User Reviews for Escitalopram (Page 2)

For Anxiety: "I have Post traumatic Stress disorder. It came about because while at work I was doing a routine check on housing and found a deceased person that had been there over 7 days :( at first I was on an adrenaline for a month then it started to affect me.. Ie. Had NO appetite and lost 12kg rapidly to where everyone telling me I'm looking sick and waking up every morning at 3am with flashbacks of what I saw.. And smelt and the fly's:( then realised I had lost a patch of hair on side of head.. Went to Dr who put me on lexapro.. took only 5mg for first four days and felt zombie like.. Nauseous and generally like crap.. A bit anxious still! Too hard to cope with when you have a 3yo.. Dr upped it to 10mg.. Made me sicker and woke every 2hrs through night.. Took 5mg yesterday. & today and never again 14days of hell"

flashbackgirl (taken for less than 1 month) June 14, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety: "extreme increased anxiety"

Anonymous (taken for less than 1 month) June 13, 2017

For Anxiety: "I have anxiety and slight depression due to stress. This is my first week on Lexapro and I was given 10mg which I couldn't take as it made me very out of sorts, dizzy, stomach issues. So cut it down to 5mg symptoms are still there with the "out of it" feeling dazed and my body feels kinda tingly/numb and I have a headache which I don't know if it's Lexapro related or allergy related. Also makes me jittery. I'm really sleepy too and I take it at night. Not sure I'm going to keep taking it. I don't like this out of it feeling. But I am calmer and not so quick to yell at my kids."

Angrybartender June 12, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety: "excellent med if you are afraid of side effects, had none. used for 10 yrs until stopped working. was on celexa also for 10 yrs excellent med for no side effects .both Lexapro and Celexa are excellent for treating mental disease. avoid ZOLOFT was on for two weeks my brain was in another dimension , made anxiety worse. now its hell on earth for me looking for another ssri. clonzepam is excellent for anxiety no side effects. docs wont prescribe it for me."

Anonymous June 12, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety: "A year ago I had a major health scare that turned out to be fine in the end, but I ended up crashing, developing severe insomnia, severe anxiety, muscle twitches all over, major joint pain, brain fog and finally a depression. I resisted taking drugs as I thought I was going to get lots of side effects. I tried everything under the sun; yoga, meditation, acupuncture, tinctures, craniosacral therapy, psychotherapy, kinesiology etc. My psychiatrist and GP both strongly recommended I should take Lexapro. When I started pondering why I was living I started taking the meds. I started sleeping better and after some weeks the worst dread was gone and so was the anxiety. After 2 months I feel MUCH better and I hardly had any side effects at all!:)"

Olivia78 June 10, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Major Depressive Disorder: "My experience with lexapro has been overall well, I suffer from a severe depression ever since I smoked a very potent strains of cannabis which triggered me to get severely depressed and anxious, I didn't take lexapro until about 6 months of it sitting in my drawer after manning up and growing the courage to take half of 10mg for a week until the side effects subsided and raised it to 10mg, I felt less anxious at first then after 2 weeks I raised it to 20mg and felt less depressed and that's what I'm currently on. I'm waiting till week 8 too see if it gets better to know if I should keep taking it."

James1738 June 9, 2017

For Depression: "I was taking Cipralex (a type of escitalopram in UK) for about 2 years and it has to be one of the worst medications I’ve been on. At first, it was very useful, I was very suicidal, hated everything about life and Cipralex made me less suicidal by making me numb. I was never happy, I was never sad, I was just constantly living in a numb state. I had stopped eating, lost interest in everything, stopped a bit of my social life but at least I wasn’t planning ways to kill myself. After 2 years, I stopped taking it and I actually became happy again. I was able to have more emotions than just nothingness and I was able to get out of bed easier and enjoy life. This medication is good if you want to stop being suicidal but don't stay on it for too long."

Anonymous (taken for 1 to 2 years) June 8, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Major Depressive Disorder: "For posterity, I'm currently also taking Wellbutrin, Trazodone, and I'll be starting Vyvanse soon. Past SSRI's include Prozac and Zoloft; Prozac worked great but then pooped out and Zoloft didn't do much of anything. My depression and anxiety have easily tripled over the past couple due to being sexually assaulted and the deaths of two very close friends. As a result, I get agitated extremely easily at work and feel extremely low and hopeless at home. I'm currently taking 20 mg Lexapro and I believe I just felt it kick in? It's like a warm hug for the brain. I'm not feeling irritable, I'm fairly relaxed, and I'm excited for the rest of my day. I feel like it's only going to get better from here."

orangetoday (taken for 1 to 6 months) June 7, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: "This is my fourth month on Lexapro. I was having debilitating anxiety and phobias that interfered greatly with my life and my Dr said was causing me to be depressed. I never wanted to take a medicine before because I was too scared (anxiety) but I'm so glad my Dr talked me into it. Other people even notice a difference in me and say I just look better. I feel so much better. I'm not scared all the time and having dissociative thoughts. My fear kept me in bed because I couldn't make a decision but now I get up and do all the things I love again and I'm not so tired. The first few weeks were hell with side effects but I knew those would wear off and they did. You just have to stick it out. But then again, nobody knows how anyone will react."

