Lexapro for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 5)

• jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2019

"Lexapro is AMAZING if you can make it through the beginning. At first you may feel sick or not want to eat, a little depression here and there. But trust me if you can make it through that the rest is smooth sailing. I feel like myself again! Happy, can't stop talking and being joyful. I am so thankful I tried this because I really do not worry anymore. I am just happy and experiencing a lot more because I have such a clear head now(:"

• Bex...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 19, 2021

"I thought I could cope without antidepressants & wasted many years of my life struggling with stress & anxiety. After an extremely stressful event, I eventually 'crashed' & could no longer function. I couldn't eat, had terrible restlessness, I felt like I was detached from everyone & everything, I couldn't focus, I was confused, not sleeping at all most nights & depression hit hard. I had no choice but to begin medication immediately. The initial side effects of Cipralex wore off after about 2 weeks. My appetite returned, I began sleeping again & I felt calm. The side effects were minimal & were a small price to pay for the benefits of the medication. I was on 10mg for 14 months & tapered off gradually over 4 months. I had discontinuation symptoms of anxiety & insomnia for a few days but it's now been 2 weeks since stopping completely & I'm feeling great!"

• Tri...
• May 26, 2017

"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 collapse. My anxiety was so high, I 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 lose 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."

• Mom...
• March 18, 2019

"Had lots of freak outs the first 3 weeks on Lexapro for my anxiety. It was just my anxiety scaring me, thinking anything that was happening to me was the medication. I was given this for my anxiety due to postpartum anxiety and also it may coincide with depression from my mom's death 2 years ago. Anxiety caused me panic attacks which ceased to exist after about 1 month on it, worked better after 7 weeks. I’m able to get up out of bed, enjoy a movie, laugh and organize things. I look back at these unrealistic worries I had and laugh at them now. I still have some off days but they’re not nearly as much as before. I was too paranoid to drink caffeine and now I’m drinking coffee again. Yes, I had some funny phobias and I’m in a better place now. I give an 8 because it has a couple of minor side effects but nothing I want to note since I know people with anxiety will be reading this and they’re not big deals. Lexapro 10 mg for 3 months now and yes it really works for anxiety. Generic version Escitalopram."

• Avy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2014

"My Anxiety symptoms before Lexapro I was always paranoid of people judging me and just wasn't myself because I always felt panicked. I would socially isolate myself from friends and family, which then drove me into depression. My anxiety inhibited myself from learning and grasping new knowledge because I was too anxious to even learn. Even doing the smallest tasks (paying bills) would cause an overwhelming amount of anxiety. Now (after 4 weeks on 10 mg) - I'm mellow, feel confident. Someone I just met pegged me as an intellect! God knows how long anxiety has made me doubt my intelligence. I'm able to do tasks easier, which has reduced my procrastination. It hasn't completely reduced my depression, but I'm thinking of trying 20 mg."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 10, 2024

"Been on Lexapro for almost 4 years. I was always so terrified of the negative comments, but I got to a point where my anxiety was debilitating. Couldn't leave my house, etc. I have experienced absolutely no side effects, and I'm on 5 mg, and it works great. My life has changed so much since starting Lexapro. I'm so grateful for this medication, and this is the reason why I have my life back."

• mun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2014

"I was very anti-medication. I think people with anxiety often have a phobia of medication. This is too bad because it can be a total lifesaver. After a year of anxiety and agoraphobia with hypochondria, I relented and tried Lexapro. I had not been able to leave the house, which was debilitating. I had very few side effects with the meds, maybe minor headaches. After 2 weeks, I was able to travel. After 6 weeks, I was able to go back to work. It has been two months, and I continue to do better. I still need to work on some of the phobic situations, but have not had a panic attack in 2 months. It is a miracle medicine. I do hope I don't need to be on it forever, but for now, I am so very happy I took the plunge."

