Escitalopram and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Hip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Please, please give it a chance to work. The first week, my anxiety ramped up. A few days in, I was so sick in the morning, I was concerned I may be pregnant (nope, the meds did it). But the nausea subsided and the anxiety slowed down, and at about 5 weeks in, it was basically gone. Xanax helped, but I no longer need it now. Prior to this, I felt like the walls were closing in on me. I couldn't focus, and I was filled with terror and unreality. Lexapro made these symptoms go away. I don't have constant thoughts, and I don't live 'in my head'. Please give it a chance. Stick it out, I promise it's worth it. If you felt anything like I did, you deserve to feel better, and it saved me from the looney bin. I have my life back. 5 mg to start and now on 10."

• FAV...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2016

Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder "Lexapro has literally saved my life! Before starting the medication, I was terribly depressed & suicidal. I finally got the courage, with the help of my husband, to talk to my physician. I initially began on the 10mg dosage. The first week was rough with bad headaches, nausea, and extreme fatigue. By the second week, the only side effect I had was a little spaciness that I feel was from the fatigue that had continued. However, at week 2, I felt so much better. Now after 2.5 months and moving to a 20mg dose, I have my life back! I haven't felt this much peace in years. I can sleep, I can laugh, I can smile... and I can't imagine taking my own life. Best of all: I can love others because I'm happy and at peace with myself. Worth it all!"

• Eut...
• February 17, 2015

Escitalopram for Depression "I was prescribed Lexapro for depression, 10mg/day. I have been suffering from depression for nearly 2 years now, and I finally forced myself to seek medical help. I'm only on day 3, but I can honestly notice a slight positive change already. Days 1 & 2 have been a bit difficult; uncontrollable yawning, fatigued, and a bit nauseated. But today, day 3, it feels like a light switched on in my brain! That light is at the end of the tunnel, meaning I have to give a little more time. If you are truly depressed, this medicine will help you."

• lgr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2020

For Anxiety "I was on 5mg of Lexapro (generic) last year and felt much improved and went off of it after about 8 months. My anxiety returned, and my doctor and I decided to restart the medication at the same dosage, but this time, I am having side effects. It's only been a few days, but I have a headache, nausea, and dizziness. I've tried taking it at night versus in the morning, but there is no difference. I have read that side effects can improve over time but am wondering if anyone has cut their dose to 2.5mg. I'm thinking a lower dose to start may be more tolerable, but I can't find good information as to whether the lowest dose can be halved."

• Anonymous
• September 14, 2022

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I’ve only been on it for 3 days now (5 mg). I’m one of those people who will worry themselves sick. The first time I took it (at night), I was in a state of panic because I didn’t know how it would make me feel. I was crying so hard out of fear I gave myself a headache. For all the people like me, it does not make you feel any different in your head or anything like that. The first morning I woke up very shaky, weak, and nauseous. After I used the bathroom, the nausea went away, and after about 2 hours I felt perfectly fine and went to school. Today (2nd day) I feel perfectly normal, I feel more present already (not zoning out so much), and I feel happier and in a better mood. I’m hoping it will only get better from here. And for all the people reading this that are like me and are freaking out over medication and how it will make you feel, do not worry. Pray about it if you're religious, trust God. I overcame the fear, and I promise nothing bad will happen. You got this."

• HeI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2020

For Anxiety "I held off on the medication for a very long time, even after being diagnosed with anxiety and depression at the age of 12. I am now 24, and after countless attempts at therapy sessions and coming to the realization that it is indeed genetic, I’m here. My doctor prescribed me 5 mg but suggested I start on 2.5 mg. I did so for four days and began to feel really good. I’m talking, like, really good. Besides the drowsiness, I felt focused. My anxiety was subtle. I ended up having a lot of energy. I then started taking 5 mg, and all those good feelings have now diminished. I’m feeling dizzy, nauseous, anxious, heart racing, loss of appetite, and tired. To be honest, I feel a little depressed. I think I may go back to 2.5 mg and hope it takes the same effect as it first did. I’m very sensitive to medication. I will update in a couple more weeks."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2015

