Escitalopram and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ahm...
• December 11, 2018

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been suffering with Severe Pure O OCD (sexual, violent, blasphemous intrusive thoughts, etc.). It had severely impacted almost every single aspect of my life which led me to severe Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Mild Depression. I tried numerous types of Medication, even the BIG ONE - Anafranil. I remained on this medication for several months on a high dosage. It assisted with the OCD (not so much with Anxiety), however, the side effects were utterly terrible, so I decided to give it up. My psychiatrist suggested Lexapro. I began on 5mg and slowly worked my way up to 30mg (currently on this dosage for the last three months). Pros: Anxiety has greatly reduced, very few panic attacks. It hasn't stopped the thoughts, however, they have become much easier to brush off. I am able to think more rationally, and I feel somewhat more hopeful and optimistic. Cons: Constantly tired, extremely sleepy (I could sleep all day if I wanted to). I feel somewhat emotionally numb."

• Rob...
• August 17, 2019

Escitalopram for Depression "Started on Lexapro 10mg 2 years ago for anxiety. First 6 weeks were very difficult with erectile dysfunction, insomnia, constantly tired & not being able to focus at work. I nearly stopped medication several times as it was really messing me about. After 6 weeks, most of the side effects eased and anxiety management was improved. Earlier this year, I had an upheaval in my relationship & was very depressed. My psychologist recommended trying a higher dosage of Lexapro and the doctor agreed to increase to 20mg. Unfortunately, the side effects experienced two years ago returned. It took 4 weeks for the side effects to ease & both anxiety and depression are now manageable. Still seeing my psychologist, as it's just as important as the medication for me to ensure I have the right support structure in place. I am currently in the best place mentally I’ve been for several years, and Lexapro has definitely helped in my case. Glad I persevered through the initial side effects as the change has been positive."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2014

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I finally feel more mentally stable! I've been on this for a week and a half, and I already noticed a HUGE difference like... I'm in serious shock. This is like a miracle. I've been diagnosed with depression and every type of anxiety. I am now more talkative, I have way more patience, and I just feel so happy. Like, I feel normal. And I had little to no side effects. I did 5mg for a week, then upped to 10mg three days ago, and since I started, all I felt was more tired, but that went away in the first 3 days. The first day though, I took a nap after I took it, and I lost my appetite for the night, and I felt a bit shaky for 2 secs, but after that, everything was normal."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I have to say that the past few years my anxiety has been so awful, and I tried CBT and Biofeedback with little success. I have always been anxious, but when I had an episode of Afib, it unleashed my anxiety to the point where it was making me afraid of everything. My MD put me on 10 mg, and within a week, I felt so much better. I was really tired in the beginning, but I am so grateful that I found this medication. Everyone is different, but for me, no bad side effects and amazing relief."

• Luk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2025

Escitalopram for Depression "I have struggled with anxiety and depression my entire life. When I first tried this drug in 2021, I felt a lot better, but I was tired all the time and had sexual side effects. I was in desperate need of a solution a month ago, and my GP prescribed 150 mg Wellbutrin XL and 10 mg Lexapro daily. I have so much more energy now, I can sleep, I can do my job normally, I feel like I have finally gotten my life back together. The Wellbutrin helped 90% with the sexual side effects, and it gave me energy. This drug has helped my life immensely, highly recommend."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Jea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2023

Escitalopram for Depression "I started with Lexapro 5 mg about 3 weeks ago. I was really tired the first week. By 2 weeks in, I began to feel the medicine jump-starting me back to life. It’s wild and refreshing. I can hardly believe it myself. If you’re reading this, I’d encourage you to give it a try. I hope it works for you!"

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I have been on Lexapro for approximately 2 weeks and have already noticed a great improvement. Prior to taking the medication, I felt high levels of anxiety that would especially interfere with my ability to concentrate during class. The first few days, I experienced some insomnia and kept waking up frequently throughout the night. Don’t let this stop you from continuing it. The unpleasant side effect wore off very quickly. As of now, my level of anxiety has significantly decreased. I feel much more confident socializing and can finally concentrate. The only problem is feeling very tired and lethargic, which I think is a much better alternative to feeling anxious all the time because you are at ease. I am glad I did not listen to the negative reviews even though I was very scared at first!"

