Lexapro and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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."

• SCo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2017

For Anxiety "I struggled with severe postpartum anxiety and depression for two years after my daughter was born. I went to therapy but was still struggling. I didn't want to take medication for a very long time because I just didn't want to be a 'medicated mom.' I always thought it would get better. It didn't, and I was exhausted. I am taking only 10 mg of Lexapro now (therapeutic dose is considered 20 mg), and I'm staying at 10. My life is COMPLETELY different. I feel joy and happiness again, my anxiety is gone, I sleep well, my sadness and anger are gone. It is life-changing, and I can't believe I didn't do it sooner. And I'm actually a better, happier mom now! Give yourself a chance to get better. Mild side effects at first - mild nausea and headache."

• 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."

• Sov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2022

For Anxiety "I'm so pleased to hear that so many people have benefited from this medication. I wish I could say the same. I was prescribed this med during a very dark time recently. While not immediately apparent, over the first few weeks on this medication, I developed Serotonin Syndrome, which, in certain cases, can be very serious. While this is not as common in SSRIs as other medications (such as antipsychotics), you should be aware that it is a possible side effect of SSRI drugs and be aware of the symptoms. I developed akathisia, high blood pressure, hyperreflexia, tachycardia, nausea. At first, I thought most of these symptoms were just an adjustment to the med (except hyperreflexia, I had no idea that was going on). I'm tapering off. All these side effects will resolve in time. I encourage you to always discuss your own situation with your healthcare provider. If I could do it over, I never would have touched an SSRI and instead worked on cognitive behavioral therapy."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 29, 2013

For Depression "I was prescribed Lexapro about a year and a half ago after suffering from severe depression and anxiety (female, 23). Started on 10mg and have just upped the dosage to 20mg. I get a yawn and get a bit of nausea, also makes me a bit fidgety/hard to focus. Even so, it's done wonders on my moods and how my brain seems to function. It helps me sleep, I don't have crazy vivid dreams anymore. If I miss a dose or two you can really tell the difference. It definitely mellows me out and I feel like I can manage basic day-to-day things since starting it. I have had some trouble with orgasming, however, not always. Can't drink any alcohol on it because it goes straight to my head and makes me go silly. Lexapro has changed my life."

• GFR...
• February 28, 2017

For Anxiety "I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks since my 20s sporadically. Now in my 40s, recurrence has significantly increased due to a series of personal events to a point that I was starting to be afraid of being alone. I was hesitant to initiate medication, but three weeks into it, I feel the best I have felt in a long time. The first two weeks are tough, with nausea, dizziness, and headaches, but it is worth it."

• Emm...
• August 23, 2017

For Anxiety "The start of their medication was horrible. I am not going to sugarcoat it for you. I was tired, had yawns, and brain zaps. I felt sick and nauseous all the time. It was like the worst hangover all the time. After about 3 weeks, I increased my dose from 10 mg to 15 mg. Again, a lot of side effects. I felt terrible. Now, 3 years later, I am on 30 mg and I don't have anxiety anymore. It took about 6 months for my body to adjust and settle down. I promise you it gets better. Stay with it, like everyone else says it works. It gets better. I can live my life now, I can be a parent, I graduated, I had another child. I'll be in this forever if I have to!"

• Bab...
• July 8, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I think I have had anxiety and depression all my life. I kept ruining all my relationships because I had delusions of being cheated on and consequently kept accusing my partner(s). The patience of my second husband and seeing his pain propelled me to see a psychiatrist willingly (before this I was dragged there and refused to take medications) who prescribed me Lexapro 10 mg after dinner every day. For the first 2 weeks, nothing changed in terms of my negative attitude towards my partner. The side effects were terrible, it felt like being pregnant. I was so nauseous sometimes I would lay in bed all day. After week 3, the sun seemed to shine brighter. I look at everyone positively. I am happier. My husband is crazy in love with me. Thank you."

• 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!"

• Bec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2018

For Depression "I have been on Lexapro for 3 weeks now and am feeling so much better, as I used to have this flatness hanging over me I couldn't shake. The first 2 weeks were hard to adjust to as I felt nauseous, tired, and fuzzy-headed from the drug. Now I'm feeling so much calmer and the fog has lifted. No full-on side effects like weight gain or loss of libido for me. I am taking 10 mg at 7 pm and would totally recommend for anyone who has been trying to cope with depression. Hope you feel better soon."

