Escitalopram and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Fly...
• September 27, 2013

Escitalopram for Depression "After transitioning into university, I had a really horrible time with anxiety. I started to feel down all the time and couldn't stand it. First, I was given 10 mgs, and it worked well for the first two weeks, then I just felt worse. I've been on 20 mg, and that is the perfect dose for me. I feel normal again, it's great to feel the way I used to."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2021

Escitalopram for Depression "I have recently decided to try antidepressants after finally acting on the knowledge that I was not happy or thriving in my life. I started Pristiq and took that for 6 weeks. I felt terrible. I was so disappointed, and I felt so hopeless. I worried that I wasn’t depressed but just wasn’t cut out for life or my personality was flawed. I went back to my GP, who prescribed Lexapro 10mg. I’ve been taking this for 6-7 weeks now, and my life has absolutely changed. I feel a joy for life that I can never remember ever feeling before, I have energy, I don’t cry every day, I am kicking goals at work, my social life is enriched, and I can focus properly. I didn’t realize that I was living in a constant state of anxiety until it went away. If you are considering antidepressants, my best advice is to try them. You might need to try a few, but antidepressants are the best decision I have ever made."

• Qui...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I had 2 experiences with Lexapro. First, the good news... it takes the edge off. You will initially feel better, at least I did. BUT... after 5 to 6 months... I was tired all the time, had a lack of interest in anything, gained weight which I couldn’t lose, and found myself without anxiety but felt depressed. Now the WORST part... it was very, very, very difficult to get off! I felt severe depression and an awful feeling of a constant lump in my stomach, riddled with anxiety. I couldn’t take it, so I went back on. I then did my research. I gradually got off it by taking Vitamin C, B complex, turmeric, and rhodiola. I exercised (walked and meditated) every day. I eventually was able to get off over a 3-month period. I would never take the drug again. Hate to say never, but that’s how I feel. I am off 2 years now and feel well! I found vitamins, herbs, meditation, and exercise are the best tools for anxiety."

• Qui...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I had 2 experiences with Lexapro. First, the good news... it takes the edge off. You will initially feel better, at least I did. BUT... after 5 to 6 months... I was tired all the time, had a lack of interest in anything, gained weight which I couldn’t lose, and found myself without anxiety but felt depressed. Now the WORST part... it was very, very, very difficult to get off! I felt severe depression and an awful feeling of a constant lump in my stomach, riddled with anxiety. I couldn’t take it, so I went back on. I then did my research. I gradually got off it by taking Vitamin C, B complex, turmeric, and rhodiola. I exercised (walked and meditated) every day. I eventually was able to get off over a 3-month period. I would never take the drug again. Hate to say never, but that’s how I feel. I am off 2 years now and feel well! I found vitamins, herbs, meditation, and exercise are the best tools for anxiety."

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

Escitalopram 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."

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

Escitalopram 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."

• Lea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 28, 2016

Escitalopram for Depression "It simply worked. I couldn't sleep, had serious GI problems, and developed depression over a period of months. Less pro helped pick me up at a low dose in a few months. Was off in a year and probably could have been sooner."

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

Escitalopram 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."

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

Escitalopram 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."

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Decided to stop Lexapro tomorrow with my pharmacist's nod. I have been a shell of myself the last 8 days I've been on this drug. Can't eat, can't sleep. Anxiety is a million times worse. I even feel depressed and literally have to force myself to do anything. This drug has debilitated me completely. These side effects were immediate, I gave it a week to see if there were any changes, but no. I wouldn't wish this feeling on my worst enemy. I'll be dealing with my anxiety naturally from now on."

• Kit...
• March 16, 2021

Escitalopram for Depression "It helped to read everyone's comments about Lexapro. I have an autoimmune disease and react strongly to any medication. I tried 5 mg yesterday and felt horrible. Difficulty concentrating, spacey, forgetful, so I decided not to take it today. I felt better off it until I started to get depressed and worried. I worry a lot and overreact to medical problems. My doctor said to now take 2 1/2 after dinner, and if I get any side effects, go lay down. I am scared that I will get those side effects, but I felt better after I read everyone's comments and hope I will do well on it, because I cannot function like this. Keep fingers crossed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 9, 2019

Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder "OK, so I started taking Lexapro (5 mg) after a horrible experience with Zoloft. When I started taking Lexapro, it was to treat anxiety mainly, but also depression. But as my life changed, I got more and more depressed and went to a new therapist. She bumped me up to 25 mg. It was a high jump, and I just switched one day. Aside from the first month of the up in dosage, which consisted of more depression than usual, headaches, body aches, and fatigue-since then, I haven’t had any problem with it. Lexapro has helped both my MDD (major depressive disorder) and anxiety a lot. The only thing I’ve noticed is weight loss, fatigue, and hand trembling, but none of it is like miserable (on Zoloft, I was throwing up and passing out sooo). I have been switched for a while and don’t plan on messing with it. May up my dosage eventually. I hope everyone finds what they need!"

