Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews

• Aztec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "If only I had taken this sooner, how different my life could have been. I have dealt with PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, depression and the whole shebang since I was 18. I am now 40. I am a single mom and keeping up with works, kids, school was just draining on top of being in a flight fight mode 24/7. Going to the grocery store or a simple dr appointment for them was a chore within itself. My first 2 weeks, I was very sleepy during the day, no appetite and awake at night. I stuck with it and I am now on week 4. You know how it is working? I was terrified to even think about going into an unknown situation. A week ago I decided to apply to different jobs. Yesterday, I got ready and went to an interview and nailed it!! I was not anxious nor did I run out of there. I was calm and collected and my thoughts weren't a fog. I am still in shock!!! I am so excited for what life will be from here on out. Hang in there."

• Suz
• June 3, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I will update in a few weeks with my full experience with starting Lexapro. Let me tell you, I was TERRIFIED to start this medication due to bad reviews. I am terrified of feeling ill and ESPECIALLY vomiting. I finally told myself this morning I can no longer live in fear of my own life, constantly anxious, and told myself to just take the medicine. I was prescribed 10 mg, but personally medications do cause significant side effects for me (I am 5’4 and 100 pounds soaking wet) so I broke it down to 2.5 mg to start. I have experienced NO terrible side effects, it’s been roughly eight hours. I have had some “burning” sensation in my stomach, but I also have terrible stomach issues as is. I have been tired as well, but depression does that to a person.. PLEASE TAKE THIS MEDICATION. IT MAY HELP YOU. IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE. You. Can. Do. This.. *I will update in a few weeks with results as of then*"

• Nicol...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 24, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have extreme anxiety and chronic depression I can not tell you how much this medication has saved me from harming myself. I’ve been on it now for 5 years started at 2mg daily and now up to 10mg recently after losing my job and this coronavirus pandemic. Overall this pill isn’t magic but it’s helped me and my anxiety and compulsive thinking. It doesn’t give those weird side effects like blank thinking or weird dreams. All this medication has done is ground myself and thoughts and I’m thankful for that. Oh and if your worried that it makes you gain weight it did not make me gain any weight at all."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "First off I would like to say I feel everybody’s pain , and you are not alone . I went through years of anxiety and panic. Lexapro has changed my life . I’m on day 10 and I already feel a HUGE DIFFERENCE. Please believe me when I say this , while on this drug it has to get worse before it gets better ( exactly what my doctor told me ) . I had massive side affects the first 6 days at least and then are finally starting to taper off on day 10. Do not give up on the drug. I used to have 10 heart palpitations a day and now I have MAYBE 1 and it has only been 10 days . I started with 5 mg and on day 7 I jumped up to 10 mg . Side affects included dizziness , nausea , headache , extreme panic , sweaty hands and feet . You need to let this pass and realize you are going to be fine and get through this . If you play the game mind over matter you will win and it can change your life . I feel all your pain and hope this review has at least pointed one person in the right direction."

• Thank...
• February 11, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "2019 Took toll on my life in every aspect. I am 45 years old & my career crashed, my husband left me & I am battling legal issues. My husband locked me out of utility accounts til’ shut off notices arrived. I could not think straight at all. My stress & worries took over me. I began deep depression and the worries would overwhelm me to a point I wanted to sleep, but I had insomnia. My mind would race, I closed myself off to the world and prayed heavily. I could no longer have normal conversations. I pushed everyone away. I finally called my Dr, realizing it was more than I could handle. I’ve only been on it one week & can truly say “LEXAPRO SAVED MY LIFE”. I do not feel different at all. I feel “Normal”. I can think. I can decipher between tasks of importance and have been more productive than I have in a year. I sleep better. I go to bed with a clearer picture & less worry. The stress & reality is all still there, but each day I am managing and making progress now!"

• Snoopy
• November 1, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I’ve been on Lexapro for 3 months now for major GAD, social anxiety and moderate to severe depression. I had gotten to the point where I was crying all day every day. Could barely function in social situations and would spend all day negatively ruminating over every little thing. I would wake up every night at 3-4 in the morning and just lay there worrying about everything. Lexapro is wonderful. This is the first time I’ve felt hopeful and productive in so long. I sleep through the night again and I haven’t cried in 2 months (that is HUGE for me). The only negatives I have noticed with Lexapro have leveled off after a couple of weeks. I experienced sexual side effects at first but they went away. Lots of grogginess in the morning at first but it leveled off. Anyway I’m at 20mg of Lexapro/day now and I’m so thankful. I haven’t felt this good in a really long time. It has given me my life back."

