Escitalopram and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 24, 2024

For Anxiety "I am on 10 mg, and I have been on it for a week now. I have had headaches. I am hoping that gets better! But my sleep is finally trying to get back to normal. I was staying up all night and getting maybe 4 hours of sleep. I’m finally getting in bed about 2 am and getting a full 8 hours finally. I was shocked how tired I started getting, but things are starting to get better! I’m hoping the headaches stop completely!"

• 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!"

• gla...
• November 9, 2011

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 43 years old, and after my son left for college 6 years ago, my life felt like it was spinning out of control. I was so sad. Then my daughter left for college (my last), and I knew I needed help. I had anxiety and sadness each day, and I let it go on for way too long because I thought those feelings were normal and I would eventually pop out of it. I was wrong. I went to my gynecologist 3 months ago and cried the whole visit. She prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro, and I cannot begin to tell you how much I feel like me again. The only side effects were a headache and dizziness. I cut to 5 mg for the first week and now 10. Love it! Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor."

• pla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2021

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was prescribed 10 mg for anxiety and depression. The first 2 weeks gave me terrible side effects of nausea, suicidal thoughts, constant anxiety, and loss of appetite, which made it really difficult to eat anything at all and caused me to lose a bunch of weight. I stayed on it for 4 more weeks, and the side effects at this point were only mild, but my anxiety and depression stayed the same, so at the 6-week mark, my GP recommended withdrawing from Lexapro and trying a different antidepressant. Even though I wasn’t on the med for very long, the withdrawals are bad, with headaches, nausea, dissociation, anxiety, and some of the strongest suicidal thoughts I’ve ever experienced. This isn’t to discourage anyone from taking it because I've heard many positive experiences, but be prepared for the side effects and stay safe!"

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2019

For Anxiety "I started reading these reviews when I began taking Lexapro 10 mg 15 days ago, and they helped me a lot with knowing what to expect/what’s “normal,” so I wanted to write one of my own. I am a 28 y/o female. The first week was tough. I experienced extreme anxiety, headaches, and diarrhea. I just want to say HANG IN THERE and STICK IT OUT! I’m on day 15, and I feel A LOT better. I’ve had a few episodes of anxiety/intrusive thoughts, but nothing as severe as before. I am hoping things will get even better as time progresses because they have already improved. If you’re on week 1, stick to it, and things will get better!"

• 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!"

• Djb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2021

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I have had anxiety my entire life, but for the most part, I have managed it on my own. My therapist prescribed Lexapro 5mg and then worked up to 10mg. The side effects I experienced at first were nausea, headaches, and absolutely terrible restless insomnia. Then, after increasing my dose a month into taking it, I had an absolutely terrible experience. I had terrible intrusive thoughts that were completely against who I am. I had panic attacks that went on for days. I couldn’t sleep or eat. I was a different person, I felt like I had lost my mind and myself completely. It was the most terrifying experience I’ve ever had. I immediately stopped taking it, and then the withdrawal began. The intense brain-zapping feeling, the dizziness, the continuing anxiety attacks, the nightmares, the insomnia…. I feel like I was just pumping my body with poison. I will never take another medication again."

• Ber...
• September 23, 2013

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I've been taking Lexapro for 2 months now for depression and panic attacks, which seem to come from nowhere (and I've never truly understood how scary a panic attack could be until that moment). It has helped me tremendously! Suddenly, this last week, the side effects, which had seemed to taper, have returned. I have the addition of a headache (which I did not have in the beginning) and irritability. I'm also noticeably more tired than I was before. I am now taking the Lexapro in the evening instead of in the morning to help with sleep - but am curious if it is normal to have the side effects go in waves? It seemed as if they were mostly gone except for the lethargy, now they are increasing."

• bob...
• March 14, 2015

Escitalopram for Depression "Lexapro has worked well for me. My anxiety and depression are about gone. The first 2 months were pretty bad, and I almost quit many times, but I am glad I didn't. Side effects included night sweats, tinnitus, headaches, insomnia, sexual issues, dizziness. Most of this has resolved now after 3 months. Adding a B complex with folate and omega-3 seems to have helped me. This is a very good drug for anxiety and depression, but you'll need to be very patient and struggle through the initial side effects."

• Flo...
• September 29, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was recently diagnosed with anxiety disorder, and my doctor prescribed me Lexapro. I took this medicine only three times because of all the side effects I had. Not only did it make me feel weird and out of touch with reality, I had many other symptoms, including dizziness, sweating, anxiety, headaches, and nausea. I couldn’t sleep at night, and I also felt very psychedelic when I took it. My pupils were huge, and I almost felt like I was tripping. I kept unintentionally clenching my jaw really hard, and I couldn’t get comfortable. I threw up multiple times and couldn’t eat without feeling sick. I immediately discontinued taking it and don’t plan to try anything else. I was wary about taking an SSRI to begin with due to being a very natural person with no intention of taking something that would affect my brain in an unnatural way. Although this did not work for me, I know it works for others and has been life-changing for people."

