Lexapro for Depression User Reviews (Page 5)

• Neu...
• May 24, 2015

"Everything in my life caused gut-wrenching sadness, and I felt disconnected from the world at 18, as I suffered from depression and social anxiety. I was prescribed this medication after my depression gradually got worse. Initially (for the first 2 weeks), my symptoms worsened drastically. Then, one day, it was like someone flipped a switch, and I felt good again, like I hadn't in years. I felt like I could be myself. My grades went up, I got into a great private university, and I dated like crazy. I also was less hostile, and I could solve problems and assert myself more. I cannot emphasize how grateful I am for this medication, it changed my life. Just give it time to work. I am a male, by the way, and I was on a pretty moderated dose."

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

"I was prescribed Lexapro 10 mg daily for severe depression. Within an hour after taking it, I felt incredibly drowsy and proceeded to fall into a fake sleep-not sleeping yet not quite awake. The next 24 hours were a pure nightmare. Insomnia, severe nausea, brain fog, shaking, dizziness, headache, and stomach ache. I also felt an increase in anxiety and paranoia and kept telling my husband I felt sick and that something bad was going to happen. All this after only ONE 10 mg dose! This stuff is toxic. Never again."

• KR9...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2023

"I am a 32-year-old ambitious overachiever and went all out to get what I wanted, and I did. For the last 2 years, due to personal issues and loneliness, I hit my lowest point. I tried therapy, meditation, etc., but couldn’t get rid of the daily struggle. My PCP prescribed me Lexapro in 2021 - I tried it for a day but gave it up as I felt sudden numbness, but since my situation kept getting worse, I decided to give it another shot in April 2023. Let me tell you - this drug truly is a MIRACLE! It’s been 6 months, my life is absolutely back on track, and I am back to my normal self. Here’s my advice: The FIRST 2 weeks of taking this medication - DO NOT be alone! My depression got so much worse, I was on the floor. Thankfully, I asked my mom to stay with me and help me go through it. By the THIRD week, it was like I could breathe again, something got off my chest, and it felt like life could be good again. Please give this medication a shot and don’t give up. Lexapro WORKS! Side effects: weight gain."

• Mic...
• April 8, 2017

"I've been on Lexapro for 3 weeks now and feel SO much better! Prior to starting the medication, I cried numerous times daily, had panic attacks, and just felt hopeless/worthless. My life was terrible, and I felt like I couldn't function anymore. This medication has really helped me, and I have not noticed any side effects so far! I have not cried once since being on the medication. I have a more positive outlook on life now as well. It's wonderful!"

• vjh...
• September 25, 2013

"50-year-old male with depression and anxiety from life changes and job. Resisted for a long time and judged others on SSRIs as weak. Finally crashed and admitted I needed help. Three months out now on 10 mg/day. Initial side effects were chills, yawns, and slightly tense jaw muscles. All of that disappeared. Now I'm free of depressive bouts and greatly reduced anxiety. Has allowed me to enjoy things again and I get better sleep. I take it in the morning."

• Cru...
• August 30, 2019

"I have had depression for as long as I can remember, but anxiety only started about 3 years ago. I’ve tried antidepressants in the past and hated the side effects, so I stopped them altogether until recently when my psychiatrist said I should try Lexapro. I’ve been on it for 2 weeks, and the side effects are in the extremities for me: migraines, nausea, loud ringing in my ears, fatigue, lack of sleep, blurred vision, and dizziness. Pretty much as horribly as you can imagine. BUT after the first week, I stopped being paranoid. I could take a shower without thinking I’m going to drown. It’s all mental issues that I ignored for a long time, which eventually turned into something out of my control. After 2 weeks on Lexapro, I can honestly say it’s helping me. I don’t expect it to cure or fix my problem, but I know it will help me manage my thoughts and help me get control of my emotions, which will eventually make me understand what I’m doing wrong in life so I can fix it myself."

• Unk...
• November 22, 2019

"My experience, unfortunately, was very unsettling. The first few days were okay, although I instantly noticed a decrease in concentration. Then I started to notice my depression becoming worse, and anxiety went through the roof. I started to become consumed by negative thoughts and couldn’t seem to come down from being angry or sad about some things I couldn’t even pinpoint. I thought maybe I could handle it for a week, but then, as symptoms increased, I decided I had had enough because it started to interfere with my relationship and made certain feelings I had more exaggerated and uncontrollable. I instantly called my psychiatrist, and I was told to ease off the medication. It’s been about a week, and I thought I was okay but had another breakdown last night over something minuscule and reacted in a way I normally wouldn’t. The ability to bring yourself out of depression or consumed negative thoughts on this product is impossible."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2020

"Let me start off by saying that Lexapro was the first medication that I went on to combat my anxiety and depression. At first, I was optimistic about medication, but after taking Lexapro, I was totally shaken up. It caused me to have severe mood swings. I went from the happiest I’ve ever been in my life, all the way down to rock bottom in not even 2-3 hours. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND."

