Escitalopram for Depression User Reviews (Page 5)

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2015

Escitalopram "I started at 5 mg, and after the first week it worked. I then upped it to 10 mg per the doctor's orders but am gonna ask if it's okay to go back down to 5mg since it was working. I went from not eating, can't get out of bed, can't take care of my kids, depressed, horrible thoughts, can't make dinner, bad with money, just all around sloppy to my normal self. I'm able to think clearly, clean my house, make dinner, enjoy my family. I was afraid to take it but am now thankful. The only side effect for me is sleepiness at night, which is good, and urinary tract infection. Hopefully it will clear up with keflex and a lower dose. I'm okay with it because my life is back."

• Jos...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 28, 2012

Escitalopram "I've been on Effexor XR, Celexa, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Paxil, and combinations thereof for over 10 years. Out of all of them, Lexapro, for me, had the best benefits to side effects ratio. The only side effect has been modest weight gain below 10 pounds, and reducing my dosage to 5 mg almost always reveals that the medication was what caused it. I could be in the worst loop of hopelessness, feeling that I am nothing but an object in time, and have the worst of identity issues, either for no reason, or because, normally some aspect of my life or even circumstance that was confronted. Lexapro takes me out of that, helps me focus again, relieves me from believing the pain will be permanent, so I can once again address my thoughts appropriately."

• Neu...
• May 24, 2015

Escitalopram "Everything in my life caused gut-wrenching sadness, and I felt disconnected from the world at 18, as I suffered from depression and social anxiety. I was prescribed this medication after my depression gradually got worse. Initially (for the first 2 weeks), my symptoms worsened drastically. Then, one day, it was like someone flipped a switch, and I felt good again, like I hadn't in years. I felt like I could be myself. My grades went up, I got into a great private university, and I dated like crazy. I also was less hostile, and I could solve problems and assert myself more. I cannot emphasize how grateful I am for this medication, it changed my life. Just give it time to work. I am a male, by the way, and I was on a pretty moderated dose."

• Mic...
• April 8, 2017

Escitalopram "I've been on Lexapro for 3 weeks now and feel SO much better! Prior to starting the medication, I cried numerous times daily, had panic attacks, and just felt hopeless/worthless. My life was terrible, and I felt like I couldn't function anymore. This medication has really helped me, and I have not noticed any side effects so far! I have not cried once since being on the medication. I have a more positive outlook on life now as well. It's wonderful!"

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

Escitalopram "I was prescribed Lexapro 10 mg daily for severe depression. Within an hour after taking it, I felt incredibly drowsy and proceeded to fall into a fake sleep-not sleeping yet not quite awake. The next 24 hours were a pure nightmare. Insomnia, severe nausea, brain fog, shaking, dizziness, headache, and stomach ache. I also felt an increase in anxiety and paranoia and kept telling my husband I felt sick and that something bad was going to happen. All this after only ONE 10 mg dose! This stuff is toxic. Never again."

• Bil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2020

"I put off seeing a doctor for long enough. Then I started a 10 mg dose after ~5 years of battling depression and trying many natural alternatives which didn’t help. From the first dose, I experienced no negative side effects, 3 weeks in, now I definitely notice an improvement. The constant underlying sadness has eased, and while I feel it’s still too early to say it’s gone completely, because I would often experience waves where the sadness would hit worse, and these were spontaneous, I’m optimistic. To those reading the mixed reviews here and unsure whether it’s worth trying, please consider it. I put off being on antidepressants for too long, and while this won’t work for everyone, it’s absolutely worth a shot."

• Des...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2020

"I use the generic form of Lexapro, and I have seen a very noticeable difference in myself. And it's very obvious to others as well. I smile and laugh so much more, and I feel like the real me. I take 10 mg a day, and I stand by it. No joke. I'm glad it works for me. I have been taking it for a very short period of time, and my serotonin levels have got to be better because the way I act and feel now isn't a coincidence."

• vjh...
• September 25, 2013

Escitalopram "50-year-old male with depression and anxiety from life changes and job. Resisted for a long time and judged others on SSRIs as weak. Finally crashed and admitted I needed help. Three months out now on 10 mg/day. Initial side effects were chills, yawns, and slightly tense jaw muscles. All of that disappeared. Now I'm free of depressive bouts and greatly reduced anxiety. Has allowed me to enjoy things again and I get better sleep. I take it in the morning."

• Jon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 28, 2024

"I owe this site a review, as it gave me great comfort. I had a horrific experience in my 20s with an SSRI called Seroxat (the drug was subsequently recalled). I refused meds from the age of 21 to 36 and tried everything holistic - St. John's wort, running, sad lamps, diet. I had depression so bad in 2020 I had to seek urgent help and was told I had to take escitalopram. I wasn't in a position to argue. I am SO glad I did. Absolutely life-changing. This drug is SAFE - zero side effects. This drug is highly effective - lifelong depression gone. If you have had a bad experience with another SSRI, please, please, please take a leap of faith and try this. It's a miracle. I was so nervous when I started taking it and so desperate for it to work, I read this site for hours the first few days I took it, and it gave me such comfort and hope, so thanks to all of those who have contributed."

