Lexapro and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Cia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been dealing with anxiety for a few months now. Initially went to the ER a few times not knowing what it was. Then was told it could be anxiety and took Lorazepam (prescribed from the ER doctor), which worked amazingly! Then went to a primary care doctor and was prescribed 10 mg of this medication, Lexapro. After 2 hours of taking the medication, I had a terrible panic attack with a fast heartbeat, super fatigued, dizziness, sweats, and a little lethargic. The doctor wanted me to cut the pill in half and continue taking it, but I am way too afraid and would rather not deal with those side effects and just deal with my anxiety and self-heal."

• Jay...
• February 26, 2017

For Anxiety "Lexapro was a lifesaver for me. It helped me complete everyday tasks that I could not do before taking this drug. I've tried nearly every other SSRI, but this one was the best. The only negative part about this drug is the withdrawal symptoms. They are horrible. I recently found out I was pregnant, and I had to cut down my dose according to my doctor. I was super dizzy, very faint, and unable to leave my house. If I didn't have to stop these drugs, I would still be okay. However, slowly weaning off these drugs has caused me to slip into a horrible anxious state."

• Jux...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Lexapro for 3 days at 10 mg. My doctor prescribed it for my depression and anxiety. Every single day I've taken this, I've had horrible symptoms ranging from blurry vision, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, confusion, panic attacks, tightness in the chest. My whole body would begin to burn, and my hands would tingle. I'd have a weird jerking in my legs. Just bad side effects that affected my job and personal relationships. My doctor said she'd see me again in 2 months, but I'm not taking this stuff anymore, and I plan to call her in the morning. This is horrible!"

• tit...
• August 29, 2018

For Anxiety "I started the medication due to panic attacks and anxiety. Initially, I had much worsening anxiety and depression. I had improvement in anxiety symptoms after about 3 weeks. However, I was very ill and bedridden. My mind was calm, but also I did not want to do anything. I didn't care about anything. I lost my car, my home, my job - everything because I didn't care! I was always sleepy and could sleep 14 hours straight. I had major sexual dysfunction at 26 years. I tapered off slowly after about 8 weeks. I was left with constant dizziness weeks after to the point that I fell down the stairs. Over a month after stopping, I'm doing well. No meds. Just making positive changes and counseling and trying to get back everything I lost in a couple of months on this med. I still have a little anxiety, but I'm learning to control it. Gotta control it or it'll control you! I've learned that anxiety is like a bully. You have to confront it and not try to ignore it. Move toward your fear! Slowly it will get better!"

• NoO...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2016

For Depression "I was prescribed this drug for major depression and C-PTSD. I only took it for one week, 5 mg. It was awful. I was exhausted all of the time, had trouble falling asleep, and my sleep was disturbed by very vivid and bizarre dreams. I woke up every morning shaking, dizzy, and disoriented. During the day, my legs hurt so bad it made walking difficult. It made me so hungry, craving carbs, I gained 9 lbs of belly fat in one week! It left me with zero motivation and unable to feel any joy, excitement, or pleasure. I felt detached, empty, I felt dead. I stopped taking it, and while I'm still struggling with depression, I do feel like me again. I feel alive and have lost all of the weight gained while taking it."

• Anonymous
• April 11, 2011

For Anxiety "I've been on Lexapro twice. The 1st time started in the fall of 2008. For some reason, at the age of 42, I began having dizziness, anxiety, and panic attacks. I was diagnosed with GAD and prescribed 1 mg Ativan for use as needed in the short term and 10 mg Lexapro for the long term. Within 3 weeks, I increased to 20 mg Lexapro. Within another 3 weeks, my anxiety had all but vanished, and I quit Ativan. My racing thoughts and worries subsided. I was able to sleep better at night and concentrate better at work. No weight gain either, but I exercise regularly. I stayed on Lexapro for 1 year. No problems getting off on a tapered schedule over 3 months. In spring 2011, anxiety returned due to marriage issues. Back on 10 mg Lexapro with the same great results."

• Ken...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2022

For Anxiety "Y’all, I haven’t had a panic attack in 2 months. I used to get them every single day, sometimes twice a day, and it got to a point where I didn’t even want to live anymore. As soon as I started Lexapro, I knew I was doing something right because after just two weeks on 5 mg, I was feeling better and going out of my comfort zone. It’s now been a month and a half on 10 mg, and I feel so great! I still have anxiety, worries, and struggles. But I am able to calm myself down and release it. The first two weeks of it are rough (dizziness, tiredness, increased anxiety), but if you stick it out, you won’t be sorry. I really hope this will help someone out there."

