Escitalopram and Panic Attacks: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Adr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2024

For Anxiety "This is my own experience, not a doctor but my personal experience. I've suffered with panic attacks all my life, I'm 37 years old now. It got so bad 2 months back that I started having trouble swallowing, I felt dizzy and off-balance constantly, and I had constant pressure in my head. I really felt as if I was busy dying, and I thought I had a tumor or some bad sickness. I went to the doctor to test all my vitals. Even though I'm healthy, I work out, I eat healthy, I don't smoke, and drink occasionally. The doctors did all the tests you can do, checked vitamins, heart, lungs, had MRIs done, and they picked nothing up. Eventually, the doctors prescribed me Lexamil and Urbanol. I started on 5 mg Lexamil and 5 mg Urbanol, the first 10 days were a living nightmare with side effects, felt like I'm gonna end up in a psychiatric ward. I had the worst panic attacks, and the dizziness felt worse than ever. The 10th day was the worst, and on the 11th day, I felt like a completely different person, I felt normal!!!"

• jpa...
• November 16, 2017

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro 10 mg helped me so much. In June of 2016, my dad passed away unexpectedly. I'm 24 and a female. My life was turned upside down, and I could not deal. I was a 'normal' person without anxiety before this, now I was experiencing chronic anxiety, panic attacks, mind racing, feelings of derealization, etc. It was chronic. I couldn't go to work and could barely even leave the house without having crippling anxiety. I tapered up from 5 mg to 10 mg over a few months, and it literally saved me. I still had a few symptoms, but nothing any different than just everyday mild anxiety. It felt liberating. Lexapro 10 mg saved my life."

• Pan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2021

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was taking Lexapro for 7 years, and then after 5 years off the med, I got really bad anxiety and 24/7 panic attacks. Back on Lexapro (5 mg) for 6 days now. Day 5 was like a dream-completely anxiety-free. Today is a bit worse, and I know I gotta be strong and make it through the first few weeks. Lexapro literally gives you your life back, the few side effects outweigh the wonders this drug does. I have been anxious my whole life, and my time on Lexapro was the best time of my life. Don't get discouraged by anti-AD opinions and side effects of the first weeks, just like someone here wrote, 'gotta make it over the hump.' Be strong! It pays off."

• Bug...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 23, 2016

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on 10 mg of Lexapro (generic version) since 2012. It has helped me a great deal. I was prescribed the med for generalized anxiety, which used to impair my ability to function - I could not sleep at all; an extended period of sleep deprivation would trigger depression, which was hell. I experienced panic attacks just as I would start to fall asleep; it would jolt me up, and I was never able to fall back to sleep. I could not eat and lost a lot of weight. I got a very good doctor, and he prescribed a sleeping aid with Lexapro until Lexapro's anti-anxiety effects kicked in. I took the sleeping aid for about 5-6 weeks until I started to sleep 4-5 hours. One big adverse side effect is weight gain; I gained 25 pounds in 3 years."

• Aid...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 24, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was prescribed Lexapro after a transitive event in my life that caused anxiety and panic attacks. I started on 10 mg, after a few weeks, it was increased to 15 mg, and then after another two months, it was increased to 20 mg. I had suicidal thoughts and called my doc right away... my dosage was lowered... I didn’t notice that the panic attacks came back and the breakdowns started. I was increased back to the 20 mg under doc's supervision. The breakdowns are less frequent, but I noticed they are worse during my period. These breakdowns are intense. I have panic attacks, and the crying is hard to stop. Has anyone else noticed the effects are worse during their cycle?"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• April 15, 2008

Escitalopram for Depression "I'd never experienced depression until I was getting a divorce. Depression is frightening. Talking didn't relieve my despair. Then came new, nightmarish experiences: panic attacks. My doctor put me on Lexapro, and I went to therapy. I felt immediately better physically, which paved the way for my eventual and complete emotional healing. I went off the drug once, crashed (don't quit suddenly, taper off if you have to). Now I take it again (low dose) with the same wonderful results."

• Anonymous
• April 19, 2012

Escitalopram for Depression "I've been battling depression for 5 years. It got really bad right after I gave birth to my son, who is now turning 5. I would cry for no reason and get really upset over the little things. My depression got really bad last year, and it affected my relationship. My confidence got really low, and I would constantly put myself down. I had several bad panic attacks while at a restaurant, which caused us to immediately leave. I have a great support system with my boyfriend and started Lexapro two months ago. I feel so great about everything! I'm currently taking 10 mg, and I finally feel a better me and truly see life. Thanks, Lexapro!"

