Escitalopram and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Kat...
• January 18, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I relate to many people's experience here - this medicine is saving my life! Had the works, a lifetime of depression, have battled through nervous breakdowns. Recently building up to full-blown panic attacks. It's making me feel good in a way I've NEVER FELT! It's even reduced the pain on my nervous system from the chronic illness (autoimmune) that I've had since a teen. I wish I'd had this decades ago. (Had to get through a week of side effects, but they were bearable. Just a bit of dizziness, nausea, and clenched muscles. Now my body's adjusted, my appetite is back, and I'm actually feeling stronger than I've felt in a LONG time."

• NoO...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2016

Escitalopram for Depression "I was prescribed this drug for major depression and C-PTSD. I only took it for one week, 5 mg. It was awful. I was exhausted all of the time, had trouble falling asleep, and my sleep was disturbed by very vivid and bizarre dreams. I woke up every morning shaking, dizzy, and disoriented. During the day, my legs hurt so bad it made walking difficult. It made me so hungry, craving carbs, I gained 9 lbs of belly fat in one week! It left me with zero motivation and unable to feel any joy, excitement, or pleasure. I felt detached, empty, I felt dead. I stopped taking it, and while I'm still struggling with depression, I do feel like me again. I feel alive and have lost all of the weight gained while taking it."

• Anonymous
• April 11, 2011

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I've been on Lexapro twice. The 1st time started in the fall of 2008. For some reason, at the age of 42, I began having dizziness, anxiety, and panic attacks. I was diagnosed with GAD and prescribed 1 mg Ativan for use as needed in the short term and 10 mg Lexapro for the long term. Within 3 weeks, I increased to 20 mg Lexapro. Within another 3 weeks, my anxiety had all but vanished, and I quit Ativan. My racing thoughts and worries subsided. I was able to sleep better at night and concentrate better at work. No weight gain either, but I exercise regularly. I stayed on Lexapro for 1 year. No problems getting off on a tapered schedule over 3 months. In spring 2011, anxiety returned due to marriage issues. Back on 10 mg Lexapro with the same great results."

• Ken...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2022

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Y’all, I haven’t had a panic attack in 2 months. I used to get them every single day, sometimes twice a day, and it got to a point where I didn’t even want to live anymore. As soon as I started Lexapro, I knew I was doing something right because after just two weeks on 5 mg, I was feeling better and going out of my comfort zone. It’s now been a month and a half on 10 mg, and I feel so great! I still have anxiety, worries, and struggles. But I am able to calm myself down and release it. The first two weeks of it are rough (dizziness, tiredness, increased anxiety), but if you stick it out, you won’t be sorry. I really hope this will help someone out there."

• Ale...
• February 8, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I experience anxiety (agoraphobia) and panic attacks. My anxiety manifests very physically; nausea, diarrhea, dry retching, dizziness-it was affecting my job and home life. I finally tried medication. I read the reviews and freaked out about the potential side effects. It took me a week after buying it to even be brave enough to take it. The first two days I felt a little weird, but I think it was more my strong psychological aversion to taking medication. The only side effect I really had is feeling tired, so I switched to taking it in the evenings. Within a week, I felt less anxious and stopped dry retching and feeling nauseous (anxiety symptoms, not medication side effects). I also felt less anxious at work and was better able to cope with stress. I haven't had a panic attack since I've been on the medication. I've been taking it for two weeks. I did not up it to 10mg; I stayed on 5mg as I've had good changes just on 5mg. I'm glad I was brave enough to try medication; it has helped me."

• Cat...
• January 23, 2019

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have had panic disorder for 24 years. It started in my early 20s. I tried a lot of medications, which caused more panic attacks. I finally found tofranil, but have had major side effects. I finally decided to try something new and am very, very fearful I will go back to those horrible panic attacks. I am 54 now and just started Lexapro 10 days ago. Reading comments from people taking the medication has really helped me! I've been having hot flashes, dizziness, and nausea. I am going to hang in there due to all the same experiences, saying side effects at the start, but then later you get the great benefits! It has eased my mind and made me continue the med-Lexapro-to reach the full benefits!"