• Cru...
• August 30, 2019

Escitalopram "I have had depression for as long as I can remember, but anxiety only started about 3 years ago. I’ve tried antidepressants in the past and hated the side effects, so I stopped them altogether until recently when my psychiatrist said I should try Lexapro. I’ve been on it for 2 weeks, and the side effects are in the extremities for me: migraines, nausea, loud ringing in my ears, fatigue, lack of sleep, blurred vision, and dizziness. Pretty much as horribly as you can imagine. BUT after the first week, I stopped being paranoid. I could take a shower without thinking I’m going to drown. It’s all mental issues that I ignored for a long time, which eventually turned into something out of my control. After 2 weeks on Lexapro, I can honestly say it’s helping me. I don’t expect it to cure or fix my problem, but I know it will help me manage my thoughts and help me get control of my emotions, which will eventually make me understand what I’m doing wrong in life so I can fix it myself."

• Unk...
• November 22, 2019

Escitalopram "My experience, unfortunately, was very unsettling. The first few days were okay, although I instantly noticed a decrease in concentration. Then I started to notice my depression becoming worse, and anxiety went through the roof. I started to become consumed by negative thoughts and couldn’t seem to come down from being angry or sad about some things I couldn’t even pinpoint. I thought maybe I could handle it for a week, but then, as symptoms increased, I decided I had had enough because it started to interfere with my relationship and made certain feelings I had more exaggerated and uncontrollable. I instantly called my psychiatrist, and I was told to ease off the medication. It’s been about a week, and I thought I was okay but had another breakdown last night over something minuscule and reacted in a way I normally wouldn’t. The ability to bring yourself out of depression or consumed negative thoughts on this product is impossible."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2020

Escitalopram "Let me start off by saying that Lexapro was the first medication that I went on to combat my anxiety and depression. At first, I was optimistic about medication, but after taking Lexapro, I was totally shaken up. It caused me to have severe mood swings. I went from the happiest I’ve ever been in my life, all the way down to rock bottom in not even 2-3 hours. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND."

• Har...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2020

"If you're going through stress, a breakup, low motivation, or just a bad time and you can't shake it or keep diving deeper into that hole, PLEASE TAKE LEXAPRO. It is not a happy drug, it literally just clears your brain. It helps you stay sane and level-headed. I can't thank my doctor enough."

• ski...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2019

Escitalopram "I've been on Lexapro 10 mg for four months to treat depression and PTSD. Anxiety and depression have significantly improved. The adjustment period was challenging. For the first 2 weeks, I felt like my depression was gone. During the next 3 weeks, I felt lethargic with low motivation. After 1.5 months, I thought the medicine was no longer working, as my depression worsened. My psychiatrist upped the dosage to 15 mg. At 15 mg, I had fatigue, nausea, headaches, and slept 13-hour nights. I went back to 10 mg, and the negative side effects ceased. After 4 months, I think Lexapro is effective. I don't have inner negative chatter and don't feel like my brain is shutting off from being tired. I feel happier and more confident. I have improved motivation to go to work, exercise, and socialize. I feel more relaxed. No weight gain and SI is gone. Some days my brain is foggy. Depression still comes one week prior to my menstrual cycle. I'd say try to get through the adjustment period. Good luck!"

• oba...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2018

Escitalopram "This drug has saved my life! I started on 10 mg and then got moved up to 20. I fortunately didn't have any side effects. I remember after my doctor suggested Lexapro, I spent hours on this site reading reviews. I was nervous, but I'm so glad I decided to start Lexapro. I had been experiencing anxiety and depression, and Lexapro has tremendously helped both. I didn't realize how bad my symptoms were until I got relief! I don't feel like I need to sleep all day now. Talking with people and making phone calls doesn't seem like a huge, painful chore. I feel lighter and can motivate myself to get done what I have to. I also am in therapy, which helps with some of my maladaptive thinking and negative self-thoughts (those patterns won't go away overnight). I'm more equipped to challenge those thoughts on this medication. Sometimes my anxiety creeps back up for no reason, and I've since been prescribed a PRN, but overall, I'm satisfied with my experience. I would recommend Lexapro!"

• JPa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2019

Escitalopram "I am a 50-year-old mother who was depressed. I cried constantly and was miserable to be around - I couldn't even remember how to laugh. My doctor prescribed 10 mg escitalopram. I was so eager to feel better that I took the first pill in the middle of the day. Within 2 hours, I had heart palpitations, was shaking, couldn't focus, and was very dizzy. I was sure I was going to die. I spent my day googling 'Lexapro side effects,' which said the side effects would lessen in 2 weeks. My doctor suggested a half pill, but within 4 days, I went back to 10 mg since I was eager to feel better. The side effects continued but lessened. I can't say that most of them were gone in less than 3 weeks, and even now, I still get some flushing in my chest (at 8-1/2 weeks). I would have quit, but at the same time, I found myself singing along with songs on the radio and even laughed. My crying bouts became less frequent. For now, I am content to relearn how to enjoy life and am happy I persevered."

