Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

• Lor...
• August 22, 2016

"This medicine changed my life. I've suffered from social anxiety for 20 years and always afraid to ask for help, until one wedding anniversary with my husband at a restaurant was too much for me. I was uncomfortable and had major anxiety just eating in a restaurant, and I was tired of feeling like this. The next day I told my doctor I needed help, he gave me Lexapro and my life has changed. I'm loving life again and nothing is holding me back. I'm so grateful I asked for help."

• Rea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2018

"I was very resistant to the idea of taking meds, but somehow lived with crippling anxiety for over 10 years that affected my friendships, family connections, and ability to have a meaningful relationship. A year ago I tried Prozac and it made me have suicidal thoughts and the startup effects didn't disappear after 8 weeks. Then 3 months ago I bit the bullet and tried Lexapro. Let me tell you that any doctor who says you will be fine after 2 weeks doesn't know what they are talking about. The startup effects are brutal... sickness, increased anxiety, depression. I couldn't leave bed. However, 6-8 weeks later all these effects subsided and now 3 months+ in it's the best I've ever felt. This is a game-changer for someone who has suffered anxiety for over 10 years. Next... dedication towards therapies (recommend ACT, excellent framework to building up resistance to anxiety and minimizing its impact on your life). Stick with it... 6-8 weeks of pain is nothing compared to months, years of feeling great."

• Jor...
• August 18, 2016

"This was the most incredible pill. It entirely changed my life. I used to be so scared of failure and it used to affect my income and job performance. I used to have really bad anxiety and it used to affect my sleep pretty badly. The first month and a half were pretty brutal on Lexapro, but after that, it immediately began working. I no longer suffer from anxiety. I sleep extremely well. I can multitask now and I don't worry about things like I used to, and my fear of failure is long gone. I was like you, reading this review, thinking that they must be fake. But I said, what the hell, and decided to book an appointment with my psychiatrist. My life has never been better since!"

• Reb...
• 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!"

• Bes...
• June 23, 2018

"I have been on Lexapro for a year and it LITERALLY saved my life. I was experiencing panic attacks, had mild depression, and social phobia. One year later and I have NONE of that! I think I will be on this medication for the rest of my life. I am 33 years old and WISH I had started this medication in my early 20s as my anxiety held me back in so many ways from living life. Now I am stable, I feel happy to hop out of bed, I am confident at work, no more social phobia, shaking, and heart palpitations, etc. I was so scared to take this medication when I first started, as I read many reviews that mention the bad side effects. Honestly, do not let the starting side effects discourage you. The side effects are not fun, BUT it is also not fun having extreme anxiety and/or depression for the rest of your life. The side effects will go away! Obviously, this is my experience, everyone is different, but my advice is to stick it out! It only changed my life for the better. I started on 5mg, two weeks later 10mg, and now on 15mg."

• Clo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2021

"I've been on 10mg for 6 weeks. I am a mom and a wife, I have close friendships with girlfriends, work out 5 days a week, and I am a genuinely happy person. But I have always felt stressed and anxious. I would go days without sleeping (more than 2-3 hours). I was afraid to start Lexapro because I thought it would change me, but I just got to a point where I couldn’t take it anymore - the anxiety and sleep deprivation were getting worse and worse. I started with 5mg for 5 days and then moved up to 10mg. The first week was pretty bad. I was exhausted, nauseous, and very lethargic. But each week got better! I haven’t taken a Xanax in 4+ weeks, and I sleep 8 hours every night. When I do have stressful situations, I am able to deal with them in a productive way, without going down this spiral path of anxiety and helplessness. I feel like myself, but just better. I can deal with problems, I am calm, I can put things in perspective. It has helped so much."

• Kca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2020

"Lexapro truly has changed my life. I honestly didn’t even realize how much my anxiety had taken over my life until it wasn’t there anymore. I feel like I am alive again instead of just going through the motions!"

