Lexapro and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2019

For Anxiety "I was suffering from severe anxiety, and I have been on Lexapro for 3 months now. You won't notice the difference immediately, it takes time, around 2 to 3 weeks, to notice. It improved my life significantly. I'm happier, relaxed, and more confident. My hands stopped shaking, and I feel more control of myself now. The only issue is that it gives me headaches from time to time, but they are minor, and I got a brown tongue after using it for 3 weeks. The doctor said drinking more water will help."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2015

For Anxiety "Incredible medication. I don't wake up in a panic anymore, whereas it was occurring almost daily before. The first few days for me were hell, but I just slept through the headache, nausea, and dizziness, and now it's one of the best things that's ever happened for me regarding my anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Reduced daily anxiety equals less panic attacks. Lexapro is awesome."

• hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Severe anxiety to the extent I could not sleep at night, coupled with depression probably brought on by the lack of sleep. I have been taking Lexapro for 2 weeks now and it has already been working. I now sleep a solid 7 hours, and I feel improvement with my anxiety and depression every day. I cannot recommend Lexapro enough - fantastic. Side effects lasted for approximately 9 days, these included a very dry throat, headaches, vivid dreams, and extreme hunger. Side effects have almost all subsided, and I'm feeling great."

• Jay...
• July 12, 2019

For Anxiety "Extreme anxiety, I was barely able to look anyone in the eye or leave my house. Things were getting very bad, and I didn’t know how to fix or deal with it. I was put on 10 mg Lexapro by my new doctor. I took half a pill a day for one week and didn’t notice any difference. I actually had pretty severe headaches, problems with my sexual life, and extreme exhaustion. I began taking a full 10 mg pill a few days ago (I’m on day 10), and I have noticed I am back to my normal self. The anxiety has completely gone away. It seems it has saved my life. The exhaustion and headaches went away. It seems like this may be common in the first week or so. The negative to Lexapro is some issues with sex (ejaculating specifically). I have heard your body can adjust and eventually that will become normal as well. I would definitely recommend people to give this medicine a few weeks to a month before giving up on it. Mine took about 9 days to kick in."

• So...
• December 12, 2016

For Depression "I have only been taking Lexapro for about 3-4 weeks, but it seems to work for me so far. I started this medicine due to very bad panic attacks and depression. I have only had one very minor panic attack since, and it was within the first few days of taking it. I find it a lot easier to calm myself down now, and my panic attacks don't spiral. I used to have crying episodes that would last hours, and I have not cried once since I started Lexapro. Side effects: I have had some headaches and muscle tension, and I can feel quite dizzy and foggy sometimes, but as long as it keeps my panic attacks away, I really don't mind. I felt nauseous the first few days, but it went away quickly."

• cyn...
• December 30, 2019

For Anxiety "Was diagnosed with anxiety recently and prescribed Lexapro. The first few days felt weird, started getting headaches, brain fog, libido gone. These were common effects, so I kept it going. I noticed my anxiety was gone, but I couldn't cry either. I was emotionally numb and had no empathy for others. Eight days in, I started getting suicidal thoughts. Keep in mind I started this for anxiety and NOT depression/suicidal thoughts! I was very scared of myself as it felt like a second conscience was forming in my brain, one that would tell me I'm worthless and ugly, and I'd argue with it with my normal conscience. Three days into these new thoughts, the more I was on it, the more this depressive conscience took over, and I was forming ways on how to commit suicide. I was too scared to continue at this point, so I stopped, and my anxiety is back, but I have not gotten suicidal thoughts since. And this was all only on 5mg. As said by my doctor, please halt using this drug immediately if you get suicidal thoughts."