• KGa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 27, 2019

"I have never actually commented on a thread ever, but I feel I have to in this case. Lexapro has literally saved my life, my ability not only to work but thrive professionally, my ability to be a much better mom for my kids, and my husband and I went from arguing daily to rarely ever. It’s like I view the world through a different lens. I can’t believe how well it works."

• Mel...
• October 18, 2014

Escitalopram "I am an 18-year-old girl and diagnosed with depression. My first week with 10 mg Lexapro is beyond horrible: depression got worse, heart racing, sharpened negative thoughts, and no motivation at all when waking up in the morning. I can't concentrate and feel as if I want to cry most of the time. It lingers till the evening and tapers off toward night. At night, I feel euphoric. No problem with sleeping and weight gain. But since my depression got worse, the doctor decided to double my dose to 20 mg. The second week was even worse: nightmares every night, fatigue, lethargy, gases in the stomach. In the third week, it finally helps! Negative thoughts went away, and I feel lightheaded. Side effects: emotional numbness, sleepiness, laziness. But overall, this medicine is a true miracle."

• Anonymous
• December 23, 2020

Escitalopram "Such an amazing drug. It really saved my life, worth all the side effects in the beginning. Everything balanced out and I finally feel more like myself. It lessens the horrible feelings of 'I'm not good enough' and it calms my nerves quite a bit. Unfortunately, it calms down my sex life quite a bit too, I still manage, still good but takes longer, and that's the only long-term problem I've seen. Still gets 10/10!! #LOVE LEX"

• Lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2013

Escitalopram "I love this medication! I was on Zoloft and was a zombie! I couldn't sleep, and with a newborn, sleep was critical to me! I also gained a lot of weight! I have no issues sleeping now and generally have a more positive mood and am losing weight. You can tell when I don't take this! It's a dream!"

• Pep...
• February 2, 2013

Escitalopram "Lexapro saved my life and all of those around me. I would be proud to be a poster child for this medicine. Work issues had pushed me to the point of near suicide, crying, not being able to sleep through the night. Doctor started me out at 5 mg and wanted me to go to 10 mg, but didn't have to. 5mg did the trick. At least I know I can up it if I need to, but right now I am doing great!"

• Ski...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 8, 2020

Escitalopram "Took Lexapro 20 mg for 2 years for depression. It was efficacious for depression, however, I became lazy and unmotivated with memory deficiency towards the end. I used to spend most of my free time before this medication doing outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, surfing, skiing, and such. However, while on this drug, all I did was lay on the couch and do nothing. I stopped taking it, and within a week, motivation to do things I once loved was back, and my memory is not nearly as faulty as it was while on the drug. Withdrawal symptoms-yes. Brain zaps mostly occur in the dark hours of the day, in the evening, they slowly come on, but while sleeping, they are the worst. Also, night sweats. Did this drug relieve depression-yes. Did it make me into an unmotivated couch potato and stop doing all the activities I once loved-yes. Did my working memory severely go faulty-yes. Positives are it brought me out of suicidal thinking and, as a male, 47 with normal premature ejaculation, made me last longer."

• Moo...
• January 6, 2020

Escitalopram "I took this medication about 10 months for depression. I know people who this drug has done wonders for, I just wish I were one of those people. The first week on Lexapro, I felt great. My sense of humor came back, I wanted to be social, I was less anxious. The first month was great. The second two months were good. After that, it just became a pill I took at night that didn’t do anything. I didn’t feel a lot of emotion after a while. I started to crave it. I actually missed my anxiety because at least that felt human. I went off Lexapro after 10 months. I did it cold turkey, which I would NOT recommend. That was bad. After a few weeks, I was my old self again, but the depression was still there."

• Joa...
• March 24, 2016

Escitalopram "Lexapro has been a lifesaver! Started on Prozac for 8 weeks but did not work for me. Doctor switched me to Lexapro 3 weeks ago and I feel calm and relaxed for the first time in a long time. Only taking 20mg but really helps with sleep and making healthy rational decisions. I highly recommend and had no side effects."

• roc...
• November 19, 2007

Escitalopram "I am a 29-year-old female who has been taking Lexapro for about 5 weeks now to treat depression - 5mg for 2 weeks, then 10mg, and now up to my full-time 20mg dose. 5mg didn't affect me much, but now I feel better than I have in years. Side effects were minimal, except for waking up with headaches recently since increasing my dosage. People in my life notice a significant change in me. I wish I hadn't waited so long to seek treatment...this stuff is amazing!"