Lexapro for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 4)

• djd...
• November 18, 2013

"I am a 30-year-old female who has suffered from depression and anxiety my entire life, and it got worse after I had my daughter. Two years after she was born, I couldn't take it anymore, and I had to get help. I talked to my doctor and was put on Lexapro, 10 mg. I hated it at first. I was dizzy and 'swimmy' feeling, couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, felt out of it, couldn't care less about things that were going on. This only lasted about a week! Then, I could gradually feel myself getting used to it. My next appointment, my dosage was upped to 20 mg (he started me on 10 because he wanted to ease me into it knowing I was a mom and worked full-time; I still needed to function). Let me just say that Lexapro SAVED MY LIFE!! I love it and swear by it!"

• MM2...
• February 1, 2014

"I've been taking Lexapro for about 2 months now. I have suffered from social anxiety all of my life and finally went to the doctor to get help. It was the best thing I ever did. I now can function and feel normal. I didn't have any bad side effects from the medicine and have been very pleased with the results. My day-to-day life is not filled with me avoiding many situations, and I now feel 'normal'. I never expected this medication to work. My only regret is I didn't get help sooner."

• T V...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2024

"After 7 weeks of using Lexapro, it has FINALLY kicked in!! I was almost going to go back to my doctor to change or see if I needed to up my dosage. For these 7 weeks, my anxiety was definitely helped, but I had been in hermit mode, not wanting to socialize and wanting to be in bed a lot, relaxing which is very unlike myself. As of yesterday, a surge of energy has hit me, and I have been ready to go! I'm so happy, give this medication time! My doctor told me it could take 4-6 weeks for it to work, but as I said, 7 weeks was my duration."

• mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 15, 2014

"Before I took this medication, I had severe social anxiety. I would often stay silent because of hurting someone's feelings or I was afraid of embarrassment. I constantly worried about what people thought of me. It was ruining my life. My doctor started me on Paxil but I couldn't take the physical symptoms. When I started taking Lexapro, it felt like a huge weight was taken off of my shoulders. I could be myself again! I usually take it at night because it makes me a little drowsy. Months later, I got a job working for a school near me as a bus monitor. I ride the preschool and high school buses to maintain safety and prevent bullying. Without Lexapro, I DEFINITELY would have not been able to be in that position before."

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

"I started on this drug on my doctor's advice to ease the anxiety that was occurring from taking blood pressure medication. I wish I would have found it years earlier, even before the blood pressure medication highlighted my anxiety. It took about 2 weeks to start kicking in. It negates anxiety and enables me to deal with what is in front of me far better. Plus, silly or repetitive, negative thought loops cease and I get over things that upset me way faster and easier. The only negative for me is that I know I am on something. The positives far outweigh this negative and my doctor says after about a year she will wean me off and hopefully my serotonin levels will remain at a higher level, so I don't have to be on it forever."

• LLa...
• July 13, 2021

"About 2 months ago, I started having severe panic attacks. I was then put on Prozac and had a horrible side effect, and then on another med which was even worse. I researched Lexapro and got prescribed 5 mg for a week, then upped it to 10 mg. At the time, I couldn’t go anywhere without having a near panic attack, and only Xanax would help calm me down. I couldn’t sleep well taking Lexapro at night, so on week 2 of 10 mg, I started taking it in the morning instead. It made my anxiety almost worse at first, but I just kept sticking with it after reading reviews. I’m so glad I did. It didn’t actually start working well until week 4 of 10 mg, and now I’m at week 6 and I can finally go anywhere without having a panic attack, and I’m finally back at work. This med saved my life. Stick with this med. It takes 4-6 weeks to start working!!! It will be worth it."