• Alm...
• July 14, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I took Lexapro 5mg for six months. The only problem I had was week one being very tired. I tapered with no problem. Two years later, anxiety is back, and the doctor prescribed Lexapro again. After day 3, I have had enough. I woke up soaking wet in sweat, and the nausea is just too much. The worst was when I got up for water, I got so dizzy I almost hit the kitchen floor. Also, last time I packed on the pounds (like 20). I have lost 4lbs this go-around. All I can look at is cereal, and that is not even appealing. I know my doctor would prescribe clonazepam again, but I really don't want to go that route. I will see how I feel in the next couple of days and call him if I’m not better. I know people say to hang in there, but just not for me anymore."

• Lle...
• July 24, 2008

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Saved my life. I used to take 20 mg two years ago. I ended up taking myself off, tapering, then I was fine for about 6 months. I fell into a relapse and now started on 10 mg. I would be so afraid of what to eat and if something was going to make my blood sugar too high. Now I can eat healthy but not have to worry that too much fruit will make me sick. I can have a soda every now and then. I love Lexapro. The first few days are different: headache, stomachache, and dizziness. Now I feel 100% better."

• Ami...
• April 5, 2014

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I wish Lexapro worked for me like it seems to for everyone else. The first few weeks were a nightmare (tired, nauseous, dizzy, panic attacks), but it did get me out of the deep slump I was in. Then I seemed to get better out of the blue, but for the past couple of weeks, I've slowly been slipping back into that slump. I've been on it about 2 months. It's causing me to have the most bizarre nightmares. I can't stop thinking about them during the day. I feel like a total zombie too, no emotion whatsoever. I guess that's why I feel like my anxiety has been eased. I've never felt like this before, it's just bizarre."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2019

For Anxiety "This medication has been great so far for me! I'm taking 10 mg once a day. I was so scared and skeptical taking it. When my doctor told me, "I think you should try out an antidepressant for my anxiety," I was filled with fear, lol, and then I immediately read the reviews and scared myself even more. But then I came to my senses and said either take it or feel the way you do now, which was constant worry, fear, crying several times a day for no apparent reason. Not going to lie, the first week was rough for me. My anxiety increased a little, felt extremely tired, and had some dizziness, but my doctor prescribed me 0.5 Xanax to help with that, and it helped tremendously! Going into the second week, I feel so much better and more like myself again. It does take time. Don't let the side effects stop you from taking it! Push through, it's worth it :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2021

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I must say, I have always been scared of taking any kind of medicine. I always had anxiety, but it was manageable. About 4 months ago, I started having full-blown panic attacks and was unable to drive due to them. They would come at all different times. At night was the worst too. The panic was so severe that I was dizzy, had heart pain, couldn't swallow, and felt horrible. I finally decided to go to the doctor after numerous tests all coming back normal and being told it was in fact anxiety. I was prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro. It's now almost 4 weeks being on it, and I am much calmer, can drive again, and have no panic attacks or anxiety!! I think around 3 weeks is when I really started feeling better and more like myself. I am so glad I decided to try it!"

• Map...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2019

For Anxiety "I gave escitalopram a nine only because I haven't been on it long enough to know if it's a ten, but so far so good. I noticed other people had similar experiences with brutal side effects early on, and I'm happy to say I stuck it out. Started at 10 mg 3 weeks ago, and the first few days I had intense fatigue, no appetite, slept a lot, a splitting headache that would wake me up (middle of forehead), and dizziness. I kept at it because I was happy the anxious feeling was going away, even if it was replaced with a numb feeling. I'm glad I did. I'm starting to feel better, and the side effects mostly subsided after week 1. I still have no appetite and feel tired, but I'm feeling happier. I'm curious how long it takes to work for most people. My doc said it can take up to 8 weeks."

• sop...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 24, 2019

Escitalopram for Depression "I have been on Lexapro (20 mg) for 2 years, and prior to that, I was taking Paxil (25 mg) for 6 months (25 y/o female). My personality completely changed upon taking Lexapro-very apathetic, aggressive, secluded. I gained weight (20 lbs) and could not drink more than 2/3 alcoholic drinks without risking a blackout. If I didn’t take the pill for 2 days, I would absolutely freak out. All I could do is cry and complain. I would sweat, shake, zap, and get nauseous/dizzy every time I moved. I decided to get off this terrible medication! I am on week 4, and it’s been three days since my last dose. I’m starting to feel bad. I cannot sleep, no appetite, I can’t focus, I feel dizzy all the time, and my body temperature is never comfortable. Mood swings are a big one. Distracting yourself is key!"

