Lexapro and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2015

For Depression "I am on day 16 of 10 mg. The first 6 days I was very tired, excessively. But the majority of my anxiety was gone by then. Days 6-8 I had severe insomnia, it passed, and by day 9 I had no racing thoughts before going to sleep. Today is day 16. I feel better about my life circumstances. I have a 9-year-old with Asperger's. I am no longer spending every waking moment obsessing over what will become of his future. My cognitive functioning seems clearer. I have been able to keep up more with home chores. Still not as energized as I would like to be. Coffee makes me more jittery since starting the meds. I can now tell the difference between caffeine jitters and my real anxiety, though. I am hoping that by week 6-8 I have even more clarity."

• 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."

• dsj...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 12, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have GAD, dysthymia, and ADD and have tried Effexor, Zoloft, Lexapro, Wellbutrin XL, Lamictal, Lyrica, Ritalin, Attentin, Vyvanse, and Modafinil. I will definitely say that the most effective medication for me is Lexapro; it also has the least side effects. The problems I have with Lexapro long term are lethargy, insomnia, and some weight gain. The upside on Lexapro is way less anxiety, depression, and rumination."

• 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."

• Joh...
• May 1, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Back on Lexapro after a few years of not taking it. Only been taking it for about a week so far and having little side effects at all. Yawning a fair bit and feeling a little tired here and there, but for me, this is a good thing because I used to have real trouble sleeping at night. Nothing else other than that. No dizzy spells, no nausea, nothing! If you are new to this or are reading reviews to see if you will be okay with Lexapro, then PLEASE give it a chance. You will be so thankful for it once you start feeling the benefits from it. As I said, I've only started taking it again about a week ago, so I'm not back to being my normal self just yet, but I know it's coming any day now with a positive attitude!"

• Joh...
• May 1, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Back on Lexapro after a few years of not taking it. Only been taking it for about a week so far and having little side effects at all. Yawning a fair bit and feeling a little tired here and there, but for me, this is a good thing because I used to have real trouble sleeping at night. Nothing else other than that. No dizzy spells, no nausea, nothing! If you are new to this or are reading reviews to see if you will be okay with Lexapro, then PLEASE give it a chance. You will be so thankful for it once you start feeling the benefits from it. As I said, I've only started taking it again about a week ago, so I'm not back to being my normal self just yet, but I know it's coming any day now with a positive attitude!"

• Kat...
• January 23, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I suddenly developed severe GAD and agoraphobia in Sept 2017. I could barely walk down the stairs in my house. In Nov 2017, I started out on 5 mg of Escitalopram. The first two weeks were rough, but it was working. Built up to 15 mg, I have been on it for 9 weeks now and feel good. Some yawning every day, but it is worth it. I highly recommend it. Please stick with the medicine for at least a month. It takes time to work. Only read POSITIVE reviews on Lexapro. I got through it reading the positive reviews on here. Motivate yourself to do daily functions! This medicine is not a total cure. You have to motivate yourself daily to do stuff. Start out small. In order to get over anxiety, you have to put yourself through it. Also, definitely recommend CBT."

• 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."

• Ven...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2024

For Anxiety "I’m week 4 of taking Lexapro and I was so scared to take it at first due to reviews saying everything got worse before better, but I’m so glad I started taking it. 1st-3rd day, I was very tired and just stayed on the lounge all day. I was a bit nauseous when I would take it, so I would have to eat something before or after and have some little snacks throughout the day when the waves came. By the 5th day, I was back at work and already noticed I was not as anxious. Fast forward, I’ve had no bad symptoms at all. My IBS has completely been fixed, work isn’t a big deal anymore, can have full conversations with people, and laugh again! The only thing I’ve noticed is I am a bit unmotivated and in a cocoon phase, wanting to just chill out and relax at home. Before taking this, I felt like I was run by a motor all the time, rushing out to do stuff, not wanting to waste my weekends, but I think this has made me slow down now, which I probably needed. Days seem to go longer now."

• Lex...
• September 17, 2015

For Anxiety "I have been dealing with general and situational anxiety disorder and panic attacks on and off since college. Tried Paxil and Prozac. Paxil made me gain 20 lbs., and Prozac increased my anxiety. Lexapro works. My advice: Try taking Lexapro for at least one week. The first week you will feel tired, dizzy, and mildly nauseated. Those effects disappear very quickly. Do start at 5 mg and slowly increase to 10 or 20 mg. Ask your doctor to supplement with Buspar XL, which counteracts most Lexapro side effects and further helps control anxiety and panic attacks. I don't recommend using Lexapro without Buspar. Anxiety/panic will gradually disappear over two to four weeks. Use Ativan or other benzodiazepines sparingly until Lexapro is working."

