Lexapro and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• iHe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 12, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've been on varying doses of Lexapro for about 3 or 4 years now. It was the first SSRI/any type of psychiatric med I tried. Luckily, the first time was the charm. Except for a rough ~2-week start where I felt tired and nauseous, it's been amazing for my anxiety and rumination-prone mind. I went from sitting in the dark in my closet, crying uncontrollably, sensitive to every perceived threat or comment, to being able to brush most things off easily. I also no longer replay every interaction in my mind, thinking I might have offended someone. 10 mg Lexapro has been my 'core' dose -- sometimes up to 20 mg. I'm about to go up to 15 mg due to increased anxiety and agoraphobia. Vyvanse (stimulant) is my other workhorse med. It's definitely more difficult to orgasm -- although I know my body well enough to remedy this when it's just me. I haven't had any issues with weight gain, either. Give it a try -- seems to be the least fussy anxiety/depression stabilizer out there!"

• Jul...
• July 8, 2009

For Anxiety "My psychologist originally suggested Lexapro to treat my anxiety and panic disorder, then my doctor prescribed it. I was told that it is not habit-forming and that it has low side effects and works well to treat panic disorder. I started out on 10mg for 3 weeks then went up to 20mg. My side effects have been mild and have included nausea (the first few days), weight loss (which I don't mind) because of decreased appetite, mild increased sweating, and recently trouble falling asleep. All in all, I am very pleased with it and have had only one panic attack in over a month. I used to have multiple ones weekly. I feel like I am finally getting my life back and I would recommend this medicine to anyone."

• Ind...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2020

For Anxiety "I was unsure whether or not this medication, Lexapro, was working because I was still having bad days and anxiety daily, however, I let myself run out somehow and ended up being off them for a week. Oh boy, did I notice it. I was having outbursts that I hadn’t had to that severity in months. I think my dosage potentially needs tweaking, but I am doing so much better on this than I was on mirtazapine or fluoxetine. My side effects were minimal: nausea on and off and some insomnia."

• Dev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2024

For Anxiety "This has been such a game changer! I had a major health event causing severe health anxiety. Never experiencing anything like this, I kept thinking something was still wrong with me. I finally realized it's anxiety and asked my doctor to prescribe me a small dose of 2.5 mg. I noticed relief the next day! Side effects have been very mild, some headaches and nausea. I take it at night, hoping I can sleep through the worst of it-which I suppose works. I'm about to move up to 5 mg as I do still not feel back to my old self. But this has been a great start, and I only wish I had started taking it sooner!"

• Wen...
• March 9, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have currently been on Lexapro since 2/22/16 and I am starting to feel relief from my anxiety. The first week was terrible with the side effects of headache, nausea, upset stomach and I was extremely sleepy, but starting at the end of week 2, I was able to tolerate it much better. I have noticed now at week 3 that the things that used to bother me don't bother me anymore, or at least I feel like I can tackle them without being irritable, snappy, and moody. I don't sweat the small things anymore, and I have no side effects anymore. I am glad I stuck it out. I had determined in my mind that I was gonna take it for 4 weeks straight and faithfully, and I'm glad I did. I am so much better now. Be encouraged...there is hope!"

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

For Depression "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!"

• Sta...
• June 10, 2016

For Anxiety "I am a 22-year-old female, and I have been on 10mg of Lexapro for 2 weeks now. I thought I'd share my experience, although everyone will react to medication differently. The first three days were awful - nauseous to the point where I could barely move, terrible headaches, incredible hunger, yawning constantly, and waking up all through the night. On the 4th day, most of the side effects just stopped, mostly the headaches and nauseous feeling. You really have to push through the initial side effects. All the racing thoughts immediately stopped. I am so much more calm, no more mood swings, social situations no longer bother me, and I am just generally happier. I will also mention that I had none of the sexual side effects."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I just took 5 mg. Today is my first day on it. I’m 4 hours in. I have had a few side effects. The nausea I’m experiencing feels like slight burning. Almost like I swallowed a little bit of mouthwash, it’s tolerable but just like a weird feeling. I also have had on and off dry mouth. It usually helps to eat something even though my appetite is also crap at the moment. I’ve just been nibbling on a burrito. So far, my worst symptom is I keep getting these weird waves of emotions where I feel really good and okay, and then I feel anxious, hot, and disconnected. I can tell you that even on the low wave it’s not nearly as bad as a panic attack. Just heightened anxiety and a little uncomfortable and not a great time. Hoping it will improve over time. I will absolutely keep everyone posted. I do feel really hopeful about this medication and really do think it can help."