• 359...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 15, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Anxiety/depression medications are tricky. It’s difficult to know what one is best for you and your body, so often you have to try a couple of different ones before you find your fit. In my personal experience, it’s worth trying a few till you find what’s right for you. Every medication is going to have side effects. For me, Lexapro decreases my sex drive and causes constipation. The benefit of not having anxiety and being able to be a peaceful wife and mother is worth those two side effects for me. I have come off my Lexapro before, and it’s true you will definitely have a lot of brain zaps, headache, a little irritability, and for me, déjà vu. The brain zaps don’t usually last more than two months, and they are harmless, so you just have to ignore them. Overall, I think Lexapro is a great medication, but as I said before, it’s different for each individual. Talk to your doctor. Therapy is also very helpful for me."

• Lup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2019

For Anxiety "I wanted to write a review, as these reviews kept me going in the first horrible weeks of taking escitalopram. I had been suffering with anxiety for nearly a year but managed to get by, and it was bearable. All of a sudden, I wasn’t sleeping a wink at night, having panic attacks 24/7, and thought I was going crazy! The lack of sleep made me depressed. Was put on escitalopram and clonazepam to cover the initial side effects for two weeks. The first few weeks were really tough, started on 5 mg and after a week up to 10 mg. I had increased anxiety, extreme tiredness, could sleep all day, nausea and diarrhea, terrible night sweats, and headaches. Took 4 weeks to start working for me, and 3 weeks for the side effects to subside. Stick with it! All the side effects go away after time. No longer anxious, sleeping better, and feeling myself again. It’s amazing!"

• Anonymous
• November 5, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I suffer from major anxiety and panic attacks. My doctor started me on 5 mg of Lexapro, and I've been taking it for 6 days now. I'm not sure if I should continue the medication. I'm having weird feelings in my chest: tightness, fluttering feeling that makes me cough. Also, I feel a lot of pressure in my head and daily headaches. It causes more anxiety for me, so I'm taking Xanax to help. Anyone having these side effects?"

• Anonymous
• November 5, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I suffer from major anxiety and panic attacks. My doctor started me on 5 mg of Lexapro, and I've been taking it for 6 days now. I'm not sure if I should continue the medication. I'm having weird feelings in my chest: tightness, fluttering feeling that makes me cough. Also, I feel a lot of pressure in my head and daily headaches. It causes more anxiety for me, so I'm taking Xanax to help. Anyone having these side effects?"

• Jan...
• February 15, 2014

Escitalopram for Depression "I was started on Lexapro for generalized anxiety disorder because the Xanax I've been on for the past few years is now Schedule 8. I have been on it for 10 days now, and I hate the side effects, so I will not be taking any more tomorrow. I started out on 5mg for five days and felt nausea, intense headaches, excessive drowsiness, tremors, and total lack of concentration. Then I was advised to up the dose to 10mg, and things are worse as I feel extremely anxious and haven't left the house all weekend. Another side effect is extreme muscle jerking through the night. Definitely not for me."

• snw...
• January 27, 2014

For Anxiety "I feel compelled to share my experience because I know there are others out there like me. I have suffered with panic disorder with agoraphobia for the past 10 years. It has slowly taken my life from me. On top of it all, I have a huge pill phobia. I tried Prozac, made it 2 days, and tried Zoloft, made it one day. Therapy alone didn't help. I decided I had to do something. I tried Lexapro. Yes, there are side effects in the beginning. Yes, the anxiety gets worse (take Xanax). Yes, you feel nauseous (try cola and crackers). Yes, there's trouble sleeping (watched movies). Yes, there's a headache (took Tylenol). After six days, the side effects began to lift. I know it's a long road to go, but I'm feeling better. If I can do it, anyone can."

• anx...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 8, 2018

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I unfortunately was one of those people who it took 4-5 weeks to see any benefit from Lexapro, but once it kicked in, it was life-changing. I went from debilitating anxiety to where I couldn't even leave my house to finally feeling like the 'old' me again. It was a slow transition, nothing black-and-white, but I can look back and see how the med slowly started to work. Side effects lasted a couple of weeks and included headaches, endless fatigue, and I have to be careful what I eat because I have gained about 5 lbs., but I'd take those side effects over living in a constant dream-like state from anxiety. Started on 10 mg and am now on 15 mg. Give it a shot!"