• oba...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2018

"This drug has saved my life! I started on 10 mg and then got moved up to 20. I fortunately didn't have any side effects. I remember after my doctor suggested Lexapro, I spent hours on this site reading reviews. I was nervous, but I'm so glad I decided to start Lexapro. I had been experiencing anxiety and depression, and Lexapro has tremendously helped both. I didn't realize how bad my symptoms were until I got relief! I don't feel like I need to sleep all day now. Talking with people and making phone calls doesn't seem like a huge, painful chore. I feel lighter and can motivate myself to get done what I have to. I also am in therapy, which helps with some of my maladaptive thinking and negative self-thoughts (those patterns won't go away overnight). I'm more equipped to challenge those thoughts on this medication. Sometimes my anxiety creeps back up for no reason, and I've since been prescribed a PRN, but overall, I'm satisfied with my experience. I would recommend Lexapro!"

• ski...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2019

"I've been on Lexapro 10 mg for four months to treat depression and PTSD. Anxiety and depression have significantly improved. The adjustment period was challenging. For the first 2 weeks, I felt like my depression was gone. During the next 3 weeks, I felt lethargic with low motivation. After 1.5 months, I thought the medicine was no longer working, as my depression worsened. My psychiatrist upped the dosage to 15 mg. At 15 mg, I had fatigue, nausea, headaches, and slept 13-hour nights. I went back to 10 mg, and the negative side effects ceased. After 4 months, I think Lexapro is effective. I don't have inner negative chatter and don't feel like my brain is shutting off from being tired. I feel happier and more confident. I have improved motivation to go to work, exercise, and socialize. I feel more relaxed. No weight gain and SI is gone. Some days my brain is foggy. Depression still comes one week prior to my menstrual cycle. I'd say try to get through the adjustment period. Good luck!"

• JPa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2019

"I am a 50-year-old mother who was depressed. I cried constantly and was miserable to be around - I couldn't even remember how to laugh. My doctor prescribed 10 mg escitalopram. I was so eager to feel better that I took the first pill in the middle of the day. Within 2 hours, I had heart palpitations, was shaking, couldn't focus, and was very dizzy. I was sure I was going to die. I spent my day googling 'Lexapro side effects,' which said the side effects would lessen in 2 weeks. My doctor suggested a half pill, but within 4 days, I went back to 10 mg since I was eager to feel better. The side effects continued but lessened. I can't say that most of them were gone in less than 3 weeks, and even now, I still get some flushing in my chest (at 8-1/2 weeks). I would have quit, but at the same time, I found myself singing along with songs on the radio and even laughed. My crying bouts became less frequent. For now, I am content to relearn how to enjoy life and am happy I persevered."

• Mel...
• October 18, 2014

"I am an 18-year-old girl and diagnosed with depression. My first week with 10 mg Lexapro is beyond horrible: depression got worse, heart racing, sharpened negative thoughts, and no motivation at all when waking up in the morning. I can't concentrate and feel as if I want to cry most of the time. It lingers till the evening and tapers off toward night. At night, I feel euphoric. No problem with sleeping and weight gain. But since my depression got worse, the doctor decided to double my dose to 20 mg. The second week was even worse: nightmares every night, fatigue, lethargy, gases in the stomach. In the third week, it finally helps! Negative thoughts went away, and I feel lightheaded. Side effects: emotional numbness, sleepiness, laziness. But overall, this medicine is a true miracle."

• Anonymous
• December 23, 2020

"Such an amazing drug. It really saved my life, worth all the side effects in the beginning. Everything balanced out and I finally feel more like myself. It lessens the horrible feelings of 'I'm not good enough' and it calms my nerves quite a bit. Unfortunately, it calms down my sex life quite a bit too, I still manage, still good but takes longer, and that's the only long-term problem I've seen. Still gets 10/10!! #LOVE LEX"

• Lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2013

"I love this medication! I was on Zoloft and was a zombie! I couldn't sleep, and with a newborn, sleep was critical to me! I also gained a lot of weight! I have no issues sleeping now and generally have a more positive mood and am losing weight. You can tell when I don't take this! It's a dream!"

• Pep...
• February 2, 2013

"Lexapro saved my life and all of those around me. I would be proud to be a poster child for this medicine. Work issues had pushed me to the point of near suicide, crying, not being able to sleep through the night. Doctor started me out at 5 mg and wanted me to go to 10 mg, but didn't have to. 5mg did the trick. At least I know I can up it if I need to, but right now I am doing great!"