• Don...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2022

For Anxiety "Started Lexapro a couple of weeks ago after being on Prozac for a long time. The first couple of days of side effects weren't bad, the usual for an antidepressant. Within a week of being on it, my anxiety continued to get worse and worse, and then about 4 to 5 days ago, the side effects nailed me head-on. Headaches, anxiety that was debilitating, shakiness, increased HR, memory and cognitive cloudiness, etc. Currently, I'm weaning off it, tonight's the last dose. This is absolutely miserable, and I would not wish it on anyone. 10/10 don't recommend this medicine. Made my life a living hell."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2016

For Anxiety "I started Lexapro after 3 years of severe anxiety and panic attacks pretty much daily. I was so terrified to take anything, fearing it would make it worse or make me crazy. But my anxiety pushed me to major depression from my irrational fears. I kept thinking it's gonna get so bad I'm gonna end up losing my job and becoming homeless. Reviews from others scared me also. Finally, I told myself it couldn't get any worse than this. Well, it's been 2 weeks and I haven't felt that horrible 'dread' feeling. I'm way less anxious. It's pretty much saved me. There are side effects, tolerable though. Nausea and headaches the first few days. It also causes bad urinary retention and sweating. But to me, they're worth not feeling the way I did."

• Lit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2018

For Anxiety "I have just started my round of Auro-Escitalopram, and I am on day 5 of my 5 mg half-tab before going on a full 10 mg tablet. I take my medication at night time. The first 3 days were sort of rough; I felt different. I could not put my finger on why, but I felt a bit sedated, a little odd, and definitely felt “drugged.” I had a mild headache, some dizziness, and I felt like I was going to faint. My appetite has diminished, my stomach was upset, I am also gassy, and I had some dry mouth. The first 3 nights I was also met with mild restlessness, and it was hard for me to sleep longer than 5 hours. I woke up at 3 AM and was peeing like crazy. With that being said, the side effects have subsided somewhat after day 5, and I am starting to notice that I can start to control my racing thoughts. I get tired at bedtime like a normal human being, and I can finally wake up in the morning without feeling like a zombie."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2021

For Anxiety "I was prescribed Lexapro about a month ago. They started me at 5 mg. The side effects I had were dry mouth, racing thoughts, terrible thoughts, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, my right leg would uncontrollably shake on its own, and I felt like my stomach was burning. After about 2 weeks, the side effects went away. Before Lexapro, I would wake up every day feeling like crap. I always had a headache and was always nauseous. Going to work was such a struggle. I always got so anxious before work, driving was becoming scary, I felt like I was crying every other night, and I was easily irritated. The bad side effects made me want to lose hope in them, but I kept taking them. Now I have noticed that I don't get nauseous, I don't get headaches as often as I used to, I don't panic at work (or before), and waking up has been easier. I recently got my dose raised to 10 mg, and I feel like it's been making me tired, but I know that day by day I will get better! DO NOT LOSE HOPE!"

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

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I used Lexapro about ten years ago for a year and went back on it a couple of months ago. For a couple of days at the start, I felt a bit of pressure in my head-a mild squeezing sensation-but nothing too bad. Now, no side effects at all, and I'm feeling decidedly better. The constant feeling of dread is gone, and my thinking is clearer. A wonderful help. I'm not worried about going off it eventually. Last time I just tapered down. I had some vivid dreams, but that was it."

• dom...
• June 21, 2013

For Depression "I gave birth three weeks ago. About two weeks ago, I was hit with postpartum depression like a ton of bricks. I started Lexapro four days ago after I could no longer handle the awful depression and anxiety. My overall feelings have dramatically changed. I laughed yesterday for the first time in two weeks. I'm still depressed, but I am seeing a huge difference. Side effects are very minimal, they include being a little tired, a slight headache, and some nausea, but being where I was, I would definitely take the side effects over my depression."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro saved my life and marriage. My anxiety was so bad I feared going to the grocery store, driving, talking on the phone, talking to neighbors. I was scared that nobody liked me, I was moody, I thought I was a bad person and parent and destined for failure. I drank every night and cried all the time because of family issues. I was mean and irritable to my husband. One day, I decided enough is enough. My doctor put me on Lexapro, and I’m not looking back! Ever! I am confident, happy, focused, and insightful. I’m able to be HERE and NOW instead of an anxious prison in my mind. I still have major problems in my family, but I can deal with them with a clear mind. The first days on it, I felt weird: headache, anxious, dry mouth, diarrhea, shaky hands. Now, three weeks later, I’m good. My hands shake more than they did before, and it gives me dry mouth, but it’s worth it. I’m back!!!!"

