Lexapro for Depression User Reviews (Page 4)
Reviews for Lexapro
- Aus...
- December 28, 2015
"I was very skeptical about going on medication, and I was really against it, but after a big breakdown and not seeing the light, I took Lexapro. I kept reading the reviews daily for hope as it took a long time for the medication to kick in. Please give it 8 to 10 weeks! Now thoughts that would upset me just don't. It helps to lift the heavy fog and help you to live a normal life again. I still have anxiety at times, but I am slowly improving, and it is helping. Thank you Lexapro, you really are a miracle. Don't give up, guys!"
- Tri...
- August 7, 2012
"I am a 53-year-old female. I fell into a deep depression 1 year ago. I couldn't sleep or eat, had severe anxiety, and almost couldn't function at all. I had feelings of hopelessness, even felt suicidal at times. I was frightened. My psychiatrist tried several medicines. I am VERY sensitive to medication. Celebrex and Celexa made me sick. I tried 5 mg of Lexapro. I felt jittery and a little nauseous but stuck with it. After 2 weeks, I went up to 10 mg. After 4-5 weeks, I started to feel normal again. The side effects got better. My sex drive is fine, and I haven't experienced weight gain. It's been a year, and we are thinking about weaning me off in a couple of months. I am so happy I stuck with Lexapro. It saved my life. Don't give up."
Frequently asked questions
- Why does Lexapro cause weight gain?
- SSRIs vs SNRIs - What's the difference between them?
- When is the best time to take Lexapro?
- How long does it take for Lexapro to work?
- Luk...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 14, 2025
"I have struggled with anxiety and depression my entire life. When I first tried this drug in 2021, I felt a lot better, but I was tired all the time and had sexual side effects. I was in desperate need of a solution a month ago, and my GP prescribed 150 mg Wellbutrin XL and 10 mg Lexapro daily. I have so much more energy now, I can sleep, I can do my job normally, I feel like I have finally gotten my life back together. The Wellbutrin helped 90% with the sexual side effects, and it gave me energy. This drug has helped my life immensely, highly recommend."
- Hla...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 22, 2016
"I started taking Lexapro about 7 weeks ago after an extremely traumatic unexpected loss of my long-term boyfriend, who I lived with. I was not functioning or able to deal with life before I got on Lexapro. I couldn't stop overwhelming thoughts, anxiety, crying. I couldn't face life. Lexapro has helped me begin the process of healing in a healthy way and resume life. I don't feel any different other than I have rational thoughts and I am in control of my emotions. I know I would not be moving forward in a positive manner if it wasn't for this medication. The change was like day and night, and I am thankful."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- KSa...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 24, 2019
"Lexapro has changed my life for the better. I first started Lexapro in September of 2018 after consulting with my MD about severe PMS symptoms, including short temper and feelings of disgust towards my significant other. I never expected it to improve my day-to-day life. Since I've been on Lexapro, my PMS issue has been completely resolved, and I'm a generally happier person. My co-workers, who don't know I've started taking Lexapro, have told me that I'm more approachable, and I even got employee of the quarter! That's NEVER happened before! The only noticeable side effect I had was a decreased libido, but it was short-lived. With less anger and no more 'divorce or death' PMS feelings, my sex life is as good if not better than ever! Medications work differently from individual to individual, but for me, Lexapro is a lifesaver!"
- Anonymous
- June 21, 2008
"I am 60 years old and have suffered chronically from depression and anxiety. After alcohol stopped doing the trick 25 years ago, I started a long journey with antidepressants. Imipramine was very effective but had very unpleasant side effects. Over time, I have taken Paxil, Effexor, Celexa, and then a few years ago Lexapro (20 mg). While all of them were helpful, Lexapro has been a miracle - I often forget I have the disease."
More FAQ
- Does Lexapro cause night sweats?
- What is the difference between Celexa and Lexapro?
- Lexapro vs Zoloft: How do they compare?
- Treatments for Menopause
- Eut...
- February 17, 2015
"I was prescribed Lexapro for depression, 10mg/day. I have been suffering from depression for nearly 2 years now, and I finally forced myself to seek medical help. I'm only on day 3, but I can honestly notice a slight positive change already. Days 1 & 2 have been a bit difficult; uncontrollable yawning, fatigued, and a bit nauseated. But today, day 3, it feels like a light switched on in my brain! That light is at the end of the tunnel, meaning I have to give a little more time. If you are truly depressed, this medicine will help you."
- Dal...
- July 19, 2014
"I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis a few months back and ended up having to return to the doctor within a month of diagnosis for the same thing. He seemed baffled as he said I shouldn't have had another attack so soon! I had been having some major anxiety so I asked him if this could be the cause and he agreed. He decided to put me on 10 mg of Lexapro and to be honest, I wasn't expecting much. I had been on Zoloft, Paxil, and Cymbalta with almost no difference. I took the first pill before going to bed that night and woke up in the morning ready to run a marathon! I finally feel happy, hopeful, almost no anxiety, I can speak my mind now when before I was too scared etc., etc... LOVE IT!"
