Escitalopram and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Mel...
• October 18, 2014

Escitalopram for Depression "I am an 18-year-old girl and diagnosed with depression. My first week with 10 mg Lexapro is beyond horrible: depression got worse, heart racing, sharpened negative thoughts, and no motivation at all when waking up in the morning. I can't concentrate and feel as if I want to cry most of the time. It lingers till the evening and tapers off toward night. At night, I feel euphoric. No problem with sleeping and weight gain. But since my depression got worse, the doctor decided to double my dose to 20 mg. The second week was even worse: nightmares every night, fatigue, lethargy, gases in the stomach. In the third week, it finally helps! Negative thoughts went away, and I feel lightheaded. Side effects: emotional numbness, sleepiness, laziness. But overall, this medicine is a true miracle."

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

Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder "Okay, so I know everyone has different experiences, but mine was terrible. I started on 5 mg and moved up to 10 mg. At 5 mg, I had almost every side effect (dizziness, anxiety, nausea, headaches, severe exhaustion). The worst was the sexual side effects (which never went away) and initial insomnia. After one week, I went up to 10 mg and started to see some decent results. The insomnia went away after a few weeks. The depression was still there, but the anxiety was nonexistent. Sure, I was completely numb and couldn't feel anything at all, but that meant my anxiety was gone. But the feeling of being numb got worse and worse over time. After a couple of months, it got to the point where I lost all motivation and was tired all the time. I could barely stay awake and was sleeping 12 hours a night most nights. Eventually, the exhaustion and lack of motivation made my depression even worse until I started having passive suicidal ideation. That's when I got off Lexapro and switched to Prozac."

• Ski...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 8, 2020

Escitalopram for Depression "Took Lexapro 20 mg for 2 years for depression. It was efficacious for depression, however, I became lazy and unmotivated with memory deficiency towards the end. I used to spend most of my free time before this medication doing outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, surfing, skiing, and such. However, while on this drug, all I did was lay on the couch and do nothing. I stopped taking it, and within a week, motivation to do things I once loved was back, and my memory is not nearly as faulty as it was while on the drug. Withdrawal symptoms-yes. Brain zaps mostly occur in the dark hours of the day, in the evening, they slowly come on, but while sleeping, they are the worst. Also, night sweats. Did this drug relieve depression-yes. Did it make me into an unmotivated couch potato and stop doing all the activities I once loved-yes. Did my working memory severely go faulty-yes. Positives are it brought me out of suicidal thinking and, as a male, 47 with normal premature ejaculation, made me last longer."

• Mav...
• October 8, 2014

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I've had anxiety and panic attacks for many years. I've tried diet and exercise, meditation, herbs, and when I finally realized how many things I was missing out on with my family and friends, I knew I needed to try medicine. First, I tried Buspar, which offered no help and made me really dizzy. Next was Lexapro. The first couple of days on Lexapro, I noticed nothing. By day 4, I was really tired and had a headache. Day 5-6 was the same, and I was very anxious and couldn't sleep. By this point, I am so tired I have to sleep late, sleep at lunch, and go to bed early. On day 8-10, my ears rang, and I almost gave up. On day 11, I FINALLY started to feel better. Waiting for 4 weeks to see full benefits, but the side effects DO go away."

• von...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2021

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My anxiety and depression have gotten so bad I agreed to try the buffet of medications once again. I’ve been on Lexapro for 7 days, and I’m dealing with the side effects by reading the positive reviews from the people that have experienced it. Being a recovering alcoholic and having suffered a TBI, I was under the impression that this was as good as it gets. My first time at 5 mg, I had this short time of clarity that was beautiful. But then I got tired, slept half the day, and lost it. 7 days later, I started 10 mg. Once again, the tiredness put me to sleep. I can honestly say I feel a little more leveled out, but I still have my moments. The reviews are such a positive way for me to keep going. I’m hoping I can leave a review in a few months that may help someone like me seeking hope! Thank you to all of you who have left a review. It means more than words can express ♥️"

• All...
• July 26, 2016

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I had been experiencing milder depressive symptoms for a couple of months, but then suddenly one morning I woke up with all the physical symptoms of a panic attack, which I'd never had before (never had any anxiety symptoms before), and symptoms persisted almost nonstop for 4 days until I could get in with my doctor. I wasn't having anxiety about any one specific thing, I just felt hopeless and like I'd lost control of my thinking. She prescribed me Klonopin for immediate relief (big help) and the generic version of Lexapro (10 mg) to actually address the problem in tandem with counseling. I'm only a week in but feeling LIKE MYSELF and so much better in general. Had some headaches and sleepiness/yawning in the first week but lessening now"