• Wat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2019

For Anxiety "39-year-old female on 5 mg escitalopram for 7 weeks. First 5 days were the worst - headaches, dizziness, added anxiety, and slight nausea. Prior to taking, was losing weight and afraid I would gain. Have lost weight, so it seems to not be interfering with my weight loss journey. From day 6 until the start of week 4, dealt with bad insomnia but took 0.5 mg Xanax to help me sleep. After 4 weeks, felt like a brand new person, and my worry was gone. It was amazing. About to start my 8th week, and the insomnia is still slightly there, but I'm not taking the Xanax every night, just changed my bedtime routine and taking 5 mg of melatonin, and it's been helping. The only other side effect I've noticed has been the time it takes me to orgasm. It's not as if I have lost my libido, but it seems as though it takes me a bit longer. My doctor prepared me for all side effects and told me I should stick through it for at least 4 weeks, but best if I stay on it through 6 weeks. Hope this information is helpful to others, and I recommend to stick it out."

• Emi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2013

Escitalopram for Depression "I was only on Lexapro for 2 weeks, but in that time, I had a headache every day, would get extremely tense muscles in the back of my neck, was very drowsy (took a few 2+ hour naps), felt dizzy (had some vertigo effects), couldn't focus on anything, and completely lost the ability to orgasm, which caused my partner a lot of stress and made sex frustrating instead of enjoyable. I was on 5mg for a week, then 10mg. It just wasn't worth it for me. I'm now taking Wellbutrin SR and like it so far (only on my 3rd day)."

• dri...
• April 22, 2009

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was in bad shape for 5 and 1/2 years when I was prescribed Lexapro. Uncontrollable crying, going into fits, breaking things. Flying off the handle for no reason. Two weeks on Lexapro and I had everything under control until the day my doctor wouldn't refill my script until I went to see him. I didn't have time for a visit, so I just did without it. On about the 3rd day, I was feeling strange, off balance, lightheaded, kind of fuzzy. 4th day when I turned my head, I felt like I was in an old-time movie, click-click-click. I went to the doctor, told him I wasn't feeling well, he didn't tell me why I was feeling like that but to take my Lexapro and I would feel better."

• Ner...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "The first three weeks on escitalopram were absolute hell (intense anxiety, constant panic, racing heart, vertigo, nausea, nightmares, restless legs, akathisia, and insomnia), but after 8 weeks on this medication, my anxiety has improved markedly. (I managed the initial adjustment anxiety with low-dose benzodiazepines.) Now, for the first time in as long as I can remember, I haven't had a single panic attack for 14+ days, I haven't needed to take my benzodiazepines for over a week, I'm excited about the future, and sometimes I even forget that I'm anxious! (What's more, I'm only on 5 mg!) I do plan to increase my dose at some point in the new year, but for now, I'm enjoying living my life again. Remember not to give up until you've really given the medication a chance - you will feel worse for the first few weeks or months, but it's worth it for the lifetime of anxiety relief. (PART 2)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2012

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Have had mild anxiety issues since early 20s. Spiraled downwards with increasing anxiety after an injury that made me unable to work. Tried mirtazapine with temporary relief, but got worse again after a few weeks, and before starting Lexapro, anxiety was so bad that I was unable to work and that leaving the house resulted in panic attacks. Started Lexapro on a Friday. Felt absolutely terrible until Tuesday. Nauseous (relief from Reglan though), heavy anxiety, buzzing feeling in the body. Then improvement came very gradually and very slowly for the next weeks. On week 8 now and honestly feel great. The crippling anxiety that was present 24/7 is gone, and only on occasions do I feel it, only much milder and never in the form of panic attacks."

