Lexapro for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 4)

• 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!"

• Johno...
• May 2, 2013

"In the summer of 2012, I had the worst panic attack. I thought I was having a heart attack and immediately rushed to the hospital. Long story short, I was prescribed Lexapro since I was not progressing and had lost 40 lbs in less than a month. I spent nights crying, asking why me. Within two weeks of taking 20 mg, I felt like my old self again. I was no longer socially anxious when it came to conversing with people and was thankful to be alive. The depressed and anxious me stayed home all day and lay in bed, but not anymore. I've been off it for 3 months now, but my advice to others is not to research 100 different sites for side effects."

• Posit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2018

"As others, I wanted to share my experience. I've been on this Lexapro for more than 4 years in the past. Then last spring, when I've been noticing I sometimes forgot my 5 mg dose, I tapered down on the medicine. In the summer, no real issues, but the winter came in hard and one bad trigger had me right back on the anxious side. I re-started to take 10 mg for 2 weeks and now 1 week at 15 mg. The first weeks, I suffered increased anxiety, panic attacks, and didn't see any hope. And then BAM, it starts working. I'm still not at the full benefits, but I feel it kicked in. Now I'm back to having interest in stuff, people, etc. So I have three major advices: 1. Please give the medicine time, it might be rough but when it starts working you're gonna have the real benefits. 2. It's not a shame to take a little pill. People with high blood sugar levels do it too. 3. Don't see this medication as the only solution... See therapists, do some cardio, mindfulness. I pray for all you guys!"

• Tess
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2019

"After being off of Lexapro for about 3 years and trying natural remedies, I met my breaking point. All areas of my life were suffering. I restarted 5mg the first week, then 10mg the next 2 and a half weeks. The side effects during those first 3 weeks were horrible: nausea, extreme fatigue, dizziness, and no appetite. I knew I would go back to square one if I stopped. I increased my dose to 20mg as I had done very well on it in the past. The side effects were still there but not as bad. One and a half weeks on 20mg, I feel great. More energy, feeling social with family and friends. Before, I hated being around people. I still have a little longer to feel normal, but I'll continue this medication. Regardless of the horror stories you've heard, remember everyone is different and your body will most likely respond differently. I know it's hard not to get discouraged and question whether it's working the first few weeks, but don't give up and don't stop taking it. Give your body the chance to get used to it. Trust me, you will be glad you did."

• JJJ
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2024

"I'm only on day 5 of a 10mg dosage and the first 4 days have been grueling. Sweaty hands and feet, constipation, upset stomach, severe insomnia, and major anxiety are some of the things I've been dealing with so far. The reviews that I've read here have given me the courage to continue to power through the early stages. I have faith that my persistence will pay off. I will come back with an update once I give it more time."

• nichole
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2013

"I started taking Lexapro 10 mg 4 days ago. I already feel less anxious and panicky. I haven't been experiencing heart flutters and palpitations like I usually would from stress and anxiety. I feel more energized, outgoing, happy, and less stressed. It helps me sleep better at night. The only side effect that I have noticed thus far is that the medicine makes me yawn a lot, which I have heard tapers off after a few weeks of being on the medicine. Other than that, I have not noticed any other issues. I think Lexapro is great!"

• Terry
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 26, 2014

"I have suffered with anxiety and agoraphobia since I was 6. Since the age of 19, I never went more than 45 mins from home. I started on Lexapro and an anti-anxiety medicine in 2009. I have made it to a beach that I hadn't seen since I was 14. I am now 60 and have been 7 times since 2009. The drive is 1 hr 30 mins from home. I go every summer, more than once, and sometimes stay a few days, one time staying 6 days! This medicine is a Godsend. I wish they had it 20 years ago."

• taede...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 14, 2024

"This is my second time being on Lexapro. The first time I got on it, it was hard. The first 2 weeks were tough, I had more anxiety and bad depression. I was scared, but after 4 weeks, I felt good. I could go out, I forgot what it felt like. I thought I was cured until I stopped taking it. The withdrawals were bad. I got back on it, but had to start over. I don't know if this is a forever drug, but it saved me. It saved me a lot. I know your anxiety is bad and you just started, hold on. I'm telling you, it will help."