Escitalopram for Depression "I just started this medicine 3 days ago and I cannot express how much of an effect it has had on me already. I just graduated high school and became depressed soon after, severe anxiety where I couldn't go out to eat without having to vomit. I also couldn't keep focus on anything, especially when trying to talk to people, and overall was in the worst state of my life. Thought I was hopefully, constantly having break downs, etc. the doctor prescribed this medicine to me a few months before graduation due to anxiety and overall not feeling myself, I was definitely skeptical and taking medicine in my eyes was a sign of weakness so, I put off the treatment hoping I could cure myself out of this funk. I went to ct and it helped but it was mainly focused on anxiety. I stopped going because it seemed a waste of my time. Graduation rolls around, my best friend leaves for college really early and my life falls apart. A week was about all I could take of the constant emptiness, headaches, and nausea I got from being so depressed so I decided to start Lexapro. The doctor prescribed me 10 mg and the first day I took it (in the morning) I was in a state of euphoria. Just a little background on myself, I was never that outgoing but constantly happy. Never the one to be outgoing in front of strangers and was very conscious of people around me. Not on this pill. I was loopy, could not stop laughing and would not shut up. Although this was great, it did not feel normal and I had very bad dizziness and insomnia that night as the drug began to wear off. But I wasn't laying in bed miserably like I did countless nights before, I kind of sat there with a smile so it was actually kind of creepy. That morning I called my physician and asked if this was a normal or okay reaction considering I've been told you shouldn't feel anything for 4-6 weeks. He mentioned that it was 'weird' that I had this response but it was a negative one. He recommended I cut my dosage in half and stick with taking 5 kg a day since the 10 obviously overtook my body. Within hours of hanging up I popped half a tablet and can honestly say I felt happy without many side effects. I continued this the following day and my relationship with my boyfriend, family, and friends has greatly improved, I sleep better, I can laugh and actually mean it and I can go in public places without constantly being self-conscious. I've heard it can have bad results in week 1 and 2 but after taking this medicine for only 3 days, whether it's the placebo effect or not, has saved me and helped me to return to my normal self."

• Lma...
• December 28, 2020

Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder "Two years ago, I was majorly depressed and saw a psych who put me on fluoxetine, and I also tried Effexor. Worst medications ever... every day I couldn’t eat from feeling nauseous, and I would have the most violent, graphic dreams that would leave me feeling exhausted when I woke. Both these medications also made me feel like a zombie, I seemed lifeless to everyone. I then tried Lexapro, which, compared to the other two, this medication is amazing. The first two weeks are really yucky, and you need to be prepared for that. It doesn’t seem like it will get better at all. In the first few days, I had very bad anxiety and couldn’t sleep. Just lay low at home until it passes, once it did, I just feel like a brand new person. All the horrible thoughts are gone, and I can function like a normal person and still feel human. One thing I found is taking this medication at night caused me to have bad dreams, so I take it in the morning, and the dreams at night don’t happen anymore. Hope this helps."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 19, 2016

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My doctor prescribed me this medication for Generalized Anxiety Disorder as it was crippling and ruining my life. I was reluctant to try it because I've heard so many horror stories about the side effects, but I figured I'd give it a shot. First week or so was a little rough. Lots of nausea and brain fog, but I was determined to give it at least a month. Once my body adjusted, my symptoms slowly started to disappear. Today I feel like a different person. I feel free from my obsessive worries and panic that had plagued me all my life. This truly is a wonder drug if you're lucky enough that it works for you!"

• Hea...
• November 9, 2018

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I would like to say I lived by these reviews to help me through my darkest days with this here anxiety/panic disorder. I had symptoms that range from nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, no appetite, the feeling of about to pass out/faint, noodle feeling sensation in my leg, etc., to the point I didn't feel like myself anymore and thought death was near. Thank you for your reviews, it helped me get past all that and I got to the good part where it works without the side effects."

• Use...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2024

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I'm on week 6 and I read these reviews for encouragement and advice! I was in a terrible phase where my anxiety just got the best of me. One week, I couldn't even complete a full day at school. I started taking Lexapro, the first few days were rough. I was so beyond scared to take the medicine because I am a hypochondriac. I freaked myself out the first few days and almost stopped taking the medicine. But, I am so beyond glad I didn't stop. The first week may get worse before it gets better. However, after a week I noticed it slowing down my thought process and my physical anxiety symptoms. I no longer have panic attacks or shaky hands 24/7, I am way more present in life and overall just enjoying things more. The first few days I had a burning sensation and nausea. Then I would get bad headaches, and I still get tired but I am so much better off!! Try the meds and have hope things will improve. It's not perfect but it makes life better and way more manageable. You got it!"

• G01...
• August 21, 2016

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medication has forever changed my life. It has possibly saved my marriage and relationship with my kids. I am a person who suffers from anxiety and severe mood swings. Before Lexapro, I would snap at anything, little things would trigger anxiety attacks and that would lead to depression. My first week on Lexapro was not too bad. I had some nausea, felt jittery at times, restless at night, and yawning uncontrollably. But I noticed right away, and so did my husband, that I was more at ease, happier, and was able to brush things off that would have made me blow up before. The pros outweighed the cons for me. So far, I have been enjoying life more, laughing with my kids more often, and not focusing so much on the little things."

