Escitalopram and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ham...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2016

Escitalopram for Depression "I started feeling the calming effects of Lexapro after about three weeks. I'm high-achieving, driven, and I love being productive and challenged. Episodes of depression have made dealing with everyday life somewhat difficult, mostly due to the insomnia that comes with depression/anxiety. I was having difficulty sleeping for about a week when I broke down and spoke with my doctor. I was prescribed Lexapro, and my symptoms are almost entirely alleviated. I work midnights, so I take Lexapro at around 3:00 PM. The first week I had very bad headaches and felt dizzy. I took 5 mg instead of the 10 mg, which decreased the intensity of the headaches, and again, the side effects subsided pretty quickly. In addition to this, I lost eight pounds."

• Jam...
• May 3, 2015

Escitalopram for Depression "This review is based on my own experiences and my opinion doesn't reflect Lexapro (Escitalopram). I found Lexapro's starting side effects to be mild and tolerable - I experienced dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction. However, like I said, they were mild and tolerable, and they subsided after a few days. I experienced no worsening of my depressive or anxiety symptoms. As I just mentioned, I suffer from depression and anxiety, and although I didn't find Lexapro to be a 'miracle pill' that fully cured me of my ailments, it did significantly alleviate them to mild and tolerable levels. Overall, for me, Lexapro was an easy antidepressant to start, and it has been effective in treating my depression and anxiety."

• 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."

• Cai...
• June 4, 2014

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Began this medication about 5 weeks ago. Currently taking 15mg (escitalopram) and obsessive worrying is so much better/decreased. Minimal side effects in the beginning: some dizziness, some nausea but only at 5-10mg, tiredness that went away and so now take medicine in the morning as it will cause insomnia if I take it in the evening. My sleep is better, appetite better, and I am back to exercising, and anxiety is decreased. I am told I can continue to see results up to 12 weeks."

• Anonymous
• May 14, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I had anxiety symptoms such as dreading work daily, and physical symptoms such as lack of energy and almost a dizziness feeling that would start a few hours into my day and continue until I was home relaxing. This medicine has improved mostly all of my symptoms, except for the occasional day that is very stressful. I would recommend it to anyone, and cannot imagine going off it anytime soon. Hope this helps someone else."

• I...
• November 13, 2019

For Anxiety "I have an administrative job. Very stressful, but I am confident and handle it well... or so I thought. I all of a sudden started getting dizzy spells, tension headaches, eyesight was funky, feeling of dread, constantly tired. Diagnosed with generalized anxiety. I was prescribed 5 mg escitalopram last year. I could not bring myself to start it. I finally reached a point this year when I said enough was enough. I was terrified of the side effects but decided I needed to get better. I am not going to lie... the first week was awful! I had every side effect: insomnia, the first week was terrible with increased anxiety in the a.m. and through the night, my RLS was really amped up at night, I was nauseous the first 3 days, no appetite for about 8-10 days, very sleepy, lack of motivation, etc. By day 10, I could tell the medicine was starting to work because I was having moments of feeling normal. By day 22, I was 100%. The only side effect now is vivid weird dreams. Stick it out!"

• Deb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 23, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "Have been taking 10 mg for over a year. It originally was to try to help with fibromyalgia. I also had some emotional issues I was dealing with. The first two weeks were not very good. My main side effects were dizziness, sleeplessness, some nausea, and headaches, none being bad enough to want to quit. After reading others' comments, I pretty much knew what to expect. One day after about two weeks, I suddenly realized that the symptoms were disappearing and I felt a calmness I hadn't experienced before. Not a drugged feeling, just calm, and the edge had been taken off, a great relief. No weight gain and more drive to be active and productive. I don't ever plan to stop taking this med, it's helped me so much."

• GFR...
• February 28, 2017

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks since my 20s sporadically. Now in my 40s, recurrence has significantly increased due to a series of personal events to a point that I was starting to be afraid of being alone. I was hesitant to initiate medication, but three weeks into it, I feel the best I have felt in a long time. The first two weeks are tough, with nausea, dizziness, and headaches, but it is worth it."