• Hat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2024

"I came on here in my darkest times, for support, encouragement and most importantly hope. I promised when I got better I would leave a review and my story, so here it is... I hope it helps. I have been medicated for anxiety for 8 years, and had been on 40mg of citalopram the whole time with hardly any anxiety blips. I decided to lower it from 40mg to 20mg and my anxiety came right back. I put it back up to 40mg but it stopped working (I was like this for 3 months). I decided to try Escitalopram (Lexapro). Started on 5mg, after a week 10mg, after another week 15mg, and then a few weeks later 20mg, and this was the sweet spot. My anxiety has been taken away and the depression has lifted. All in all, I'd say it took 4 weeks on 20mg to feel this. I am so happy I tried this medication, the Lord and savior Lexapro!"

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2024

"Love reading these reviews! I've been a terribly anxious person my entire life, as far back as I can remember. Because of the stigma/shame of mental illness, and my social anxiety, I chose to self-medicate at different times in my life to help ease my pain.This only made things worse. Recently, I lost a brother to cancer, my brother-in-law committed suicide, and many other issues in my life caused my already anxious/depressed state to turn into full-blown panic 24/7. I was in pure hell - not sleeping, no appetite, avoiding people, not going anywhere. I finally got an appointment with a psychiatrist who started me on Lexapro several days ago. I took 5 mg for a few days and now I'm taking 10 mg. I can feel the heavy anxiety lifting, and I have so much hope for the future that I didn't have before... much of this came from reading reviews from people who described having felt just like me, and are doing so much better now since they've been on Lexapro. For those still suffering, know that there is hope! Blessings!"

• Get...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2018

"I'll share my experience with Lexapro so far. I've been on it for a month now. Before starting it, I couldn't work, had daily panic attacks, social phobia, and derealization. It was awful, truly. I started on 10mg and had awful side effects - felt weird, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, increased anxiety! You name it. So I went down to 5mg, that was fine and no side effects at all. Although my anxiety was better, it wasn't gone. I upped to 7.5mg and did that for a bit. No side effects. I have to mention that I do take my Lexapro at nighttime because it still makes me very sleepy, but I sleep through that, obviously. I am now on 10mg after the gradual upping, and I have to say, my anxiety is nearly completely gone! I feel like myself again, and work (I work in the emergency department at a hospital) has been great. I am only assuming it will get even better in a month. I know when you start, the side effects can be hard, and you will want to stop. All I can say is hold out!"

• Dai...
• October 5, 2021

"I just wanted to come back onto this site and share my experience with Lexapro so far. My anxiety used to be so bad I was in a constant state of panic most days and always had thoughts of impending doom. I cried at the drop of a dime. It was literally ruining my relationships and friendships. I was constantly tired and angry at the world. I had talked to my doctor, and we both decided I should give Lexapro a try. I was very hesitant at first, but I picked up my prescription of 5 mg. The first couple of days were terrible, I'm not going to lie to you. I had intense brain fog, brain zaps, and I would fall asleep and wake up with intense anxiety. But you know what got me through that? The reviews on this site! Telling me it was going to be okay and to give it a chance! I told my doctor my symptoms, and she prescribed me a small dose of Xanax to take before bed. Fast forward to 4 months later, I am a totally different person, but I still have small bouts of anxiety here and there, but it's manageable! Good luck!"

• Guy...
• September 30, 2019

"The first couple of weeks were very difficult. I had increased anxiety, much worse than the anxiety I was being treated for, but that stopped right at the 2-week mark overnight. I felt a lot better but still not quite where I wanted to be. I went back to the doctor at the 3-week mark, and he increased the dose from 10mg to 20mg, and immediately I felt a difference. I did not have increased anxiety this time like I did when I started. In fact, the first day I felt very relaxed, almost euphoric. On the second day, I felt more like my old self, the anxiety and intrusive thoughts seemed to be very minor. I did have anxiety in the mornings for a while, but that has started to get better also. My anxiety is nearly zero at this point, and I find that I am better able to handle stressful situations. I 100% recommend Lexapro, just stick with it. The bad stuff goes away pretty quickly, and after a month or so, you will find yourself again. It has been a Godsend for me, and I am so thankful for it."