• Cat...
• January 23, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have had panic disorder for 24 years. It started in my early 20s. I tried a lot of medications, which caused more panic attacks. I finally found tofranil, but have had major side effects. I finally decided to try something new and am very, very fearful I will go back to those horrible panic attacks. I am 54 now and just started Lexapro 10 days ago. Reading comments from people taking the medication has really helped me! I've been having hot flashes, dizziness, and nausea. I am going to hang in there due to all the same experiences, saying side effects at the start, but then later you get the great benefits! It has eased my mind and made me continue the med-Lexapro-to reach the full benefits!"

• Alm...
• July 14, 2019

For Anxiety "I took Lexapro 5mg for six months. The only problem I had was week one being very tired. I tapered with no problem. Two years later, anxiety is back, and the doctor prescribed Lexapro again. After day 3, I have had enough. I woke up soaking wet in sweat, and the nausea is just too much. The worst was when I got up for water, I got so dizzy I almost hit the kitchen floor. Also, last time I packed on the pounds (like 20). I have lost 4lbs this go-around. All I can look at is cereal, and that is not even appealing. I know my doctor would prescribe clonazepam again, but I really don't want to go that route. I will see how I feel in the next couple of days and call him if I’m not better. I know people say to hang in there, but just not for me anymore."

• Lle...
• July 24, 2008

For Anxiety "Saved my life. I used to take 20 mg two years ago. I ended up taking myself off, tapering, then I was fine for about 6 months. I fell into a relapse and now started on 10 mg. I would be so afraid of what to eat and if something was going to make my blood sugar too high. Now I can eat healthy but not have to worry that too much fruit will make me sick. I can have a soda every now and then. I love Lexapro. The first few days are different: headache, stomachache, and dizziness. Now I feel 100% better."

• Ami...
• April 5, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I wish Lexapro worked for me like it seems to for everyone else. The first few weeks were a nightmare (tired, nauseous, dizzy, panic attacks), but it did get me out of the deep slump I was in. Then I seemed to get better out of the blue, but for the past couple of weeks, I've slowly been slipping back into that slump. I've been on it about 2 months. It's causing me to have the most bizarre nightmares. I can't stop thinking about them during the day. I feel like a total zombie too, no emotion whatsoever. I guess that's why I feel like my anxiety has been eased. I've never felt like this before, it's just bizarre."

• 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!"

• Emi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2013

For Depression "I was only on Lexapro for 2 weeks, but in that time, I had a headache every day, would get extremely tense muscles in the back of my neck, was very drowsy (took a few 2+ hour naps), felt dizzy (had some vertigo effects), couldn't focus on anything, and completely lost the ability to orgasm, which caused my partner a lot of stress and made sex frustrating instead of enjoyable. I was on 5mg for a week, then 10mg. It just wasn't worth it for me. I'm now taking Wellbutrin SR and like it so far (only on my 3rd day)."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2021

For Anxiety "I must say, I have always been scared of taking any kind of medicine. I always had anxiety, but it was manageable. About 4 months ago, I started having full-blown panic attacks and was unable to drive due to them. They would come at all different times. At night was the worst too. The panic was so severe that I was dizzy, had heart pain, couldn't swallow, and felt horrible. I finally decided to go to the doctor after numerous tests all coming back normal and being told it was in fact anxiety. I was prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro. It's now almost 4 weeks being on it, and I am much calmer, can drive again, and have no panic attacks or anxiety!! I think around 3 weeks is when I really started feeling better and more like myself. I am so glad I decided to try it!"

• dri...
• April 22, 2009

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was in bad shape for 5 and 1/2 years when I was prescribed Lexapro. Uncontrollable crying, going into fits, breaking things. Flying off the handle for no reason. Two weeks on Lexapro and I had everything under control until the day my doctor wouldn't refill my script until I went to see him. I didn't have time for a visit, so I just did without it. On about the 3rd day, I was feeling strange, off balance, lightheaded, kind of fuzzy. 4th day when I turned my head, I felt like I was in an old-time movie, click-click-click. I went to the doctor, told him I wasn't feeling well, he didn't tell me why I was feeling like that but to take my Lexapro and I would feel better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2012

For Anxiety "Have had mild anxiety issues since early 20s. Spiraled downwards with increasing anxiety after an injury that made me unable to work. Tried mirtazapine with temporary relief, but got worse again after a few weeks, and before starting Lexapro, anxiety was so bad that I was unable to work and that leaving the house resulted in panic attacks. Started Lexapro on a Friday. Felt absolutely terrible until Tuesday. Nauseous (relief from Reglan though), heavy anxiety, buzzing feeling in the body. Then improvement came very gradually and very slowly for the next weeks. On week 8 now and honestly feel great. The crippling anxiety that was present 24/7 is gone, and only on occasions do I feel it, only much milder and never in the form of panic attacks."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2013

For Anxiety "I was on Lexapro 10 mg and Abilify 10 mg for about 5 months, and overall it helped with my anxiety. I didn't feel as stressed at work and school, but it kind of made me a zombie. I haven't cried in 5 months, and I hardly feel any emotions, which I guess is good for people suffering from depression. It completely killed my sex drive, so I went to my doctor the other day and switched prescriptions. Currently withdrawing from this medication, and it sucks. Getting light-headed and dizzy, and vomited a lot the other day."

