Escitalopram and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2017

Escitalopram for Depression "After struggling with depression and anxiety for the past 10 years (23 now), I was beyond miserable with the way I felt. Due to the depression and anxiety, I isolated myself from friends, dreaded things I used to enjoy, etc. I saw my doctor about a month ago and was prescribed Escitalopram (generic of Lexapro), at 5 mg. In the beginning of starting this medication, I noticed nausea, increased anxiety and irritability, and tiredness. After 2 weeks of starting this medication, I slowly started feeling the positive effects, which included lowered depression and the ability to control my anxiety and panic attacks. I am so grateful my doctor prescribed me this medication, because I finally feel like I'm regaining my happiness and self-esteem!"

• Ple...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2013

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am a 20-year-old male and have been on 10mg of Lexapro for about 2 months. I was experiencing panic attacks (minor and major) at least once every day at its worst and would have one driving or at the movies assuredly every time I went or drove. I have never taken medication regularly in my life and am otherwise a healthy person. After experiencing a traumatic event last year, I began having panic attacks. In the last month, I believe I have had two panic attacks. This medicine has helped me substantially. The first week is tough, I experienced a little nausea, headaches, and neck/back muscle tightening, but that went away fairly quickly. Just stick with it!"

• 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."

• Taw...
• December 12, 2018

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m 26, anxious and depressed for 12 years, started taking Lexapro a year and a half ago, and it has changed my life drastically, began at 5 mg and gradually increased to 20 mg. At the time I began taking it, I was unemployed, sleeping all day and all night, or not sleeping at all, crying regularly, unable to quit smoking, not eating, avoiding social situations, and engaging in destructive relationships. 1.5 years on Lexapro later, ALL of these behaviors have ceased - and I feel healthier by the day. I experience a full range of emotions and depressive thoughts from time to time - but the lows do not last for more than a day. When I first started taking Lexapro, I felt like I was on smack. Other side effects included diminished libido and nausea. These eventually passed - after about 6 months. That’s when I started to notice my mood really stabilize. I’d recommend Lexapro to anyone with longstanding anxiety and depression."

• Liz...
• December 28, 2015

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed Lexapro for severe generalized anxiety and moderate depression (the depression was a result of the anxiety). I'm on day 16. I experienced some mild nausea and increased anxiety for the first 2 days, and headaches for about 5 days, but after day 5 the only remaining side effects are being jittery on and off, and a feeling of tightness in my chest at times. I started feeling decreased anxiety from day 3, and by day 7, the anxiety was significantly less. The depression got better from about day 5. Overall, at day 16, I feel significantly better and am living my life as I used to, for the most part."

• 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."

• SCo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2017

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I struggled with severe postpartum anxiety and depression for two years after my daughter was born. I went to therapy but was still struggling. I didn't want to take medication for a very long time because I just didn't want to be a 'medicated mom.' I always thought it would get better. It didn't, and I was exhausted. I am taking only 10 mg of Lexapro now (therapeutic dose is considered 20 mg), and I'm staying at 10. My life is COMPLETELY different. I feel joy and happiness again, my anxiety is gone, I sleep well, my sadness and anger are gone. It is life-changing, and I can't believe I didn't do it sooner. And I'm actually a better, happier mom now! Give yourself a chance to get better. Mild side effects at first - mild nausea and headache."

• MIK...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2025

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started escitalopram at 10 mg once daily. I will say the first 2 weeks are brutal getting your body to adjust to the pill. I had no appetite, nauseous, extremely tired, increased anxiety, and insomnia. I would say at about day 18 I started to feel better (I am on day 20 now). My appetite is still not perfect, but my anxiety has calmed down to almost nothing. I would read the reviews on here during the first two weeks, and it would push me to keep going. It will get better, just stick with it! YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Remember it has to get worse before it gets better!!"

