Lexapro and Depression: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Byr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2016

For Depression "I have been on 10 mg of Lexapro for about 4 weeks. I think in the first few weeks, it made my depression worse. I began to have very crazy, scary thoughts. I held on, now I am just sort of okay. I am having a few hours a day of feeling a lot of relief, but still, the morning is a downhill slope. I am going to give it a few more weeks. My anxiety has gotten a bit better."

• Lea...
• June 15, 2021

For Anxiety "Day one. Good day, I am a 41-year-old black female married, with children. I mentioned my race because culturally my people will not seek help as it's a stigma that you are weak. I made a major move from Michigan to Fort Lauderdale, leaving behind everything I knew, including my daughters for a few months. It triggered the panic attacks I again suffered. I started to self-medicate with marijuana, which honestly worked miracles for me up until recently. I'm starting to feel that weed is causing me more anxiety. Two weeks ago, I blacked out and had two major attacks from excessive smoking. These last few attacks landed me in the ER twice in two days. Over the last few weeks after that, I have not been the same, my anxiety was now being aided with mild depression. I finally sought help from my psychiatrist, and now I have a therapist as well. This is my first day on Lexapro am dose. I had to go home for lunch and take a nap, I couldn't keep my eyes open. I don't think it's Lexapro alone."

• Emi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 1, 2019

For Depression "It helped me take away my PTSD spirals and panic attacks - sometimes. I’m disappointed, but I’m more disappointed my doctor didn’t recognize my stomach issues as a side effect. For years, I’ve been on Lexapro and I’ve been tired all the time, depressed, and it honestly made it worse. Finally, I got off after coming clean to everyone about my dark thoughts that are my PTSD/shame I’ve hidden because I didn’t think my childhood sexual trauma would be the cause? I’m not disappointed in the drug, but the way we use it. I had to feel the hard feelings, and the drug was in the way. I hope others find it helpful."

• Lex...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 29, 2020

For Anxiety "I took this medication, Lexapro, for almost 2 years for severe anxiety and moderate depression. I started at a 10 mg tablet, and about 6 months after I started, my dose was upped to the 20 mg tablet. It made me feel completely exhausted before I started taking a stimulant, and overall in the beginning, I felt okay. After about a year of being on this medication, I became very depressed and overly sensitive (when I was never like this in the past), and it made me feel overall more depressed than I had before and slightly suicidal. A little after 2 years of taking this medication, I decided to no longer continue using it and suddenly stopped, cold turkey. There were some withdrawal phases, but overall I felt so much better once I stopped using it. I feel that this medication would probably have been more effective for me if I used it for a short term and not for a duration of more than a year."

• Nol...
• May 6, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I suffered from irregular anxiety and panic attacks so bad I would vomit and be incapacitated for days. Then a few stressful family events happened all at once, and suddenly I was having panic attacks daily. I decided to try medication as I wasn’t able to calm down from my panicked state and knew something had to change. So I started Lexapro 10 mg. At first, my anxiety was more severe, and I was feeling depressed when I had never been a depressed person before. My doctor told me to stick with it, and I’m glad I did. After about 4 weeks, I felt stable and happy. I had a good appetite for the first time in years and felt like I could handle day-to-day issues with confidence again. It’s been about 3 months now, and I feel more capable and functional than ever. I would advise anyone struggling with the early stages to stick with it and to speak to a psychologist to get some coping strategies as well. It really helped me to talk to someone and better understand what was happening to me."

• sop...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 24, 2019

For Depression "I have been on Lexapro (20 mg) for 2 years, and prior to that, I was taking Paxil (25 mg) for 6 months (25 y/o female). My personality completely changed upon taking Lexapro-very apathetic, aggressive, secluded. I gained weight (20 lbs) and could not drink more than 2/3 alcoholic drinks without risking a blackout. If I didn’t take the pill for 2 days, I would absolutely freak out. All I could do is cry and complain. I would sweat, shake, zap, and get nauseous/dizzy every time I moved. I decided to get off this terrible medication! I am on week 4, and it’s been three days since my last dose. I’m starting to feel bad. I cannot sleep, no appetite, I can’t focus, I feel dizzy all the time, and my body temperature is never comfortable. Mood swings are a big one. Distracting yourself is key!"