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2018

Escitalopram for Anxiety "24 years of age, and I've experienced chronic depression, anxiety, OCD, and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) for about the last 12 years. I have been on various medications, and I can say that by taking Lexapro, I'm finally getting my life and self back. Before this medication, my OCD/BDD rituals and thoughts were consuming anywhere from 3 to 10 hours of my day. Since week 2 of this medication, the thoughts and rituals have been less and less. I'm on week 5, and I feel like it's helping more and more each day with anxious, obsessive thoughts and the down moods. I pray this medication continues to work for me because I finally feel like I can be something and accomplish what I've always wanted for myself. I'm so grateful for this medication and the very few side effects I experienced starting this drug (mild headaches, slight dizziness, and dry mouth). Overall, I'm very satisfied with this medication so far."

• Ddi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2020

For Anxiety "Yeah, definitely done with this drug, escitalopram, as it caused panic attacks. Later on, headaches and disassociation. Completely freaked me out. I wanna stop taking it immediately, but apparently, that will make me feel worse. I’m glad it helps so many, but I don’t think I can continue with antidepressants at all. Xanax has been the only thing that can keep me calm."

• 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."

• RS0...
• October 19, 2016

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I've been taking 10 mg Lexapro for anxiety for 5 days now. Off and on in the past year, my level of anxiety has escalated so much that I thought I might have a nervous breakdown or something. I became antisocial and angry. I would break down in tears if I thought about anything for more than 3 seconds. I felt hopeless and helpless. I also take Adderall XR 20 mg. My doctor gave me Lexapro 10 mg and said I might experience the side effects and call her in 1 week if it was too much to handle. Headache for a couple of hours was all I experienced. I feel awesome! Like a wet blanket has been lifted off of me. I don't avoid people anymore, and I feel like I can face the world and be me again. I think now that the tension is lifted, I feel better physically!"

• Vic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 22, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was prescribed it 1 yr ago for daily panic attacks & GAD. Took my first 5 mg in the morning & 1 hr later fell asleep. Woke up in 3 hrs weak & terrified. “Never again,” I thought. Decided that I’d stick to Xanax during panic attacks, go to therapy, meditate, etc. Struggled for 10 more days, got even worse until fear of the state I was in outweighed the fear of taking Lexapro again. My doctor told me to cut a 5 mg pill in half and take it in the evenings. In a week, I increased the dose to 5 mg. Stayed on it for 2 weeks with no improvements. Switched to 10 mg & in about a week noticed some changes. This was a “turtle walk” for me. Took about a month after switching to 10 mg to stop taking Xanax daily. About another month for the morning knot in my stomach to go away. Panic attacks stopped completely after about 4 months, anxiety went away after 6-7 months. I am off it now for a month & feeling good! Gained 25 lbs, had headaches & fatigue while tapering off."

• jha...
• April 20, 2016

Escitalopram for Depression "I have taken Lexapro for 10 years. I had severe depression/anxiety and was put on Lexapro and Xanax (initially). If I skipped or didn't take my Lexapro on time, I would have a bad bout of anxiety within a day. Too much or doubling up, and my brain was on fire with severe anxiety. But, it has been a life saver. I am totally myself with no weird thoughts or dreams and am happy! Your body will let you know when you should lower your dosage, but that will take a while, like years (headaches were my symptoms). Note for women, I still felt off right before my period. My doctor added the mini-pill for the estrogen, and now I am 100% all month. P.S. watch some of the generics, some have bad side effects!!!!"

• Anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Started this medication 3 weeks ago today! Feeling like it’s slowly starting to kick in, as I suffer from health anxiety. I'm still waiting for the feel-good boost, but a lot of people say it takes 6-8 weeks to work. Side effects: I had a few brain zaps to start with and dry mouth. Currently having dizziness, headaches, and brain fog, but hoping they go away! Will leave a second review once I’m back to my normal self!"

• Anonymous
• September 5, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was put on 10 mg once a day for anxiety and panic disorder. I took my first dose on an empty stomach around 5 pm, about an hour later, I noticed a strong sense of anxiety. I was not hungry for dinner. When I lay down to go to sleep later that night, I noticed I was super restless, like restless leg syndrome, and taking my Ativan 1 mg and my Ambien didn’t even put me to sleep. I knew this was going to be hard, but I told myself to do what you need to and try to get through two weeks because it’s supposed to get better. I’m on day 4 or 5, and I finally went outside. It’s getting better. Not anxious 24/7 anymore, my body is adapting. Still have muscle twitching, and I’m only hungry rarely, but I’m hoping it will improve. The headaches are subsiding, the first three days were the worst in terms of headaches. I’m excited to see how I feel in a week. This drug sucks, hopefully, it will be worth it."