• Zac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was experiencing severe anxiety and stomach issues for years. Every day I’d feel nauseous, bloated after eating a small amount of food, and have no appetite. I also experienced regular panic attacks. I visited multiple doctors, got all scans and tests done and nothing was found. After about two years of these issues still persisting I developed severe depression and lost all hope for the future. I could not function properly. I went to my GP and he diagnosed me with GAD with panic attacks and depression, and prescribed me Lexapro. It has CHANGED MY LIFE. The first few days are tough with the nausea and other side but push through there is light at the end! Within two weeks my anxiety and depression had subsided significantly, now 5 months later I can say I no longer suffer from stomach issues, GAD, or depression. The drug does not remove these feelings it just helps you deal with situations better and remain hopeful. Good luck!"

• Awe...
• June 20, 2017

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I read so many scary things when I started Lexapro for GAD, but I was so desperate to get my life back! I tried Zoloft, and it had a really bad effect on me. I switched to Lexapro 10 mg after two weeks on the Zoloft, and it took a bit for the Zoloft to leave my system (maybe a week)? After a couple of weeks on Lexapro 10 mg, I went to 15 mg. After one week on 15, it was like a light switch went off in my head. All the anxiety is gone. I had a lot of startup side effects, most notably increased anxiety, lack of appetite, waking up with panic attacks, and just feeling like crap. But at that point where it kicked in, all that is gone. I feel better than I have in years! Not the right med for everyone, but give it a chance to see if it works for you."

• 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."

• Sov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2022

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I'm so pleased to hear that so many people have benefited from this medication. I wish I could say the same. I was prescribed this med during a very dark time recently. While not immediately apparent, over the first few weeks on this medication, I developed Serotonin Syndrome, which, in certain cases, can be very serious. While this is not as common in SSRIs as other medications (such as antipsychotics), you should be aware that it is a possible side effect of SSRI drugs and be aware of the symptoms. I developed akathisia, high blood pressure, hyperreflexia, tachycardia, nausea. At first, I thought most of these symptoms were just an adjustment to the med (except hyperreflexia, I had no idea that was going on). I'm tapering off. All these side effects will resolve in time. I encourage you to always discuss your own situation with your healthcare provider. If I could do it over, I never would have touched an SSRI and instead worked on cognitive behavioral therapy."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 29, 2013

Escitalopram for Depression "I was prescribed Lexapro about a year and a half ago after suffering from severe depression and anxiety (female, 23). Started on 10mg and have just upped the dosage to 20mg. I get a yawn and get a bit of nausea, also makes me a bit fidgety/hard to focus. Even so, it's done wonders on my moods and how my brain seems to function. It helps me sleep, I don't have crazy vivid dreams anymore. If I miss a dose or two you can really tell the difference. It definitely mellows me out and I feel like I can manage basic day-to-day things since starting it. I have had some trouble with orgasming, however, not always. Can't drink any alcohol on it because it goes straight to my head and makes me go silly. Lexapro has changed my life."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Emm...
• August 23, 2017

Escitalopram for Anxiety "The start of their medication was horrible. I am not going to sugarcoat it for you. I was tired, had yawns, and brain zaps. I felt sick and nauseous all the time. It was like the worst hangover all the time. After about 3 weeks, I increased my dose from 10 mg to 15 mg. Again, a lot of side effects. I felt terrible. Now, 3 years later, I am on 30 mg and I don't have anxiety anymore. It took about 6 months for my body to adjust and settle down. I promise you it gets better. Stay with it, like everyone else says it works. It gets better. I can live my life now, I can be a parent, I graduated, I had another child. I'll be in this forever if I have to!"

• Bab...
• July 8, 2016

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I think I have had anxiety and depression all my life. I kept ruining all my relationships because I had delusions of being cheated on and consequently kept accusing my partner(s). The patience of my second husband and seeing his pain propelled me to see a psychiatrist willingly (before this I was dragged there and refused to take medications) who prescribed me Lexapro 10 mg after dinner every day. For the first 2 weeks, nothing changed in terms of my negative attitude towards my partner. The side effects were terrible, it felt like being pregnant. I was so nauseous sometimes I would lay in bed all day. After week 3, the sun seemed to shine brighter. I look at everyone positively. I am happier. My husband is crazy in love with me. Thank you."