• C19...
• July 12, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I am on my 9th day of taking 5 mg of Lexapro, and I feel much calmer than I normally would be. I had horrible headaches and dizziness at first. It's starting to get better, and I'm starting to feel normal and relaxed. It's working great so far for me."

• rkn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2016

For Anxiety "I am 23 and have had extreme anxiety/panic since around 20. I am super sensitive to meds/side effects. I have tried so many ADs, and none have worked. Recently, I have tried Remeron but had to switch due to drowsiness-I have hypersomnia. Lexapro, by far, has taken away my worrying mind more than anything, which is amazing. The first month was pretty horrid besides that, though. Constant nausea, yawning, worsened anxiety at first, headaches. I still have some nausea, and now I have noticed extreme drowsiness again. I really love how it helps my anxiety, but (like always) the side effects really bother me. Try it out, get through the first month. If you don't have bad side effects, it's the best anxiety med I have ever had. Good luck!"

• Cha...
• March 13, 2021

For Anxiety "I have had anxiety my whole life, panic attacks and everything. Anxiety runs in my family as well. I have been on Lexapro for about 2 to 3 weeks now, and WOW. I had no idea my life could feel this good. I was totally unaware of how much my anxiety was controlling my life and how it was causing my physical pain. I am only on 5 mg, and it has been amazing. I had a headache for about a week, one day of nausea, and a little bit of shakiness. It wasn’t anything that kept me home from work, and I would take some Advil for the headache, and it would subside. I was always one of those people who would never take pills. I regularly exercise and eat healthy, and I finally decided to get help, and I am so glad I did. Definitely don’t be afraid to try Lexapro, it could change your life!!!!!"

• gla...
• November 9, 2011

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 43 years old, and after my son left for college 6 years ago, my life felt like it was spinning out of control. I was so sad. Then my daughter left for college (my last), and I knew I needed help. I had anxiety and sadness each day, and I let it go on for way too long because I thought those feelings were normal and I would eventually pop out of it. I was wrong. I went to my gynecologist 3 months ago and cried the whole visit. She prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro, and I cannot begin to tell you how much I feel like me again. The only side effects were a headache and dizziness. I cut to 5 mg for the first week and now 10. Love it! Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor."

• Mon...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 26, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "Lexapro has been a life changer for me. The first two weeks were awful, throwing up, headache... push through! After 2 weeks it worked wonderfully! My anger went away, no more depression. Unfortunately, I've been on this medicine for 20 years and it stopped working."

• pla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2021

For Anxiety "I was prescribed 10 mg for anxiety and depression. The first 2 weeks gave me terrible side effects of nausea, suicidal thoughts, constant anxiety, and loss of appetite, which made it really difficult to eat anything at all and caused me to lose a bunch of weight. I stayed on it for 4 more weeks, and the side effects at this point were only mild, but my anxiety and depression stayed the same, so at the 6-week mark, my GP recommended withdrawing from Lexapro and trying a different antidepressant. Even though I wasn’t on the med for very long, the withdrawals are bad, with headaches, nausea, dissociation, anxiety, and some of the strongest suicidal thoughts I’ve ever experienced. This isn’t to discourage anyone from taking it because I've heard many positive experiences, but be prepared for the side effects and stay safe!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 9, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "OK, so I started taking Lexapro (5 mg) after a horrible experience with Zoloft. When I started taking Lexapro, it was to treat anxiety mainly, but also depression. But as my life changed, I got more and more depressed and went to a new therapist. She bumped me up to 25 mg. It was a high jump, and I just switched one day. Aside from the first month of the up in dosage, which consisted of more depression than usual, headaches, body aches, and fatigue-since then, I haven’t had any problem with it. Lexapro has helped both my MDD (major depressive disorder) and anxiety a lot. The only thing I’ve noticed is weight loss, fatigue, and hand trembling, but none of it is like miserable (on Zoloft, I was throwing up and passing out sooo). I have been switched for a while and don’t plan on messing with it. May up my dosage eventually. I hope everyone finds what they need!"