• sas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2017

Escitalopram for Depression "I had been on Lexapro 20 mg for years and was tired of the weight gain and thought I was okay enough to be off of it. I weaned myself off of it over a long time and went through all of the brain zaps, confusion, exhaustion, etc. But, finally, I was off it. I was starting to get depressed again and not have very clear thoughts, but I thought I could handle it. Then, I got the flu and was on Tamiflu (never again), and all of the depression and anxiety raised their ugly head again. I could not shake it. The horrible thoughts, depression, hopelessness, insomnia, etc. I started back on Lexapro 5 mg a week ago and already feel much better. I am starting to get more tired during the day, but I do not care. I may bump up to 10 mg. If you need it, you need it."

• sas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2017

Escitalopram for Depression "I had been on Lexapro 20 mg for years and was tired of the weight gain and thought I was okay enough to be off of it. I weaned myself off of it over a long time and went through all of the brain zaps, confusion, exhaustion, etc. But, finally, I was off it. I was starting to get depressed again and not have very clear thoughts, but I thought I could handle it. Then, I got the flu and was on Tamiflu (never again), and all of the depression and anxiety raised their ugly head again. I could not shake it. The horrible thoughts, depression, hopelessness, insomnia, etc. I started back on Lexapro 5 mg a week ago and already feel much better. I am starting to get more tired during the day, but I do not care. I may bump up to 10 mg. If you need it, you need it."

• Dia...
• February 10, 2016

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I remember reading all these reviews before I took it because I was so scared of the side effects that I might get, so I thought I would review it. I know everyone reacts differently, but so far this medication has been great. It has slowed down those overthinking anxious feelings a lot! The side effects were minor. Mild digestive problems, occasional yawning episodes (a bit annoying). The one that is probably the biggest issue is the complete loss of appetite, I just feel like drinking a lot of water. I don't feel hungry and have lost 2 kg in the 3 weeks I have been on it. I am hoping in time these side effects will eventually go away. They are pretty mild and something I can put up with, since it is helping me with my anxiety."

• 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!!"

• Pur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2014

Escitalopram for Anxiety "After trying to deal with my anxiety without taking medication for the past 2 years, I finally gave in and asked my doctor for a recommendation. She prescribed me Lexapro. The first 2 days were a little scary, especially after reading the 20 million positive and negative reviews. I felt more anxious and on edge than ever, but my search results said that would happen and my doctor had told me I would get worse before I started feeling better, so I figured it was normal. After the first 2 days, I got over the anxious feeling, so I started focusing on watching out for any other side effects and just getting used to it. The constant yawning in the first few weeks was just annoying, but working out helped a bit. One month later, and things are going better."

• Mel...
• July 27, 2015

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was started on 5mg. No effect. Then went to 10 mg. Oh my god, I feel absolutely fantastic. Intrusive thoughts are easier to brush off, a little bit of increased appetite and tiredness, and that's it!! Brilliant. This is the only one that's worked for me!! I have been on sertraline and Prozac, and they were no good. Fab drug. Will be staying on this one."

• Ast...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2015

Escitalopram for Depression "I started taking 20mg of Lexapro every day 3 months ago. I have experienced the sexual side effects and lethargy associated with it, but it has served as a good mood stabilizer. In fact, it actually helped me to quit drinking. I had developed a daily routine with alcohol and had trouble stopping cold turkey. I needed something. I let the Lexapro work and after two weeks I lost my craving. That isn't to say it cures alcoholism or depression, but it's been just the assist I needed. I combine my medication with some therapy and self-help audiobooks. I'm in a much better place now than ever before. I strongly encourage anyone to give the medicine a chance to work."

• Kha...
• October 6, 2015

Escitalopram for Depression "So far, so good! I started on 10mg daily, then after a week, my dosage was increased to 20mg daily. I have been on this stuff for just under a month now, and I am starting to feel a bit better already. Other people have also noticed and a few have commented that I seem perkier and more alive. I have taken several different types of SSRI/SNRI antidepressants in the past and for me, this one is the best in terms of effectiveness and for side effects. I do get the weird, psychedelic dreams every night and wake up really groggy, I get a bit constipated and I can't stop yawning all day. Also, it's difficult to orgasm. But, it's still better than constantly wanting to die. I almost feel like going back to work... almost!"

