, tired.Each day got better & Better. By day 5 I wasn't napping anymore. Before Lexapro, I was having serious sleep problems, probably half my depression problem. Well I am sleeping like the dead! Waking up feeling completely refreshed & awake! My anxiety is gone. No more crazy thoughts and negative self talk! Feeling happy for the first time in a year. Try not to read all the negative reviews. Remember a lot of people have other things going on mentally, physically, etc. Some people also combine other medicines with Lexapro. I'm only on Lexapro. So far the only thing is that I can't orgasm. Hoping that goes away."

• Youar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 8, 2017

"Hi! I just wanted to share my experience for those who are out there scared to death to take something that may help them, something your brain may need. Long story short, I was diagnosed with GAD/Panic seven years ago at the age of 19 when my brother was diagnosed with a severe psychiatric mental illness - one that changed his life as well as my families. I began having full blown nocturnal panic attacks, depersonalization, along with extreme anxiety/panic. I tried CBT, changing my diet, doing meditation/yoga, journaling, deep breathing, etc. Nothing worked & nothing helped me overcome this except Lexapro. I am currently a RN and believe my brain needs this medication. Please don't be scared or ashamed if you need to take something to help."

• Anonymous
• December 22, 2013

"I had Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with intrusive thoughts. This came out of nowhere and I ended up having to take time off work. One week of sitting on the sofa crying my eyes out and having repeated panic attacks and thinking I was going crazy I then saw my doc. She referred me to a psychologist and put me on Lexapro 5mg for 4 days and then up to 10mg. She also gave me Valium to use sparingly initially till my anxiety dropped. No change week 1 except day 1 where I felt a feeling of euphoria. Week 2 had increase in anxiety even a panic attack. End of week 3 and I'm back to my old self. No more anxiety or intrusive thoughts. I am doing all the things I use to do. I feel normal again. Lexapro and seeing a psychologist has done wonders. Super happy."

• GiveI...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2018

"I had great luck with this medication for many years and then got off of it when I got pregnant. About 6 weeks postpartum I became very depressed and my anxiety spiked. My doctor put me on Zoloft and after giving it 8 weeks and only feeling worse and worse my doctor switched me to Lexapro. I started at 10mg for 3 weeks, experienced a little diarrhea but nothing too awful. However, it wasn’t taking away my anxiety issues. By that point I had become agoraphobic, couldn’t drive, had to take some time off work. Doctor upped me to 20mg and 2 weeks later I started driving again, working out again, feeling like a normal human being. I read through the positive reviews on this page over and over to get me through. Please, please give the medication 4-8 weeks to feel the full benefits. And only read positive reviews. You’ll make it through this and know you are not alone!"

• Mano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2019

"I am a 20 year old female and recently my anxiety had gotten to the point where I was scared to leave my house. I had bad health anxiety so I couldn't go anywhere or drive my car without fear or a stroke or seizure. My doctor prescribed me Lexapro and I have only been on it for exactly a week, but I started seeing significant changes after day 3. This medication completely changed my life. I am now able to go and do things, workout, and drive wherever I please without my anxiety and OCD telling me I can't. The only side effect I have encountered is drowsiness, which is nice because I take it at night and am finally able to get a full nights rest without my thoughts keeping me up. I HIGHLY recommend this medication because it gave me my life back."

• BE2015
• April 13, 2015

"I suffered from anxiety with significant episodes of depression since I was 19 (I'm 26 now). My anxiety manifested itself as hypochondria mostly. I constantly thought I had cancer, MS, or some other debilitating disease. I feared my loved ones would die or get sick as well. The worry would consume my thoughts and I would spend hours online researching these illnesses, convinced I had something. Started taking Lexapro 20 MG and I've never looked back. My hypochondria is completely gone. "Sad" moods are no longer full-blown depressive episodes. My life seems so much lighter and more manageable. There's no shame in taking medicine if you need it. I only wish I had started it sooner."

• Coppe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2019

"So after 9 months of bullying/harassment at work from 3 different bosses, I was at breaking point. I was even having massive anxiety attacks at people taking too long in the self checkout at the supermarket. So went to the GP who prescribed Zoloft 50mg, tried for a week horrendous, threw them in the bin. Went to another GP who prescribed Lexapro 10mg, along with Zopiclone 7.5mg for sleep. As he said Lexapro will take a week or 2 to acclimatise. Started Sunday morning-felt weird after a few hours-dizzy-peripheral hallucinations-slept like a log. Monday morning-same deal, almost whited out at the supermarket-slept good. Tuesday morning-feel good, little dizzy, energetic in the arvo. But the dizziness has gone. Had kind of a dry mouth all 3 days, but just kept the liquids up. Lexapro seems heaps more tolerable than Zoloft, not even a hint of anxiety the last 2 days. Hope this keeps up, good luck to everyone on the same journey X"

• Anony...
• November 24, 2013

"I suffered from anxiety, obsessive thoughts due to anxiety, and depression as a result. I had thoughts in my head that I tried to suppress and the thoughts just came back stronger. I thought that I was completely helpless and began to have suicidal thoughts. I started on Zoloft (first on 25mg then 50mg) and it helped with my depression and anxiety, except it made me really sleepy. My doctor suggested Lexapro at 10mg and I have been on it for about 5 weeks now. My condition has improved tremendously! I am happier and my thoughts aren't overpowering my life. I started CBT and that has helped as well. DO NOT GIVE UP. Things will get better, I promise. I thought the medicine wouldn't work for me, but it does."