• Anonymous
• July 9, 2016

Escitalopram for Depression "I was prescribed Lexapro 5 mg for perimenopausal rages and major depressive disorder. Considering this is my first antidepressant, I cautiously started with half a tablet (2.5 mg). The side effects were horrible: severe dizziness, headaches, nausea, and confusion. I could not function at work. Over time, my depression, angry outbursts, rumination worsened and started to affect my interaction with coworkers. I decided to give Lexapro another try and start with 1/4 of a tablet (1.25 mg). I took the Lexapro at bedtime, and in the morning, I was the happiest I've been in months, no anxiety, no negative repetitive thoughts. This is a strong drug. My recommendation is to start slowly to avoid severe side effects and then increase if needed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2020

Escitalopram for Depression "Caused nausea, vomiting, blackouts, and unwanted thoughts. Ended up in the psych ward for a week. After a DNA test, I found out I metabolize this medication extremely quickly to the point it's unsafe for use."

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2024

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was on Lexapro for 2 years for anxiety and depression and decided I wanted to try something new. Christmas time I switched to 50mg of Zoloft and was fine until I had a traumatic experience around a month and a half ago. The anxiety that was absent for my entire 2 years on Lexapro finally hit me again and came right back. It was a horrid month dealing with tapering off the Zoloft and switching back to Lexapro. Constant anxiety and panic attacks all day. I thought that taking Lexapro the first day would cure everything, but that was not the case. Let me tell you, the first 2 weeks were pretty rough. Extreme anxiety, nausea, insomnia, extreme dizziness. It was hard, but I kept my head up high and realized this is my body's response to adjusting to the medication. I am now about 3 weeks in, and let me tell you, I feel a lot better than before. I'm starting to build my confidence again, do things I feared doing for the past month. Much less anxiety day by day. Push through, and it will all be okay!"

• dre...
• February 14, 2018

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I've been suffering from anxiety and depression since 2017. I found myself not leaving the house, in and out of hospitals, going to so many doctors for answers, not being able to drive, or even be by myself and having panic attacks every day. I was giving up. I found a therapist who helped me tremendously! He advised me to get on Lexapro. I was scared, I didn't want to take it, and I felt like I was weak. I can honestly tell you I am beyond thankful that I made myself get on this medication. It has totally changed my life in such a positive way. I do have to say the first couple of weeks were rough for me. I was dizzy, nauseous, just all the way felt like rubbish. BUT STICK IT OUT. I am so thankful. Give this medicine a try but always remember you have to change the way you live your life and your thoughts, always be positive and always remember you will get out of this and you can live a happy and healthy life."

• Mac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2022

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Terrifying reaction to this drug. I was suffering with anxiety and panic attacks. Got 10 mg of Lexapro prescribed. I take my first dose at 10:50 PM. I am violently woken up at 1:30 AM with a feeling of severe burning in my head and all over my body. My entire body was shaking uncontrollably. I was dizzy and nauseous. I had diarrhea. When I closed my eyes, it got worse! Seeing a million colors and patterns (beautiful, but terrifying), so obviously I can’t sleep at all. The anxiety worsened x100, and I thought several times, “I’d rather be dead than live like this.” These symptoms worsen at night, and they’ve lasted for 2 days. I’m on day 3 today. In short: I’ll take my unmedicated anxiety any day. I don’t care if I have to be doing breathing exercises and praying the entire day. I’ll take my normal anxiety any day compared to what I felt on Lexapro."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2019

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Had major depression and anxiety for the last few years. Started Lexapro 5mg and went up to 10 mg in a week. Initially had nausea, profuse sweating, daytime sleepiness, twitching, frequent urination, and anxiety was out of control. The first time I noticed a change was two weeks in, felt 40% better. Then the side effects got the better of me, and I wanted to stop taking Lexapro. My psychiatrist asked me to persevere. Now, 10 weeks later, the grey veil has lifted from my eyes, and I feel like life is worth living. I’m back to my old self again. I can drive, I can leave the house, I’m motivated, and enjoying life again. I’m so happy with Lexapro, it’s been a life-changer, and I’m always so happy. Persevere, it’s worth the effort."