• happy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have had anxiety, insomnia and I guess depression for life. I'm 42 and finally told my PCP I felt like I was going to lose it after a lot of drama plus COVID quarantine. I was on zoloft (generic) for weeks and the side effects were unbearable, I almost checked myself into the hospital it was so bad. I was switched to lexapro (generic) and feel like a new woman! Calm cool and collected. Wish I had these in my 20s I would have a different life lol."

• Tried...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 16, 2022

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I begin taking this drug 10 years ago when I thought I was seriously ill. I had numerous medical tests done, but in the end my doctor was right and it was just anxiety and panic attacks. I don’t say JUST lightly. I know you are reading this post because you are miserable with suffering, and struggling so much right now. Please know that you are in good company, and so many people are suffering just as you are. I highly encourage you to give this medication a solid chance. I’m not gonna lie, the first 2 to 3 weeks were pretty brutal. Increased anxiety at times, then better at times. Then one day, I had an entire afternoon where I felt perfectly normal. The next day I had a little anxiety, but those good days grew longer and longer until I realized I wasn’t constantly keeping score about my anxiety. Back and forth for a while, just like the tide. My ideal dose is 20 mg, but I usually take 10 when things are relatively calm; 20 when things get really bad. YOU’VE GOT THIS! Hugs"

• Dml
• November 22, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I am 2 weeks in to my 10mg Lexapro. I will say everyday for the first 7 days I wanted to quit! I was tired so, so, so tired felt so much anxiety had panic attacks almost every morning. Like I said I'm 2 weeks in and I literally feel like a new person a new happy person who again wants to go outside I want to talk to friends again. I spent so long no wanting to be around my family friends didn't want to do my job didn't want to shop didn't wanna cook or eat I finally told my doctor I don't feel like a person anymore at all I had no drive to do anything at all. If your struggling please don't stop taking it... I promise life starts in roughly 10 days!!! I get up now I'm not tired I can eat my stomach doesn't stay in knots and I'm not living in my head worried about everything possible and no panic attacks thank goodness! Stay strong you got this!!! These post are the reason I'm at this point...thank you everyone for your stories."

• destos
• June 19, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I said I’d come back and write a review after a few weeks, so here I am!! I’m not going to lie to you, the first few weeks of this medication was hard (terrible thoughts, increased anxiety, insane amounts of sleeping). But I am so very glad I stuck with it. For 7 months, I could barely go 5 minutes from my house without getting a panic attack. I was terrified of everything and developed really bad agoraphobia. My anxiety controlled every aspect of my life and I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to get over it. This medication is slowly starting to give me my life back after just almost 4 weeks on it. All the side effects have cleared up and I have done more this week than I was able to do in the past 7 months. I did everything I was once terrified of doing, and I had not a lot of anxiety doing it. If you are having side effects and they are getting to you right now, I am BEGGING YOU to stick with it. I almost stopped taking this medication, and I am so happy that I didn’t stop."

• Ali
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 6, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "3 years on Lexapro, I have a life. I am so grateful that I found a doctor who really worked with me to find something that worked. And also for convincing me to stay in it as I had so many conflicting beliefs around using antidepressants. My moods are stable, it’s helped me during 2 pregnancies and with postnatal anxiety. I notice my mood swings and insomnia creep back if I’m not taking regularly. It’s a lifesaver for me and it took me approx 9 days to start feeling normal when I first took it. The initial side effects do stop. Sex drive did come back. "

• Max
• March 9, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Hi there! Just a disclaimer, I am NOT a doctor, nor do I specialize in anything beyond my own experience. This is my own perspective that I want to share for those who were just like me. I take 2.5 mg of Lexapro. The first aspect I'd like to clarify, is that taking a pill is not magic. I work out 2-3 times a week, I eat healthy and I make a conscious effort to do skills my therapist teaches me like grounding, CBT, and balance. My anxiety is still there. However, the crippling act of having anxiety that would physically make me drop to my knees and ruminate in my brain for days in a row, has subsided. Side effects of weird dreams, icy-hot feeling and anxiousness did happen in the first week. This may not work for everyone, as everyone is different. I have read those same crazy reviews that scare you. I have circled on the act of why and when and how and what if. I still have fears. I still get anxious. However, the place I was at I wish for no one in the world to have to go through."