• W L...
• September 27, 2017

For Anxiety "I have been on a low dose of generic Lexapro for almost a month now, 5 mg, and it has drastically improved my quality of life. I was suffering from anxiety and mild depression due to other significant health problems that weren't getting better-the more I worried about my health, the worse it got, and it kept going in a circle on and on. The first week of taking the medicine, it caused a slight headache off and on, and some mild dizziness and constipation. But those side effects went away completely by week 2. Now I'm getting back to normal, I'm the happiest I've been in 2 years, I feel like myself again. I was scared to try another anxiety medicine after a bad experience with Zoloft. But the Lexapro has been wonderful! Don't lose hope!"

• GAD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I experienced a months-long episode of anxiety that just kept increasing. My best guess is that it was brought on by hormone fluctuations given my age. Since I did not have other perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, I decided to go with a medication that has been studied a lot: escitalopram (or Cipralex/Lexapro). I was prescribed 10 mg since this is the standard dosage. The side effects were immediate and severe. My anxiety was far more pronounced, I could not eat, and I felt extremely dizzy/woozy, especially in the hours after just taking it. Thankfully, I had read the reviews on this site, so I stuck it out. I am now on week five and am feeling much more myself: clear-headed and capable. I still get flutters of anxiety, but nothing that is disruptive to my life. For sleep, I am taking Trazodone but have been decreasing steadily as my routine becomes more stable. I would recommend this med, but if you are on the small side, I think starting on a lesser dosage is advisable."

• GAD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I experienced a months-long episode of anxiety that just kept increasing. My best guess is that it was brought on by hormone fluctuations given my age. Since I did not have other perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, I decided to go with a medication that has been studied a lot: escitalopram (or Cipralex/Lexapro). I was prescribed 10 mg since this is the standard dosage. The side effects were immediate and severe. My anxiety was far more pronounced, I could not eat, and I felt extremely dizzy/woozy, especially in the hours after just taking it. Thankfully, I had read the reviews on this site, so I stuck it out. I am now on week five and am feeling much more myself: clear-headed and capable. I still get flutters of anxiety, but nothing that is disruptive to my life. For sleep, I am taking Trazodone but have been decreasing steadily as my routine becomes more stable. I would recommend this med, but if you are on the small side, I think starting on a lesser dosage is advisable."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I'm a 34-year-old female who has suffered from major depression, anxiety, and PTSD for over 10 years. I've been taking escitalopram 10 mg since July 1, 2019. I had minor side effects for the first two weeks while taking this (migraines, slight dizziness, and excessive tiredness), but now I'm feeling like my old self again. I still get bouts of anxiety from time to time, but it goes away as easily as it comes on. It's not nagging, nor is it debilitating anymore. My relationship with my husband has improved as well. I have not had a panic attack since taking this. The odd thing I've noticed is that I have not cried since I've been taking this medication. It's an odd feeling to have emotion but not cry."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2013

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was on Lexapro 10 mg and Abilify 10 mg for about 5 months, and overall it helped with my anxiety. I didn't feel as stressed at work and school, but it kind of made me a zombie. I haven't cried in 5 months, and I hardly feel any emotions, which I guess is good for people suffering from depression. It completely killed my sex drive, so I went to my doctor the other day and switched prescriptions. Currently withdrawing from this medication, and it sucks. Getting light-headed and dizzy, and vomited a lot the other day."

• Dbu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 7, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro really surprised me. It helped so much with my depression and compulsive disorders. I mean, before, I couldn't even function with my life or at work. I was extremely paranoid and didn't want to socialize at all. I've been on it for 1 week, and I can tell you I feel more confident and social. I'm more relaxed and see life brighter than what I saw before. I shouldn't have had to wait 26 years to finally be happy. I'm currently taking 10 mg. At first, the medicine made me dizzy, but after 2 days, it was just normal."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2020

For Anxiety "On Day 1 - worked straight away within 30 min. I decided to take 2 mg to start off with instead of the 10 mg prescribed by the Dr. I realized that starting on a smaller dose would also cause less unwanted side effects and hence less anxiety. This in turn helped me feel the calmness that came after just 30 min. I decided to lie down to mitigate the dizziness it caused me and to enjoy the relaxed feeling. I am also following the Linden Method, which I STRONGLY recommend, it teaches you how to turn off inappropriate anxiety forever, which is my goal now. It's been 7.5 hours, and I'm not feeling side effects of the med. Fingers crossed it will continue to go well. To those scared of side effects, maybe try it with a smaller dose first."