Lexapro User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)
Lexapro has an average rating of 7.6 out of 10 from a total of 2,394 reviews on Drugs.com. 68% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 15% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Lexapro
- Lin...
- January 3, 2015
For Anxiety "Lexapro played a very important role in saving my life. After suffering serious anxiety and depression, while going through 6 years of therapy, and only feeling worse, I finally accepted that therapy on its own wasn't working. After a month of using Lexapro, I noticed a significant difference in my quality of life. I liked the change, the experience I had when I was first prescribed glasses when I was younger. I remember putting on glasses for the first time and thinking to myself, 'I had no idea this is what the world looks like!' Everything was so clear and beautiful. That's what everything was like after starting Lexapro- I had no idea that it was even possible to live a life free from constant, sickening anxiety. Life now is beautiful!"
- Awa...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 12, 2019
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I promised myself if I made it out alive, I'd come back and give my review. I've been on the meds for a little over 2 months, and the outcome has been very good for me! First couple of weeks are rough but stick it out, it'll be well worth it!"
Frequently asked questions
- Why does Lexapro cause weight gain? Complete Patient Guide
- SSRIs vs SNRIs - What's the difference between them?
- When is the best time to take Lexapro? Morning vs Night Dosing
- How long does it take for Lexapro to work?
- Hma...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 19, 2014
For Anxiety "During a recent stretch of terrible anxiety which crept up very slowly, I suddenly became incapacitated. I was in fear of everything and I couldn't function - AT ALL. I went to my doctor and explained the symptoms, and he recommended Lexapro 10 mg. with Klonopin 0.5 mg. as needed. I took both medications, and the Klonopin erased all the start-up side effects of the Lexapro such as increased nervousness, insomnia, and poor appetite. As soon as the Lexapro kicked in (about three weeks), I was able to step off the Klonopin and have felt great ever since. Anxiety has been wiped out, and sleep has improved. I feel 100% better. Don't give up, this medication WORKS!"
- Mum...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 22, 2024
For Anxiety "Wanting to update you all on my journey 4 months on… I feel like my old self and the anxiety has gone. It took 9-10 weeks for me to feel better once starting the meds. It was an extremely tough few months, but I encourage you not to give up. The medication is life-changing, but it takes time to work. I'm now doing Pilates and feel the days go by much quicker as I’m not anxious about anything. Please remember it feels so tough, but the light is at the end of the tunnel. Stay strong, amazing drug. X"
- col...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 19, 2014
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Before Lexapro, my anxiety would take over my life. I would worry too much about little things and had trouble remaining calm in social situations. I had trouble sleeping and would feel sick to my stomach from all the anxiety I would get. Lexapro helped all of these symptoms for me! I am only 21 years old but I feel like it changed my whole outlook on life, and I can handle it much easier now. Little things don't get to me, and I tend to live for the moment instead of worrying about tomorrow. I feel like myself again and that I am in control, and my thoughts no longer control me. I recommend this for anxiety, or anxiety that can lead to depression. It took about a month to completely work for me, so be patient!"
- Ash...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 25, 2023
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Like most of you, I was in the exact same position. Scared to death to start taking medications. I would spend HOURS scrolling and scrolling through Reddit and other forums trying to absorb as much information as possible. Now that the Lexapro has completely kicked in, I will never go off of it! This medication quite literally saved my life. For MONTHS, I was in such a downward spiral, and I was so sure I could never get out of it. My anxiety and depression began affecting everyone around me. I knew that I needed to take the leap, and I'm so glad that I did! I took 5 mg for about 6 weeks and bumped up to 10 mg, which has helped immensely. The side effects (mostly nausea and no appetite) only lasted about 1 week, and I've had none since then. If you are torn, just do it! This medication exists for a reason. You'll never know unless you try!"
More FAQ
- Does Lexapro cause night sweats?
- What is the difference between Celexa and Lexapro?
- Lexapro vs Zoloft: How do they compare?
- Treatments for Menopause
- Liv...