• KN1973
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Since this thread was SO helpful to me when I first started Lexapro, I wanted to come back after my body truly had a chance to adjust to it. I’ve been taking 10mg for about two months now, and the change is honestly amazing. I feel better than I have in years. Happy, more energy, less ruminating thoughts and stupid worries. I feel like me, only better. I highly, highly encourage anyone reading this who is experiencing negative side effects to stick it out to at least the 6 week mark. I really started feeling a difference at a month (but felt better at 2 weeks) and it only kept getting better from there. The side effects go away. I’m sleeping better, and I’m just happier throughout the day. Truly grateful for this medication. I know how scary anxiety and depression can be. There ARE better days ahead, I promise."

• Wavel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2024

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I've been on Lexapro for two months—10 mg initially, then increased to 20 mg. In my demanding profession, a health setback following emergent surgery triggered intense panic and anxiety. After a month of emotional suffering, I was prescribed Klonopin and Lexapro. I resisted benzos but needed relief. Reading testimonials on drugs.com kept me hopeful during the turmoil. Side effects (dry mouth, nausea, headache, jitters) improved slowly. At around six weeks, consistent positivity emerged. After battling misery, I finally felt relief. Occasional rough patches are manageable. Smiling and laughing again, the pit in my stomach is gone. Moments of calmness and contentment replaced daily dread. Changing brain chemistry takes time, but the results are worth it. I share my journey for those doubting—you are human, and you are scared. Feel what you feel without judgment or shame. Better times lie ahead, and you have the strength to see it through."

• anony...
• January 28, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I just wanted to share my experience with people who are just starting out on Lexapro. This is my 20th day on Lexapro and I must say that the first two weeks are pretty rough. The first week it made my anxiety to the point I've never felt before with nausea, fatigue, headache with a fog. Had insomnia was well. The second week the anxiety started to subside and nausea was gone but started to get hunger pains so drank a lot of water instead of grabbing food every time I got the hunger pain. I also got some days with dizziness in week two and fog and headache with fatigue during the mornings (I take it first thing in morning) and would subside by afternoon. Insomnia started to get better. By the start of week number three all the side effects started to diminish little each and every day. At this point pretty much all side effects are gone and no anxiety. It took about 3 weeks for me and now its great. 10mg day."

• Herta
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 7, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was prescribed escitalopram for GAD with panic attacks after trying 2 other medicines(tryciclic antidepressants). Along with 20 mg lexapro I was taking 2 mg of clonazepam daily, 25 mg of quetiapine in the evening and melatonin for sleep. At that time I was experiencing all possible symptoms of severe anxiety, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, low mood, I felt overwhelmed and was crying all day. I had upset stomach, fear of dying, I wasn't going out at all, my family were worried and I thought I was dying. When I started the medicine I experienced side effects: excessive yawning, insomnia, increased anxiety, nausea, sweating which lasted about 2 weeks. After 3-4 weeks of taking escitalopram I started feeling better, I started therapy, and applying yoga , meditation etc. Now I feel great, I can enjoy life again and you can do it as well."

• desto
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I took my first dose of this medication a week ago. I had a terrible panic attack and had to stop taking it. I decided yesterday that I was going to start taking it again. I have agoraphobia, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It’s gotten to the point where I can barely leave my house most days. I decided I need to make a change. I know that with medications like these it always gets worse before it gets better, so hang in there. Read the positive reviews, ignore the negative ones. I’ll come back on in 6 weeks and update with my experience. Zoloft has worked in the past so I’m hoping this will work too. HANG IN THERE. YOU’RE NOT ALONE."

• Feeli...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 4, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have been taking 20 mg of Lexapro for almost a year and it has made an incredible difference in my life. I had suffered my entire life with anxiety and never really knew what it felt like to have a normal level of anxiety. The anxiety honestly almost killed me. I have lived more in the last year than the rest of my 48 years. Every day is a gift now and I am incredibly grateful. I hate to see so many people who quit after a few days or weeks of hard times which is what it’s like at first. Those ratings are unfair since they didn’t give it a proper chance. I hope YOU will and that you end up eternally grateful like me!!!"