• Fra...
• April 15, 2011

For Depression "My doctor gave me Lexapro 5 mg for depression and anxiety. Shortly after my first dose, I felt nothing but side effects and no benefit. Side effects were extreme restlessness, tiredness, constant yawning, and insomnia, so I stopped immediately. I then thought that maybe 5 mg was too much, so I split that in half, totaling 2.5 mg, and this worked perfectly. I suffered from moderate to severe depression, extreme fatigue, crying spells, especially in the morning, no motivation, negative and pessimistic, etc. Lexapro at 2.5 mg gave me instant relief and energy. I'm a firm believer in starting at the lowest possible dose and seeing how you go from there. If side effects outweigh the benefits, try a lower dose."

• rsh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2013

For Depression "I had clinical depression and anxiety before, 1996-2001. I had taken Paxil, Remeron, Effexor, and about 3 others I can't remember. None of them worked for me. And the doc always said give it 6 weeks to take effect. That was all hell for me. Then I felt the symptoms that I recognized from before coming on again about 2 weeks ago. I jumped early this time. My doc asked me what medication worked for me before. I told her Effexor, somewhat. She prescribed that for me. Two days of a deeper depression and higher anxiety on it. I called her today after reading online about how good Lexapro was. She prescribed it for me, 5 mg dose. I took it about four hours ago. I feel great now! I kid you not."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been taking Lexapro for a little over 3 months. After the first month or so, I could see a huge difference with my depression and even my anxiety. For the last few weeks or so, my anxiety has been out of control, and my depression is back full force. I take my medication every night, pretty close to the same time. I don't know what to do. This is affecting my home life and work life. I have heard so many good things about Lexapro, but apparently, it isn't for me."

• wha...
• September 4, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Ok, so a bit of backstory. I have had anxiety and depression since I was 7, due in part to abuse. I was not diagnosed until a couple of months ago. About 3 weeks ago, I finally admitted I needed more than therapy to get through this and went to my doctor and was given Lexapro 10mg. I feel a little better, but I still feel anxious and depressed almost constantly, the only real change I have noticed is that when I get an attack, it feels less frantic, and I am able to just wait till the horrible feeling dies down. I also have not been sleeping well. I can't sleep at night. Sometimes it's the anxiety, sometimes I just can't feel tired. I get 2-3 hours once the sun comes up, but no matter how tired I am all day, I can't sleep at night. Appointment next week."

• rai...
• May 14, 2018

For Depression "I had my anxiety and panic attacks under control for 8 years thanks to CBT. But I became depressed, so I decided to try 5 mg Lexapro. First week I felt apathetic and lethargic. The second week I had anxiety, panic attacks, hypomania, extreme fidgetiness, internal vibrations, strange cold sensations, and a fast heart rate. I tried to stick it out, but after 3.5 weeks the symptoms became unbearable. After stopping, it has taken a month for my body to begin to feel normal again. After seeing multiple psychiatrists, I believe I experienced SSRI-induced 'activation syndrome.' A genetic test later advised me to not take SSRIs because I may have an 'adverse reaction.' My prescribing doctor did not recognize the activation syndrome but instead thought my symptoms pointed to Bipolar II and ADHD (untrue). These drugs are still experimental, and doctors aren’t always aware of side effects. I did notice increased positive thinking and motivation on Lexapro, but with the awful side effects, it just wasn’t worth continuing."