• Sugoi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

"Lexapro was the first meds I took to help with my anxiety and panic attacks and worked great. I did get side effects for only the first week, I had nausea and headaches, the side effects were tolerable though. Little by little I felt like I was able to get my life back. The only side effect that made me want to stop was a decrease in my sex drive. If it weren't for that it would be a 10/10 for me."

• Spirit
• November 6, 2019

"I suddenly couldn't eat any food, and cut out everything from my diet. The pain and heartburn went away and I could breath after eating again, but it resulted in me having such a limited diet that I was only eating chips with fake cheese for all meals. I was also terrified of driving and dying from an allergic reaction. We discovered that I was only allergic to dairy, but after six months of not having gluten soy fish or any meats, I was absolutely terrified of everything. My doctor prescribed me Lexapro. My panic attacks instantly stopped, but after two weeks was when it really kicked in. Suddenly I could drive without having panic attacks, and could eat meat and fish. Now I've just eaten gluten and soy after a month on lexapro, and despite having nightmares and panic attacks at the mere thought of accidentally consuming even a crumb of gluten, I feel zero anxiety whatsoever and am perfectly fine. Lexapro gave me my life back from my phobia of food."

• snjhy...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 31, 2016

"I was suffering with panic disorder with agoraphobia for 10 years. It started off pretty innocuous, a few trips to the ER, calling out of work... As my symptoms got worse I became more and more housebound. Going ANYWHERE, even a trip to the supermarket was miserable.I couldnt take my kids to the park.I had to quit my job because of the distance and panic attacks. I loved to travel but I could no longer get on a plane, forget getting to the airport. I literally tried everything. Finally I cracked. my doc prescribed me lexapro. I was so scared but so desperate. It has completely given me my life back. Slowly, surely, persistently I began to drive again. 2 years later I am me again. Fight through the side effects. Don't waste your life."

• Square
• May 16, 2019

"Lexapro is a lifesaver! I’ve always been an anxious person but didn’t see anxiety as a problem. Then at 39, after a minor health scare, I became crippled by anxiety. I lost weight, couldn’t eat, and could hardly mother my children. After a couple ER visits and many tests I had a clean bill of health and started lexapro. In just a couple weeks I was feeling great! I realized I actually had lots of anxiety prior to my health scare but thought it was normal. I’d wake up every morning hot, nauseated, lightheaded, and a racing heart. Sometimes I had to force myself out of bed because of a sense of dread I had no explanation for. I’m so happy I don’t have to live like that now. My only complaint is that it takes some extra effort to orgasm; that’s a small price to pay to enjoy life. If you’re scared like I was start at 2.5mg, if that feels okay up it 2.5mg each time. I’m so happy to have my life back. Don’t give up and don’t wait to treat yourself. Why suffer?"

• angie
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 30, 2016

"I was terrified of taking lexapro after having horrible side effects with every single antidepressant known in the market. I am a 52 year old female and after reading all the negative reviews I quit taking it for a period of 2 weeks. I finally decided I was so miserable I would try it again and 3 monthes later I am doing great! No more fear of leaving house, negative self talk, constant anxiety and worry! I may have gained 1-2 pounds but if you take it you will be more likely to go out for walks, gym and get moving again which I have. Please dont let the negative reviews influence if the med will work for you or not. Im obsessive about weight gain and I am not gaining! Im really liking my new calm self, give it 6 weeks, big difference!"

• s22
• February 12, 2019

"This is week 3 on lexapro & I truly am amazed and so glad I gave it a shot. For the past 2 years I’ve been struggling with non stop cycles of anxiety, from my health to my relationship, racing and intrusive thoughts with a bit of an obsessive tendency added. I eventually got to my breaking point and decided that it was time to do something. Therapy just wasn't doing enough for me and I didn’t want it to take over my life. I have to admit the first 2 weeks were rough, I didn’t have any major side effects but I was very very anxious and panicky I was so convinced this medicine wouldn’t work for me, I read just about every review on this site. I’m now on week 3 and just about 90% of my anxiety is gone just like that and it’s truly crazy that a pill can make this all better. I’ve never felt so positive and confident in myself in a very very long time. This pill works & if it doesn’t there’s always another option. But stick with it and give it time- at least for a month!!"

• 41M...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2023

"I started having anxiety at church and in meetings for work. I think the stress from work brought them on. They slowly started getting more often so my family doctor suggested I take Lexapro. I did a week and a half on 5 mg and then went up to 10 mg. My anxiety increased tenfold during the first seven weeks. I had a severe panic attack and didn’t feel comfortable leaving my house or driving. By week 3-4, I started feeling better and it got better every week after. I now feel great at week 9, I just went to a work conference full of meetings and dinners and I had very little anxious feelings. I am back to being able to go to church and eat at busy restaurants with no issues. I moved my medicine to night time and it helps me sleep great and feel great during the day. My advice is when you start this medication stay home for a couple weeks if possible. I thought I was going crazy, emotional all the time, and queasy stomach but I am so glad I kept going. I now feel like I am back to my old self!"