• Str...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2020

For Anxiety "Been back on escitalopram 20 mg after stopping for a few months, then bam I was hit with crippling anxiety, and I got signed off work for 6 weeks... madness hit! First 19 days on meds for me were horrendous (insomnia, no appetite, higher anxiety, depression). Then one day it was literally like a switch being flicked! I had to be patient, as prior to this I tried venlafaxine, which I couldn’t take due to side effects. If you’re struggling hang on... it does get better x"

• Jss...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "It's only day 7. But so far, I am satisfied with the medication. I was so afraid to take any medication due to reading bad reviews and my health anxiety. I started 5 days at 5 mg. Now, day 2 at 10 mg. I think we create our own fears and physical reactions to a drug because, other than bad anxiety the first night (which was due to overthinking this new situation, aka taking medication), I'm good. I take the medication at noon and didn't have any problems except last night around 8, I got so sleepy, but it was a plus for me, slept pretty good. It's already working for my OCD/health thoughts and anxiety so far. I think I might even have depression without knowing as it did make me more depressed on and off for 3 days. I will come back in a few weeks to update."

• sa3...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2019

For Depression "I'm 18 years old and have generalized depression and anxiety. I started off with a dose of 5 mg escitalopram, which gave me a bit of insomnia at first and lethargy, but it worked for a little while, and then I realized I had to up the dose due to my anxiety and depression coming back stronger. When I changed to 10 mg, I cannot describe to you the CONSTANT tiredness. I feel like no matter how much sleep I get, I'll always be tired. Along with the constant sleeping, I feel like it's only worsening my depression and my want to do any activity, such as just showering or even trying to clean. Would not recommend this at all."

• Sun...
• May 20, 2019

For Depression "A remarkable med, helping my menopausal depression/anxiety, but REALLY challenging first fortnight. Previously, I couldn’t sleep, see people, or leave the house. After 5mg escitalopram, the difference is astounding. I’m relaxed, sociable, confident, without feeling depersonalized (which I did when taking citalopram for 7 weeks last year). No side effects from escitalopram now. However, the initial 13 days were challenging. Very sleepy (pill at 8 am), anxious/jittery. On days 8-13, I felt more depressed and cried constantly, questioning how a drug could make me feel worse. My jaw was clamping and appetite was zero. Sleep improved though. Suddenly, on days 14 and 15, I felt calm, smiling genuinely for the first time in weeks. 100% authentically me. Not drugged, depressed, over-excitable, or anxious. I’ve returned to work and socialized. Jaw-clamping gone and appetite back. Slight impact on libido. PLEASE TRY THIS DRUG, but prep for potentially difficult early weeks. I now have my life back."

• Doi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2014

For Anxiety "I've been on the medication for about 6 months now. I used to be one of those people that frowned upon others taking these sorts of medications. Until one day, out of nowhere, I was struck with major anxiety, which then caused me to become depressed. I'd avoid social gatherings. I'd have complete nervous breakdowns about meeting up with friends. Every morning was a battle to go into work and face my colleagues. I started drinking heavily. If I had to go out, I'd take a shot to calm my nerves. I went to the Dr., and she prescribed me. Ever since taking the medication, I'm pretty much back to who I used to be. I feel free again. I'd recommend this to anyone who suffers from anxiety or depression."