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2017

"I was suffering from major depression and anxiety disorder. I had adverse reactions to Zoloft and Trazodone, so I was beginning to believe there was no hope. I could not function, and the anxiety disorder caused high blood pressure, anorexia, and absolute dysfunction in my life. I couldn't go for more than a few hours without Xanax. Then my doctor put me on Lexapro. I began taking 5mg a day on 3/1/2017. After 11 days, a miracle occurred. I woke up with a positive attitude for the first time in ages, and each day has been even better. There is hope. Side effects for me were morning fatigue, so I will switch to taking it at bedtime. My blood pressure was 107/66 today at my doctor appointment. I don't even need the Xanax, and I am hungry for once."

• beh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 4, 2024

"I'm a 36-year-old male, and I too searched these websites for information. In the beginning, I was so scared and afraid to start this medication, but I got to the point where my GAD was so bad I needed to try something. Finally, I committed. I will say I took too much too early, and like many say, the first 2-3 weeks were pretty terrible. My advice to any of you: please slowly ramp up and stick it out! I'm at 15mg now, and it has changed my life. However, it is not a magic pill. Make life changes, go to therapy, join a group, whatever. Over time, you will find the benefit of this medication while also bettering yourself. I'm a huge advocate, tough it out. The only way out is through!"

• Lou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2019

"Have tried sertraline, paroxetine, and mirtazapine for GAD/panic attacks and have to say Escitalopram is the best, very effective with the least amount and least severe side effects! Did not cause sexual side effects! Feel calm but not sedated and still feel in touch with my emotions. Would highly recommend for anxiety! Greatly enhanced my life and would not be without."

• Rwa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 27, 2014

"I've been taking Lexapro for about 2 years now, and it has been a lifesaver. I developed an anxiety disorder that gave me a constant nauseous feeling and fast heartbeat. My doctor gave me Lexapro, and the first few weeks were a hard adjustment, but after that, I felt so much better. I got my life back on track."

• BWa...
• March 14, 2019

"I started suffering serious depression and anxiety a few years ago while trying to reintegrate myself into society, the work force, and social circles following 12 years in prison. My doctors tried me on multiple other SSRI meds to no avail. About 7 weeks ago, I was started on Lexapro, and after a few weeks of patience and perseverance through the fits of sweating, tiredness, and sleepiness, I feel like I am much better. I have been able to let go of my prison mentality and actually feel like I do have a place in society. I am working, making new healthy friends, and rebuilding family ties. I now understand that my drug use was tied in with my depression and anxiety more so than I ever thought. There is no doubt that you must be patient with Lexapro and may have to get through a couple of weeks of uncomfortable side effects. HOWEVER, Lexapro is far superior in my experience with treating serious anxiety and depression."

• Deb...
• June 11, 2016

"I have been dealing with anxiety and depression off and on most of my life. I have never previously asked for help because I thought it was a sign of weakness. Before, I was waking up in tears, I was always angry, sure that everyone was judging me. It completely crippled me. I also was self-medicating with pot and with chocolate, and my weight was ballooning. I finally asked for help and started on a generic Lexapro 10 mg - 2 weeks ago, and it is like a miracle. I'm sleeping well, not a tear shed, losing weight, have lost interest in both chocolate and pot. I feel content and happy, yet I still feel like me. I wish I had asked for help a long time ago. Life is good!"

• fun...
• April 3, 2019

"For the past year or so, my anxiety has been at an all-time high. I couldn't sleep at night. I couldn't eat a full meal. I felt lost and hopeless. A few weeks into my new job, I went to a new physician's assistant. She prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro daily for anxiety and 50 mg of hydroxyzine as needed for anxiety and insomnia. She also suggested I look into therapy. The two days of Lexapro were a nightmare. I was foggy, dizzy, nauseous, and not able to stay awake for more than a few hours. I went onto this website and read testimonials that inspired me to keep going. Now that I am 4 weeks in, I am so happy I decided to stay on Lexapro. I am able to tackle stressors more effectively. I feel more content and happy in my everyday interactions, and am leaning more into my support system of close friends and family. My appetite is normal, and food actually tastes good again. I am looking into counseling/therapy options. I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time."