• fee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2015

For Depression "I have always experienced small bouts of anxiety and depression before, but nothing that ever really stuck around. A few months ago, something caused me to become anxious, which led to a panic attack, which then led to depression, and no matter what I did, I just couldn't shake it. I couldn't eat, sleep, had no desire to do anything, and was always anxious. I went to my doctor who put me on Lexapro. It immediately helped with my anxiety, and within a few days, my depression lifted. I have now been on Lexapro for over 2 months and feel back to my normal self. Initial side effects: very sleepy for about 3 days, nausea for a couple of nights. I still experience: vivid dreams and low sex drive. I never experienced: weight gain or insomnia. Overall, I'm very happy."

• bri...
• September 5, 2019

For Anxiety "I began taking Escitalopram 10 mg in March 2019, and my dose was upped to 20 mg in June 2019. I have been taking it consistently for 5 months for general anxiety and depression and have definitely noticed a positive impact on my mood and anxiety levels. For the first two weeks, I experienced some side effects like a major panic attack and increased anxiety initially, nausea, and fatigue, along with constant yawning even when I wasn't tired. These side effects have since all disappeared. I have noticed that I still have some anxiety at times, but it happens less often, and when it does happen, it is easier to manage and doesn't get out of control. My mood has also improved, and I do not experience the really low feelings that I used to experience, and I have less intrusive and negative thoughts. I have also been attending therapy and find that this is helpful. I feel more in control of my emotions now."

• Mum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2016

For Anxiety "I've always been an anxious person. Usually, I find my anxiety serves me well to stay on top of a busy household, but occasionally the anxiety is destructive instead, like after the birth of a child or during difficult times. I'd had a horrid couple of years, nursing my mum to the end from cancer, and eventually, it caught up with me: panic attacks, health anxiety, obsession with breathing, palpitations constantly. I went straight onto 20 mg as I had been on this drug briefly a decade ago. The first 24 hours were weird, dizzy, disoriented, mildly nauseous, and a huge panic attack. I only slept 3 hours a night for the first 2-3 days. By week 3, I sleep 8 hours a night, have energy during the day, and zero anxiety. I feel great! Lexapro is great, but be patient."

• Ros...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2017

For Anxiety "I'm someone that has been generally anxious for my whole life, with spells of depression sprinkled in. Recently, I thought I had been improving with my anxiety, but then I had a panic attack, out of the blue, with no rhyme or reason; it just happened. I was afraid this would affect my work, so I finally pushed myself to see a psychiatrist, who suggested that Lexapro would be an appropriate option. I started taking it and had some nasty side effects (no appetite, nausea, slight dizziness, jitters, tenseness) for the first two days, but after that, I noticed how well it was working. My anxiety has lessened immensely, and it's giving me a second chance I never knew I wanted. I'm still in the first week of trying it, but it's worked excellently so far!"

• Kat...
• June 30, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I cannot say enough good things about this med. I had a crazy experience with anxiety that came out of nowhere when I turned 28, and it was a long, bumpy road for sure, but now almost 4 months in, I am back to normal. It definitely also helped me get priorities in line, such as making my health a priority over late nights and drinking. I by no means was a hard partier, but I had my fair share of nights out with friends. I now find it completely okay to go out, have a glass of wine, and take it easy. The first month was rough. I had everything: nausea, increased anxiety, I lost almost 10 lbs from zero appetite, but slowly and surely, everything went away, and I feel really good now. Don't get me wrong, you have to put in work emotionally, but it works."

• cat...
• August 5, 2014

For Depression "I started this medication at a very low dose and experienced nausea, lethargy, and dizziness. My doctor told me this was a good sign that the medication was working. I then started to lose control over my thinking and could not focus. My doctor told me this was a symptom of depression and to up the dose of the medication. The nausea never went away, and the doctor told me the nausea was anxiety and to up the dose of the medication. I was so sick and tired I was unable to be active or engaged. The doctor told me this was major depressive disorder. Finally, I told my doctor I would no longer take the medication and he gave me a plan for tapering. I experienced extreme dizziness, nausea, and hysterical crying. I now feel so much better."

• 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."

• Ima...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2013

For Anxiety "I've suffered with extreme anxiety and mood swings daily, fatigue, and depression, and I can tell you that two weeks on Lexapro and the difference is like night and day. The anxiety improved about two days in, and almost all side effects are gone on the eighth day. The first week is the worst, with tiredness, increased anxiety, moodiness, and nausea, but the benefits are worth it completely. I can now tolerate stress so much better. Tips: Always take it after breakfast, and it prevents nausea. No problem with sleep so far for me."