• Iri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2019

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started taking this medication at only 5 mg, and the side effects were torture. I took this medication for 2-3 weeks, and I had so many panic attacks, cold sweats, nausea, and it made me cry a lot, as the panic attacks were horrible."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2020

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I can’t say much yet, but don’t think I’ll have the chance to since I don’t think this drug is working for me. It’s been almost 2 weeks on 5 mg to treat my GAD, and I have experienced on and off burning/tingling sensations in my limbs, decreased appetite, headache, change in vision, increased anxiety, and the absolute worst panic attacks of my life (felt like I was going to die and lasted over an hour). These side effects are absolutely horrible, and I don’t know if I can make it through to see it work. I have never felt worse."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was prescribed Lexapro 10 mg for anxiety. I took the pill for two days, and what followed was the worst week of my life. I would describe my anxiety as a little more than mild. It was never debilitating. I shouldn't have been prescribed it. I took one pill in the morning and woke up in the middle of the night with a full-blown panic attack. I had never experienced anything like that in my life. For three full days, I couldn't sleep or eat. I had no desire to do anything but was incapable of sitting or lying down. I was constantly in a panic because I thought my life was over. I would start crying, again something that never happened to me before. On the third day after I had stopped the drug, I finally felt normal again. The feelings did come back overnight, and I'm still feeling effects this morning. Please use this drug with extreme caution. I know it can be a help to a lot of people, but make sure to do your research."

• Jux...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2019

Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Lexapro for 3 days at 10 mg. My doctor prescribed it for my depression and anxiety. Every single day I've taken this, I've had horrible symptoms ranging from blurry vision, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, confusion, panic attacks, tightness in the chest. My whole body would begin to burn, and my hands would tingle. I'd have a weird jerking in my legs. Just bad side effects that affected my job and personal relationships. My doctor said she'd see me again in 2 months, but I'm not taking this stuff anymore, and I plan to call her in the morning. This is horrible!"

• Xux...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 29, 2016

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Feeling alive again but still having panic attacks. I've been on 10 mg for the past month, but I noticed every time I have drinks, the next day I have nasty panic attacks. They are awful. It's been only a month. Does it get better after 2 months? I like this medicine, I feel alive again. I want to jump out of my bed and go to the gym at 6 a.m. like before! I haven't felt like this in a year! Before, all I wanted to do was sleep and stay attached to my bed. I love this med, but I think I'll need to up the dose for my anxiety. :("

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Stay away from Lexapro!! I started taking 5 mg Lexapro 4 months ago. Starting the medication was rough, I experienced every terrible side effect it could offer. The worst was depression. I began Lexapro because of panic and anxiety, I’d never had a depressed thought in my life before taking this. After 3 weeks, I started to feel a little better, and my anxiety was under control. Fast forward to now - I am absolutely miserable! I’ve never had an issue sleeping, and now I have extreme insomnia. My anxiety and panic attacks are back and worse than before. My head hurts to the point of almost feeling like I have a brain tumor. I have zero motivation for life, which has made me a completely different person than I was before taking this medication. Taking Lexapro was the worst decision I’ve ever made. Don’t risk it."

• Jan...
• January 15, 2018

Escitalopram for Depression "For 8 years, I had depression, which I did not realize I had. Tired after waking up, low motivation, lazy, crying for nothing, stressed easily, gained weight, low libido, insomnia, no social contacts, etc. Until I asked for help from a doctor. I started with 10 mg for 1.5 months and, from today, 15 mg. I am very happy now as I see huge improvement - tiredness is gone, I cannot cry actually anymore (just cannot), I enjoy cleaning and organizing my home, playing with children, I am patient with children's mistakes and loudness now again, motivated to improve life, social contacts are a pleasure. The first 3 weeks were awful - felt sick, panic, depression, worthlessness, insomnia, but now after 1.5 months, I feel back in my skin! Happy. Libido is back again."

• ktu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2021

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I thought I would come back and share my updated experience because I think it can be very helpful. It has been 1 month now on Lexapro, and it has been somewhat of a rollercoaster, but it was worth it. Let me start off by saying, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! I started on 5 mg and noticed the usual side effects, a week later, I went up to 10 mg and felt okay the first week. The 2nd week of being on 10 mg was awful, my anxiety was intensified, and I was having more panic attacks. I saw my doctor, and she put me back down to 5 mg, and I feel amazing! While everybody reacts to medication differently, the best piece of advice I have is to be patient and make sure you listen to your body and be in contact with your provider. As my doctor told me, you should not have to suffer more than you already have been for a longer period of time!"

• rwa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 21, 2018

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was on 10 mg Lexapro for about 14 years, and it was great. I recently decided to try and go down to 5 mg, and I crashed big-time. Now I'm back on the 10 mg for a little over a month. I was feeling better last weekend, but had a panic attack and could not get on a plane for work, which caused me to spiral all this week. Back to square 1. Wondering if I should ask my doctor to increase to 15 mg or more... I have not been sleeping this week, and it's hard to eat."