• god...
• August 25, 2013

"I had suffered from anxiety disorder for at least 11 years. Worrying, palpitations, shortness of breath, basically all the popular anxiety symptoms. I am on Lexapro because it works. Side effects like lower sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm, and insomnia all go away. I find myself fearless, my life is active, no more 'what ifs,' and no anxiety attacks. It's a miracle pill. BUT, I was 135 pounds and skinny. I'm 5'5, and I had an amazing metabolism, my body was rock solid. After 3 years of Lexapro, I am now 165 pounds. I have to try to work out and eat healthy, I know. Please don't wait as long as I did to change your life and get back to your wonderfully made self!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2023

"I'm a healthy 32-year-old female. I started to experience severe panic attacks, insomnia, and had no appetite. The anxiety got so bad that it turned into derealization basically 24/7. I was dizzy all the time and had heart palpitations, chest pains, and shaking. I couldn't even leave my house. Then started the depression. I was crying on and off most days. I couldn't function and didn't feel like myself at all. I have always been against medication and did everything the natural way. None of that helped. I finally decided to try Lexapro 5mg, and it honestly saved me. I was so scared of feeling like a zombie or having no emotions, but it's not like that at all. I feel like me, just no anxiety or depression. I had some nausea in the beginning and slightly increased anxiety, but Ativan helped with the side effects. I've been on it for a little over 2 months now, and I don't regret anything. I sleep and eat great now. I live a normal, happy life. Please give it a try if you're suffering."

• leelou
• April 3, 2022

"I said I would come back in a few weeks. It’s been about 3 weeks, and oh my god! This medicine has completely changed my life for the better! I have not had one panic attack since the medicine has adjusted! I eat more than I did before, and I'm getting healthier. I am also driving again and doing things on my own! This medication gave me the confidence to start a new career, and I feel like the main character in my life now instead of a prisoner in my own body! Give this medication a full try. It’s hard at first, but if this is right for you, the results are life changing!"

• Pam
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 29, 2019

"I have been on medications for anxiety since 18. I am now 64. Effexor was the best, but severe side effects when I had to stop taking it. I weaned off over 6 weeks, thought I was going crazy. Had to stop taking it because of no insurance. Too expensive. But now I started taking Lexapro since January this year (now 8 months), and I got to say it has helped me so much with my anxiety. Affordable, only side effect is my vision is more blurred. No weight gain, no insomnia, no feeling weird. It has allowed me to deal with the issues that cause my anxiety (my job) while not feeling the physical symptoms of the anxiety. I hope this continues to work for a very long time. It took a couple of weeks to level off in my system."

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2010

"Lexapro has been incredible for me. I am a 37-year-old man. It has now been 5 1/2 weeks on 10 mg and I feel amazing. For the first three weeks, it was not effective, and I did have some side effects: loss of appetite, fatigue, no sex drive (although I could still perform), trouble sleeping, and I would wake up with a very uneasy feeling, basically anxious. But at week four, it all seemed to turn around. My sex drive came back, I started eating normally, I had more energy during the day. It is sometimes still hard to sleep at night, but not too bad. I am truly amazed at how I feel. I am a very successful person, have my own business, a beautiful family, but have always felt close to worthless inside, always feeling less than everyone else."

• Gin
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2019

"Lexapro has given me my life back! Before taking Lexapro, I couldn't drive, felt like I had someone sitting on my chest, couldn't eat at restaurants...now I look back at those times and can't imagine living like that again!"

• TOano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2020

"Life and work progressively got worse over the last 18 months, withdrawn, moody, insomnia, short with family, lack of concentration, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and plans. Had major panic attack, ended up in the hospital with symptoms similar to a heart attack and even had an angiogram. Started a cocktail of meds and ended up with 10mg of Lexapro and now on 20mg. It has really settled me, however, I still struggle to complete tasks and am off work. Counseling is also assisting. I have a review this week but diarrhea, insomnia, and slight nausea have continued. If I can fix the diarrhea, I will be very happy. I take meds in the AM."

• Changed...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2015

"Before Lexapro, I couldn't get out of bed. I was stuck in my room for 6 months straight. I didn't go anywhere. I had social anxiety. I never went to school. I cried all the time. Had anxiety with breathing problems. I was suicidal daily. NOW I'm a totally different person! I'm so happy. I never have a terrible day. Got a job, have friends, and thinking positively about my future. I now love myself. I don't obsess over pointless things now. I'm more awake and have energy. No more depression or anxiety. 20 mg right away, I love it. It's never disappointed me."

• London...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

"Been on 10 mg Lexapro for 8 months and overall it’s been an excellent medication. The first two weeks were tough - I don’t think one is warned sufficiently by the medics that you’re likely going to feel worse than before you started - but gradually I started to see the benefits kick in. No longer sweating the small stuff or waking up with a feeling of dread. The only thing that stops me giving this full marks is the reduction in libido and the feeling of slightly ‘can’t be bothered’ but the upside of no longer having nightmares or being filled with dread every morning is hugely appreciated."