• Pet...
• October 19, 2018

For Borderline Personality Disorder "This medication has done amazing things for me! I am no longer paranoid, my anxiety and emotional insanity are gone, and I no longer have racing thoughts at all! For me, this is a wonder drug. I don’t ride the emotional roller coaster anymore and don’t cuss my precious husband out at all due to the rage. I am able to have a thought, reason, and rationalize what I am feeling and then totally dismiss it. I no longer feel like a monster! Hallelujah! The only side effect for me is yawning. I feel so calm now, it’s unreal, and I am still only on 5 mg a day. Gonna have it upped at my next appointment. I’ve been on it for about 1-1/2 months."

• 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!"

• Dul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2014

Escitalopram for Anxiety "There are a lot of negative reviews about this medicine and its side effects, and that makes a lot of people beginning the medicine, including myself, freak out. The people having a positive experience with Lexapro are out living life. Don't be discouraged. For me, Lexapro started working in the second week, but would work on and off for the first month. I started at 5mg and slowly went up to 15. I'm on week 5 and it hasn't done much for my anxiety (yet) but it has helped my moods tremendously. For the first month I had muscle aches and headaches, and I was really tired and unmotivated. That went away in week 4 and I'm feeling better than I have felt in two years."

• GCh...
• August 3, 2016

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am so grateful to my doctor for putting me on Lexapro. I was suffering from many physical aches and pains, plus in the end, panic attacks. I was not depressed, I thought, but did feel anxious and down, especially in the mornings. I am in my late 60s and guess I am a worrier. I reached a point that I couldn't cope with normal everyday activities, and after seeing my doctor, she put me on Lexapro. Within 3 to 4 weeks, it kicked in and I felt back to normal. It was amazing-no more digestion problems, back problems, and I now sleep well and wake up happy. I do walk each day and life is now much better as I'm able to cope with life, and I definitely recommend Lexapro. Probably the only side effect is yawning and sleepiness, but that's so much better than insomnia."

• 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."

• tif...
• March 24, 2017

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I began taking 5 mg of Lexapro 10 days ago for postpartum depression/anxiety. It has been a lifesaver. The initial side effects faded within a week. I take it in the morning because I knew that it would possibly make me jittery at first. I had tiredness in the afternoon and evening and a loss of appetite for the first 5 days, but those have faded completely. I searched and searched for positive reviews on this drug for postpartum depression/anxiety and could not find any. If anyone is on the fence about taking medication for postpartum depression, please consider it for a temporary aid in getting you past it."

• cha...
• January 3, 2011

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro changed my life! I had coped with generalized anxiety, depression, even slight OCD since I was a child. Everything in my life was affected by it in some shape or form. I have been on Lexapro 10 mg for three years now and I can't imagine being without it. I'm happy with my life, work, family, friends. No more anxiety attacks or crying spells or OCD. My husband can 100 percent see the change. I only had a few side effects for the first few weeks like yawning and slight night sweats (didn't interrupt my sleep) for several months and now none. I think my doctor puts it best, diabetics take insulin because their bodies don't produce enough and people who have the symptoms above don't make enough serotonin take a medicine like Lexapro."

• Swa...
• February 4, 2016

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was given Lexapro from my GP for anxiety, which I had tried to manage naturally the past two years with various techniques to no avail. My panic symptoms were with me every day, and I often suffered panic attack episodes. It made it extremely difficult to do everyday types of stuff, let alone work. I was always drug resistant-the kind of person who wouldn't even want to take a headache medication, so the thought of a drug therapy I would do every day was scary. Anyhow, it's early on-less than two weeks-and I haven't even experienced any real side effects, apart from a little tiredness the first week. I feel less anxious already, no attacks, and my thoughts aren't looping in my head anymore. I'm hoping it continues to get better!"

• She...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 17, 2013

Escitalopram for Depression "I took Lexapro for 5-6 years. I started with 10 mg, then eventually increased to 30 mg. It worked great for helping me keep calm, and helped my depression. I was able to deal with stress, however, the more I had to increase the dose, the more tired I got. I eventually got to a point where I just could not function. It took everything I had just to get out of bed, then maybe 2 hours later I was ready for a 3-4 hour nap. My doctor then switched me back to 10 mg and added Wellbutrin. That worked well together, but when I had to increase the dose of Lexapro, I got to where I couldn't function again. Lexapro is a good medication at a low dose."

• 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!"

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 14, 2019

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I've been on this medication (10 mg) for the past 18 months, and after a few days of tiredness and mild headaches, I felt relaxed, less irritable, and energized. My adulthood had consisted of daily mood swings that affected my marriage, relationships with my kids, and work colleagues. I can honestly say that has now stopped, however, since I felt so great, I decided to have a break from taking the medication as we went away for a week, and I had no tablets left and wanted to see if I still needed it. Well, unfortunately, a week later, my mood swings were back, and I started to self-medicate with wine. Needless to say, I'm back on the medication."