Lexapro and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 49 1/2, and today I can tell you I am happy, positive, and full of hope. I am on 10mg of Lexapro, just finishing up my 8th week. I also have Ativan for emergencies, and I still need Ambien to sleep. Before taking Lexapro, I was always anxious and easily overwhelmed. Then I had too many things happen in a short time period that caused me to have a meltdown. Three trips to the ER, with one of them a short stay in a unit, after Celexa caused me to have suicidal thoughts. I was constantly worrying about everything. I couldn't eat or sleep, but with Lexapro, my appetite came back in just the first 3 days. I was very scared to try another drug after Celexa, but I can't tell you how happy I am to be back, better than new. Take a chance."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 49 1/2, and today I can tell you I am happy, positive, and full of hope. I am on 10mg of Lexapro, just finishing up my 8th week. I also have Ativan for emergencies, and I still need Ambien to sleep. Before taking Lexapro, I was always anxious and easily overwhelmed. Then I had too many things happen in a short time period that caused me to have a meltdown. Three trips to the ER, with one of them a short stay in a unit, after Celexa caused me to have suicidal thoughts. I was constantly worrying about everything. I couldn't eat or sleep, but with Lexapro, my appetite came back in just the first 3 days. I was very scared to try another drug after Celexa, but I can't tell you how happy I am to be back, better than new. Take a chance."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 49 1/2, and today I can tell you I am happy, positive, and full of hope. I am on 10mg of Lexapro, just finishing up my 8th week. I also have Ativan for emergencies, and I still need Ambien to sleep. Before taking Lexapro, I was always anxious and easily overwhelmed. Then I had too many things happen in a short time period that caused me to have a meltdown. Three trips to the ER, with one of them a short stay in a unit, after Celexa caused me to have suicidal thoughts. I was constantly worrying about everything. I couldn't eat or sleep, but with Lexapro, my appetite came back in just the first 3 days. I was very scared to try another drug after Celexa, but I can't tell you how happy I am to be back, better than new. Take a chance."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2017

For Depression "After struggling with depression and anxiety for the past 10 years (23 now), I was beyond miserable with the way I felt. Due to the depression and anxiety, I isolated myself from friends, dreaded things I used to enjoy, etc. I saw my doctor about a month ago and was prescribed Escitalopram (generic of Lexapro), at 5 mg. In the beginning of starting this medication, I noticed nausea, increased anxiety and irritability, and tiredness. After 2 weeks of starting this medication, I slowly started feeling the positive effects, which included lowered depression and the ability to control my anxiety and panic attacks. I am so grateful my doctor prescribed me this medication, because I finally feel like I'm regaining my happiness and self-esteem!"

• Sva...
• October 4, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I finally sought medical help for what I thought was a lifelong struggle with depression, which ended up being more of an anxiety disorder. I never thought I had anxiety--even though my mom and 2 sisters have anxiety disorders. I shut down, retreat, avoid, sleep--where they all become frantic. I thought I was having a heart attack one night (panic attack) and sought treatment a few weeks later. It's been about 4 months on Lexapro, and I realize for the first time I don't feel a general sense of dread. I actually answer the phone. I always thought it was just a funny quirk that I hated answering the phone, but I now realize I was afraid. I'm on 20mg and went through really rough anxiety at the outset--stick with it!! It's worth it."

• Amb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 2, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro saved my life! I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder years ago. Lexapro was the first SSRI I've tried, and it worked like a wonder! I've been on 7.5 mg for 4 years and increased to 15 mg 6 months ago. The very first time, after the increased dosage, my anxiety always gets worse, and I felt unsafe to be alone. After 2 weeks of taking Lexapro, depression starts to fade away, and it took about 2 months to get the full effect! Now that I'm stable, I don't get panic attacks and anxiety at all!"

• Jil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m a 57-year-old woman who had a very hard time with Lexapro. For two weeks, I tried 3/4 of a tablet of a 5 mg dose. Every day, within 1-3 hours after taking it, my anxiety went sky-high, and all I could do was cry all day long. I also had passive thoughts of suicide every day. I thought the 150 mg of Seroquel I was also on would help quell the Lexapro agitation, but it did nothing. I also had chest pain, a fast heart rate, tremors, insomnia, and worsened anxiety. I kept waiting for it to pass, but it never did. Day 14 was my last day of Lexapro, I couldn’t take the all-day/night crying anymore. Cymbalta was better for me afterwards."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 12, 2020

For Anxiety "Lexapro just did not work for me. Took it for three years, and it did nothing to help my anxiety and depression - I still had anxiety attacks, and I got angry to the point of breaking things. I cried a lot. Had diarrhea a lot too. Finally switched to Effexor, and it’s been 100 times better. Everyone’s bodies react differently, but Lexapro just wasn’t for me."