• 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."

• Ahm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2018

For Anxiety "I have been suffering with severe OCD, it had severely impacted almost every single aspect of my life, which led to severe anxiety that was utterly crippling, social anxiety, panic disorder, and mild depression. I tried numerous types of medication, even the BIG ONE - Anafranil. I remained on this medication for several months on a high dosage, it assisted with the OCD (not so much with anxiety). However, the side effects were utterly terrible, so I decided to give it up. My psychiatrist suggested Lexapro. I began on 5 mg and slowly worked my way up to 30 mg (currently on this dosage for the last three months). Pros: Anxiety has GREATLY REDUCED, very few panic attacks, it hasn't stopped the thoughts, however, they have become much easier to brush off. I am able to think more rationally, and I feel somewhat more hopeful and optimistic. Cons: Constantly tired, extremely sleepy (I could sleep all day if I wanted to), I feel somewhat emotionally numb."

• Som...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 24, 2013

For Depression "I loved Lexapro. I had been on it for approximately 5 years. It worked wonders, made me feel close to 'normal.' Recently, in the past 6 months, I had gone through some life-altering events and had noticed my depression was coming back more and more. I finally broke down and told my doctor (I thought the problem would correct itself). So, he changed me to Pristiq. I had a slight yawn while on Lexapro and some sexual side effects, but they were less than any other medication I had ever taken. So, when Lexapro works, it works GREAT! When it's run its course, time to move on."

• Dob...
• January 15, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Was afraid of being alone, had insomnia, body aches, nervous stomach. I was only treating it with Xanax prescribed by my PCP. My psychiatrist switched me from Xanax to 3 mg Klonopin. Then he started me on Lexapro 10 mg, which I took for 5 weeks. The first couple of weeks on 10 mg made me feel increased anxiety, but did help me to sleep at night. It did not really help with general fear or anxiety, so my psych increased it to 20 mg on week 5. This was helpful to a point, but I still felt anxious every day, albeit less intense than before. After another 2 weeks with limited results, my psychiatrist upped me to 30 mg/day on week 8. He says some people just require higher doses to get the same effect. I've been on 30 mg for a week (9 total weeks into Lexapro) and starting to feel MUCH better, like my old self. Stick in there, your doctor may have to increase your dosage to achieve the desired results. I am now weaning off the Klonopin, which makes me tired."

• 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!"

• j12...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I suffered from every type of anxiety in the book. I could barely go to the grocery store. I got started on 5 mg a few weeks ago. The first week I took this, I felt amazing -- more energy, more motivation, happier, etc. The second week, I felt horrific. So depressed and borderline suicidal (which I never dealt with before). I got scared that the meds would not work. DON'T GIVE UP. Now, on the third week, I feel much better. I feel like I used to, mostly, and normalized. Not super peppy like the first week, maybe a little more tired and slightly foggy, but nothing compared to how I felt with anxiety. Most importantly, I have ZERO obsessive thoughts. Mind you, I am still eating well, no caffeine, no alcohol, and exercising daily."

• Pat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 18, 2021

For Anxiety "My problem started 5 years ago. After some struggling in my career, my anxiety started to get worse (I’m a perfectionist, so I have anxiety quite often). I first started with Paxil. It went well for about 6 months, but the side effects of sex drive were really bad, so the doctor changed it to Lexapro. After 3 months, my sex problem was getting better, not perfect, but better. I had Lexapro for 4 years, and it worked pretty well on my emotions. I see the world in a positive way. I care less about things that I shouldn’t care about. I focus more on things and people I love. Still, there are some side effects that remain, such as drowsiness, weight gain, or tiredness, but they’re all bearable compared to the anxiety I have suffered. I tried to wean off 2 times, but it lasted only 2-3 months before relapsing. So I guess it’s my long-time companion, and it’s a true friend. Tips: You can feel worse after taking any antidepressants for the first week (or two), but trust me, it will be better."

