Escitalopram and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Rac...
• June 20, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I love Lexapro. I started taking it when I was 14 for severe anxiety and OCD. My doctor basically begged my parents to put me on medication because I could not leave the house. I'm now 20 years old and about 6 months ago I thought I no longer needed the Lexapro because I was feeling better. WHAT A MISTAKE. After the taper, my OCD came back just as bad as it was when I was 14. So my Pdoc put me on Prozac. It made me manic. I then tried Brintellix, again, it made me feel crazy. So I went back to the Lexapro, and yes, the start-up side effects suck: headache, dizziness (that whoosh feeling in your brain), upset stomach, and brain fog. Every time I bumped up the dose, I had an increase in anxiety, but after 5 weeks, I finally have my life back. Stick it out!"

• She...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 28, 2020

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I'm 43. Was diagnosed with BPD multiple times in my late teens and early adulthood. For the first 6 years, I tried Prozac, Effexor, Paxil, and Zoloft. Finally, I tried 10 mg Lexapro. For the first two weeks, I felt great, even had a huge boost of energy. After my energy level stabilized, the drug mellowed my anxiety and depression between 'episodes,' for the most part. It took the edge off. After about a year or so, the drug started losing its effect. Then, the dosage was increased to 20 mg. I've continued this dosage to the present day. It's hard to determine how much the Lexapro helps. I am a high-functioning BPD. In 20 years, I've gone from a debilitating, low-functioning state to a more stabilized, quicker-recovering state. Most of my progress has been made by learning stress-relieving and communication skills and techniques, but I cannot disregard the impact of the Lexapro. I don't think I'd be able to do the work without the Lexapro taking the edge off the anxiety and depression."

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

Escitalopram 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."

• Tam...
• June 8, 2019

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have suffered with anxiety, panic most of my young life. By age 45, panic was pretty much gone, but anxiety continued and mild depression came on. I have also suffered with agoraphobia all my life. By 2009, I wanted more of a life. My doctor of 30 years in 2009 put me on Lexapro. (I have a fear of side effects, hence the fact I never took meds). I started at 2.5, then 5 mg, then 10 mg, which gave me inner shakes and anxiety, which can happen when you up the med, so I went back to 5 mg. Weeks later, I was making a reservation for a beach holiday I hadn't been to since I was 14, an hour and a half away. I made it! Have had a few sad things occur since last December and upped to 7.5. They want me to up it to 10 mg, which I did 2 days ago. Hoping to continue and get to a dose where I can live again. I do recommend this med highly."

• Mav...
• October 8, 2014

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I've had anxiety and panic attacks for many years. I've tried diet and exercise, meditation, herbs, and when I finally realized how many things I was missing out on with my family and friends, I knew I needed to try medicine. First, I tried Buspar, which offered no help and made me really dizzy. Next was Lexapro. The first couple of days on Lexapro, I noticed nothing. By day 4, I was really tired and had a headache. Day 5-6 was the same, and I was very anxious and couldn't sleep. By this point, I am so tired I have to sleep late, sleep at lunch, and go to bed early. On day 8-10, my ears rang, and I almost gave up. On day 11, I FINALLY started to feel better. Waiting for 4 weeks to see full benefits, but the side effects DO go away."

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

Escitalopram 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."

• Mar...
• November 20, 2015

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "When I first started taking this medication, I was determined to end it all. Four years later, I'm the happiest person I know. I still have a high sex drive, although I've known people to say that Lexapro takes it away for them. I didn't gain any weight, and I've learned through meditation and breathing techniques to handle what small anxiety attacks I may get in my hectic life (two jobs, an apartment, school, long-distance boyfriend) and at 20 years old, I'm better off than most of my friends and feel like I can accomplish anything. Lexapro saved my life."