- Sha...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 9, 2015
"I just started this medicine 3 days ago and I cannot express how much of an effect it has had on me already. I just graduated high school and became depressed soon after, severe anxiety where I couldn't go out to eat without having to vomit. I also couldn't keep focus on anything, especially when trying to talk to people, and overall was in the worst state of my life. Thought I was hopefully, constantly having break downs, etc. the doctor prescribed this medicine to me a few months before graduation due to anxiety and overall not feeling myself, I was definitely skeptical and taking medicine in my eyes was a sign of weakness so, I put off the treatment hoping I could cure myself out of this funk. I went to ct and it helped but it was mainly focused on anxiety. I stopped going because it seemed a waste of my time. Graduation rolls around, my best friend leaves for college really early and my life falls apart. A week was about all I could take of the constant emptiness, headaches, and nausea I got from being so depressed so I decided to start Lexapro. The doctor prescribed me 10 mg and the first day I took it (in the morning) I was in a state of euphoria. Just a little background on myself, I was never that outgoing but constantly happy. Never the one to be outgoing in front of strangers and was very conscious of people around me. Not on this pill. I was loopy, could not stop laughing and would not shut up. Although this was great, it did not feel normal and I had very bad dizziness and insomnia that night as the drug began to wear off. But I wasn't laying in bed miserably like I did countless nights before, I kind of sat there with a smile so it was actually kind of creepy. That morning I called my physician and asked if this was a normal or okay reaction considering I've been told you shouldn't feel anything for 4-6 weeks. He mentioned that it was 'weird' that I had this response but it was a negative one. He recommended I cut my dosage in half and stick with taking 5 kg a day since the 10 obviously overtook my body. Within hours of hanging up I popped half a tablet and can honestly say I felt happy without many side effects. I continued this the following day and my relationship with my boyfriend, family, and friends has greatly improved, I sleep better, I can laugh and actually mean it and I can go in public places without constantly being self-conscious. I've heard it can have bad results in week 1 and 2 but after taking this medicine for only 3 days, whether it's the placebo effect or not, has saved me and helped me to return to my normal self."
- It...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- August 28, 2013
"I am 47 and have suffered from bouts of depression all my life, but about 2 years ago, I was hit with depression and panic attacks so severe, I literally wanted to die. I tried a few medications that didn't work, and then Lexapro at 10mg. At first, I was very disappointed because it didn't help, even after about 3 weeks. Then it was increased to 20mg, and I swear within about 3 days, I felt like a new person. I have been on it for about 2 years. At times, I have tried decreasing back to 10mg, but I end up with the same severe depression/anxiety symptoms. So, I will be staying on 20mg. Thank you for making something like Lexapro available to me."
- Jhj...
- January 3, 2014
"I'm 30 years old, have been suffering from depression on and off for years. This year, I came down with a hard case of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which rendered me a useless ball of fear every day from the afternoon onward and eventually led to other problems (digestion, neurological, and otherwise). My doctor prescribed 10mg escitalopram. Goodness, I wasn't expecting much, but I feel absolutely fantastic now. I'm happy and can focus on daily activities, even in the dark winter evenings. Also, I've been on it for almost 2 months now, and I haven't noticed any side effects! No digestive or sexual problems which seem to be not-so-rarely reported."
- Tha...
- August 28, 2016
"This pill cleared up so many of my mental and physical symptoms that it's difficult to list them all. Gone are the black-and-white thinking, the ceaseless pain of existing, the social anxiety, irrational and confused thoughts, inability to truly engage with the world, hopelessness, blank future, exhaustion no matter how much I sleep, procrastination, and psychic agony that only self-harm could alleviate. Not only can I hold an extended conversation with someone, I'm also able to appreciate this improvement in my life instead of feeling like it doesn't matter. Unfortunately, my libido is also gone. Since it was low to begin with, I don't miss it too much, but one day I'd like to know what having a libido is like. Wellbutrin, perhaps?"
- Clj...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 4, 2020
"My doctor put me on 10 mg of generic Lexapro probably a year ago. I saw no change in mood, and anxiety attacks continued regularly. Two months ago, she increased my dosage to 20 mg. After about 1 1/2 months, I noticed a horrible decline in my personality. I was sad constantly, anxiety increased, and I had dark thoughts, which included suicidal thoughts. I started cutting, felt an increase in anger where I was throwing things, banging my head on the wall, and began drinking again after 4 1/2 years of sobriety. Taking this dosage is the only thing that has changed in my life, all other stresses are the same. I called my doctor and said I wanted off of this medication completely. She didn’t feel that I had given the new dose enough time. I don’t care. I’m getting off of it, so I am in the process of decreasing the dosage and hope to be off of it completely within 3 months max."
