Escitalopram and Panic Attacks: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Doi...
• August 24, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was diagnosed with anxiety after having several bouts of severe anxiety and many lesser episodes. On two occasions, I went to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack. My doctor prescribed Lexapro. I don't recall any of the issues others describe, and after two weeks or so, I was feeling much better and only suffered from a few smaller episodes. I have noticed that heavy drinking is a disaster while on this medication and results in me feeling ill and panic. I have had no other side effects. I did run out for nearly a week once and did feel some negative feelings coming on. I do not plan to run out ever again. I have taken 10 mg since the start three years ago. Avoid heavy drinking!"

• Gan...
• May 25, 2016

Escitalopram for Anxiety "My experience with Lexapro is very good. First of all, I had extreme panic attacks every day, extreme anxiety, extreme weakness. After one week of taking it, I feel more powerful, no panic attacks, but anxiety is still there. I hope in a few weeks anxiety will be gone."

• HL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2021

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I just wanted to share my experience with Lexapro 10 mg. So out of the blue, I started to experience pretty severe anxiety. A lot was going on in my life at the time (working and going to grad school, renovating a house by myself, unhealthy relationship), and my brain was on absolute overdrive. I wasn't sleeping and was having panic attacks every day multiple times a day. My mother recommended Lexapro, and it changed my life. My anxiety got worse the first two weeks, but after that, the symptoms began to taper, and I started sleeping better again. From my experience, I didn't start to feel 100% for about a month or two. There's something absolutely critical you have to understand about this medicine: it dulls the symptoms but does not fully cure them. For me, working on myself mentally, getting exercise, eating right, and taking back my life in addition to the medicine helped tremendously, and my doctor agrees this is the way you should handle this medicine. No magic pills here."

• Lea...
• June 15, 2021

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Day one. Good day, I am a 41-year-old black female married, with children. I mentioned my race because culturally my people will not seek help as it's a stigma that you are weak. I made a major move from Michigan to Fort Lauderdale, leaving behind everything I knew, including my daughters for a few months. It triggered the panic attacks I again suffered. I started to self-medicate with marijuana, which honestly worked miracles for me up until recently. I'm starting to feel that weed is causing me more anxiety. Two weeks ago, I blacked out and had two major attacks from excessive smoking. These last few attacks landed me in the ER twice in two days. Over the last few weeks after that, I have not been the same, my anxiety was now being aided with mild depression. I finally sought help from my psychiatrist, and now I have a therapist as well. This is my first day on Lexapro am dose. I had to go home for lunch and take a nap, I couldn't keep my eyes open. I don't think it's Lexapro alone."

• Tom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2021

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Awful. It made me go insane to the point I had to ring the GP and cry down the phone that I was going mad because I couldn’t stop full body tremors and panic all day to the point my ribs are now permanently painful. It is an awful drug like the rest of the SSRIs. The only way to fix anxiety is to resolve the underlying unless it truly is a serotonin problem. These made me absolutely manic, and if you’re suffering the same, please beg your GP to stop it and get support."

• Cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 2, 2022

Escitalopram for Depression "I started taking Escitalopram about 3 years ago to address anxiety and depression. For the first week, I started at 5 mg and then 10 mg and experienced a panic attack and some increased anxiety, excessive yawning, and nausea. These side effects disappeared within a few weeks. I am now taking 20 mg and find that this is the most effective dose for me. The medication helps me feel more motivated, my brain feels calmer, and I am more easily able to counter negative thoughts rather than dwelling on them. I have more energy, and my mood feels more stable with less ups and downs, especially around my menstrual cycle. I also feel less anxious in social situations and previous situations where I would feel anxiety, such as before making a presentation at work. Overall, this medication works really well for me, and I’m satisfied."

• 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."

• Roc...
• August 30, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm 23, and I was starting to suffer from terrible insomnia due to anxiety. I was getting so stressed I couldn't sleep, and it affected my job, relationship, and my whole life. I was a nervous wreck, I would start crying out of nowhere and couldn't stop. I would have panic attacks with my chest tightening and my legs going numb. My blood pressure was 150/100, and I'm 23! I've had a history of anxiety but was always able to manage it somewhat with a couple of panic attacks here or there. I got put on 20 mg of Lexapro, and it has worked fantastically. I have my life back. I'm not worrying about anything I used to, and it has improved every aspect of my life. Give it a shot, ignore the negative, it took me 5 days to feel effects."

• Anonymous
• November 5, 2009

Escitalopram for Depression "I recently stopped taking Lexapro. It was giving me what they call 'stinking thinking.' At first, it worked well for my anxiety and depression, then I started having these symptoms that felt like a panic attack, as well as severe negativity in my thought process, not to mention zero sex drive. I feel much better since stopping the medicine. I'm a nurse, and it would make me so slow in my thought process. I was constantly wondering if I was actually helping or hurting my patients."