• Luc...
• October 17, 2017

Escitalopram for Depression "I have been on Lexapro for about 6 months. I started on 5 mg, then 10 mg, then 15 mg, which is what I am on now. For the first few weeks, it lowered my mood, but now I am a whole new person, and it was completely worth it. I am so focused on work, enjoy socializing so much more now, appreciate music, it has really lifted my mood from a 4/10 to a 10/10. I still have bad days every now and then, but nothing compared to before. My social anxiety has also almost completely gone, and people at work comment on how confident I am. I started my job after about 6 weeks of taking it, so they never knew me before. I think it's really good how it has made me so focused and goal motivated too, at work and in life. I am really happy I started this medication."

• RHS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2013

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Male, late 40s. Earlier summer events created extended stress that eventually broke me. Every morning I'd wake with sweat rolling down my neck, lost my appetite, and the worst-case scenario of everything played in my mind. I'm normally the 'rock' that everyone turns to. Started with Wellbutrin for 2 weeks, but that left me with heightened anxiety. Spent a couple of weeks on Propranolol/Klonopin, but that's not a long-term solution. Started 10 mg Lexapro (generic) and after 5 1/2 weeks, nothing but crazy emotional swings. Switched to 20 mg, and after about 2 weeks, noticed a distinct change. Greatly reduced symptoms so far. Skeptical as I was, this stuff actually works."

• Kap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2024

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I’m here to give a review of my 5-week journey with Lexam. I can tell how helpful and wonderful this medicine is. My life changed, I’m laughing more, I’m calmer and patient, more social, more active, going to work without fear and anxiety. I’m sleeping excellently during the night, not waking at all. I still get mild anxiety around 4-5 pm, but it goes away quickly. My family sees improvement, and I’m not so negative and angry/annoyed as I was before. Strongly recommend escitalopram to everyone who struggles. Be strong and persistent."

• sas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2017

Escitalopram for Depression "I had been on Lexapro 20 mg for years and was tired of the weight gain and thought I was okay enough to be off of it. I weaned myself off of it over a long time and went through all of the brain zaps, confusion, exhaustion, etc. But, finally, I was off it. I was starting to get depressed again and not have very clear thoughts, but I thought I could handle it. Then, I got the flu and was on Tamiflu (never again), and all of the depression and anxiety raised their ugly head again. I could not shake it. The horrible thoughts, depression, hopelessness, insomnia, etc. I started back on Lexapro 5 mg a week ago and already feel much better. I am starting to get more tired during the day, but I do not care. I may bump up to 10 mg. If you need it, you need it."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2015

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 49 1/2, and today I can tell you I am happy, positive, and full of hope. I am on 10mg of Lexapro, just finishing up my 8th week. I also have Ativan for emergencies, and I still need Ambien to sleep. Before taking Lexapro, I was always anxious and easily overwhelmed. Then I had too many things happen in a short time period that caused me to have a meltdown. Three trips to the ER, with one of them a short stay in a unit, after Celexa caused me to have suicidal thoughts. I was constantly worrying about everything. I couldn't eat or sleep, but with Lexapro, my appetite came back in just the first 3 days. I was very scared to try another drug after Celexa, but I can't tell you how happy I am to be back, better than new. Take a chance."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2015

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 49 1/2, and today I can tell you I am happy, positive, and full of hope. I am on 10mg of Lexapro, just finishing up my 8th week. I also have Ativan for emergencies, and I still need Ambien to sleep. Before taking Lexapro, I was always anxious and easily overwhelmed. Then I had too many things happen in a short time period that caused me to have a meltdown. Three trips to the ER, with one of them a short stay in a unit, after Celexa caused me to have suicidal thoughts. I was constantly worrying about everything. I couldn't eat or sleep, but with Lexapro, my appetite came back in just the first 3 days. I was very scared to try another drug after Celexa, but I can't tell you how happy I am to be back, better than new. Take a chance."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2015

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 49 1/2, and today I can tell you I am happy, positive, and full of hope. I am on 10mg of Lexapro, just finishing up my 8th week. I also have Ativan for emergencies, and I still need Ambien to sleep. Before taking Lexapro, I was always anxious and easily overwhelmed. Then I had too many things happen in a short time period that caused me to have a meltdown. Three trips to the ER, with one of them a short stay in a unit, after Celexa caused me to have suicidal thoughts. I was constantly worrying about everything. I couldn't eat or sleep, but with Lexapro, my appetite came back in just the first 3 days. I was very scared to try another drug after Celexa, but I can't tell you how happy I am to be back, better than new. Take a chance."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2024