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I have been on Lexapro for approximately 2 weeks and have already noticed a great improvement. Prior to taking the medication, I felt high levels of anxiety that would especially interfere with my ability to concentrate during class. The first few days, I experienced some insomnia and kept waking up frequently throughout the night. Don’t let this stop you from continuing it. The unpleasant side effect wore off very quickly. As of now, my level of anxiety has significantly decreased. I feel much more confident socializing and can finally concentrate. The only problem is feeling very tired and lethargic, which I think is a much better alternative to feeling anxious all the time because you are at ease. I am glad I did not listen to the negative reviews even though I was very scared at first!"

• 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."

• Got...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2016

Escitalopram for Depression "After the death of one of my relative, my whole world changed. I thought it was due to my emotional nature. I started having panic attacks, lack of interest, unusual feeling of fear, lack of appetite, was not able to look after myself or my family. I thought that I was going to die. It was all unbearable. But believe me, Lexapro is really great. After 8 weeks, I started feeling my normal self. Mild side effects: yawning, tiredness. But it may be due to my illness rather than the medicine effect. After taking this medicine, I got my strength back. It has saved my life. Just give it a try and hang on there for at least 2 months. It can really save your life too."

• Got...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2016

Escitalopram for Depression "After the death of one of my relative, my whole world changed. I thought it was due to my emotional nature. I started having panic attacks, lack of interest, unusual feeling of fear, lack of appetite, was not able to look after myself or my family. I thought that I was going to die. It was all unbearable. But believe me, Lexapro is really great. After 8 weeks, I started feeling my normal self. Mild side effects: yawning, tiredness. But it may be due to my illness rather than the medicine effect. After taking this medicine, I got my strength back. It has saved my life. Just give it a try and hang on there for at least 2 months. It can really save your life too."

• Eli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2018

Escitalopram for Depression "I lost my mom when I was 24 years old. Five years later, my dad passed away too. I thought I was fine, but I really was not. Going forward, I hate that I did not take this medicine sooner. I used to get agitated about the smallest things. I was also always tired, and I could sleep all day if allowed. I finally did some homework on this medicine and set a doctor's appointment. I take 20 mg, and I am so grateful to have my life back. It is worth a try."

• vjh...
• September 25, 2013

Escitalopram for Depression "50-year-old male with depression and anxiety from life changes and job. Resisted for a long time and judged others on SSRIs as weak. Finally crashed and admitted I needed help. Three months out now on 10 mg/day. Initial side effects were chills, yawns, and slightly tense jaw muscles. All of that disappeared. Now I'm free of depressive bouts and greatly reduced anxiety. Has allowed me to enjoy things again and I get better sleep. I take it in the morning."

• Sad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2022

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I had a really strange experience on this drug. I was so exhausted on it, my hair became dry and brittle, and I was always cold. I went for a blood test, and I was diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. When I stopped taking the Lexapro, my thyroid returned to normal! I feel like I was very unlucky, but this drug can interfere with thyroid hormones."

• Con...
• October 15, 2013

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was experiencing a lot of anxiety and depression and panic attacks. My first reaction to my anxiety was to drink alcohol. Since alcohol is a depressant, that made everything worse. Now that I am on this medication, I feel like I'm back to my old self - and I have no desire for alcohol (which should not be taken with this medication anyway). I started with 10mg initially and had a lot of side effects (nausea, diarrhea, etc.) and was very lethargic, so I cut it in half and tried again. I can't tell you how much this medication has helped me. Remember, our body chemistries are all different, so sometimes adjustments have to be made initially. Now I'm on 10mg and I feel like a new woman."

• iHe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 12, 2019

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've been on varying doses of Lexapro for about 3 or 4 years now. It was the first SSRI/any type of psychiatric med I tried. Luckily, the first time was the charm. Except for a rough ~2-week start where I felt tired and nauseous, it's been amazing for my anxiety and rumination-prone mind. I went from sitting in the dark in my closet, crying uncontrollably, sensitive to every perceived threat or comment, to being able to brush most things off easily. I also no longer replay every interaction in my mind, thinking I might have offended someone. 10 mg Lexapro has been my 'core' dose -- sometimes up to 20 mg. I'm about to go up to 15 mg due to increased anxiety and agoraphobia. Vyvanse (stimulant) is my other workhorse med. It's definitely more difficult to orgasm -- although I know my body well enough to remedy this when it's just me. I haven't had any issues with weight gain, either. Give it a try -- seems to be the least fussy anxiety/depression stabilizer out there!"