• mlw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been on Lexapro 5 mg for about a month now. I have had severe nausea and vomiting for the first two weeks. I then had acid reflux so bad that I was constantly coughing. Although it has calmed my anxiety, I have been experiencing profuse sweating, an increase in depression, diarrhea, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, and fevers. Before taking this medication, I had been on Lamictal for my bipolar disorder, manic depression, and PTSD, everything was going good, and I felt normal again, except my anxiety was through the roof."

• TMS...
• January 10, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Lexapro 5 mg (yes, that's it) for over 3 months now, and I'm ready to throw in the towel. First, let me say my anxiety has been greatly reduced. But at what cost? I am a zombie - I have no motivation to do anything, and I'm always in a foggy state. My performance at work has greatly suffered, along with my cognitive ability. Social anxiety has gotten worse only because I'm a recluse - just too tired and unmotivated to interact with people! Frequent and strong anhedonia. I wouldn't advise you not to try Lexapro - it is well regarded and often effective. But be cautious, as doctors don't get that there are side effects to this besides sexual ones. I felt the same after one week as I do now, but I was continually told it would go away."

• TMS...
• January 10, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Lexapro 5 mg (yes, that's it) for over 3 months now, and I'm ready to throw in the towel. First, let me say my anxiety has been greatly reduced. But at what cost? I am a zombie - I have no motivation to do anything, and I'm always in a foggy state. My performance at work has greatly suffered, along with my cognitive ability. Social anxiety has gotten worse only because I'm a recluse - just too tired and unmotivated to interact with people! Frequent and strong anhedonia. I wouldn't advise you not to try Lexapro - it is well regarded and often effective. But be cautious, as doctors don't get that there are side effects to this besides sexual ones. I felt the same after one week as I do now, but I was continually told it would go away."

• Jca...
• November 25, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "Well. I was not able to sleep for 10 days. Benadryl, Advil PMs, and Seroquel did nothing for me. Insomnia, no sleep, restless to the point of exhaustion. Began to hear my brain sounding like white noise, more depressed and suicidal thoughts. In bed all day. Horrible experience. I had no libido, unable to have orgasm. Doing better after 10 days off this. Not worth it."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 20, 2015

For Depression "Have MDNOS/possibly bipolar. Went on Lamictal about 5 years ago, which saved my life (awful, terrible mood swings). Was still fairly down, so added Celexa after 1 year. This helped, but after 2 years, it lost efficacy. Switched to Lexapro 18 months ago to combat that, and it worked for a while. But the side effects have gotten worse. After 6 months of taking it, my libido started decreasing, and now it is literally gone. I get 'high' when I take it, then crash and feel like a zombie until I take it again. I have no motivation at work, can't stay focused, restless, can't just sit and be content, no emotion. Unless I'm depressed or pissed. It's not worth it. My new doctor is weaning me off it, thank god, here's hoping I come out okay on the other side."

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2019

For Depression "I haven't been on it for very long, but at the moment, I'm neutral. It's better than some stuff I've taken, but it doesn't stop me from getting dangerously low moods on bad days. It's also left me feeling quite detached..."

• Smu...
• June 22, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "24-year-old female. I have tried Zoloft in the past and Prozac before I tried Lexapro. Four weeks in on 10 mg, and I didn’t feel it working much for my mood, so I went up to 20 mg. And I slightly feel calmer. I’m on this medication for extreme anxiety and panic disorder. It has helped dramatically, and it’s only been four and a half weeks now. I was crippled from anxiety and scared to go out in public just in case of a panic attack, but now I feel like it’s more manageable. I haven’t experienced severe side effects (thankfully). I don’t experience fatigue and just feel really lazy and a lack of motivation to exercise. But it is so much better than waking up in an absolute panic. It’s amazing how it has helped me. Good luck to anyone trying it."