• Coo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2021

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Today, my 4th day on this med, my doctor started me on a 10 mg dose. The side effects have been horrible: headaches, nausea. The worst side effect is that I literally can't get out of bed, and I haven't been to work in 4 days. The doctor told me to cut the 10 mg tablet in half and start taking it at night because my body is getting used to the serotonin. I can't sleep, and it has been like this for a couple of days. I haven't gotten anxiety but have gotten panic attacks very little. I will update."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 6, 2022

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been on escitalopram for about a year now and still only a low dose of 5 mg. It completely transformed my life. The rage for me was the worst symptom, the best way to describe it was like turning into the Hulk, and it had a really bad effect on my relationships as well as every other area in my life. Now it feels as though my brain can function normally and think clearly. I can't remember the last time I had a really bad PMDD episode. I can still feel some of the emotions leading up to my period, but they're more subtle, and I can process them calmly and rationally. I take it constantly as opposed to luteally as I have PCOS and irregular cycles, and other than a bit of drowsiness (I now take it in the evening), all the initial side effects for the first few days have completely gone. No weight gain, no effect on orgasms, can't really tell if it's had an effect on libido. If you start taking it and experience panic, severe drowsiness, or headaches, try to stick it out, it will pass."

• Anonymous
• January 4, 2012

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was prescribed 10 mg a day for anxiety/panic attacks. I'd never taken any sort of SSRI before. I took one pill and it scared me, I threw up several hours later and had the worst panic attack of my life. But I don't know if that was me or the pill. So, two weeks later, I chopped it in half and have taken 5 mg every day for the past 6 months. It has completely turned down the volume of anxiety and paranoia. I may never be able to go off of it. I have not had weight gain, anorgasmia, or decreased sex drive. I love it. I can live my life, it has taken that fog surrounding everything away. If you are super sensitive to medications like me, I encourage you to start with the lowest dose possible."

• Bs1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2019

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Horrible drug in my experience. I started this Lexapro for GAD. Dr. started me on 10 mg, I took it for 2 weeks and had shivers, sweating, no sex drive, insomnia, dry mouth, headaches, blurry vision, night terrors, dysphoria, 12-hour panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. Returned to the doctor, and they said because it had only been 2 weeks at 10 mg, I could stop cold turkey and should be okay because the drug needs longer than that to really build up in the system. I’m on day 2 without taking it, and although I don’t feel great yet, I do feel much better. I can live with my anxiety, but I absolutely cannot live with those side effects! I urge anyone thinking of starting this drug to think long and hard about it before starting!!"

• Fig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 28, 2017

For Depression "Guys, I'm 25 years old... and you can't imagine what the hell I suffered from this depression and anxiety. 1. Confusion. 2. Tremendous headache... I wasn't able to walk. 3. Panic attack, racing heart, chest pain... and the most terrible thing... difficulties in breathing all day, no sleep. And all of this for 3 months! But... I take Esram Escitalopram 20 mg for 1 year... 1 mg Loram, I quit Loram, used only 1 month. Now I'm on 10 mg escitalopram. At the beginning, I see no results, but after 2 months, things changed dramatically... It worked!! I'm back now... full of energy... no more pain... never give up, guys, do some exercise too... and listen to your neurologist doctor! I hope you get well soon..."

• how...
• May 30, 2017

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I had my first 'panic attack' about 20 years ago, hellish paranoia in the middle of the night that lasted a few hours the first time. Over the years, I tried to self-diagnose, thinking my attacks happened when I was living wrong. I always felt it was somehow my conscience trying to get me to live differently. I always felt guilty and paranoid about how I was living. It is only in the last year or so that it occurred to me that I actually might have a more severe case of OCD than I thought. It is not anything obvious, but I know that I spend hours a day with my lists of things. I don't have friends, although I am very friendly. I can't 'waste my time.' I don't get out a lot. I usually notice my 'panic attacks' occurred after having had some alcohol, although often not a lot. I have become afraid of the night coming because then if I get an attack, I cannot talk to people, I cannot drive places, or do stuff to distract my brain. The main thing is that I cannot sleep or even try to lay my head down because if I do not distract my brain, the terrifying feeling overcomes me. I will be exhausted but afraid to lie down. My attacks have started to last throughout the day because I sense that total, unbearable fear of things I cannot control or are futile. For example, never speaking to my ex again, the unbearable thought of my mother passing away, even little stuff like where I lost a pair of glasses. Terrifying! I never thought my panic attack symptoms were like the classic ones I’ve been reading about-no racing heart, just absolute paranoia-and NOW I HAVE concluded that my problem is related to my OCD. It is only in reading all of your comments that I begin to really understand that this is biochemical. Is this something that is best treated through a psychiatrist? I tried a therapist once a week, but that was useless. It feels so wonderful knowing that I am not alone in my craziness."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• February 25, 2015

Escitalopram for Depression "Had a major depressive episode out of nowhere (no stressful life circumstances). When I started on 10 mg, I stayed awake 40 hours straight and had panic attacks. Went off it. After horrible Effexor side effects, I started on 5 mg of Lexapro again (I was absolutely desperate) and gradually increased. For the first two weeks, this drug made my anxiety/depression way worse, and I became delusional, but once I took a very small dose of Seroquel, I became progressively better each day, and I have no symptoms of mental illness whatsoever anymore. Completely healed me of depression."