- February 25, 2014
For Anxiety "I've been on Lexapro for two months now. The first 4 weeks I had very minor side effects. Dry mouth, dilated pupils, etc. VERY minor and only lasted 2 days each. Two months later I can tell you this medication is amazing. I suffered from very periodic anxiety which turned into panic attacks on some occasions. It was always in the back of my mind as to if or when it was going to happen. That's no way to live. I feel focused with clear thought now. I still laugh and feel every emotion... I just don't worry about things like I used to before Lexapro. I'm happier and have a more positive outlook on difficult situations in my life now. I find myself being much more social now too. Miracle medication for sure!"
- Nik...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- January 31, 2021
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This is a lifesaver for me! I was prescribed this because I have minor generalized anxiety and OCD with intrusive thoughts. I regret I did not take this sooner. I was very scared to take it at first because of side effects. I didn't want to be 'zombie-like' but this helped my OCD thoughts immensely. I still get anxiety now and then, but it's much easier to brush off. I didn't have any bad side effects. The thing I recognized most is your brain feels quieter but not in a zombie way. I would get anxiety because I wasn't having anxiety anymore haha. This medication seemed to help me right away within 2 weeks, but I noticed a full effect after 2-3 months."
- Ano...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 1, 2025
For Anxiety "If you’ve come here like I have in the past, please know that this drug is certainly worth trying! I have had panic attacks and severe generalized anxiety for over 35 years. My doctor and I have tried 10 different medications and none worked. After my parents died, my anxiety was through the roof, and Klonopin no longer was helping. I was hesitant to try this medication but figured, oh well, you never know, and I prayed very hard that it would work. We started out at 1 mg liquid and then slowly moved up milligrams. I noticed a huge difference at 5 mg and we are going to 10. I really didn’t think that anything was going to work for me, but this medication has! I can’t be more grateful. Just know slow is better and there is hope! I think I have had some of the worst anxiety ever, and this medication took that free-floating edge away that I’ve lived with for so long, and now hopefully I will be dropping the Klonopin."
- Ola...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 13, 2020
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've had anxiety problems since I was about 12 and was put on Lexapro when I was 18 years old. I didn’t feel much difference that time and stopped after about a month because my parents found out I was on it and shamed me into stopping. I’m now 19 and my anxiety has gotten much worse, I disassociate often and I’m depressed. I got put back on it and I’m on day 4. I’m having a really bad time on it. I’m extremely anxious right now, it’s made me dizzy and it’s given me stomach problems. I did notice an improvement in my sleeping right away which has been amazing. Reading the comments that say that you just have to wait it out are helping a lot, it’s making me motivated to continue and it’s reminding me that this feeling isn’t going to last. I hope in a few months things are better."
- Bro...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- May 26, 2015
For Anxiety "This is the first time I have ever posted a review of anything online, but I feel an obligation to share my experience with others suffering from anxiety. I suffer from GAD, which includes panic attacks, muscle aches, and a horrible temper. I avoided this medication fearing weight gain (as I had already gained 10 lbs over the year) and sexual dysfunction. When I explained this to my doctor, he replied, 'Have you ever considered whether being anxious has caused you to eat more, drink more, and maybe have sex less often?' I have been on Lexapro for 6 months now, and my only regret is not starting this treatment sooner. I have lost 15 lbs as I don't eat and drink as much anymore, and my love life has improved. Anxiety sucks. You don't have to suffer!"
- Joj...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 21, 2020
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My life was literally wrecked by depression and anxiety when it turned its ugly head when I was 17 years old. I've been through terrible times and through a living nightmare. Now I'm 32 years old on Lexapro and I feel good finally."
- Tha...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 19, 2021
For Depression "This medication pulled me out of a deep and very severe depression. Almost instantly after taking it, my mind felt much clearer. My anxiety went away, and I noticed my sense of humor had returned with a vengeance. My ability to enjoy simple and not-so-simple things in life skyrocketed. I was basically smiling all the time. I’ve been on it for about five months now and have no plans of discontinuing it ever. This medication was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my entire life. The side effects were difficulty reaching orgasm for about a month and a half, nausea, insomnia, and general discomfort for about a month. I couldn’t sleep no matter how hard I tried for about a week straight. Then I would get maybe an hour or two a night. After a month, my sleep cycle went back to normal. My sexual function began working properly, along with my libido. The anxiety relief, depression relief, and energy levels skyrocketed from that point forward."