• Ber...
• September 23, 2013

For Anxiety "I've been taking Lexapro for 2 months now for depression and panic attacks, which seem to come from nowhere (and I've never truly understood how scary a panic attack could be until that moment). It has helped me tremendously! Suddenly, this last week, the side effects, which had seemed to taper, have returned. I have the addition of a headache (which I did not have in the beginning) and irritability. I'm also noticeably more tired than I was before. I am now taking the Lexapro in the evening instead of in the morning to help with sleep - but am curious if it is normal to have the side effects go in waves? It seemed as if they were mostly gone except for the lethargy, now they are increasing."

• bob...
• March 14, 2015

For Depression "Lexapro has worked well for me. My anxiety and depression are about gone. The first 2 months were pretty bad, and I almost quit many times, but I am glad I didn't. Side effects included night sweats, tinnitus, headaches, insomnia, sexual issues, dizziness. Most of this has resolved now after 3 months. Adding a B complex with folate and omega-3 seems to have helped me. This is a very good drug for anxiety and depression, but you'll need to be very patient and struggle through the initial side effects."

• Flo...
• September 29, 2019

For Anxiety "I was recently diagnosed with anxiety disorder, and my doctor prescribed me Lexapro. I took this medicine only three times because of all the side effects I had. Not only did it make me feel weird and out of touch with reality, I had many other symptoms, including dizziness, sweating, anxiety, headaches, and nausea. I couldn’t sleep at night, and I also felt very psychedelic when I took it. My pupils were huge, and I almost felt like I was tripping. I kept unintentionally clenching my jaw really hard, and I couldn’t get comfortable. I threw up multiple times and couldn’t eat without feeling sick. I immediately discontinued taking it and don’t plan to try anything else. I was wary about taking an SSRI to begin with due to being a very natural person with no intention of taking something that would affect my brain in an unnatural way. Although this did not work for me, I know it works for others and has been life-changing for people."

• Djb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2021

For Anxiety "I have had anxiety my entire life, but for the most part, I have managed it on my own. My therapist prescribed Lexapro 5mg and then worked up to 10mg. The side effects I experienced at first were nausea, headaches, and absolutely terrible restless insomnia. Then, after increasing my dose a month into taking it, I had an absolutely terrible experience. I had terrible intrusive thoughts that were completely against who I am. I had panic attacks that went on for days. I couldn’t sleep or eat. I was a different person, I felt like I had lost my mind and myself completely. It was the most terrifying experience I’ve ever had. I immediately stopped taking it, and then the withdrawal began. The intense brain-zapping feeling, the dizziness, the continuing anxiety attacks, the nightmares, the insomnia…. I feel like I was just pumping my body with poison. I will never take another medication again."

• 359...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 15, 2019

For Anxiety "Anxiety/depression medications are tricky. It’s difficult to know what one is best for you and your body, so often you have to try a couple of different ones before you find your fit. In my personal experience, it’s worth trying a few till you find what’s right for you. Every medication is going to have side effects. For me, Lexapro decreases my sex drive and causes constipation. The benefit of not having anxiety and being able to be a peaceful wife and mother is worth those two side effects for me. I have come off my Lexapro before, and it’s true you will definitely have a lot of brain zaps, headache, a little irritability, and for me, déjà vu. The brain zaps don’t usually last more than two months, and they are harmless, so you just have to ignore them. Overall, I think Lexapro is a great medication, but as I said before, it’s different for each individual. Talk to your doctor. Therapy is also very helpful for me."