• Wno...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2022

For Depression "I am 62 years old, and until the last few months, I had never, ever had a panic attack. I would say I am a situational worrier and get anxious about loss and health issues, but I have never had to take anything for it. In my early 20s, after marrying and getting a home and my parents splitting, I had some anxiety and depression, and I dealt with it, but all these years have passed, and now this. There have been many life events the past 5 years, and perhaps that is what has brought me to this place. My father passing, my brother divorcing my favorite sister-in-law, our teenage son challenging us, a thyroid condition, and a pandemic and more. Our bodies and minds do break down. I started on Lexapro, generic version, two weeks ago, 5 mg. I dreaded it. I am a health freak, ugh! I had tried everything natural before. I feel like crap. All I do is stay in bed and sleep. Anxiety and panic seemed to go the first week, but went to 10 mg (per doctor), and it came back. Scary! Depression not gone. Early!"

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Lexapro for severe long-term anxiety and depression. Even though it didn't work on my depression after 5 months of use, I wanted to leave it a positive review, since these drugs have the power to save people's lives. Initially, I experienced basically every side effect possible: nausea, loss of appetite, night sweats, bad vivid dreams, changes to taste, dizziness, short-term memory loss, inability to orgasm, blurred vision in the morning, heart palpitations, headaches, and extreme moments of anxiety to the point of throwing up, extreme depression to the point of having to sleep all day. But you know what - this list of side effects sounds horrible, but they are worth it if you start to feel even a little bit like yourself again. After about a month, the side effects decreased in severity, my anxiety was gone, but it still left me with the inability to orgasm and had no impact on my depression. I've now moved to Cymbalta (SNRI) and will review that in a few months."

• SJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2019

For Depression "It’s been 2 weeks since I started titrating down Effexor and taking Lexapro. Two super hard weeks and getting worse. Anxiety through the roof. Depression bad. Can’t focus. Can’t sit still. Waiting to hear from the doc but did take an Effexor yesterday and one today again (will take 1/2 Lexapro tonight while waiting to hear from the doc tomorrow). I was depressed on Effexor, but at least I could function. Couldn’t function on Lexapro alone. Don’t know whether I will try another new antidepressant or not. Maybe stick with Effexor and pray I can get better on it in time."

• BAG...
• October 8, 2011

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Lexapro for about 2 weeks, I am still experiencing anxiety and cannot sleep. I am also on Ambien CR to sleep and Clonazepam 0.5 mg. Had really bad anxiety and depression. Have been off work for three weeks. The doctor wants to take me off the Clonazepam and the Ambien slowly and leave me on Lexapro only. I hope from what I have read that the Lexapro will begin to give me more relief in the next week. I want to get back to my life again. I am a very positive and energetic person normally, so this episode has really affected my life. Please tell me that things will get better soon."

• fro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 27, 2013

For Anxiety "It helps with anxiety but actually causes depression for me. Plus, I've gained weight, even when on a starvation-type diet. I'm slowly weaning myself off, down to 2.5 mg a day, next week, I'm stopping completely. I just want to have a clear head instead of feeling like a zombie."

• Ove...
• November 22, 2008

For Anxiety "My mom died when I was 4, and last semester I always had anxiety in the background. Now, at 15, spring semester of '08, I had some mild panic attacks and worry, nervousness, sadness, and excessive shyness all day long. This medication is a lifesaver, and I love it. They say 8 weeks for the full effect, and sure, it might rebalance your chemicals in 8 weeks, but give it a chance as it still takes a while after that for you to break out of your shell."

• Wan...
• October 5, 2010

For Anxiety "A couple of weeks ago, what I considered my 'usual anxiety' symptoms started getting worse, and the doctor put me on Lexapro to calm my ever-raging mood swings. I started out on 10 mg, which threw me for a loop. I felt strange all the time, very fatigued, but had insomnia, dry mouth, and felt emotionally numb. I almost quit taking it, but then decided to try something different. I don't know if I would recommend this for everyone, but I started taking 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night. I feel 100% better! I am very alert, sleep deeply, I don't have the mid-afternoon slump, I am not as emotionally numb, and I have so much energy."