• Ms ...
• August 4, 2017

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Lexapro 5-10 mg for 15 years, and it has kept my panic attacks and GAD at bay. The only time I have a problem is when I decide I don't need to take the medication anymore and take myself off, only to find my anxiety and panic attacks begin recurring. Dumb idea! For me, it's a long, difficult period of adjustment to get on Lexapro after getting off because of the side effects and the anxiety symptoms (nausea, no appetite, nervousness, heartburn...), but it's so worth it after the Lexapro begins working. Aaahh!"

• Bec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2018

Escitalopram for Depression "I have been on Lexapro for 3 weeks now and am feeling so much better, as I used to have this flatness hanging over me I couldn't shake. The first 2 weeks were hard to adjust to as I felt nauseous, tired, and fuzzy-headed from the drug. Now I'm feeling so much calmer and the fog has lifted. No full-on side effects like weight gain or loss of libido for me. I am taking 10 mg at 7 pm and would totally recommend for anyone who has been trying to cope with depression. Hope you feel better soon."

• fee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2015

Escitalopram for Depression "I have always experienced small bouts of anxiety and depression before, but nothing that ever really stuck around. A few months ago, something caused me to become anxious, which led to a panic attack, which then led to depression, and no matter what I did, I just couldn't shake it. I couldn't eat, sleep, had no desire to do anything, and was always anxious. I went to my doctor who put me on Lexapro. It immediately helped with my anxiety, and within a few days, my depression lifted. I have now been on Lexapro for over 2 months and feel back to my normal self. Initial side effects: very sleepy for about 3 days, nausea for a couple of nights. I still experience: vivid dreams and low sex drive. I never experienced: weight gain or insomnia. Overall, I'm very happy."

• bri...
• September 5, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I began taking Escitalopram 10 mg in March 2019, and my dose was upped to 20 mg in June 2019. I have been taking it consistently for 5 months for general anxiety and depression and have definitely noticed a positive impact on my mood and anxiety levels. For the first two weeks, I experienced some side effects like a major panic attack and increased anxiety initially, nausea, and fatigue, along with constant yawning even when I wasn't tired. These side effects have since all disappeared. I have noticed that I still have some anxiety at times, but it happens less often, and when it does happen, it is easier to manage and doesn't get out of control. My mood has also improved, and I do not experience the really low feelings that I used to experience, and I have less intrusive and negative thoughts. I have also been attending therapy and find that this is helpful. I feel more in control of my emotions now."

• kit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 17, 2016

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "This drug has honestly changed my life. I suffered from PMDD for years, and the mood swings had a terrible impact on my life. In the two weeks before my period, I would fluctuate between feeling upset, paranoid, anxious, and ragey-falling out with family and friends-and sometimes not wanting to get out of bed or go to work. My doctor suggested taking 10 mg Lexapro a day for the two weeks before my period. I wish I had done this sooner, as it really has had such a positive impact. The first fortnight I took it, I had bad nausea and a lack of appetite for the first few days, but this symptom reduced each month subsequently, and now I have no side effects. I feel really stable and like myself now, and no longer fear that fortnight before my period."

• MJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2019

For Anxiety "I want to thank all who posted to 'hang in there.' Those reviews kept me going when I would have given up. My anxiety was so much worse when I started Lexapro on 5 mg. I would wake around 3 AM with anxiety so bad it was shy of a panic attack. It would be 4 or 5 hours of feeling anxious, restless, and downright horrible. I was sick to my stomach and had no appetite. Eventually, this eased a little when I got to 10 mg, but then we added insomnia. I’m 3 1/2 weeks in now and feel better than I have in months. I can sleep again, and if my anxiety was a 10 before, it doesn’t pass a 2-3 now. Lifesaving med, just a horrible adjustment period for me. Hang in there!!"

• 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."