CollegeStudentAnna June 7, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression: "Best antidepressant out there! 5mg was enough and still working great!!"

Sarahaga1999 (taken for 1 to 6 months) June 6, 2017

For Depression: "Felt great.. very tired and yawning a lot"

Funky monkeyyyy June 5, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety: "I started taking lexapro my first semester of sophomore year in college for depression and anxiety and have been taking it for about six months now. My anxiety causes me to have extreme panic attacks where I break out in rashes and get frequent bloody noses. Since being on lexapro, I have not had a single attack! I also haven't had any extreme side effects although I have had increased appetite and have gone from 95-100lbs to about 115lbs. However, the withdrawal symptoms are very serious, take it everyday and try not to skip any days. I got a nasty cold and stopped taking it for awhile and then spent a whole week thinking I had a horrible flu (nausea, vomiting, headaches) only to realize I was going through withdrawals."

milkyaves June 5, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder: "No side effects only taking 10 mg Results have been excellent"

Joeyam (taken for 1 to 6 months) June 4, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression: "For me, lexapro stopped the negative thinking. It slowed it all down, the suicidal thoughts, the rumination, the negative was gone. I was on 5mg, decided I didn't want to be on it. I wanted to face my fears, my tears, my sadness, my negative, etc. I wanted to control it, not have lexapro control it. It covers up underlying issues that need to be dealt with constructively. I've been tapering off, I'm down to 1mg, maybe less. I'm learning to deal with thoughts, the few that have come back by praying, breathing and relaxing. Opening up to people about my fears, my negative thinking, letting others guide me into positive thinking has helped tremendously. Take the meds, but work towards resolving the underlying problem and coming off of lexapro."

Poppajoeyoung (taken for less than 1 month) June 1, 2017

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: "I had my first "panic attack" about 20 years ago, hellish paranoia in the middle of the night that lasted a few hours the first time. Over the years, I tried to self diagnose, thinking my attacks happened when I was living wrong. I always felt it was somehow my conscience trying to get me to live differently. I always felt guilty and paranoid about how I was living. It is only in the last year or so, that it occurred to me that I actually might have a more severe case of OCD than I thought. It is not anything obvious, but I know that I spend hours a day with my lists of things. I don't have friends although I am very friendly. I can't "waste my time." I don't get out a lot. I usually notice my "panic attacks" occurred after having had some alcohol, although often not a lot. I have become afraid of the night coming because then if I get an attack, I cannot talk to people, I cannot drive places, do stuff to distract my brain. The main thing is that I cannot sleep or even try to lay my head down because if I do not distract my brain, the terrifying feeling overcomes me. I will be exhausted but afraid to lie down. My attacks have started to last throughout the day because I sense that total unbearable fear of things I cannot control or are futile. For example, never speaking to my ex again, the unbearable thought of my mother passing away, even little stuff like where I lost a pair of glasses. Terrifying! I never thought my panic attack symptoms were like the classic ones I’ve been reading about-no racing heart, just an absolute paranoia and NOW I HAVE concluded that my problem is related to my OCD. It is only in reading all of your comments that I begin to really understand that this is biochemical. Is this something that is best treated through a psychiatrist? I tried a therapist once a week but that was useless. It feels so wonderful knowing that I am not alone in my craziness."

howefunny May 30, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression: "Hi, actually I was diagnosed with MDD and GAD by my doctor and was prescribed this pills, which helped me somehow but made my mind much too slow. I have seen reviews of this, where people taking it for many years. But I don't want to be on these pills, I wanted to be normal myself and not because of this pills. I tell you this pills will take you nowhere. It will help but you have to take it for lifetime. After thinking about it I searched about effective measures and after 6 months I found it. It was YOGA. And I was fixed within a month. Please try yoga, you will also get fixed. I am much better as a person which I was before depression. I commented because I wanted to help those who come in these sites to see reviews."