• AJG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2021

"I had depression and anxiety for years and never dealt with it. I hit a big wall during COVID. Panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, just awful stuff. I connected with my doctor, and they prescribed 10 mg daily. The first two weeks were awful, as expected, I should have taken some time off work. But man, I'm in my third month, and my edges are softened. I tolerate a lot more, I'm doing things I love again, and the bad thoughts are gone! The best part is that my kids noticed that I'm not as angry, sad, unpredictable, and unstable. Huge! It's tough at first, have your support ready, but wow!"

• reh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2019

"It is a miracle drug!! I'm from India. I have been dealing with social anxiety, lack of concentration, and low self-confidence. I'm afraid of this world. One day, my doctor prescribed me Lexapro 10 mg, and you know what?? On my first day, I felt a difference. After 6 days, I'm more confident, more talkative, have more self-esteem, and my anxiety is gone 95 percent. I feel more energetic. Now, I'm not afraid of this world. I enjoy life and making new friends. I think everyone on this planet should take this drug even if they have any symptoms like I did. This drug makes them complete. As for side effects? I don't have any except delayed ejaculation, which I think is okay because it makes my wife happy ;) Thanks to all, I pray for all of you."

• DDa...
• December 17, 2019

"The first couple of days on Lexapro were terrible, and the first couple of weeks were rough. I've been taking 10 mg now for almost a month. After 3 weeks, it feels like my anxiety is 50% less. You start noticing the positive effects within a few weeks. Keep taking it - it's worth it. Can't wait to see how I'll feel 6-8 weeks in. :)"

• Bee...
• February 16, 2015

"I had severe panic attacks for 6 months! I developed derealization and was scared of everything. I felt like I was living in a nightmare. I felt relief from Lexapro immediately. I was foggy-headed at first, but that went away. I feel amazing after 2 months of taking it. I feel like my old self again. The only side effect is dizziness at night sometimes. I only take 5 mg."

• Had...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2020

"My husband started 5mg of Lexapro about 8 weeks ago. He has anxiety, panic attacks, and some OCD tendencies. He had side effects at first, slightly increased panic attacks and anxiety. Started feeling better though after the first week. Not as good as he wanted, so he went to 10mg and had a relapse of side effects, but to me, the panic attack seemed slightly less severe and passed quickly. It has been a month on the 20mg, and he has had several bad panic attacks and some increased anxiety. We were really worried about this, but then did some more reading, and it seems that it was common for people to have this happen after a month but it passed. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this happen after a month of starting and if they continued. Did it get better, and how long until it passed."

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2024

"Great medicine! Helped with panic attacks, depression, OCD, and generalized anxiety disorder. I was practically crippled with anxiety for four months, and this helped immediately. Start low if you have to, 2.5 mg (quarter pill), 5 mg (half pill), and work up to the full 10 mg pill over the course of several days or two weeks. That's what I did. Zero side effects, and the mood/anxiety change and relief are amazing."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2014

"I started Lexapro less than 3 weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I was extremely nauseous and threw up several times just hours after taking it my first week, so I started taking it an hour before bed (also makes me very drowsy so it helps me fall asleep). I am no longer feeling sick whatsoever. I have lost more than 10 pounds and have gained TONS of self-confidence. I highly recommend trying Lexapro."

• pix...
• September 11, 2014

"I have experienced horrible panic attacks and anxiety my whole life but went unnoticed until a major breakdown this summer. I was unable to sleep, had panic attacks at work, and could barely function. I had thoughts of doom, and my emotions were out of control. The anxiety led to depression, and it felt like my life was spinning out of control. I have since sought help and am doing great on 10mg of Lexapro and 1 mg Klonopin for anxiety. My moods are also better, worrisome thoughts are under control. I highly recommend this medication to anyone suffering from anxiety and depression."