• Sha...
• January 4, 2017

Escitalopram for Depression "I was put on Lexapro 3 years ago to treat depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The first 2 months were standard. Adjusting and getting the dose right. I ended up on 20 mg. After the initial adjustment, I experienced panic attacks, which came frequently, worsening anxiety. Over 3 years, I gained 12 kg. It in no way helped PMDD. I weaned myself from 20 mg down to 5 mg over 6 months, which was hell, then stayed on 5 mg for another 12 months. I have since had my ovaries removed and a total hysterectomy to get rid of PMDD. Now, 4 weeks ago, I stopped the 5 mg cold turkey, as the tapering was so bad. Lexapro took so much of my life, and coming off is the hardest thing I've ever done, and I'm still withdrawing after 4 weeks. It's been a nightmare!"

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have had mild on-and-off GAD since my 20s. I am 49 now. I never needed medication, but this year with my age and perimenopause-related health issues, my anxiety became unmanageable. Heart palpitations in particular triggered my anxiety, and they are also triggered by anxiety, so a bit of an endless loop. Started on escitalopram 5 mg for 4 weeks. Had more good days than bad. Side effects were minimal. On the second day, I had a panic attack, but after that, some jitters, some mild headaches, some breakthrough anxiety. Now on 10 mg for three days and already feeling that much better again. It’s worth pushing through the ups and downs. I am only now realizing how even my mild anxiety has been impacting my life for years in ways I hadn’t realized until it was kept at bay. Hoping that this little confidence bump can help me use some mindfulness techniques I have been learning to manage my anxiety as well."

• jen...
• November 8, 2011

Escitalopram for Depression "Lexapro has given me back my life! Before I started on Lexapro, my job performance suffered, my relationships suffered, and my schoolwork suffered. I would cry randomly and have panic attacks. Now, I am happier and get along with people better. I am doing well at work and school."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2023

Escitalopram for Anxiety "The first couple of days were great. It calmed my anxiety and OCD thoughts. On day 3, I ended up calling an ambulance in the middle of the night because I couldn't see straight and felt like I couldn't breathe. Worst panic attack I've ever had. Stopped taking it the next day."

• Ams...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2016

For Anxiety "I was prescribed this drug for mild depression 4 years ago. I had 0 side effects, 0 benefits - it was when I took the drug again years later I realized why it hadn't worked - I didn't need it then, my serotonin levels must have been okay. 7 months ago, I began getting debilitating panic attacks that ruined my first post-college job. Anxiety took over. I was prescribed Lexapro. In the first week, I won't lie, I was very ill with nausea and increased panic. I was convinced I should stop. I read review after review, terrified, but I stuck it out. It has saved my life and my mind. Remember, initial side effects mean the drug is doing something to your body that wasn't happening - more serotonin! I'm slowly rebuilding what anxiety destroyed, thanks to Lexapro."

• Ang...
• April 20, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Give it time! It will work if you give it time. I had a severe panic attack that lasted two days - I didn't know what was wrong. I was given Ativan at the hospital, and that helped bring the panic down a bit, but I needed a long-term solution as I was panicked and anxious all day, every day for weeks. After my doctor started me on escitalopram, I didn't notice any change for 3 weeks. I started at a low dose (5 mg), working my way up to 20 mg. Two weeks after bumping up to 20 mg, the change was spectacular. I also participated in anxiety counseling and began exercising. I am still on 20 mg once a day and am feeling back to my normal self. Just give it time, I know while you are waiting that's the last thing you want to hear, but stick with it, things will get better. I read these reviews all the time while going through my panic and anxiety, praying that I would someday be able to post that the medication worked for me, and now I finally can."

• rai...
• May 14, 2018

Escitalopram for Depression "I had my anxiety and panic attacks under control for 8 years thanks to CBT. But I became depressed, so I decided to try 5 mg Lexapro. First week I felt apathetic and lethargic. The second week I had anxiety, panic attacks, hypomania, extreme fidgetiness, internal vibrations, strange cold sensations, and a fast heart rate. I tried to stick it out, but after 3.5 weeks the symptoms became unbearable. After stopping, it has taken a month for my body to begin to feel normal again. After seeing multiple psychiatrists, I believe I experienced SSRI-induced 'activation syndrome.' A genetic test later advised me to not take SSRIs because I may have an 'adverse reaction.' My prescribing doctor did not recognize the activation syndrome but instead thought my symptoms pointed to Bipolar II and ADHD (untrue). These drugs are still experimental, and doctors aren’t always aware of side effects. I did notice increased positive thinking and motivation on Lexapro, but with the awful side effects, it just wasn’t worth continuing."

• Anonymous
• January 3, 2012

Escitalopram for Anxiety "When I became pre-menopausal, I developed increased anxiety, panic attacks, heart racing, etc. My doctor recommended Lexapro. Within 1 week of taking this medicine, I noticed a difference. I became calmer, easier to live with, and all my anxiety symptoms disappeared. Literally got my life back. This is a miracle."