• Tig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2024

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "It’s been nearly 3 weeks, I’m a lot calmer. No weight issues. I take 10 mg in the morning. I tried to go back into work today to do a 12 hr shift, had a meltdown, no energy, felt weak, sick, and came home. Can anyone advise if it’s better taking my pill at night? I don’t have problems sleeping, but I’m thinking I will be less lethargic during the day if I take it at night. Thank you."

• Tig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2024

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "It’s been nearly 3 weeks, I’m a lot calmer. No weight issues. I take 10 mg in the morning. I tried to go back into work today to do a 12 hr shift, had a meltdown, no energy, felt weak, sick, and came home. Can anyone advise if it’s better taking my pill at night? I don’t have problems sleeping, but I’m thinking I will be less lethargic during the day if I take it at night. Thank you."

• und...
• October 18, 2014

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started having severe panic/anxiety attacks a few years ago after a traumatic experience. I used to have anxiety all day every day. I lost weight, couldn't eat, sleep, and became literally afraid of everything! I tried other meds and was frustrated after repeated failed attempts. Finally, I went to see a new doctor who convinced me to try LEXAPRO. I was skeptical at first. After a few days, I noticed a major difference! I was more relaxed and felt like my old self again. There weren't any major side effects, only during the first two weeks I felt really tired but calm. But that went away after a few weeks. I continued the medication, and now I can honestly say I have my life back! I gained a little weight, but I manage with exercise. HIGHLY RECOMMEND."

• Sta...
• June 10, 2016

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I am a 22-year-old female, and I have been on 10mg of Lexapro for 2 weeks now. I thought I'd share my experience, although everyone will react to medication differently. The first three days were awful - nauseous to the point where I could barely move, terrible headaches, incredible hunger, yawning constantly, and waking up all through the night. On the 4th day, most of the side effects just stopped, mostly the headaches and nauseous feeling. You really have to push through the initial side effects. All the racing thoughts immediately stopped. I am so much more calm, no more mood swings, social situations no longer bother me, and I am just generally happier. I will also mention that I had none of the sexual side effects."

• SWD...
• December 23, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I have been in a really bad funk for as long as I can remember and have been through a good amount. I won't go into details because it's not relevant. Also felt like my brain was foggy and mind constantly racing. I have social anxiety as well. I am on day two of Lexapro, and I think it's working already. I feel warm inside, peaceful, and am interacting with people so easily. It's strange. I can't explain it but I feel peaceful, happy, and not anxious. I haven't felt this way in a long time. I get drowsy, and my eyes get heavy randomly throughout the day. I've also started smiling randomly. I know this is sort of vague, I wanted to be straight to the point. I really hope this is it, and I have found the right medicine and hope this lasts!"

• Bob...
• September 2, 2014

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After several stressful life events, I developed an anxiety disorder which quickly evolved into depression. Originally, I started on Citalopram, which wasn't great. It only reduced anxiety by 10% at most. I pumped Citalopram up to 30mg/day, but there was no great improvement. I saw a psychiatrist (who worked with me to start the medication merry-go-round) and started Escitalopram (Lexapro). Lexapro had much the same effect as Celexa, but the mood improved a little. We raised Lexapro from 20mg to 30mg/day, and the anxiety MELTED away. The effect was very pronounced - not totally stress-free, but no panic attacks and no ever-constant anxiety. Tiredness was an issue, so we've added 5mg/day of Edronax (NRI), which has been excellent. Find what works for you - be strong."

• Emm...
• September 6, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "For the past four months I have had terrible anxiety and multiple terrifying panic attacks per day. I was having to take more and more lorazepam just to get through the day. My doctor prescribed Lexapro. I was nervous because I had read such horrible things about the side effects and I really didn't want to go through it, but Lexapro has been great for me! The anxiety disappeared on the first day and I was more chilled out than I have been in years. I was weak and tired and had no appetite but that is all as far as side effects. I am very happy with how I feel and my anxiety-free life!"