• Gir...
• May 24, 2021

For Anxiety "I was very hopeful about this, taking it for severe anxiety and agoraphobia. But I am quitting after 3 weeks of taking the bare minimum amount. This was a mental and physical torture that I wish I never had to experience. I tried to push through, but it's just unbearable, even with daily Xanax. I had side effects from Lexapro, including horrible constant nausea, shivers, terrible GERD/gut issues, genital numbness, insomnia, memory problems, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. The more bizarre ones are sweating a lot, bad body odor, ear ringing, muscle twitches, and jittery hands. Mind you, I am a young woman with no medical condition. And only a couple of mgs of this medication left me with terrific physical problems, and I'm just hoping they will heal with time. I felt a little ease in my anxiety at the beginning, but I'm pretty sure that was just the brain fog numbing my ability to think anxiously (and to think at all). I didn't feel like myself. Horrible side effects even on a quarter of a dose, it's honestly horrifying."

• Ray...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was started on 5 mg for anxiety that was severely disabling me. I had a dreadful jittery, nervous feeling all the time, couldn't lift a cup of coffee without spilling it because of the shakes, had a dreadful nauseous, seasick feeling. When I started the medication, I felt a lot worse for about a week, but gradually I began to notice a difference. Shakes were not so bad, could hold my teeth together without chattering. Then the nausea subsided. My doctor decided to increase the dosage to 10 mg. It was hell for a week. The symptoms were back with a vengeance. Then after a week, they settled down, I began to feel very calm and centered, and my anxiety was hugely lessened. This medication has been a lifesaver."

• Jum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been on other SSRIs, which were ineffective, however, I found Lexapro to be intolerable. Other SSRIs had their minor side effects for the first couple of weeks, such as strange dreams and nausea, however, Lexapro wreaked havoc on me from day one. Just four hours after taking my first 10 mg dose (at 8 am), I wanted to vomit, was very dizzy, and felt confused and disoriented. I also had an extremely dry mouth. By 5 pm that evening, my anxiety had gotten ten times worse, and I suffered the absolutely WORST panic attack I have ever had in my life. My panic was so bad I briefly passed out. Everyone reacts differently to different drugs, so this is just my experience. However, I personally find this to be the worst SSRI in terms of side effects, which are intolerable."

• poo...
• April 14, 2016

For Anxiety "I have been taking Lexapro 10 mgs for nearly 4 months because of anxiety and mild depression. I had about 5 days at first with some dizziness and nausea; after that, things smoothed out. Almost immediately, it cured my insomnia by 95%. I take it in the morning. In the past, if I woke up at night, my thoughts would turn to things that kept me from falling asleep again. As far as anxiety, I am not worrying about things at work so much. I still have some social and anticipatory anxiety, but it is somewhat better than before. Depression is much better; I frequently have a warm feeling of happiness and everything will be alright. Before, I felt distressed and flat about the future. So, I would definitely recommend a trial with this medication."

• 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."

• ur ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2019

For Depression "I’ve been on 5 mg Lexapro for three months now, actually for bipolar disorder, and WOW, I feel so different from when I first started. Anxiety and depression are under control for the most part, and no more crazy dissociation and ruminating thoughts. The first week taking Lexapro is usually the worst week in terms of side effects, as I was nauseous, restless, agitated, and irritated. I did experience brain zaps too, but the side effects did go away after the first week. I also sometimes experience blunted affect from taking this medication, but for the most part, I do finally feel like my normal self again."

• Mum...
• May 27, 2016

For Anxiety "I first started Lexapro when I had a massive panic attack in October 2015. It came out of nowhere, and after seeing doctors, they diagnosed me with health anxiety. I'm a mum of 2, and I'm always constantly worrying if I have cancer or if that niggle in my leg was something bad. After my panic attack, I was put on 2.5 mg, and the first week was horrible: nauseous, feeling crap, and so tired. After that, I started feeling so much better. I'm now on 15 mg and very happy. I started letting anxiety rule my life, and it was turning me into someone I wasn't. I've always been scared of the stigma of having to be on medication to get me through life, however, if it helps me be a happier person and a better mum, then I'm more than happy with my decision."