Laka May 30, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: "After I gave birth to my son almost 3 years ago. I suffered from GAD and had 3-4x panic attacks, negative thoughts, sweating, tightening of my chest, can't breath, restlessness, name it....to the point I can't function and can't even take care of my son. I've started taking lexapro 5mg for 1 week I had the worst side effects to the point I don't want to eat and take a bath...it worsen my anxiety symptoms 10x but after a couple of weeks lexapro begins to kick in but not that optimal effect. After 6 months of taking lexapro 10mg signs and symptoms started to subside. This medicine really helps me. Lifesaver! Just be patient. I took it for 1 year and 5 months.I was cured."

Brave Mom May 28, 2017

For Depression: "I have been taking 5mg for three days and will bump up to 10mg soon. So far the only side effects I've noticed are dry mouth and increased appetite, I'm feeling pretty hopeful about this one. I take it at night because it makes me a little sleepy but I also feel a little energized at the same time, it hasn't effected my sleep at all. I sleep wonderfully and wake up feeling good."

Melele (taken for less than 1 month) May 27, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety: "I had to start at 5 mg and work my way up because I'm a baby, but I definitely feel better and oddly enough, my headaches have improved after 20 years. I don't feel any different, I'm just worrying less and not feeling the physical symptoms of anxiety. It still comes and goes a small bit, but it's WAY better!"

Laurd May 26, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety: "I had tried everything meditation, herbal supplements, yoga, exercise, healthy eating. I was doing everything "right" however I was in a constant state of unrest and having about 5 panic attacks a day. I would go days without eating or drinking water and then collapsing. My anxiety was so high, was sick all the time gut issues, headaches, dizziness, general fog and feeling completely out of it and detached. It came to the point that something needed to change - so I sucked it up and tried Lexapro. If you are reading this YOU CAN FEEL BETTER. I was scared I would feel like a zombie and loose myself - but it just takes the edge off and you will start to feel lighter and free and it will let therapy and meditation work."

Triss12 May 26, 2017

For Anxiety: "Been on this for 6 months after 7 years on citalopram. I started to get depressed and found that although my anxiety was good, I couldn't get excited about anything. Finally had a melt down and am in the process of switching to Effexor. Withdrawal is awful but I was prepared as have withdrawn off citalopram before. Citalopram and escitalopram have done good for me but I think it's just "pooped out". I would recommend as a first-line treatment of anxiety."

PoppyC May 24, 2017

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: "I have taken Lexapro for 3 years. Crippling episodes of OCD-generated anxiety and depression have been put to rest with Lexapro. I am taking 40mg/day, which is higher than typical 20 mg/day for depression. The OCD itself is essentially gone, and what's left of it (mixed rituals and obsessions) can be very easily controlled and does not scare me at all. I have had no episode of major OCD/anxiety/depression for 3 years, which has never happened to before (I am 49). Lexapro, together with behavioral therapy, has saved my life. I am working a great job and enjoy my family life."

Jeje3 May 24, 2017

For Anxiety: "Blood sugar has gone through the roof. From normal range (for me, about 100 pre-meal to 140ish 2 hours after a meal) to steadily around 300. Some weight gain. Mood is improved quite a bit, so high marks for that. Sexual side effects are extremely frustrating. Everyone says they will diminish in time, but it's been 6 months. Not a problem with ED or stamina, but getting to orgasm has proven elusive. The blood sugar is the major concern, so if my doctor can help me get that under control I may continue. Otherwise I'll talk with my psychiatrist about dumping it."

ElPolloDiabloX (taken for 6 months to 1 year) May 23, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: "Pros- fast onset, felt it in just a few days. Works well for anxiety/depression. I no longer obsessively worry. No weight gain, decreased appetite (fabulous) Cons- Constant head/neck/shoulder/lower back pain, can't sleep a full night without waking up at least 5 times (really frustrating), decreased interest and ability to have sex. I have tried all the SSRIs and this will be the last one before I give up on SSRIs all together. Will probably have to take Remeron to sleep, I didn't really want to be on 2 meds but I need to sleep!!!"

Anonymous (taken for less than 1 month) May 21, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression: "I ended up on Escitalopram about 2-3 years ago because the previous med (Effexor XR) was causing steady weight gain I just couldn't manage anymore (50+ lbs. in 9 months). And this has hands down been the best med I've ever been on. It doesn't seem to affect my weight at all, and I feel completely "normal" for possibly the first time since childhood (about 30 years ago). I'm on 20mg, as 10mg just wasn't quite cutting it, and my doctor also later added Buspirone to help with some lingering anxiety. I found Effexor to be generally more effective for anxiety, and Lexapro more effective for Depression, so I think this Escitalopram/Buspirone combo works well for me."

xwpblue (taken for 2 to 5 years) May 21, 2017