Lexapro User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• Jeb
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 60 years old and have suffered from anxiety since I was 23 years old. Many times, the panic attacks were quite severe. I had trouble holding down a job, and there were times I couldn't drive and was terrified of being alone. I've tried so many anti-anxiety drugs, but I expected them to work right away. I've done years of counseling. In October of 2020, my doctor put me on 5mg of Lexapro. I knew what side effects to expect, and they lasted almost 3 weeks before I started to notice that it was working. In January, I started 10mg. I have not had an anxiety attack since I've been taking Lexapro. It gave me my life back. I feel normal for the first time in many years."

• LeG
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "If you have anxiety or depression and are holding off on going on medication because you’re unsure about the side effects, or perhaps worried about being on it for life, please keep an open mind. I dealt with both from my mid 20s until I started Lexapro in my mid 40s. Those 20 years were really hard and didn’t need to be. I’ve been on Lexapro for 4 years now, and it has changed my life, basically neutralizing anxiety and depression with almost no side effects. Every aspect of life - work, family, etc. - has improved. I wish I’d discovered it much earlier."

• Oran
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2021

For Anxiety "(Male/24) Initially Lexapro made my anxiety worse, quite significantly. I experienced both anxiety & panic attacks at a greater frequency compared to prior to starting. Despite this, I have continued to take the medication with the hope that this side effect would lessen, despite most of my thoughts begging me to stop this medication. After about 12 days, I felt my body adjusting to the dosage. The last two days I have felt really great, no anxiety or racing heart rate (another initial side effect), no panic attacks and improved mood and enjoyment in things. I wanted to share just in case others are experiencing initial worsening anxiety and are unsure if this improves over time. Although my one experience is anecdotal, I am glad I stuck with it. I experienced headaches, nausea, jitteriness and trouble sleeping the first week as well, those too have gone away. My appetite has improved, and I have had no complications with sexual dysfunction. I hope this helps"

• Irideon
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 12, 2019

For Depression "After enduring severe depression, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, brain fog, problems with focusing, and a sleep disorder since childhood, I went on 10 mg of Lexapro at age 40. It took 6 weeks for Lexapro to work, but my entire life changed. All of a sudden, my thoughts became clear, more positive, and I could focus. My severe anxiety was reduced, my sleep disorder dramatically improved, and I stopped thinking about suicide. I was slightly nauseous for a few weeks. The worst side effect I had for a few years was fatigue. I have been taking Lexapro for 15 years in doses of 10-20 mg. I can reduce my dose during the summer months to 15 mg. I have no intention of going off the drug."

• 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."

• Lawman
• October 21, 2019

For Depression "After 27 years as a police officer, I retired. I have PTSD. The one shooting I was involved in, the dead bodies, and all the other LE activities that come with the job left me paranoid. I kept dreaming about more shootings, fighting in my sleep, extreme anger issues, and not trusting anyone wearing all black. After five weeks on Lexapro, everything changed for the best. My family and I get along much better. I’m no longer jumping and fighting in my sleep, and I’m learning that just because people are wearing all black, they are not committing a crime. The downside is I’m not as interested in things as I used to be. My sex drive has gone down, and I do have a “I don’t care attitude.” My wife wants me to stop taking Lexapro because she said I’m too quiet. I want to stay on it because it feels good not to be angry all the time."

• RHS
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 25, 2014

For Anxiety "Male, 50, about 1 year ago experienced sudden onset of debilitating generalized anxiety disorder. Suffered 3 months trying benzodiazepines, Buspar, Wellbutrin, and Lexapro 10 mg. Settled on Lexapro 20 mg. 100% symptom-free in about 1 month. After 1 year, tapered off about a month ago. ZERO negative side effects from tapering and 100% recovery. I'm not one to suggest a miracle, but this is about as close as it gets."

• Nikki
• 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."

• Awano
• 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!"

• tweak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I noticed that many of the reviews on here were extremely negative, but I can't say enough good things about this medication. It absolutely changed my life for the better! Most people won't go to the trouble of leaving a review unless they had a really bad experience. Don't let the bad reviews scare you... there are a lot of success stories too! I had VERY few and mild side effects (nausea the first night and cold sweats at night in the beginning). This medication reminded me what it felt like to be happy again and I finally got my life back! I used to be the first person to condemn using medicines for things like this and I went to it as a last resort because I was desperate, but I could not possibly be happier that I did it. Good luck! There is hope!"

• Starry
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2018

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."

• LineH
• 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!"

• Jojo
• 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."

• That...
• 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."

• Elyush
• 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 :)"

• Hman
• 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!"

• Emm
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2024

For Anxiety "I have very bad social anxiety, but I have always been a people person, so it was very hard for me. After not taking any medicine for years of having it, I finally decided to get help at 24 years old. I was really scared because a lot of people said that it made them worse before it got better, and that it did for me. I was extremely depressed and even more anxious than I was before, the first 5 weeks of taking this medicine, I didn't have any hope. I felt so off and not myself, I would just cry, and I wasn't my funny usual self, I didn't have any personality. I also slept most of the day. I was about to call my doctor to get off of it, but I stuck to it, and I am so glad I did because one day everything just changed for me. I was able to be put in social situations and not have that pit of anxiety constantly in my stomach. I actually enjoy doing things now because it is almost completely gone. I am very much myself again and love life. I am a lot happier. Excited to see even more improvement."

• madet...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 18, 2024

For Anxiety "Have been on 20 mg a day for about 9 months. Way too many horror stories out there. Calm down, everyone. I am switching to something else due to sexual side effects, but other than that, some GERD initially when taking on an empty stomach, but overall great medication. Worth a try and just start gradually and increase over time."

• Livin...
• 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!"

• final...
• 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!"

• Jen
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've always suffered with anxiety since I was 15 (now 34) for all of time until now. I was on and off Lexapro as I only had panic attacks as I was drifting off to sleep. Fast forward to now, I have a 2-year-old and a newborn and hadn't taken Lexapro for 4 years. Two months postpartum, I was flooded with intrusive thoughts of health anxiety. I believed I was going to die. I was having panic attacks during the day and night, worse than I've ever had. My arms, hands, legs, and feet had the strong tingling feeling, my heart racing at 150 bpm. I couldn't concentrate or eat, I had severe brain fog for a month. I needed help, and I needed it fast. I got back on Lexapro (20 mg oral solution because I can't swallow tablets). I was nauseous the first two days. The first week I was still very anxious, but I only had one or two panic attacks. I'm now just over 2 weeks and haven't had a panic attack. My appetite is back, and I'm feeling so much better. I can't wait to see how I feel in another 2 weeks!"

• colle...
• 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!"

• Emily...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Never experienced life so quiet before, nothing to worry about, no anger outburst, did not notice any seasonal depression this winter as well??, being able to look at things before reacting instead of going from one mood to another and having high mood swings all day. 'What if...' thoughts are gone. No overthinking. I can actually think clearly now. I am able to read because it's so quiet, normally I had no focus.. I actually went on ADHD meds before this because I thought I had ADHD because my mind couldn't stop. Turned out it was not ADHD, it was anxiety. ADHD meds just made me worse, but this.. I feel finally free. Free from worry, overthinking, health anxiety has gone away, OCD completely went away and social anxiety as well. I have my moments when I might think of something embarrassing but I do not feel disgust from it. I accept it. I am so much more talkative without repeating convo in my head afterwards. I've been taking this for 4 months now, I am still not used to it. I love it."

• 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."

• Andygh
• 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!"