• Doo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2020

"So I’ve been on this Lexapro for almost a couple of months, and I’ve been trying to stick it out to see where it gets me. I started taking whole pills, which was and is terrible, the side effects suck. So I started taking a half in the morning and a half in the evening. I felt like I was finally getting somewhere, and my moods were getting better, but I keep having what seems like more attacks. For a few days now, I’ve just not been myself-dizzy, brain fog, frequent urination, fatigue. It’s so hard to get out of bed in the mornings, even when I get plenty of sleep. My sex drive has drastically gone down to almost nothing, and it's horrible, I would rather deal with attacks and take a Xanax every day than deal with the side effects of this medication. I will be calling my doctor and weaning off it. I want my life back. For all of you that it has worked for, I’m happy it worked for you. Unfortunately, everyone’s bodies don’t take things as well as others."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2025

"It took at least 3 months and upping the dose to kick in. I am now on 15 mgs, and this suits me. Initially, I was zonked out and switched to taking it at bedtime. It has been a struggle, but now I'm anxiety-free and have my life back. Keep the faith, it will work."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2021

"Day 3 on Lexapro. Had been on it a few years ago and it worked great. I have severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks. Got side effects the first time I used it and was started at 5mg. I think some of that was fear of a new medication. This time was started on 10mg. Except for being tired about an hour after taking it (which is why I take it after dinner), I haven’t had any other side effects. Slept great. Woke up feeling better just knowing relief is coming. I usually wait months trying to cure my anxiety naturally, which, sadly, I haven’t been able to. I suffer for months, finally take the med & then regret waiting. Gave in much faster this time. Life should be more than nonstop worrying. I’ll post an update in a few weeks."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2019

"This medication worked great for me! The first 2 weeks were not great (insomnia, increased anxiety, some GI upset, blurry vision). Wait out the first 2 weeks if you can! The first 2 weeks are not the final result by far! This medication destroys anxiety after 4+ weeks. I took the medication for agoraphobia caused by Xanax withdrawal. It worked great AFTER 4+ weeks. The results are up and down until about week 4. Meaning, you’ll feel worse and better on weeks 1-4. Then in week 4 it became consistent. I did get euphoria on day 3-4 but that didn’t last long. Don’t judge the medication for better or for worse in the first several weeks. Don’t judge it too soon! I had side effects in the beginning but they went away after about 3-4 weeks."

• Syd...
• June 30, 2015

"I started having bad anxiety after I went back to work. I started on Lexapro 5mg. I'm glad I stuck with it. Yes, the side effects for the first 6 weeks were hell, but after week 6, they ALL went away. I had every side effect too. But reading the reviews from people who said to stick it out, it's worth it is what kept me going. After week 6, I went up to 10mg and was worried I was going to experience the side effects again. But nope, no side effects. My anxiety is gone, and I'm coming out of that black hole I was in. So please, anyone reading this, yes, stick with it! The start-up side effects will go away. I had increased anxiety when I first started taking it, but that too stopped. I am on the generic as well."

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2022

"I wanted to wait and write my review. First off, I want to tell the people who wrote their experiences, thank you. When I started my journey on Lexapro, I would sit in my bed crying, rereading the reviews over and over to comfort me. I thought I was stuck for life. Each morning, I would coach myself to take the pill and get through the day. I experienced anxiety, depression, and terrible intrusive thoughts. I started low and slow at 2.5 mg, now I’m fixing to start 20 mg. It’s a hard journey in the beginning, but stay strong and stick with it. I didn’t think this drug would work, I questioned it so much in the beginning. Thanks to God, my doctors/therapist, my family/friends, and this drug, it will forever change my life. All the comments that tell you to wait it out and to just give it time, I have to say, were true for me. Just remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If not this drug, there are others. Keep fighting, take care."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2024

"Like many others, I have sought refuge in these testimonials while I’ve waited for Lex to kick in. After 4 and a half weeks, I’m finally enjoying what it feels like to experience the beginning of the light at the end of the tunnel. Four days ago, my doctor raised my dose from 10 to 20 mg. What a quick and big difference. Mood and energy have lifted, and I’m hungry! Early days, but I just had to share my joy with those of you who may be doubting whether the nausea, dry mouth, low libido, and other side effects are worth it. Patience has paid off, as have the dose increase and accepting the reality that for most of us, breakthrough comes in 4-6 weeks. Hoping I can write in week six that things are still improving."