• cat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 18, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started taking a very small dose of Lexapro about 7 months ago for a sudden onset of quite severe anxiety/depression. My doctor put me on 5mg because I really didn't want to be on medication. I felt a little bit of nausea, but I couldn't tell if that was the medication or just a typical side effect of my anxiety. Even the 5mg made me feel better within 2 weeks. Then, we upped my dose to 10mg a month ago, and I feel great!!! This medication has really allowed me to get back to being myself again."

• Sad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 1, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "Okay, so I know everyone has different experiences, but mine was terrible. I started on 5 mg and moved up to 10 mg. At 5 mg, I had almost every side effect (dizziness, anxiety, nausea, headaches, severe exhaustion). The worst was the sexual side effects (which never went away) and initial insomnia. After one week, I went up to 10 mg and started to see some decent results. The insomnia went away after a few weeks. The depression was still there, but the anxiety was nonexistent. Sure, I was completely numb and couldn't feel anything at all, but that meant my anxiety was gone. But the feeling of being numb got worse and worse over time. After a couple of months, it got to the point where I lost all motivation and was tired all the time. I could barely stay awake and was sleeping 12 hours a night most nights. Eventually, the exhaustion and lack of motivation made my depression even worse until I started having passive suicidal ideation. That's when I got off Lexapro and switched to Prozac."

• Jac...
• July 1, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm a 40-year-old male who started Lexapro just over three weeks ago for GAD. The psychiatrist advised 5mg for the first 2 weeks to adjust to side effects, then to 10mg. The first 2 weeks I barely noticed any effect, maybe a little less stressed than usual, but then moving up to 10mg really hit me hard - fatigue, sweats, confusion, nausea, panic attacks. Honestly, 5 days in I was at the point of calling my doctor to say I couldn't take it anymore. But then on day 6, I woke up feeling a whole lot better. It's hard to describe, but I just feel focused and relaxed in a way that I'd forgotten how, or maybe never knew. I'm now on day 8 at 10mg and am so glad I stuck with it. Talk to your doctor if you're feeling terrible, but know it can get better."

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

For Depression "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!"

• hil...
• November 7, 2016

For Anxiety "I have pretty bad anxiety, with some depression. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed that I feel like my life is falling apart, and it feels so real. When I take my Lexapro, I feel so much better. It's just a baseline, it doesn't MAKE me happy, it just allows me to feel like a normal human. I'm most myself when I take my medicine because I can focus on things outside of my own stress and fears. It can make you a little nauseous at first, and I experience some insomnia the first few weeks, but it goes away. SO worth it."

• Rrr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2015

For Anxiety "This medication has been very effective for me. After years and years of living with anxiety and doing all the right things to get rid of it organically, I finally bit the bullet and started on 5mg. Decided after a particularly bad month of anxiety to start a script I had been given a year ago. Read reviews, most of them saying you need to stick it out to pass the side effects and get the full benefit, so that's what I did. I took the 5mg for a week, went up to 10, and have now been on it for 3 whole months. The initial side effects were as follows: nausea, sleepiness, memory deficits (short-term), headaches. Those went away after 2 months. And anxiety is gone. I am calm and collected, I no longer sweat the small stuff. No insomnia."