• Ski...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 8, 2020

"Took Lexapro 20 mg for 2 years for depression. It was efficacious for depression, however, I became lazy and unmotivated with memory deficiency towards the end. I used to spend most of my free time before this medication doing outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, surfing, skiing, and such. However, while on this drug, all I did was lay on the couch and do nothing. I stopped taking it, and within a week, motivation to do things I once loved was back, and my memory is not nearly as faulty as it was while on the drug. Withdrawal symptoms-yes. Brain zaps mostly occur in the dark hours of the day, in the evening, they slowly come on, but while sleeping, they are the worst. Also, night sweats. Did this drug relieve depression-yes. Did it make me into an unmotivated couch potato and stop doing all the activities I once loved-yes. Did my working memory severely go faulty-yes. Positives are it brought me out of suicidal thinking and, as a male, 47 with normal premature ejaculation, made me last longer."

• Moo...
• January 6, 2020

"I took this medication about 10 months for depression. I know people who this drug has done wonders for, I just wish I were one of those people. The first week on Lexapro, I felt great. My sense of humor came back, I wanted to be social, I was less anxious. The first month was great. The second two months were good. After that, it just became a pill I took at night that didn’t do anything. I didn’t feel a lot of emotion after a while. I started to crave it. I actually missed my anxiety because at least that felt human. I went off Lexapro after 10 months. I did it cold turkey, which I would NOT recommend. That was bad. After a few weeks, I was my old self again, but the depression was still there."

• lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2015

"My Dr. put me on Lexapro 10mg x 1 week then to go to 20mg thereafter for menopausal symptoms, sweats, insomnia. I am a retired nurse and felt so horrible on the 20mg, nausea, sweats, diarrhea... I called him and he tapered me to 10 mg q. H.S. It did the job!!! So for hell of 12 weeks on the 20mg, dropping to 10 mg has made my life shine!!! Hang in there! SSRIs do have a lot of bad side effects, but ride them out! Life is good!"

• Joa...
• March 24, 2016

"Lexapro has been a lifesaver! Started on Prozac for 8 weeks but did not work for me. Doctor switched me to Lexapro 3 weeks ago and I feel calm and relaxed for the first time in a long time. Only taking 20mg but really helps with sleep and making healthy rational decisions. I highly recommend and had no side effects."

• roc...
• November 19, 2007

"I am a 29-year-old female who has been taking Lexapro for about 5 weeks now to treat depression - 5mg for 2 weeks, then 10mg, and now up to my full-time 20mg dose. 5mg didn't affect me much, but now I feel better than I have in years. Side effects were minimal, except for waking up with headaches recently since increasing my dosage. People in my life notice a significant change in me. I wish I hadn't waited so long to seek treatment...this stuff is amazing!"

• wil...
• January 1, 2015

"Have taken for two years. It's the only SSRI I could take. All the other SSRIs had terrible side effects. It really helped with depression and anxiety. It has really helped me to sleep. There are some side effects, however. It has really decreased my libido and does make you gain weight. Because of these effects, I have decreased my dosage. It is a very good medicine, and I would highly recommend it."

• Mar...
• January 29, 2014

"Searched for balance for years. Tried a lot of different meds. Lexapro made my life normal. Take 20mg and 0.5 mg of clonazepam at bedtime. I am in sales, and people never would think I deal with anxiety and depression."

• Lxu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2016

"I've been on Effexor XR before and was off it for a few years. Life got tough again and new dr put me on 10 mg Lexapro. After a week, I can see light at the end of the tunnel and it might not be a freight train! After months of not being able to get back to sleep when I wake in the middle of the night, I'm now sleeping much better. Fuzzy thinking and digestive upset for a few days. I don't have much of an appetite, but that is really a good thing! I feel a little more focused too. I can feel my mental energy returning. So far so good."

• Anonymous
• June 16, 2008

"I have been taking this drug for 6 months. I started after a very sad time in our family, and some months after this, I had days where I would just break down and cry for no reason. I found out that depression is in our family and has made me more aware of this disease. I feel generally better and don't have the days of sadness that I used to but have side effects of insomnia, low sex drive, dizziness, and sometimes fatigue. Overall, I feel this drug has been helpful and would recommend it to others."

• Lif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2014

"Two weeks ago, I began taking Lexapro, and it is nothing short of a miracle. Although I was told it would take up to three weeks to work, I experienced relief almost immediately, within days. Prior to taking Lexapro, I was having suicidal thoughts nearly every day. My depression was so severe that it would wake me in the middle of the night, like a sharp pain or intense nausea. I would then lay awake. Since I started Lexapro, I haven't had any abnormal levels of anxiety or depression and I haven't had any suicidal thoughts. Side Effects: sleepy (take at night), mild nausea, extremely (almost too) mellow."