• ner...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 16, 2013

"If you're suffering, you need to fix yourself! This medication is the most important thing to ever happen in my life. I went from a nervous, neurotic, obsessional wreck, to calm, cool, and in-control dude - and I only take 5-10 mg (I'm 6'4'). Over the last seven years, I've taken it on average 1-2 months out of the year - only when needed and never more than 6-8 weeks. I prefer not to be on anything, but when my health and business decline because of my mood, I immediately break the safety glass and reach for the Lexapro. And if for some reason Lexapro doesn't work for you, work with your doctor to find the right medicine so you can feel better. (I've tried 6 different medicines, we all have different chemistries - never give up.)"

• Nik...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 18, 2019

"Lexapro has helped to take away the awful stomach stress l lived with for many years. I am now able to better manage my anxiety issues without extra intervention. I've only had a positive experience with this medication. I have been taking 10mg for 8 years. And suffered from anxiety for 20 years prior to that."

• Aud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2019

"I used to read these reviews and be so scared to take the medication. I was scared of the side effects and horrible stories that I read about. However, my anxiety got so bad after I had my 4th baby, I knew I had to do something. I started taking 5 mg. The only side effect I had was extreme tiredness and some yawning. I then went up to 10mg, and now I’m on 20mg. I think I began to feel a difference after a couple of weeks. This medication has really helped me. I hadn’t been able to drive on the freeway for 7 years due to extreme anxiety and fear. I am now driving on the freeway with no anxiety or panic feelings, and I owe it to this medication. I am very happy that I gave it a chance, Lexapro has greatly improved my life."

• God...
• October 25, 2018

"I really hope that my review can help someone out there. Even if it only helps one person, it will be worth it to me. I just had my first child in the month of April, and about 3 months later, I noticed something was different. I was scared to leave the house, and even the most simple tasks seemed overwhelming. My thoughts were racing, I would pace back and forth, and I was having multiple panic attacks. I wanted to call the emergency room because I thought I was losing my mind! After suffering for a month, I spoke to my doctor, and she prescribed me 10 mg of Lexapro. I had every side effect, including upset stomach, hot flashes, going to the bathroom constantly, insomnia, mood swings, shaky hands, loss of appetite, and nausea. After 3 weeks, my side effects are almost gone! My appetite is back, I don't have panic attacks anymore, and I'm not scared to leave the house! Please be patient with this medication. It takes 3-4 weeks to even BEGIN to be effective!"

• Sll...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 30, 2024

"First off—I hardly ever review anything, but I wanted to come on here to encourage those who may be scared to try this medicine, as I was. My anxiety had gotten so bad that I was terrified of everything at the time. I wasn't sleeping, wasn't eating, and was dealing with crippling anxiety most days. I have diagnosed ADHD/OCD and have managed those things throughout my life without the need for medication…until I hit my 40s and things started to change hormonally for me. The first week on the medication was a bit rough, but doable. Hang in there, and it just may change your life, as it has mine. I'm so thankful for this medication. I'm on 5 mg (started at 2.5). My intrusive thoughts and OCD started to improve within two weeks. By the end of six weeks on the med, I was sleeping better than I have in years, eating again, and feeling like myself again. If you're struggling with OCD/anxiety, please consider trying this med!"

• Ste...
• July 4, 2017

"This drug - super small dose - has changed my life. I have been a nurse for 26 years. My stress and anxiety levels were at the max! I just wanted to sleep on my days off and I did not want to socialize. I was easily overwhelmed and worried constantly. I was just awful. I started Lexapro at 10 mg and it was too much! I backed down to 5 mg and the first 3 weeks were hell. I felt out of body - exhausted but could not sleep - it was just an awful three weeks. After reading many reviews to hang in there - that's what I did. Around week 3-4 - I adjusted. I felt like my worries rolled off my back, I wanted to do things, I felt more energy than I had in years, I was laughing and finally listening to people did not annoy me! Hang in!!"