• N89...
• August 6, 2015

For Anxiety "On my fourth day now taking this and I feel so much better. The first 2 days were hell for me. Side effects just like everybody else says. I felt like I was dizzy, nauseous, and had diarrhea. It just made me feel strange. But by the third day I felt amazing. I still felt a little weird at first but the side effects wore off quickly and then and began to stop overthinking things so much. It's almost as if I just started to feel at peace with everything like I was just laid back which is not how I ever was. No more of that chest pain or heavy breathing or sickening nervous feeling. Even my girlfriend could notice a difference in me as I was not so wound up about everything. just happy I can feel normal again"

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

For Depression "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."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 21, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro changed my life. I used to feel overwhelmed by everything and could be thrown into a crying/screaming fit over very small issues. Within 3 days of taking Lexapro, I felt better. I could handle situations and stress normally for the first time in years. I cycled off it after 1 year but found my symptoms returning, and I've been back on it for a year now, 20 mg/day. It really has been a lifesaver for me. Also, it never caused me nausea like it does for some people, so I'm thankful for that."

• Ry-...
• December 10, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on 20 mg of Lexapro for over a year now. After a bumpy first couple of weeks-mainly insomnia and nausea-Lexapro has been extremely effective in reducing my anxiety in everyday situations that used to cause me much angst. It has also put a stop to ruminating and obsessive thoughts."

• ddm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2014

For Depression "I suffered from depression and generalized anxiety disorder for 4 years, and 10 mg of Lexapro worked miracles. Side effects lasted about a month and included fuzziness, fatigue, and brain zaps. I weaned myself off 6 months ago and should NOT have done that. Fell into major depression and horrible anxiety, including panic attacks. Really bottomed out finally with a twitching emotional collapse, curled up in bed. Forced myself to the doctor who put me back on 10 mg 3 weeks ago. First week side effects were horrible, including nausea, cramps, brain zaps, tremors, and nightmares. Now, into the 4th week, depression is gone, anxiety much relieved, and able to function. I know in another couple of weeks, I will be back to normal again."

• T4a...
• December 5, 2016

For Depression "I have taken Lexapro on and off for about 20 years. My advice is to give it a go. The first 3 weeks, the side effects made life pretty miserable: insomnia, nausea, no appetite, or sex drive. After week 4, I started feeling really good (normal) and enjoying life again."

• 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!"

• Ple...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am a 20-year-old male and have been on 10mg of Lexapro for about 2 months. I was experiencing panic attacks (minor and major) at least once every day at its worst and would have one driving or at the movies assuredly every time I went or drove. I have never taken medication regularly in my life and am otherwise a healthy person. After experiencing a traumatic event last year, I began having panic attacks. In the last month, I believe I have had two panic attacks. This medicine has helped me substantially. The first week is tough, I experienced a little nausea, headaches, and neck/back muscle tightening, but that went away fairly quickly. Just stick with it!"

• Jam...
• May 3, 2015

For Depression "This review is based on my own experiences and my opinion doesn't reflect Lexapro (Escitalopram). I found Lexapro's starting side effects to be mild and tolerable - I experienced dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction. However, like I said, they were mild and tolerable, and they subsided after a few days. I experienced no worsening of my depressive or anxiety symptoms. As I just mentioned, I suffer from depression and anxiety, and although I didn't find Lexapro to be a 'miracle pill' that fully cured me of my ailments, it did significantly alleviate them to mild and tolerable levels. Overall, for me, Lexapro was an easy antidepressant to start, and it has been effective in treating my depression and anxiety."

• Taw...
• December 12, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m 26, anxious and depressed for 12 years, started taking Lexapro a year and a half ago, and it has changed my life drastically, began at 5 mg and gradually increased to 20 mg. At the time I began taking it, I was unemployed, sleeping all day and all night, or not sleeping at all, crying regularly, unable to quit smoking, not eating, avoiding social situations, and engaging in destructive relationships. 1.5 years on Lexapro later, ALL of these behaviors have ceased - and I feel healthier by the day. I experience a full range of emotions and depressive thoughts from time to time - but the lows do not last for more than a day. When I first started taking Lexapro, I felt like I was on smack. Other side effects included diminished libido and nausea. These eventually passed - after about 6 months. That’s when I started to notice my mood really stabilize. I’d recommend Lexapro to anyone with longstanding anxiety and depression."

• 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."