• Liz...
• December 28, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed Lexapro for severe generalized anxiety and moderate depression (the depression was a result of the anxiety). I'm on day 16. I experienced some mild nausea and increased anxiety for the first 2 days, and headaches for about 5 days, but after day 5 the only remaining side effects are being jittery on and off, and a feeling of tightness in my chest at times. I started feeling decreased anxiety from day 3, and by day 7, the anxiety was significantly less. The depression got better from about day 5. Overall, at day 16, I feel significantly better and am living my life as I used to, for the most part."

• Liz...
• December 28, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed Lexapro for severe generalized anxiety and moderate depression (the depression was a result of the anxiety). I'm on day 16. I experienced some mild nausea and increased anxiety for the first 2 days, and headaches for about 5 days, but after day 5 the only remaining side effects are being jittery on and off, and a feeling of tightness in my chest at times. I started feeling decreased anxiety from day 3, and by day 7, the anxiety was significantly less. The depression got better from about day 5. Overall, at day 16, I feel significantly better and am living my life as I used to, for the most part."

• Bra...
• May 31, 2015

For Anxiety "I started on 10 mg of Lexapro in October 2014. I stayed on that dose for 2 months and felt horrible the whole time. Nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, severe gas, and more anxiety. I lowered to 5 mg and finally started to feel like myself. Long story short, I raised back up to 10 mg in April 2015 and haven't felt this good in years. Most all side effects gone. I have it a 10 because I couldn't hardly leave my house before. I'm finally living again. It is a process, but don't quit and don't give up. It's worth the results to stick with it."

• Dro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2017

For Anxiety "My son was a heroin addict, which, upon learning about it, sent me to a very high anxiety level. If he wouldn't answer the phone by the time I drove home, in my mind, I thought for sure he was dead. This medicine made me normal again-no thoughts like before, no crying episodes, and just calm. I'm on 10 mg and have been on it for 2 years. Just feeling great."

• Awe...
• June 20, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I read so many scary things when I started Lexapro for GAD, but I was so desperate to get my life back! I tried Zoloft, and it had a really bad effect on me. I switched to Lexapro 10 mg after two weeks on the Zoloft, and it took a bit for the Zoloft to leave my system (maybe a week)? After a couple of weeks on Lexapro 10 mg, I went to 15 mg. After one week on 15, it was like a light switch went off in my head. All the anxiety is gone. I had a lot of startup side effects, most notably increased anxiety, lack of appetite, waking up with panic attacks, and just feeling like crap. But at that point where it kicked in, all that is gone. I feel better than I have in years! Not the right med for everyone, but give it a chance to see if it works for you."

• RV1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2022

For Anxiety "The first week of this medicine was rough. My anxiety skyrocketed, and my appetite plummeted. The second week was much better, and I feel hopeful as I begin my third week of the medication. My appetite is back, my mood is stable, I feel calm and excited for the future! My productivity at work has also improved. I'm hoping it only continues to get better! If you're struggling in the beginning, hang in there!!! ❤️"

• c9a...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2016

For Anxiety "Escitalopram has helped me tremendously with panic and anxiety! I want to give hope to others who've been combing forums as I have. I started having panic attacks 6 months ago for no apparent reason. I waited it out, hoping they would stop, but they only worsened, and my life went downhill fast. The doctor gave me Escitalopram 10 mg with Clonazepam to help with startup effects. The first 10 days were difficult: insomnia, loss of appetite, increased anxiety. These effects disappeared as I hoped, and each day I noticed subtle improvements. I am now panic-free! I still have small anxiety, but that is human and 'normal'. I'm so happy that I took action, as I was very afraid. Give this medication a chance and give it time to work. I'm sure glad that I did!"

• Bar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 24, 2016

For Anxiety "Lexapro is the best medication. I had no life before Lexapro. I used to suffer for 8 years from anxiety and panic attacks. I was always scared of anything. The doctor asked me to try Lexapro, I was so afraid of medications, I thought medications would never help me. I used to think that I would help myself to stop thinking about it. I thought they were all thoughts in my mind and I had to change them. I used to get panic attacks every day when I was sleeping. I would recommend anyone to try this medication because it will save your life if you have anxiety. I have been taking 10 mg for months, then 15 mg for 2 months, and 20 mg for 4 months, and I am still taking it. I will never stop taking it."

• Dgo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2024

For Depression "Second time on Lexapro (escitalopram). First time 5 years ago (2019), it worked within 12 weeks for my GAD. Quit cold turkey after 2 years with ZERO side effects. Back on it for depression. It’s been 4 weeks now, and I can see it’s helping with the depression. But the side effects were so severe I ended up in the ER twice. Extreme panic attacks (never had one before in my life), my body felt like it was vibrating for a week, weak, no appetite, adrenaline rushes. So I got on for depression, but now I have anxiety. Dr. had to prescribe Klonopin twice a day to help me sleep and relax. I’m not sure where this is going, but I’m gonna keep fighting. Anxiety is starting to subside, but now I have a fear of panic attacks. So I don’t know. I’ll update again. Just take the benzo if you need it in the beginning if you have side effects so they don’t traumatize you like they did me."