- Jea...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 26, 2023
"I started with Lexapro 5 mg about 3 weeks ago. I was really tired the first week. By 2 weeks in, I began to feel the medicine jump-starting me back to life. It’s wild and refreshing. I can hardly believe it myself. If you’re reading this, I’d encourage you to give it a try. I hope it works for you!"
- Got...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 15, 2016
"After the death of one of my relative, my whole world changed. I thought it was due to my emotional nature. I started having panic attacks, lack of interest, unusual feeling of fear, lack of appetite, was not able to look after myself or my family. I thought that I was going to die. It was all unbearable. But believe me, Lexapro is really great. After 8 weeks, I started feeling my normal self. Mild side effects: yawning, tiredness. But it may be due to my illness rather than the medicine effect. After taking this medicine, I got my strength back. It has saved my life. Just give it a try and hang on there for at least 2 months. It can really save your life too."
- Eli...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 30, 2018
"I lost my mom when I was 24 years old. Five years later, my dad passed away too. I thought I was fine, but I really was not. Going forward, I hate that I did not take this medicine sooner. I used to get agitated about the smallest things. I was also always tired, and I could sleep all day if allowed. I finally did some homework on this medicine and set a doctor's appointment. I take 20 mg, and I am so grateful to have my life back. It is worth a try."
- Anonymous
- July 9, 2016
"I was prescribed Lexapro 5 mg for perimenopausal rages and major depressive disorder. Considering this is my first antidepressant, I cautiously started with half a tablet (2.5 mg). The side effects were horrible: severe dizziness, headaches, nausea, and confusion. I could not function at work. Over time, my depression, angry outbursts, rumination worsened and started to affect my interaction with coworkers. I decided to give Lexapro another try and start with 1/4 of a tablet (1.25 mg). I took the Lexapro at bedtime, and in the morning, I was the happiest I've been in months, no anxiety, no negative repetitive thoughts. This is a strong drug. My recommendation is to start slowly to avoid severe side effects and then increase if needed."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 12, 2020
"Caused nausea, vomiting, blackouts, and unwanted thoughts. Ended up in the psych ward for a week. After a DNA test, I found out I metabolize this medication extremely quickly to the point it's unsafe for use."
- Kod...
- November 27, 2014
"I dealt with anxiety and depression for several years. I had high social anxiety and found pleasure in isolation and darkness. I started on one SSRI, but the side effects turned me into another person completely. I experienced emotional, spiritual, and creative numbness, weight gain, and overconfidence. So I got off of it because I wasn't myself anymore. I tapered off of that, and then I got on Lexapro, and it immediately took care of my depressive symptoms and anxiety. I bumped up to 20mg after a couple of months, and I am perfectly back to normal. I feel like myself. No side effects at all! I highly recommend Lexapro. Just be patient and wait it out."
- Gri...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- September 26, 2020
"Overall, Lexapro has been very helpful in treating my MDD and GAD. It has lowered my anxiety substantially and helped me cope with depression. While it has left me with severe insomnia, I would take that over MDD and GAD anytime."
- AAT...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 27, 2015
"It's incredible how much Lexapro has improved my overall emotional wellness in such a short amount of time. I was extremely hesitant to start medication for obvious reasons, but after much research, I decided to give it a try. I cannot stress enough how much of a positive effect Lexapro has had on my life. Just feeling that the darkest of clouds has been lifted after lingering for years is pure happiness and relief; I didn't even think it was possible. The first week I was pretty nauseous, and I still get drowsy and have some trouble sleeping on this medication, but it is nothing compared to how I felt prior to taking Lexapro. You deserve to be HAPPY. Give it a try."
- Jay...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- March 8, 2020
"I was on Lexapro for the last 3 years due to depression. I felt much better at first, but absolutely hate the side effects. It cut my sex drive way down and made me lose muscle/weight, no matter how hard I worked out. The withdrawal symptoms are not fun, but after weaning myself off it, I feel so much better with my normal energy and libido back."
- Lis...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 13, 2015
"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
"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."
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"I first started Lexapro on 1/10/19 with a small dosage of 5 mg. Every 4 weeks, I’d follow up with my doctor to see if an increase should be made. The current date is 3/28/19, and I’m on 20 mg. My experience with it has been wonderful. I suffered from severe depression, OCD, and anxiety. Because of my depression, I’d have mood swings, and everything irritated me. I started on Prozac, which is wonderful for anxiety, but the vivid dreams were so intense that I asked to be removed from them. Now on Lexapro, I still dream every day, but they are tolerable dreams. Depression is no joke, folks. Please keep in mind that what worked for me may not work for you and vice versa. Find something that works for you! I thank Lexapro for making me feel normal again."