• Tee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am a 34-year-old female with a diagnosis of depression and panic/anxiety disorder in the past [10+ years ago], which was resolved with Remeron. Now, I have been suffering from anxiety and moderate depression, which has been very frustrating due to a stressful job, school, and a lot of tragic events happening. Started Lexapro 3 days ago. Side effects are dry mouth, pelvic pain, the first day I felt a little dazed, insomnia the first day, then on the third day I am very tired and able to fall asleep but not able to sleep through the night. My anxiety has decreased from a 10 to a 2, and my depression is barely there. Will keep you updated."

• lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2017

For Depression "Lexapro made me very tired all the time. I needed a daily midday nap. I'm a college student, so I was able to sleep at odd periods of the day, but it was ridiculous. I could get a solid 10 hours of sleep at night, but by 1 pm, I'd be dead tired. One time, I was late picking up a kid I used to babysit from her elementary school because I fell asleep and slept through my alarm in the middle of the afternoon! I was never the type who could take naps until I started Lexapro. I didn't stay on it for more than 6 months because being that tired all the time was ruining my social life, grades, work life, the list goes on."

• Pra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 21, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I thought this worked great, but after 12 years or so, I find myself extremely reclusive, apathetic, and lonely. I take this with bupropion for major depression and anxiety (GAD), along with Buspar, trazodone at night for sleep, and 0.5 mg clonazepam as needed. I find myself drinking or vaping cannabis to feel happier or more numb and less anxious. I feel alone but often content always being alone. I'm usually very tired and often sad."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2019

For Anxiety "I have to say that in the last two months I have experienced terrible anxiety. I wasn’t sleeping good or eating well. My weight was very low, so my doctor prescribed me Lexapro. I had never taken anxiety medicine at all, so I didn’t know what to expect. The first four to five days on it were rough. I was very, very exhausted and unmotivated, but I kept taking it, and I’m on day 7 now, and I feel more alert, more focused. My friends have told me that they have seen a difference in my face, and I seem more relaxed. I up my dose tomorrow night, so I will see what that does, but if I feel this great, I can’t imagine how well I will feel when I’m at 10 mg."

• kcu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I took Lexapro for 25 days, and I was so tired, crying, and depressed, and my head was overthinking all day. I felt light-headed. I kept waiting for all these side effects to go away, but they were getting worse. Went back to my doctor, and he took me off of them and put me back on Prozac. It's been two days, and I'm feeling better already. I did give Lexapro a try, but it is not for me."

• Anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2015

For Anxiety "I am on day 16 of 10 mg. The first 6 days I was very tired, excessively. But the majority of my anxiety was gone by then. Days 6-8 I had severe insomnia, it passed, and by day 9 I had no racing thoughts before going to sleep. Today is day 16. I feel better about my life circumstances. I have a 9-year-old with Asperger's. I am no longer spending every waking moment obsessing over what will become of his future. My cognitive functioning seems clearer. I have been able to keep up more with home chores. Still not as energized as I would like to be. Coffee makes me more jittery since starting the meds. I can now tell the difference between caffeine jitters and my real anxiety, though. I am hoping that by week 6-8 I have even more clarity."

• Kat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 9, 2021

For Depression "I've been on quite a few medications in the past for depression and anxiety. I've been on Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, and Celexa. Celexa is in the same medicine family as Lexapro, but is milder. I maxed out the highest dosage on Celexa for a while, and was still feeling pretty bad and stressed out about different situations going on in my personal life. Lexapro has been the medicine that works for me. I found that Lexapro (Escitalopram Oxalate) made me feel a little weird at first, for a few weeks, like tired and drowsy. I figured out to take my pill at bedtime since it made me tired. By the third to fourth week, I was feeling like a new person. I felt happier, like I wanted to do the things that I used to avoid, even more. Lexapro actually helps me sleep and wakes me up too, after 7 to 8 hours of sleep. I feel that it has been a great fit for me. I've been on Lexapro for 6 and a half years now. It has helped my anxiety and depression dramatically."

• Chr...
• June 18, 2017

For Anxiety "I was having horrible anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and was borderline manic. I was going through a lot of stress and hit my limit. My family urged me to see a doctor who started me on 2.5 Lexapro for a week, then up to 5 mg the week after. I stayed on 5 mg for 1 month, seeing improvements. Eventually, I decided to bump up to 7.5, which I'm currently on. I still get anxiety, but I am able to feel in control. I don't have attacks anymore. I'm sleeping better and eating again. Side effects only lasted the first month. I got really tired 20 minutes after taking it, drowsy, night sweats. Make sure to take it with a snack, I find it hits the stomach like a rock. Overall, it has given me my life back, and I don't feel like I'm on medication."