- Zoa...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 11, 2020
For Depression "I was prescribed Lexapro (Escitalopram) after complaining of severe moodiness after my bi-weekly testosterone shot was administered. The very first and last pill I would ever take. I had a very extreme battle with Suicidal Tendencies - with just one pill! I drank so much water to help flush it out of my system and after a full 24 hours later, I feel I'm out of danger. Please! Please!! Recognize the symptoms and fight through it. Get off of it immediately should you have a similar reaction and notify your doctor. Hope I was able to help someone."
- fin...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 10, 2019
For Anxiety "Been on escitalopram for 8 weeks (51 yo woman). SUPER lethargic week 1 as I went from 5 to 10 mg. Urinary problems in week 2 only. No orgasm in week 3 and still now. Benefits crept up SLOWLY. First was PHYSICAL benefits in week 4: no more adrenaline rushes or heart palpitations and my body just felt really good (libido great despite lack of orgasm). This was huge but still no change in my thinking. Week 7, obsessive thinking and worry subsided noticeably. Start of week 8 it REALLY kicked in. I have clarity, a sense of calm, I smile a lot, I genuinely take time for others, my mind is not racing or jumbled with worry, I am willing to ask for what I want more confidently. Biggest thing: I am no longer on edge AT ALL. Still hoping for benefit to self-esteem & being more outgoing. Dr. will up me to 15 mg for this, but I will wait since I literally see improvement daily & I prefer the lowest dose. I LOVE the change in myself! Patience & paying attention to little improvements is key!"
- jes...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- March 13, 2025
For Anxiety "LIFE SAVER. I had been struggling with severe anxiety since 2021, and nothing was seeming to help. My anxiety cost me my freedom and made it impossible to live life. Before my anxiety got really bad, I was always scared of meds, I had tried a few, and they also seemed to make me worse. So, with the start of my panic attacks and intense anxiety, I refused to take any meds. Fast forward to 2024, my anxiety was much better through exposure therapy and time, but I was still struggling daily and just couldn’t take feeling like I was walking on eggshells every day. I bit the bullet and got prescribed Lexapro, I started at a baby dose of 2.5, and months later got to 10. Pretty much no side effects, except insomnia for a few days. I have been on it for a year now, and I can say this medication has truly given me my life back. After a few months, I noticed my anxiety was basically gone, and my mind wasn’t racing. TRY IT!! Literally didn’t think my anxiety would ever go away."
- Anonymous
- October 22, 2011
For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "For years, I suffered from almost debilitating obsessive thoughts that ruled my life. I had no control over them. They intruded on every single aspect of my existence, making being present in any given moment virtually impossible, because the thoughts would not let up. About 4 years ago, I started taking Lexapro, and the relief within a few weeks was immense. Now I can actually enjoy my family, my life. It is truly amazing."
- Ely...
- July 28, 2021
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’ve been taking Lexapro since 2018. In two words, miracle drug! It saved my life. I used to be so terrified to take SSRIs because of misleading reviews. Please give it a go. For 6 years, I fought with debilitating anxiety. I was doing acupuncture every week to be able to function. But one trigger was enough to throw me off. It was exhausting. My family was sick and tired of my illness, and it can damage any happiness in your household. My husband blesses the person who created Lexapro because he got his wife and happiness back. My sex life has improved (just reaching climax is hard). The only side effects are vivid dreams, dry mouth after sleep or nap, weight gain for me :( but believe me, I wouldn’t trade my old skinny and miserable body for my current chubbier but much happier one :)"
- Lau...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 18, 2024
For Depression "Here to help someone else the way you all helped me when I came here for reviews. I will say, one word that stood out to me when I was hesitant and unsure about this medication was-LIFE CHANGING. That is exactly what it has been for me. Thankfully, I did not have any stomach issues or major side effects during my first two weeks of taking Lexapro. It is now nearly two months since I first began taking this medication. Wow! I feel incredible. I'm so relieved. I used to be so irritable and moody. I truly feel that this medication has saved my marriage, and my children are happier now that mommy isn't constantly sad, angry, or frustrated. I'm sleeping so much better, I'm able to focus more at work, and my mood is just all around so much happier! If you are hesitant or nervous to take the step...do it. You will be so much happier in the long run. Now I just wish I wouldn't have waited so long. Best of luck to you!"