• And...
• April 6, 2014

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After being diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety disorder, my doctor prescribed me Lexapro. I was very skeptical. I finally took it after having a few days with me debating whether or not to take it. It made me feel a lot better. I'm only a few days into it but I can feel a difference. I'm a little dizzy and find myself yawning when I first take my dose of 10mg, but that usually goes away. I also had to use the restroom several times, but overall not a lot of side effects. I'm surprised and pleased so far and I'm sure I'll have to up my dose in a few months."

• Goo...
• June 24, 2016

Escitalopram for Depression "So far, I've only been on Lexapro for two days. I am finding that it is helping very much with my negative outlook on life, my mood swings, and my panic attacks/emotional fits. I find that little things like someone cutting me off or dropping something don't frustrate me as much or make me want to scream. I find that my voice is calmer and that I can have mature conversations with my partner without getting worked up. I have a better perspective on life already. I was on Zoloft before, and it did not do anything for me at all. It's so refreshing to see a change, and I can't wait to see what else Lexapro does for me! Negative side effects I've experienced: headaches, stomach upset, dizziness. These are supposed to go away within a week."

• Mum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2016

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I've always been an anxious person. Usually, I find my anxiety serves me well to stay on top of a busy household, but occasionally the anxiety is destructive instead, like after the birth of a child or during difficult times. I'd had a horrid couple of years, nursing my mum to the end from cancer, and eventually, it caught up with me: panic attacks, health anxiety, obsession with breathing, palpitations constantly. I went straight onto 20 mg as I had been on this drug briefly a decade ago. The first 24 hours were weird, dizzy, disoriented, mildly nauseous, and a huge panic attack. I only slept 3 hours a night for the first 2-3 days. By week 3, I sleep 8 hours a night, have energy during the day, and zero anxiety. I feel great! Lexapro is great, but be patient."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I have been on 10 mg of Lexapro for 3 days. Day one: I was really dizzy and couldn't keep my eyes open. Day two was awful. I kept throwing up a few hours after taking it. It felt like a hangover and flu mixed. Everything hurt. By the end of day 2, I noticed I wasn't spending my day planning, thinking, and breaking down tiny details. I was in the moment. It was a little boring at times, but it was extremely refreshing. It was amazing to want to go do things without having to make sure everything was thought of. There were no rushes of chest pains. I felt like I should tell everyone how wonderful it was not to be consumed by thought. Day three: light dizziness and sore muscles, and light anxiety after an argument and a concert. I have very high hopes now."

• Ros...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2017

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I'm someone that has been generally anxious for my whole life, with spells of depression sprinkled in. Recently, I thought I had been improving with my anxiety, but then I had a panic attack, out of the blue, with no rhyme or reason; it just happened. I was afraid this would affect my work, so I finally pushed myself to see a psychiatrist, who suggested that Lexapro would be an appropriate option. I started taking it and had some nasty side effects (no appetite, nausea, slight dizziness, jitters, tenseness) for the first two days, but after that, I noticed how well it was working. My anxiety has lessened immensely, and it's giving me a second chance I never knew I wanted. I'm still in the first week of trying it, but it's worked excellently so far!"

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Incredible medication. I don't wake up in a panic anymore, whereas it was occurring almost daily before. The first few days for me were hell, but I just slept through the headache, nausea, and dizziness, and now it's one of the best things that's ever happened for me regarding my anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Reduced daily anxiety equals less panic attacks. Lexapro is awesome."

• cat...
• August 5, 2014

Escitalopram 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."

• cat...
• August 5, 2014

Escitalopram 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."

• Dsm...
• January 16, 2009

Escitalopram for Anxiety "For the first week on Lexapro, I felt weird; a little lightheaded, dizzy, had insomnia and some minor stomach issues but I stuck it out and I'm so glad I did. I have been taking it for 5 weeks now. I take Lexapro around 10 am now as this helps prevent insomnia at night. I feel more energetic, happier and more social. I don't feel out of control or strange or anything. No side effects now. I would highly recommend it to anyone to try this."