• Tetta
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2013

"Just wanted to thank everyone who took their time to write these reviews. I was adamant I was going to overcome anxiety by myself, but I lost more and more control. Lived in constant fear of it and was obsessed. My life has been literally on hold for the last 8 weeks, and my husband and children have suffered from it too. After reading your reviews yesterday, I took my first Lexapro, didn't think it would work for a few weeks, but actually the effect was pretty immediate. About an hour after taking it, I went out and suddenly realized the world, the color, the people, everything looked like it used to! Very little side effects so far, only dry mouth and poor appetite. So far so good."

• 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 nighttime, 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 of 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!"

• TDee
• May 21, 2019

"All I can say is WOW! I never write reviews on anything, but this Lexapro drug well and truly deserves a review! This has been my third medication I’ve been on in the last 4 years for GAD, which I recently came off my previous medication that I was on for four months, as it wasn't doing anything. Once I started mirtazapine, I felt better within 2 days of taking it. My physical symptoms of anxiety like nausea and rapid heart rate have completely gone. I was waking up every day with anxiety, but now it's completely gone! I’ve been on Lexapro for only a week or maybe less, and I can’t wait to see what I’m going to be like in a month or two down the track. I was at my wits' end with this horrible rut I’ve been in for 6 months, and within the space of two days, I feel like myself again. I honestly can’t comprehend it. Hands down the best medication out there for anxiety and depression. Thank you so much Lexapro."

• Lucy
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 4, 2023

"I'm a 37-year-old female. I've had Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) since I was 17, and thanks to life experiences, I now have Complex PTSD, GAD, and Health Anxiety. I changed SSRIs to 20mg Lexapro at age 33 - safer for pregnancy. It worked fast and well. I experienced a few weeks of sleepiness, dry mouth, a heavy head, and general worrying that the Lexapro wouldn't work. But it did! So if you're just starting out, definitely stick with it! You'll find that after 2 weeks, you're feeling much better, safer, and less terrified of triggers and life. And by 3 months, you will feel the full positive effects. I recently had a relapse in my anxiety due to huge life stress. My psychiatrist bumped me up to a 30mg per day dose (which is common for Complex PTSD). I'm on day 2 of increasing the Lexapro, and I feel tired and have a heavy head. I'm worrying again about whether it will help. However, I know from my past experiences that these meds are lifesavers. It usually takes a few weeks to feel the therapeutic effects. Remember to be kind to yourself during your recovery journey."

• BethGro
• April 30, 2015

"I have been on Lexapro for a few years. I LOVE IT! Without it, I get depressed and feel a constant sense of dread in the pit of my stomach. I have frequent panic attacks that feel like my heart is going to beat out of my chest, and my mood swings? LEGENDARY. Lexapro saved me. I have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and panic attacks. Those should be enough, but I also had cancer and a miscarriage. So the depression, which has always been a thing, became a major problem. After finally having a child, the mood swings, another something that was always a thing, became horrific. No one could stand me. I've been on Lexapro since about 2010, and I have never felt better. I don't just exist. I live now."

• Little...
• July 15, 2021

"Day 11 on Lexapro. Began on 2.5 mg, no side effects, helped me sleep. Increased to 5 mg and currently on day 4 taking a whole pill. Will increase after a week. Taking this for generalized anxiety and panic disorder, which induced agoraphobia and derealization. So far, the only side effects I've noticed are small and short bouts of increased anxiety after increasing to 5 mg, but nothing major. My side effects have been minimal and close to none, and I cannot wait to reap the benefits once it starts kicking in since I've tolerated it very well. So far, it has given me hope. I will be back to update after 6 weeks."

• Britt...
• October 29, 2016

"I have been on Lexapro for just about 3 years. I was first diagnosed with both depression and anxiety my sophomore year of high school, after I had missed weeks of school due to these conditions. After just the first week on Lexapro, I felt better. Eventually, I had to have my dosage raised as I started to feel anxious/depressed again. I'm now a freshman in college and couldn't be happier with what Lexapro has done for me. I'm actually studying to be a psychiatric nurse to help people like myself with mental disorders."

• Sophia
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2024

"I am 39, and have c-PTSD and anxiety and have been taking Lexapro 10 mg for 4 days now. I felt really nauseous, can't sleep, yet tired. Side effects are really tough, but it has worked so well that I have no interest in alcohol! I was drinking for my anxiety before... I really recommend giving it a shot! I wish I'd tried this sooner because Zoloft didn't work for me and neither did Prozac, but I can tell a difference with Lexapro after the second day. I can't imagine not feeling this way! Please stick with it! Bad effects are supposed to go away in 2 weeks. I'll update again! All the best healing to everyone."