• Lex...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2023

"'This medication saved my life.' This is my first review for a medication. Like myself, and so many other people out there, I have had horrible side effects with a lot of other medications. I can't tell you how many I've tried, but the last time I tried another medication for anxiety, it was hell, and I wouldn't wish my experience on my worst enemy. Because of my previous experience, I vowed to never take a pill again since my last experience was so terrible. I made it over a year and lived with terrible anxiety every day. I was in a constant state of fight or flight mode, and my heart was always pounding. I could never relax. I was driving my wife crazy with my worries and was unable to enjoy life. I called my doctor, and he recommended I try Lexapro. I have been on it for over 2 years now. I spent days on the internet reading reviews, and thanks to all of the positive ones, I decided to give it a try. To those who are reading this, please give it a try. It could save your life."

• Wor...
• May 20, 2013

"Lexapro saved my life, pure and simple. I was 42 years old and worked many years in the financial industry. One night before I went to bed right after X-mas, I had a severe panic attack, and for three months, I suffered unbelievably. I tried dieting, meditation, vitamins, exercise, you name it. Nothing worked. I first tried Zoloft, but the side effects were awful. Next, I tried Lexapro. Side effects were bad for 2 weeks, and then after a month, anxiety reduced by 80%. Still have some, but 100% better than before. Another key is to meditate, eat right, exercise, and connect spiritually. Lexapro for the brain and meditation for the soul!"

• Ana...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2023

"I found myself saddled with intense anxiety in the early spring of 2022. I’m still not quite certain how it happened, or how I let it in, but it became a daily source of discomfort for me. I believe that it was one panic attack, which scared me so much, that I suddenly began thinking about panic attacks all of the time. This may be what contributed to the ongoing problem. I began to avoid things that I felt might put me into uncomfortable situations and trigger the anxiety attacks. Even going into the grocery store became a huge problem for me. I would have to plan in advance in order to do it as quickly as possible. If I had to drive somewhere, I needed to find the shortest possible route. Anyway, I began taking 5 mg of Lexapro in late June, and although it was slow, I now feel like my old self. Taking the long way home and not thinking about anxiety as much, if at all. I had no side effects whatsoever, and I want to tell anyone who is considering it, that it’s OK!"

• Izz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 8, 2024

"I truly believe Lexapro has saved my life. Having had panic attacks and insomnia started at 10 years old, I was feeling pretty hopeless at 22 when my anxiety started to interfere even more with my daily life. My anxiety centered around a fear of going to sleep because I knew I’d be watching the clock all day, unable to fall asleep, and be miserable the next day. The prolonged lack of sleep turned into thoughts of not wanting to even wake up if I was able to fall asleep. My heart would race, my head would spin, and I would nearly throw up during these panic attacks. With the start of my doctoral program approaching soon, I knew I had to make a decision with my doctor, and in May of 2024, I started Lexapro at 5 mg. I was ashamed to be on an SSRI, but having exhausted every other option, I figured I had nothing to lose. The first couple of weeks were challenging; don’t give up! It is 100% worth it, and it gave me my life back!"

• Twe...
• October 3, 2014

"Lexapro saved my life. I was locked into worry, self-recrimination, and rumination. I couldn't let go of the past and see myself in a good light. Within a couple of days, the anxiety lifted and I could finally sleep! I've been taking it now for 6 weeks. In that time, I got a volunteer job that I love and I'm so upbeat. I'm grateful for this site because I read others' experiences which led me to ask my psychiatrist for Lexapro. Thanks to the posts about taking only the brand name Lexapro (my psychiatrist concurs). It's difficult taking medicines because with emotional/mental problems we feel out of control and taking a medicine that doesn't work makes us feel more out of control. It's worth trying until you find what works. Don't give up."