• Chr...
• July 27, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I'm 51 and have been on 10 mg of Lexapro for about 18 years, and it has done wonders. I've been feeling some uptick in my anxiety and depression, so the doctor upped my dosage to 15 mg. It's been a week now, and the side effects are awful. I feel lethargic, sad, unmotivated, terrible headache, and have 0 appetite - I've lost about 10 lbs. in a week. I'm going to cut back to 10 mg and hope these wicked side effects go away quickly and deal with my anxiety differently."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 17, 2022

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Dose: 20 mg before bed. Has been an absolute dream medication. In the beginning, I was on it for about 1-2 weeks when I noticed I was slowly getting more energy, anxiety was lessened, no depression whatsoever. I was extremely organized, on top of my game, among a few other things. My doctor’s opinion was that to try this one because it’s one of the “better ones.” I took his comment with a grain of salt, but I’m so glad I went ahead with trying it. This medication plus regular exercise has changed my life. Never been happier. Of course, everyone’s experience will differ, this is just mine. Good luck!"

• Pun...
• July 19, 2016

For Depression "I started this medication a year ago. My Dr. started me at 10 mg, then bumped me up to 20 mg about 3 months later. I suffered from depression, lack of motivation for life, suicidal/death thoughts, anxiety, and angry outbursts that affected my personal and professional life. This medication has greatly improved my life and my relationships. When I first started it, there was an adjustment period for about a month, but now I feel like I have a positive outlook on life, and I can handle everyday stressful situations without wanting to kill everyone. I actually lost weight on this medication because I'm not wanting to binge eat to ease my anxiety, and I am more motivated to go to the gym. Lexapro was a lifesaver for me."

• koo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2017

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro is very successful in decreasing my anxiety levels from moderately high to almost nonexistent. Before Lex, any kind of public speaking would give me high anxiety (lots of physical and mental anxiety symptoms), whereas after Lex I felt close to nothing right before giving a very important presentation. Same with social anxiety - if you have it, symptoms will largely go away with Lex. It is really cool but also kind of scary how effectively this med takes away anxiety, to the point where sometimes I wonder, maybe I should be feeling anxiety in this situation? Cons: I feel emotionally numb, fat, and constantly sleepy. Caffeine will be your best friend!"

• Hop...
• August 19, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I've had anxiety since I was 12, where I would have episodes of panic, but never realized it was anxiety until about 5 months ago. Panic and anxiousness came suddenly but stuck this time rather than a couple of days like in the past. I suffered about 3 months where I couldn't even wake up without having an attack. I couldn't sit, stand, or sleep, I thought I was going crazy. The doctor prescribed me Lexapro (escitalopram). I've been on it for 6 weeks, 10 mg. The first 2-3 weeks only made everything worse, but I stuck it out. Week 6, I'm starting to feel things calm down a bit. I hope it gets better every day. I started Trazodone 3 days ago, and I haven't woken up as panicky as I usually do. The first couple of weeks on Lexapro made me nauseous, more anxious, weak, and it felt like my skin was on fire. But all of that subsided. I did go to the ER, and that's when they gave me Ativan, which made it possible for a couple of days. But I don't take that anymore, as it increased depression for me. Hang in there. I finally see some hope."

• Adi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2018

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was once you, reading drug reviews online, trying to find reassurance. Before you read this, I want you to know that my experience is not your experience or anyone else’s for that matter. For me, this drug did not work. It seemed to create incredibly obsessive and unwanted thoughts, which in turn led to more anxiety. I also became pretty depressed and felt drugged. I took myself off of it, and now I’m returning to normal. If you can, try the natural route first and use benzos for short-term acute anxiety if you can. If it’s still bad, give Lexapro a try. I know it works for plenty of people, just not me."

• SHM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2020

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Took this awful med for three months until I could stand it no more. I have regular bouts of anxiety, which I kept at bay for 15 years using Ativan carefully as needed. Unfortunately, after this time, I lost control and had the worst rebound anxiety of my life and had to back out, using Valium. I was put on Lexapro to take its place. After 3 months, I was battling to get out of bed. If I did, it was to the couch. Lost all sex drive and ability. Had no motivation for anything and just laid around all day. Have been off it for a week now, and despite some discomfort with head spins, I feel I have my life back."

• Ron...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2019

Escitalopram for Depression "Was on Lexapro for 6 years before switching to something else as I was feeling mild depression and ongoing lethargy. After a few other meds, I'm back on the Lexapro for 2 weeks. Since my first dose, something has changed. My anxiety got worse, and my depression has gone to a really dark place, including suicidal thoughts. I also need Klonopin to sleep and wonder if that's countering the effects of the Lexapro. Either way, I'm not sure if I should just stop it altogether or stick it out another week or two to see if there's a change. So far, I've had maybe one good day out of the past 15 since I started back at 10 mg."