• AAT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2015

Escitalopram for Depression "It's incredible how much Lexapro has improved my overall emotional wellness in such a short amount of time. I was extremely hesitant to start medication for obvious reasons, but after much research, I decided to give it a try. I cannot stress enough how much of a positive effect Lexapro has had on my life. Just feeling that the darkest of clouds has been lifted after lingering for years is pure happiness and relief; I didn't even think it was possible. The first week I was pretty nauseous, and I still get drowsy and have some trouble sleeping on this medication, but it is nothing compared to how I felt prior to taking Lexapro. You deserve to be HAPPY. Give it a try."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2014

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I began feeling very anxious and getting anxiety attacks almost every morning. This went on for months, and finally, I told my doctor. She gave me a low dose of Xanax, and it helped a bit, but once it wore off, I had to take more since my anxiety returned. I asked my doctor to put me on Lexapro, and I swear, it started to work almost immediately! I have been on it for two weeks now, and I've only had one minor anxiety attack, and every day I'm feeling a little better. I'm already feeling much calmer and more peaceful, and I only take 5mg at night. My sleep is better too! The only side effects were nausea, and diarrhea (which are subsiding) and weight loss (which I don't mind). I'm feeling so much more hopeful now, and I had almost lost hope."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2024

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've always suffered with anxiety since I was 15 (now 34) for all of time until now. I was on and off Lexapro as I only had panic attacks as I was drifting off to sleep. Fast forward to now, I have a 2-year-old and a newborn and hadn't taken Lexapro for 4 years. Two months postpartum, I was flooded with intrusive thoughts of health anxiety. I believed I was going to die. I was having panic attacks during the day and night, worse than I've ever had. My arms, hands, legs, and feet had the strong tingling feeling, my heart racing at 150 bpm. I couldn't concentrate or eat, I had severe brain fog for a month. I needed help, and I needed it fast. I got back on Lexapro (20 mg oral solution because I can't swallow tablets). I was nauseous the first two days. The first week I was still very anxious, but I only had one or two panic attacks. I'm now just over 2 weeks and haven't had a panic attack. My appetite is back, and I'm feeling so much better. I can't wait to see how I feel in another 2 weeks!"

• Dse...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2022

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My doctor started me on Effexor and changed me to Lexapro due to my body not tolerating the medication well. I started Lexapro on a 5mg dose at night. The first week was rough as my body adjusted between the two medications. I had heightened anxiety, trouble sleeping, stomach pain, nausea, dry heaving, and loose stools. I switched to taking the medication in the morning and it seemed to help my inability to sleep. I found taking the medication on a full stomach made the nausea go away. After four weeks, my doctor upped the dose to 10mg. I am finally starting to feel like my old self again. Lexapro has saved my life! My anxiety is better, my appetite has come back, and I feel like I can truly enjoy living again. I am not crying all the time, staying in bed all day, or hiding from the world. Be patient with this medication and give it a chance! Once you get past the first 10 days, things get so much better, and it is worth it."

• ccb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2014

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "It was not fun for the first couple of weeks. I was dizzy, couldn't sleep, nauseous, and couldn't eat. I lost 6 pounds, which doesn't seem like a lot, but I'm already a thin 5'8" female who went from 120 to 114 lbs in a matter of days. Moving past this, Lexapro has helped me so much. I'm also on Lamictal, so the combination is working well for me. I actually feel like I can talk to people, whereas before I was so scared of being judged that I couldn't even talk to customers at work. I can now ask people to hang out. I'm still very self-conscious (I won't pretend it's a miracle medicine that fixes everything), but it has gotten me to a place where I can actually start working on improvement, whereas before I was so paralyzed I couldn't even begin."

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

Escitalopram for Depression "I was prescribed Lexapro 10 mg daily for severe depression. Within an hour after taking it, I felt incredibly drowsy and proceeded to fall into a fake sleep-not sleeping yet not quite awake. The next 24 hours were a pure nightmare. Insomnia, severe nausea, brain fog, shaking, dizziness, headache, and stomach ache. I also felt an increase in anxiety and paranoia and kept telling my husband I felt sick and that something bad was going to happen. All this after only ONE 10 mg dose! This stuff is toxic. Never again."

• Jus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2024

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Thanks to everyone who left honest reviews here, I was able to try this medication, and it’s been life-changing. First, you were ALL right about the first 7-14 days. I was sleepy and a little nauseous. RIDE IT OUT. It was worth it. Also, this drug seems to work better at the 6-month and 9-month mark. I am thinking about going up higher in the dosage, but not sure. I am on 10 mg, and that seems to deliver the effect at the minimum level necessary, which is important. I do notice the effects more when life is more stressful. I can tell a major difference. But I wish I would have started sooner! A lot has changed in my brain now. It very much helps with burnout, ruminating, and the ability to see a path forward. Take it long term, I think, for best results. I’m almost at a year. DO NOT drink alcohol on it - instant puke. Cannabis daily seemed to have no adverse effect for me."