• emi...
• February 10, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro has changed my life for the better. When I was in my early 20s, I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety and depression. I took Lexapro for about 15 years until recently weaning off of it because I was feeling great. That was a mistake. Three months after weaning, I started to suffer from severe anxiety and depression, and now have started taking Lexapro again with the help of a therapist and my doctor who specializes in stress management. The day I went back on Lexapro, I started to feel better. I have been able to sleep and focus on my job, and my life has improved greatly. I am convinced that going back on Lexapro saved my marriage and my relationship with my 2 1/2-year-old son."

• Mas...
• May 15, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Had to wean off Effexor because it lost effectiveness after 15+ years and started Lexapro. I did not have a good time switching because of the Lexapro side effects and was skeptical this drug would keep my GAD in check as Effexor had for many years. I read this blog during the first few weeks, going from 10 to 15, and now 20 mg. It's been rough - BUT - the side effects of heightened anxiety and feeling loopy are diminishing each day and I feel pretty darn good! I'm glad I stuck with it - it works. For anyone who's suffered with GAD and then had relief for years (with Effexor), revisiting bad anxiety during the first 3-4 weeks on Lexapro is scary - no one ever wants to go back to that dark place again. Get past the side effects - it's worth it."

• Gre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 17, 2021

For Anxiety "I struggled with anxiety for 10 years on and off. Mostly on, I was scared all the time, and my brain felt fuzzy like I had a veil in front of my head. I was starting to believe I was going to have a breakdown if something didn't change fast. My Dr. suggested Lexapro, and as terrified as I was about taking it, I was desperate. Fast forward 7 months, and wow, I am me again.... I can honestly say it gave me my life back. The first few weeks were tough, but I had an amazing friend who encouraged me to keep hanging in there. The veil lifted, the fuzziness went away, and there I was (the real me). I still get anxious occasionally, but I can breathe through it.... Life is amazing."

• Ms ...
• August 4, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Lexapro 5-10 mg for 15 years, and it has kept my panic attacks and GAD at bay. The only time I have a problem is when I decide I don't need to take the medication anymore and take myself off, only to find my anxiety and panic attacks begin recurring. Dumb idea! For me, it's a long, difficult period of adjustment to get on Lexapro after getting off because of the side effects and the anxiety symptoms (nausea, no appetite, nervousness, heartburn...), but it's so worth it after the Lexapro begins working. Aaahh!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 18, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’ve actually been on Lexapro a few times. The second time around, I was put on it for my anxiety issues and stress at work, and Lexapro has been great. There isn’t a magic pill to fix any and everything, but this has done its job well. Just don’t run out and procrastinate to pick up your prescription, because after two days without it, I would start to get moody and a little stressed. But I take it at night, and it seems to help me fall asleep. Best of luck!"

• Kli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2023

For Anxiety "I had been having severe anxiety with resultant very high blood pressure, which was difficult to control. The doctor kept trying different meds, and they all gave me such anxiety. I tried lorazepam, but that only helped for about 2 weeks. Then I tried Celexa, which took away the anxiety almost immediately, but I felt like there was a very heavy blanket on me. I could barely get up. And I didn’t sleep at all the first few days I was on it. So I tapered off it, and my doctor tried Lexapro. It not only kept my anxiety away, but it also made me tired and sleepy, which was fine with me because I couldn’t sleep before. It has been 3 weeks, and I have gradually increased to the full 10 mg dose. It is just amazing how much better I am. My blood pressure is down to a normal level, and when I go to bed at night, I go right to sleep. If I wake up to use the bathroom, I can go right back to sleep. I am so glad I was given this drug. I was thinking nothing could help me."

• Oli...
• June 10, 2017

For Anxiety "A year ago, I had a major health scare that turned out to be fine in the end, but I ended up crashing, developing severe insomnia, severe anxiety, muscle twitches all over, major joint pain, brain fog, and finally, depression. I resisted taking drugs as I thought I was going to get lots of side effects. I tried everything under the sun: yoga, meditation, acupuncture, tinctures, craniosacral therapy, psychotherapy, kinesiology, etc. My psychiatrist and GP both strongly recommended I should take Lexapro. When I started pondering why I was living, I started taking the meds. I started sleeping better, and after some weeks, the worst dread was gone and so was the anxiety. After 2 months, I feel MUCH better, and I hardly had any side effects at all!:)"

• Mis...
• May 19, 2015

For Anxiety "This medication was a game changer for me. After trying Prozac, Zoloft, and Celexa with no effect, I thought I was destined to have panic attacks for the rest of my life. Celexa even worsened my anxiety, causing me to go to the emergency room twice. At the time I started Lexapro, I was having debilitating symptoms, at least 1 to 2 panic attacks a day with a racing heart, racing thoughts, and generally feeling like I was losing my goddamn mind. After a month of Lexapro, my anxiety began to calm. I have now been on it for 3 years and am relatively symptom-free. I still experience heightened anxiety and the occasionally panic attack, but it is so much more manageable, and I am able to apply coping skills successfully."