• Sue...
• September 21, 2020

Escitalopram for Depression "Have been on Lexapro for approximately 2 years. The side effects came slowly. The past few months, could barely get out of bed, suffered from vertigo, no motivation to do anything, sat on the couch most of the day. I am weaning myself off the medication right now. The change is amazing. I have energy, I look forward to getting up in the morning. We'll discuss with the doctor and alternative. I take bupropion, so I should be okay."

• Jum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I have been on other SSRIs, which were ineffective, however, I found Lexapro to be intolerable. Other SSRIs had their minor side effects for the first couple of weeks, such as strange dreams and nausea, however, Lexapro wreaked havoc on me from day one. Just four hours after taking my first 10 mg dose (at 8 am), I wanted to vomit, was very dizzy, and felt confused and disoriented. I also had an extremely dry mouth. By 5 pm that evening, my anxiety had gotten ten times worse, and I suffered the absolutely WORST panic attack I have ever had in my life. My panic was so bad I briefly passed out. Everyone reacts differently to different drugs, so this is just my experience. However, I personally find this to be the worst SSRI in terms of side effects, which are intolerable."

• So...
• December 12, 2016

Escitalopram for Depression "I have only been taking Lexapro for about 3-4 weeks, but it seems to work for me so far. I started this medicine due to very bad panic attacks and depression. I have only had one very minor panic attack since, and it was within the first few days of taking it. I find it a lot easier to calm myself down now, and my panic attacks don't spiral. I used to have crying episodes that would last hours, and I have not cried once since I started Lexapro. Side effects: I have had some headaches and muscle tension, and I can feel quite dizzy and foggy sometimes, but as long as it keeps my panic attacks away, I really don't mind. I felt nauseous the first few days, but it went away quickly."

• poo...
• April 14, 2016

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I have been taking Lexapro 10 mgs for nearly 4 months because of anxiety and mild depression. I had about 5 days at first with some dizziness and nausea; after that, things smoothed out. Almost immediately, it cured my insomnia by 95%. I take it in the morning. In the past, if I woke up at night, my thoughts would turn to things that kept me from falling asleep again. As far as anxiety, I am not worrying about things at work so much. I still have some social and anticipatory anxiety, but it is somewhat better than before. Depression is much better; I frequently have a warm feeling of happiness and everything will be alright. Before, I felt distressed and flat about the future. So, I would definitely recommend a trial with this medication."

• Lex...
• September 17, 2015

Escitalopram 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."

• Lit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2018

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I have just started my round of Auro-Escitalopram, and I am on day 5 of my 5 mg half-tab before going on a full 10 mg tablet. I take my medication at night time. The first 3 days were sort of rough; I felt different. I could not put my finger on why, but I felt a bit sedated, a little odd, and definitely felt “drugged.” I had a mild headache, some dizziness, and I felt like I was going to faint. My appetite has diminished, my stomach was upset, I am also gassy, and I had some dry mouth. The first 3 nights I was also met with mild restlessness, and it was hard for me to sleep longer than 5 hours. I woke up at 3 AM and was peeing like crazy. With that being said, the side effects have subsided somewhat after day 5, and I am starting to notice that I can start to control my racing thoughts. I get tired at bedtime like a normal human being, and I can finally wake up in the morning without feeling like a zombie."

• C19...
• July 12, 2013

Escitalopram for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I am on my 9th day of taking 5 mg of Lexapro, and I feel much calmer than I normally would be. I had horrible headaches and dizziness at first. It's starting to get better, and I'm starting to feel normal and relaxed. It's working great so far for me."

• Aus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2024

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Nine years ago, I started feeling panic attacks and anxiety, but somehow they vanished because I was traveling and having fun. COVID started, I felt pretty lonely. Five years have passed, and I lost four family members (not in war). I’ve been busy with my daughter and job, so I didn’t pay attention to my mental health because I thought I could manage it. I started noticing that during the winter, I had overwhelming anxiety, panic attacks, and OCD-negative intrusive thoughts were kicking in every night pretty much at the same time. It was scary, always big fear, exhausting brain and body. I started calling people, family, friends for help, then went to the doctor. They prescribed me Lexam 10 mg. Side effects: nausea, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, sleepiness, and cold sweats at night, but it’s more supportable than the hell I’ve been through. I can feel a bit that it works. I’m laughing and including myself more than usual. Still early!"