• mic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 27, 2018

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I've battled anxiety for 40 years and finally went on 10 mg Lexapro. It works fantastically for me, and after 9 months, I weaned myself to 5 mg a day. That was a mistake, I had panic attacks, more anxiety, and so went back to 10 mg today. I don't think I can ever stop taking it."

• MIc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 8, 2019

Escitalopram for Depression "Helped my depression a lot, but tons of side effects. Couldn't even have 1 drink while on it because it felt like I was overdosing on a nervous system depressant (heaviness/pain in arms and legs/chest). ALSO kept being woken up in the middle of the night with extreme panic/heart palpitations. Felt disconnected from my body a lot too. Things I never experienced before taking Lexapro. Weaned myself off it, and the side effects went away. Not worth the benefits."

• Kat...
• July 27, 2019

For Depression "I was prescribed 20 mg of Lexapro, and I stayed on it for about a month and a half. It was for depression and GAD, and I started my first two weeks on a 10 mg dose. The first day I felt normal, but the next two or three had me feeling absolutely whack. I felt somewhat euphoric *slightly* and energetic, and anything I thought ended up coming out of my mouth - no filter. The next few days I started to feel exhausted, and I would sleep as soon as I got home. Then, about five or six days in, I started having HORRIBLE panic attacks in the middle of my classes, and I kept sobbing like 2/3 times a day. I felt super, super suicidal, and I felt apathetic towards my friends and family. I started just sleeping all the time and almost failed my exams due to the loss of motivation and how the pills made me feel. I'd basically wake up, stare at the wall, cry, sleep."

• Pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2019

For Anxiety "I started this 3 days ago, and I feel like I'm losing my mind. I'm having way more panic attacks than I've ever had, hot flashes, I can't eat, spacey, extreme nausea, tingly feelings all over. I'm afraid to leave my house! I just hope it only takes 3 days to clear my system."

• QCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I am a 33-year-old male, and I have been taking 10 mg Lexapro for about 5 weeks now. I started on 5 mg for the first week after switching from sertraline for anxiety. I have had at least one panic attack every day for the past week. I have been to the ER twice in the past 2 weeks for what I thought was a heart attack or stroke. My blood work is normal, my EKG is normal. I was given Valium or lorazepam and told to 'relax, it was just a bad panic attack.' Today is the first day of tapering off of Lexapro, I can't wait to get it out of my system."

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 23, 2021

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Hope all doing well and getting there? I was on Lexapro for just over 7 months. It never really worked for me, but I gave it a good go to work. I stopped at the beginning of June, now off for 4.5 months. I tapered down from 10mg to 10mg, then to 5mg, no problems. From 5mg to 2.5mg, very little issues. From 2.5mg to 1.25mg, I really started to have issues. I stayed on 1.25mg for 6 weeks before stopping, and all I can say is it has been a brutal journey. The first 4 weeks: total confusion, ringing ears through low-level anxiety and panic attacks. From week 8 to 12, having different symptoms every day, all very uncomfortable and difficult to function with. After 3.5 months, I went private to a consultant, as I was very concerned about how I was feeling after such a long period. He advised it is common from Lexapro, he advised I was about to enter the final phase of withdrawal. Symptoms included severe anxiety, panic attacks, low mood, etc. I didn’t expect what happened to me after about 10 days into this."

• Ant...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 31, 2022

For Anxiety "Turned me into a shell of my former self. Lost all motivation, actually gained more social anxiety, the dreams you get are also just too much; not to mention the absolute brain fog you have every day. I also continued to have worsening panic attacks. Maybe the drug wasn’t for me, and I should’ve been treated with more of something that helps with my panic disorder, but the effects it had on my brain and body the 6 months I took it (and the incessant nature of my doctor telling me to continue taking it because it’ll “eventually work”) caused me to switch doctors and taper off of it on my own. I’ve been off of it for about 2 months now, and I can still feel lasting effects, but this drug truly did nothing but harm my lifestyle and everything about me as a person. Like I said at the start, while I was on this drug I was literally a “shell of my former self.”"

• kel...
• February 15, 2017

For Anxiety "I've been using Lexapro for about 4 weeks now. The doctor started me out on 5 mg and then, after 3 weeks, rose it to 10 mg. She wanted to make sure I wasn't having any negative side effects. My anxiety was something that was constant. I would have panic attacks, and on occasion, I would purge my food from the anxiety. Today, I don't feel the constant anxiety, haven't had a panic attack, and haven't had the urge to purge. I never thought I would wake up every day and feel as happy and ready to take on the day as I do. I completely recommend this medication, and you really do have to take it for a few weeks to notice change. I get it's not for everyone, but it worked for me, and I'm forever grateful to be here, alive and thrivin'!"