- And...
- December 21, 2019
For Anxiety "Life saver. First week on Lexapro ain't easy. I felt every single emotion within five minutes. All day long. But once you're through with that, life starts being bright again. I experienced few side effects, which are nothing compared to the anxiety I had. If you’re just starting and you feel like it's getting worse, push through it, it gets better!"
- sna...
- November 26, 2018
For Anxiety "Please give it a try! It works! Here are some recommendations based on my experience. It won't 'fix' you, but it'll make it so you can actually breathe again. I used to cry constantly, isolate myself, have panic attacks so frequently I couldn't even sleep, and have horrible intrusive violent thoughts. 1. Be proactive when it comes to the nausea side effect. Eat BEFORE you take the pill, and don't let yourself get hungry during the first 3-4 hours after you take the pill. Because once you get nausea, it becomes harder to eat, which only makes you more nauseous. It's a vicious cycle that can be prevented. 2. Ignore the negative reviews that are like 'I took this pill for 1 day and it caused *terrifying side effects*.' They only cause more anxiety and they're highly unlikely. 3. From my personal experience, the first things to get better were the physical symptoms of anxiety. Less panic attacks, more hunger, less crying, etc. Keeping a journal is helpful to see the progression."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 11, 2021
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I just started taking Lexapro after having a major nervous breakdown due to coming off a Lyme disease medication too quickly. I had never felt so close to suicide in all my life. I started the Lexapro at 5 mg, and it started to help with the panic almost instantly. I am trying to get to 10 mg slowly. Thanks for all the reviews, it really helped me when I was at my worst to hang in there and wait for the medication to start working. Hang in there, everyone."
- Nik...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 17, 2025
For Depression "I can’t seem to say enough about this medicine. If I had to describe how it felt to be normal again, this is how I’d describe feeling. I’m going through menopause, which heightens every worry you seem to have by 100 times or seems like that with my situation. It felt like I was heading down a hill with no brakes. My relationship was taking a beating, my relationship with my family and friends was taking a beating, and my mental state overall was horrible. I’d snap over the little things. I have been on this for about a month now, and I wake up being grateful. I go to bed being grateful. My stress level is neutral. It stopped my monkey brain. I am so happy I found this."
- And...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 26, 2022
For Anxiety "On this for depression and anxiety. I started having suicidal thoughts and felt so hopelessly sad. I started therapy but didn't notice much difference. I was against taking meds, but eventually I gave up and asked the doctor to prescribe SSRIs for me. She had me start on 5 mg a day of escitalopram generic. The first week, I felt good with some weird dreams, a bit of euphoria, and some nausea. Week 2, I started having vivid and horrible nightmares, and my anxiety got worse. Week 3 was also not fun, very similar to week 2, I felt a bit more sad. Week 4, I started feeling a bit better. Week 5, the doctor upped the dose to 10 mg. I felt good for 4 days, then my body started adjusting to the new dose, and it took 2 weeks of lower mood again. Nausea came back for the first 4 days of 10 mg in week 6. I started to feel much better. Now in week 8, no anxiety, no depression - I feel great. I've been exercising, cutting caffeine, eating healthy, no weight gain, no sexual problems. Life is beautiful again. Give it time."
See also:
More about Lexapro (escitalopram)
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For Anxiety "I am back to write an update on my almost 5-month journey on Lexapro. I am feeling great and have a lot of positive things to say. I am starting back nursing school (to specialize in psychiatry, of all things!) this January after quitting due to my mental breakdown. I am back to working full-time. I'm calm and feel mentally able to achieve what I want in my life. The OCD rituals are at a bare minimum now, and the horrible mood swings I had before starting Lexapro have almost completely disappeared. My anxiety and depression once had me homebound, and now I'm leaving my house 4-6 days a week, and I enjoy being out again. I'm 24 and have struggled with mental health problems since the age of 12 and thought I was doomed for life. Your life can turn around for good, so don't give up on yourself. Prayers for you all that you find happiness and live your lives to your fullest potentials. Be blessed."