• Johns...
• September 21, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Last week, I was doing the same thing you are probably doing. Scouring the internet for any reviews on Lexapro that tell me when it is going to start working. I needed any kind of reassurance that the side effects would be worth it. I was so anxious that I couldn't sleep, couldn't stop crying or obsessing over the symptoms of my anxiety, and was struggling to function with a 3 month old baby at home and just going back to a stressful job. It is day 12 on Lexapro, and I feel normal. I have slept the last 3 nights without Ambien, and I am calm. I feel genuinely happy for the first time in a month. I am feeling super encouraged and hopeful. I just wanted to share my experience and give you the reassurance you are probably looking for."

• Aano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I hope this helps people who feel scared. A few months ago my anxiety got very bad, I couldn't enjoy life: worrying about travelling, weeks of insomnia, physical symptoms before starting the pills: nausea, irritability, sugar cravings, twitching, high sensitivity to sounds or sudden moves. I read the reviews here - terrifying. I started five weeks ago. 5mg - felt a bit sick. Scared for the first two days, a bit agitated - nothing serious. The pills can't hurt you. Most people tolerate them pretty well. The first days I felt extremely tired, but it didn't last. Things started looking up after a week. I increased to 10mg - after 3 weeks that made a difference - 90% better. CBT also helped a lot. I'm responding to anxiety very differently now. Meds are working. I watch my favorite shows again, read, travel, walk. Amazing - happy. I'm back to my old self - fun and engaging. "

• Erica
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I am a 32-year-old healthy and happy female who has dealt with minimal anxiety over the years due to hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS and more recently was diagnosed with PMDD. I never had a depressive thought in my life until I woke up a few months ago with a horrendous bought of anxiety. It spiraled into constant panic attacks all day, scary intrusive violent thoughts, and depersonalization, all of which were extremely terrifying and new to me. After resisting, I decided to start Lexapro after my doctor insisted it would help. This page was the ONLY thing that got me through. I truly believed I would feel like that forever. Slowly the medicine started working. Started with 5mg in the first week and had headaches, nausea, and insomnia. Within a week all day panic attacks stopped and I bumped up to 10mg after a week. Truly it all started to get better in week 3. Like a cloud lifted and I felt so much more like myself. Now completed week 4 and I feel happy again and love life. PLEASE STICK WITH IT!"

• pablo
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "After suffering with OCD since childhood (I'm now 36) and have been through various long lasting periods of depression and bouts of extreme OCD. I gave up on the few times I'd tried other therapies. I finally just asked my Dr if I could try anti depressants. She offered 5mg of Lexapro for 2 weeks and in view to up dosage afterwards if I felt ok. 5mg seemed to not have any side effects, but the difference in my anxiety was not greatly improved. So I upped to 10mg in the morning. A month in and I can honestly say I have been better than I have been in ages. Really amazed at the results. Don't expect euphoria, as its not a happy pill unless you have an imbalance. But I feel like I must have, as I really feel a whole lot better, and still feel like the same person. Just without all the stupid worries. Highly recommend for anxiety and OCD. I wish I took it 20 years ago."

• Amelia
• December 19, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Let’s talk menopause! I eat healthy teach yoga all work with natural therapies. Stress and meonopause, diet, exercise, meditation and herbals didn’t clear the fog and short temper and irritability. I was turning into a porcupine and I was prickly to everyone and everything around me, defensive. It took effort to to do anything, negative brain chatter, apathy, jumping from project to project shopping for satisfaction. Three days ago I went for a physical we talked and it is now three days on Lexapro, very little side affects, the difference is that someone turned on the sunshine in my heart again, sleeping with a smile, jaw clenching, gone! So grateful for this tool of healing. It is where I need to be, yes I will still keep taking those supplements and maybe that’s why I don’t have such bad starting effects. I think too much emphasis on lack of sex drive. For me I’d rather be happy functional sunny balanced and grounded"

• Wow
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Lexapro has literally changed my life from the first 24 hours I started taking it. For the first time in my life, I understand what it’s like to have a quiet/calm mind, rather than coming from a place of anxiety. I’ve suffered from anxiety/depression/ptsd for years and just thought it was a normal way of living. Turns out, all I needed was Lexapro and all my other medical problems have drastically reduced! My IBS is completely gone, and I’m back to living a normal life! I seriously can’t express how grateful I am for this medication."

• Outside...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 2, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have been an over the road salesman for 23 years. 5 years ago I had a panic attack while driving on the highway in a construction zone. I could only manage back roads to get home. I lost sensation in my feet and hands, not good for driving. 10 mg Lexapro had me driving on highways again after a month."