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Commenting again as I’m now just over a month of taking Lexapro for health anxiety and postpartum anxiety. I’m panic-free! I’m so much happier now and can leave the house without worrying I’ll have a panic attack. I can finally enjoy my baby’s newborn stage (almost 4 months postpartum). If you’re wondering if you should give Lexapro a try, definitely do it! It started working for me 4 days after taking it. I still got anxiety attacks but not panic attacks up until 2 weeks. Then nothing. If you’re like me and can’t take tablets, it comes in a liquid form. I’m on 20mg, which is just 1ml in a syringe. I put it in a glass and add about an inch of apple juice; can’t taste it at all :)"

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2017

Escitalopram 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!"

• Sva...
• October 4, 2015

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I finally sought medical help for what I thought was a lifelong struggle with depression, which ended up being more of an anxiety disorder. I never thought I had anxiety--even though my mom and 2 sisters have anxiety disorders. I shut down, retreat, avoid, sleep--where they all become frantic. I thought I was having a heart attack one night (panic attack) and sought treatment a few weeks later. It's been about 4 months on Lexapro, and I realize for the first time I don't feel a general sense of dread. I actually answer the phone. I always thought it was just a funny quirk that I hated answering the phone, but I now realize I was afraid. I'm on 20mg and went through really rough anxiety at the outset--stick with it!! It's worth it."

• Rou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2025

For Anxiety "If you're like me and sensitive to medication side effects, you need to start off low and slow. 2.5 mg for a week, then 5 mg for 2 weeks, then up to 10 mg. It's now been 2 weeks on 10 mg, and a total of 5 weeks since I started at 2.5 mg. According to many others' timelines, I may still have a bit more time to go before experiencing full benefits, but honestly, the change has been so significant so far. The side effects: they are significant, but they do go away. Starting low helps. I had all of it - anxiety, headaches, yawning, debilitating exhaustion (the worst!) and a strange dull out-of-it experience that made me feel crazy. All side effects gone now, energy is back!"

• Amb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 2, 2019

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro saved my life! I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder years ago. Lexapro was the first SSRI I've tried, and it worked like a wonder! I've been on 7.5 mg for 4 years and increased to 15 mg 6 months ago. The very first time, after the increased dosage, my anxiety always gets worse, and I felt unsafe to be alone. After 2 weeks of taking Lexapro, depression starts to fade away, and it took about 2 months to get the full effect! Now that I'm stable, I don't get panic attacks and anxiety at all!"

• Liz...
• December 28, 2015

Escitalopram 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."

• Liz...
• December 28, 2015

Escitalopram 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."

• Bra...
• May 31, 2015

Escitalopram 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 12, 2020

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Lexapro just did not work for me. Took it for three years, and it did nothing to help my anxiety and depression - I still had anxiety attacks, and I got angry to the point of breaking things. I cried a lot. Had diarrhea a lot too. Finally switched to Effexor, and it’s been 100 times better. Everyone’s bodies react differently, but Lexapro just wasn’t for me."

• MIK...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2025

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started escitalopram at 10 mg once daily. I will say the first 2 weeks are brutal getting your body to adjust to the pill. I had no appetite, nauseous, extremely tired, increased anxiety, and insomnia. I would say at about day 18 I started to feel better (I am on day 20 now). My appetite is still not perfect, but my anxiety has calmed down to almost nothing. I would read the reviews on here during the first two weeks, and it would push me to keep going. It will get better, just stick with it! YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Remember it has to get worse before it gets better!!"

• Dro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2017

Escitalopram for Anxiety "My son was a heroin addict, which, upon learning about it, sent me to a very high anxiety level. If he wouldn't answer the phone by the time I drove home, in my mind, I thought for sure he was dead. This medicine made me normal again-no thoughts like before, no crying episodes, and just calm. I'm on 10 mg and have been on it for 2 years. Just feeling great."