• Don...
• October 12, 2017

"This medication has literally given me my life back! I struggle with depression and anxiety, and for those out there reading this and looking to find someone you can relate to, let me tell you, you aren’t alone. I started this drug about 6 months ago, and when I first started, I, like you, came to this site looking for reviews to help me get through it. Like other people on this board have mentioned, it takes about 4 weeks to get used to it. I had to take it in conjunction with Clonazepam because it made my anxiety a lot worse at first and I was super paranoid about it, having panic attacks. Just breathe. You will make it through, and the other side is life as it should be! Stick with it, it’s worth it!"

• Rie...
• September 3, 2016

"This drug changed my life. I've always been a 'depressed' person, if you will, problems from childhood. Then life got hard when I moved countries and my husband deployed. Almost within a week of taking Lexapro, I began to notice the difference. More stable, more optimistic, no longer crying over anything. Things that would give me major anxiety before no longer bother me as much, although the anxiety is not completely gone. Only very mild side effects of dry mouth and slight headaches, but boy is it worth it. I am what must be 'normal' to the rest of the world now. I'm very happy."

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2024

"This is my second time on Lexapro. I stopped it just before a break up (tapered down with doc consent) then about 4 months after my break up the anxiety and panic started again. Week one on 5mg was very hard, lots of side effects (dry mouth, increased anxiety, panic, hot burning skin, sweats, fatigue, extremely irritable), after 6 days bumped up to 10mg. Now into week 4 (got the flu last week which didn't help) still trying to get my appetite back and have the want to leave the house. Maybe this time adjusting has been harder because I'm single. Be gentle with yourself, if you have energy to exercise do it, if you need to rest to cope, do that. This medication has helped me in the past and I know it will again."

• Jus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 5, 2023

"Went on it in 2019 and never looked back. Severe panic disorder and major depression are gone. I've since gone back to college and am in my third year, plus working full-time. Before, I couldn't leave the house. Took about 2 months for the full effect, but it was worth it."

• col...
• December 18, 2014

"My experience on this medication was a roller coaster, but thank God I stayed on. I am a 21-year-old college female. I studied abroad in Europe with no anxiety problems, but when I came home, my world came crumbling down. I couldn't work and would even throw up and pass out from anxiety. When I went on 5mg, I had every side effect in the book. I wanted to get off but stuck it out. Went from 5 to 10 to 20mg, which I am on now. It took 5-6 weeks, but THANK GOD I waited. I feel back to my old self and can resume my normal life. I would've been in the looney bin had it not been for Lexapro. Not a 10/10 because it took so long to work and side effects were awful at first, but they go away!"

• Sop...
• 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."

• Wor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2023

"I have struggled with GAD for years. Constant anxiety and fight-or-flight mode. After being on Zoloft for years without noticing any anxiety relief, I made the switch to Lexapro, and my anxiety is significantly better. It is worth a shot!"

• Luc...
• 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."

• toz...
• October 19, 2017

"I have been on Lexapro for about 5 years now, and it completely and utterly changed my life. I had very serious anxiety, which caused problems in my relationships, job, and all over my life. I was erratic and an emotional rollercoaster. After 2 weeks on Lexapro, I felt stable and always the happiest person in the room. My brain needs this to function correctly without a doubt. I look back and can't believe I was the person I once was."

• Big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2015

"I started Lexapro 9 weeks ago for mild to moderate depression and anxiety. My doctor started me at 10mg a day and I'm still taking the same dose. Honestly, the first 3 weeks were tough. No appetite, and very sleepy. My head was in a fog and I couldn't think straight. Then after the 4th week, I started to feel like my old self again. The obsessive thoughts are very minimal now and I can get over things much better. I sleep great now and feel good. I recommend Lexapro to anyone that is suffering from depression and anxiety. The depression is basically gone. The anxiety is still there sometimes, but not nearly as bad as it was. Stay patient. It works."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 19, 2016

"My doctor prescribed me this medication for Generalized Anxiety Disorder as it was crippling and ruining my life. I was reluctant to try it because I've heard so many horror stories about the side effects, but I figured I'd give it a shot. First week or so was a little rough. Lots of nausea and brain fog, but I was determined to give it at least a month. Once my body adjusted, my symptoms slowly started to disappear. Today I feel like a different person. I feel free from my obsessive worries and panic that had plagued me all my life. This truly is a wonder drug if you're lucky enough that it works for you!"