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2016

For Anxiety "I suffer from severe anxiety and panic attacks. I am on day seven and haven't noticed any improvements, my anxiety was increased, and I am experiencing some dizziness. However, I am going to let the pill take its course, even though it's been hard to continue on it. My dad took the pill and had success with it, so I'm hoping that's the case for me! Most of all, just think positive that it will work! You will get through this! :)"

• New...
• February 27, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Thought I'd share in hopes of helping others. My son was in an accident. He is okay, but suffered many broken bones and was hospitalized for 2 weeks. The stress during that time left me anxious/depressed. Doc put me on Zoloft. I was having physical symptoms too and was diagnosed with colitis/gastritis. I had EVERY side effect-nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, brain fog, dizziness, loss of appetite, stomach pains, insomnia, disconnected. I attributed it to my stomach. I lost 20 lbs. Finally, when I noticed my heart beating hard, I called my doctor. She put me on Lexapro. I began on 10 mg. The brain fog and dizziness went away. I still felt nauseous, but it wasn't as bad. My heart calmed, too (I did wake up once in a panic with my heart racing). I decided to stick it out a week. I am on day 11 now. I don't feel 100%, but better. I still have stomach issues-I'm sure partly it's gastritis. I don't feel as disconnected. I feel groggy in the morning. I have been taking it at bedtime, but I might try it at dinner."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 21, 2013

For Anxiety "First, the positive. I've suffered from anxiety my entire life. This medication helped tremendously in that it was under control while I was on it. If you suffer from anxiety, you know how wonderful this can be. The negative. I gained 20 pounds quickly that I couldn't get rid of. I decided to get off the medication because I was trying to get pregnant. The withdrawals were really bad. I had brain zaps non-stop, couldn't stand up straight because of dizziness and extreme confusion. Now, keep in mind I tapered myself slowly off this medication, per doctor's orders. It took 5 months before I wasn't experiencing these withdrawal symptoms. Horrific."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2018

For Anxiety "After suffering with anxiety and panic attacks for around 25 years, the panic attacks were only getting worse. I couldn’t even have a conversation with another person without getting really anxious and having to leave the situation. I had to do something, I wanted my life back! My doctor prescribed me the generic brand, 5 mg. I didn’t want to take it because, just like you reading this, the thought of taking it made me even more anxious. I started taking it July 29th. I am taking 2.5 mg as of right now. I honestly felt more calm the first night I took it. The next day, I just felt kind of foggy and tired. I am on day 4. It makes me nauseous, a little dizzy sometimes if I get up too fast, and it has given me gas, as well as feeling a little more anxious during the day at times. I take it at night around 9. I am going to stick it out and see what happens. I’m really hoping that this medicine is what I need to get my life back."

• Nat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 25, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My new Dr. asked me to switch from Paxil to Lexapro since I have gained weight over the course of taking Paxil. I have to say Paxil was working perfectly for me at 20 mg. I was really nervous he asked me to switch. Worst thing I have ever done in regard to medicine... I have been weak, have stomach pain, diarrhea, dizzy, and just not feeling normal. I am definitely going back to Paxil."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've taken Lexapro for about a week now. I feel very sick to my stomach, dizzy, and just not able to get much done. I've tried taking it in the morning, then switched to night, neither one made a difference, still felt the same. I stopped taking it and will ask for another type."

• 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."

• lov...
• October 7, 2017

For Anxiety "Never had an anxiety attack after Lexapro. I used to have very severe anxiety, and I had to go to the hospital multiple times, thinking I had heart attacks. I had hot/cold flashes, chest pains, pounding heart, couldn’t breathe, dizziness... Unfortunately, I got off of it to take a pill for my Tourette’s syndrome a few weeks ago, and my anxiety came back, and the new pill made me sick, so now my anxiety is back badly, and I had to go to the hospital multiple times, thinking I had heart issues again... Just got put back on Lexapro a week ago, hasn’t started working yet. I hope it kicks in :( I also took Buspar with Lexapro before, it is a second anxiety pill, and you can take them together."