• Deb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 18, 2019

"My entire life, and I mean even as a child, I can remember overthinking and worrying about everything. I have dealt with the anxiety that comes from the worry and the panic attacks too. It wasn’t until I turned 40 that I mentioned this to a new doctor I started seeing, and he prescribed Lexapro. My god, I wish someone had opened my eyes before. I assumed everyone felt this way, but after a month on Lexapro, it was a weight lifted off of my shoulders. I am so happy to not feel all of that anxiety anymore. Normal stress is fine, but the overwhelming feeling of anxiety is gone, and I hope it stays that way. It’s been close to 4 years now, and it’s still working for me. Lexapro really is an amazing drug."

• Spe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2015

"I posted in Oct. My 9 yr. old has Asperger's and my life was hard. It is now the last week of month 2 on 10 mg of Lexapro. OMG!! Is this what normal really feels like!? Please, if you have anxiety and possible depression, give this drug a chance. I feel like a new person. I laugh at shows now, I have a sense of humor again. My spouse is spending more time around me since I am more pleasant to be around. I cooked a small Thanksgiving dinner for 4 from scratch in 4 hours without stressing it. I can watch sad movies and feel the emotions but not cry through the whole show or movie. Find myself interested in things I used to enjoy but stopped. I am glad I hung in and listened to others who said to give it 6-8 weeks for full effect. They were right. :)"

• Sak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2020

"I was prescribed Lexapro after my constant, full-body shaking and dizziness had no reasonable cause, and I have a family history of anxiety. The first week is absolutely the worst. I couldn't eat, sleep, shaking got way worse, felt like passing out, dizzy, restless legs, unable to concentrate. Be warned, you need to take a week off work before starting this stuff. After a week, a lot of the problems went away. I had a day without any shaking in my body or dizziness, then it came back, then went away again. It will work eventually, just stick with it."

• Daw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2019

"I was suffering from horrible anxiety and panic attacks, and I became agoraphobic. I hated it, and being an owner of 5 businesses, I had to have help. I actually came to this site and read all the reviews before I started. The first 2 weeks were tough, but I was prepared because of the reviews. I had vertigo, a little increased anxiety, couldn't cry, and blurred vision. I started with half a dose the first week, 5mg, and then upped it to 10mg. But if you stick with this, I'm at a month, and with behavioral therapy and Lexapro... I'm living my life again and beginning to feel great again. I'm mad I waited so long to try it...it's worked amazingly for me, but like I said, you have to get through the adjustment period, and at about 2 weeks things calm down, and you start to feel more at peace. Good luck!"

• ext...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2015

"Before Lexapro I was extremely stressed out for at least a year before taking it. Everything my boyfriend would do would cause me to snap. I would snap on family members constantly as well. If they were chewing too loud, whistling, or looking at me, I would flip out and yell. No lie here...within 2 days I had noticed a day and night difference. My boyfriend absolutely adores me now. I love who I am and I can't imagine life the way it was before. This medicine was/is a miracle to me. The only side effect I had was yawning often the first two days, but that went away. I love living life now and enjoy myself. I can't express enough how much it has helped. My life has taken an absolute 180!"

• Anonymous
• August 15, 2008

"Since I was in 10th grade, I've had anxiety and depression. I was placed on Lexapro 10mg, but still had some social anxiety and anxiety about other things. I didn't have as much as before so the doctor increased it to 20mg. I've never felt better. Like others have said, I almost forget I have anxiety. I feel fine every day and it's the greatest feeling in the world. If anyone is reading this post and is unsure about asking the doctor for help with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, etc., please don't wait. This drug truly saved my life."