Escitalopram and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Chr...
• August 15, 2020

Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder "26/f and I have been taking this medication Lexapro (started at 5 mg dose, now been at 20 mg) for several months for major depression and generalized anxiety. The main side effects I’ve noticed: lack of ANY motivation, fatigued all day long (wanting to sleep 12+ hrs a day), mild dry mouth. I will say it’s taken my anxiety from about a 9-10 to about a 6 (on 20 mg). However, I’ve seen it do nothing for my depression. I’ve been crying almost daily, and there have been very dark thoughts I’ve experienced off and on. Honestly, for myself, I’d rather deal with my anxiety without this med than deal with the severe fatigue. Also, if I forgot to take my medication one night on Lexapro, I felt like I was hit by a train the next day. No energy, would sleep 15+ hours, and feel incredibly low. Please follow your doctor’s orders and take medication on time. I will be asking my psychiatrist for a change of meds soon, because Lexapro isn’t it for me."

• Ann...
• September 20, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Lexapro changed my life. I have had IBS since I was a teenager. It caused me great anxiety and fear of going anywhere because I just knew I was going to need a bathroom urgently. When I turned 40, it got so bad I could not make it to work without having a horrible stomachache, which would cause me to panic and have an anxiety attack. Within a week of taking 5mg Lexapro a day, I was a new person. I feel more like myself on it than off it. I have been on it for 4 years. I tried to go off it once, and the diarrhea returned. The side effects for me were low libido, a little weight gain, less irritable but anger more severe, tired after taking, which coffee cures. The side effects decreased over time. Overall, the benefits far outweigh the side effects."

• And...
• April 6, 2014

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After being diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety disorder, my doctor prescribed me Lexapro. I was very skeptical. I finally took it after having a few days with me debating whether or not to take it. It made me feel a lot better. I'm only a few days into it but I can feel a difference. I'm a little dizzy and find myself yawning when I first take my dose of 10mg, but that usually goes away. I also had to use the restroom several times, but overall not a lot of side effects. I'm surprised and pleased so far and I'm sure I'll have to up my dose in a few months."

• 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."

• Kli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2023

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I had been having severe anxiety with resultant very high blood pressure, which was difficult to control. The doctor kept trying different meds, and they all gave me such anxiety. I tried lorazepam, but that only helped for about 2 weeks. Then I tried Celexa, which took away the anxiety almost immediately, but I felt like there was a very heavy blanket on me. I could barely get up. And I didn’t sleep at all the first few days I was on it. So I tapered off it, and my doctor tried Lexapro. It not only kept my anxiety away, but it also made me tired and sleepy, which was fine with me because I couldn’t sleep before. It has been 3 weeks, and I have gradually increased to the full 10 mg dose. It is just amazing how much better I am. My blood pressure is down to a normal level, and when I go to bed at night, I go right to sleep. If I wake up to use the bathroom, I can go right back to sleep. I am so glad I was given this drug. I was thinking nothing could help me."

• Exc...
• January 17, 2020

Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on Lexapro for only 2 days. All I do is lay on the couch all day while my kids are at school. The tiredness finally starts wearing off about 3:00 pm, but I take it in the evening, and by the next morning I’m energy-less and tired again until 3:00 pm the next day. The first day I was extremely tired and had a splitting headache all day. Today again super tired, and sad, and depressed still. I am praying this will go away after the first few weeks, but some say the tiredness never goes away on Lexapro. I don’t want to be a zombie, I just don’t want to have panic attacks, excessive worry, which is my GAD, and severe depression anymore. I wish there was a blood test they could do to see which type of antidepressant fits our brain chemistry best so we didn’t have to suffer through all these changes testing different medications on us. My life has literally had no joy right now... none."

• 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."

• Zoe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 10, 2017

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I have been taking Lexapro for about six months now. I was put on it for a panic attack and mild depression. I am someone who never takes meds unless I have to and was very worried about being on this drug because I feared the side effects when it would be time to get off. I decided on therapy and Lexapro. I am only on ten milligrams, 39 and petite. I can't say that this drug has caused me weight gain, but if I am extra hungry, I choose a healthier snack. I will say that the first few days of taking the med, I did feel tired and tense in my arms, but I will say the panic attack attributed to that. I am doing great, I am more relaxed and happier. Therapy is key too. Hang in there and talk to someone!!"

• Eve...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2024

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I took it for 2 months before switching medications. From the start, I felt extremely tired. No matter how much I slept, I felt as if I had no sleep. I increased my caffeine intake and started taking naps, but this really didn’t help. I couldn’t take it anymore and had my doctor prescribe me something else. It was a shame since it greatly relieved my symptoms."

• J...
• March 8, 2016

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Began 10 mg daily. First day was difficult. Severe mood swings, heightened anxiety, baseless anger, etc. Advise anyone beginning this to 1) begin on a day off and 2) have someone around to keep an eye on you. That ended at the second day, when I only took half pills. Now that I am a week in, taking the full 10 mg and things settling down nicely. Yawning is annoying and my normal night-owl life is riddled with deep, restful sleep, but I am calmer and less angry all the time."

• Anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2015

Escitalopram for Depression "I am on day 16 of 10 mg. The first 6 days I was very tired, excessively. But the majority of my anxiety was gone by then. Days 6-8 I had severe insomnia, it passed, and by day 9 I had no racing thoughts before going to sleep. Today is day 16. I feel better about my life circumstances. I have a 9-year-old with Asperger's. I am no longer spending every waking moment obsessing over what will become of his future. My cognitive functioning seems clearer. I have been able to keep up more with home chores. Still not as energized as I would like to be. Coffee makes me more jittery since starting the meds. I can now tell the difference between caffeine jitters and my real anxiety, though. I am hoping that by week 6-8 I have even more clarity."

• cat...
• August 5, 2014

Escitalopram for Depression "I started this medication at a very low dose and experienced nausea, lethargy, and dizziness. My doctor told me this was a good sign that the medication was working. I then started to lose control over my thinking and could not focus. My doctor told me this was a symptom of depression and to up the dose of the medication. The nausea never went away, and the doctor told me the nausea was anxiety and to up the dose of the medication. I was so sick and tired I was unable to be active or engaged. The doctor told me this was major depressive disorder. Finally, I told my doctor I would no longer take the medication and he gave me a plan for tapering. I experienced extreme dizziness, nausea, and hysterical crying. I now feel so much better."

• Ven...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2024

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I’m week 4 of taking Lexapro and I was so scared to take it at first due to reviews saying everything got worse before better, but I’m so glad I started taking it. 1st-3rd day, I was very tired and just stayed on the lounge all day. I was a bit nauseous when I would take it, so I would have to eat something before or after and have some little snacks throughout the day when the waves came. By the 5th day, I was back at work and already noticed I was not as anxious. Fast forward, I’ve had no bad symptoms at all. My IBS has completely been fixed, work isn’t a big deal anymore, can have full conversations with people, and laugh again! The only thing I’ve noticed is I am a bit unmotivated and in a cocoon phase, wanting to just chill out and relax at home. Before taking this, I felt like I was run by a motor all the time, rushing out to do stuff, not wanting to waste my weekends, but I think this has made me slow down now, which I probably needed. Days seem to go longer now."

• Rou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2025

For Anxiety "If you're like me and sensitive to medication side effects, you need to start off low and slow. 2.5 mg for a week, then 5 mg for 2 weeks, then up to 10 mg. It's now been 2 weeks on 10 mg, and a total of 5 weeks since I started at 2.5 mg. According to many others' timelines, I may still have a bit more time to go before experiencing full benefits, but honestly, the change has been so significant so far. The side effects: they are significant, but they do go away. Starting low helps. I had all of it - anxiety, headaches, yawning, debilitating exhaustion (the worst!) and a strange dull out-of-it experience that made me feel crazy. All side effects gone now, energy is back!"

• dsj...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 12, 2019

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have GAD, dysthymia, and ADD and have tried Effexor, Zoloft, Lexapro, Wellbutrin XL, Lamictal, Lyrica, Ritalin, Attentin, Vyvanse, and Modafinil. I will definitely say that the most effective medication for me is Lexapro; it also has the least side effects. The problems I have with Lexapro long term are lethargy, insomnia, and some weight gain. The upside on Lexapro is way less anxiety, depression, and rumination."

• Joh...
• May 1, 2016

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Back on Lexapro after a few years of not taking it. Only been taking it for about a week so far and having little side effects at all. Yawning a fair bit and feeling a little tired here and there, but for me, this is a good thing because I used to have real trouble sleeping at night. Nothing else other than that. No dizzy spells, no nausea, nothing! If you are new to this or are reading reviews to see if you will be okay with Lexapro, then PLEASE give it a chance. You will be so thankful for it once you start feeling the benefits from it. As I said, I've only started taking it again about a week ago, so I'm not back to being my normal self just yet, but I know it's coming any day now with a positive attitude!"

• Joh...
• May 1, 2016

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Back on Lexapro after a few years of not taking it. Only been taking it for about a week so far and having little side effects at all. Yawning a fair bit and feeling a little tired here and there, but for me, this is a good thing because I used to have real trouble sleeping at night. Nothing else other than that. No dizzy spells, no nausea, nothing! If you are new to this or are reading reviews to see if you will be okay with Lexapro, then PLEASE give it a chance. You will be so thankful for it once you start feeling the benefits from it. As I said, I've only started taking it again about a week ago, so I'm not back to being my normal self just yet, but I know it's coming any day now with a positive attitude!"

• Ima...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2013

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I've suffered with extreme anxiety and mood swings daily, fatigue, and depression, and I can tell you that two weeks on Lexapro and the difference is like night and day. The anxiety improved about two days in, and almost all side effects are gone on the eighth day. The first week is the worst, with tiredness, increased anxiety, moodiness, and nausea, but the benefits are worth it completely. I can now tolerate stress so much better. Tips: Always take it after breakfast, and it prevents nausea. No problem with sleep so far for me."

• Kat...
• January 23, 2018

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I suddenly developed severe GAD and agoraphobia in Sept 2017. I could barely walk down the stairs in my house. In Nov 2017, I started out on 5 mg of Escitalopram. The first two weeks were rough, but it was working. Built up to 15 mg, I have been on it for 9 weeks now and feel good. Some yawning every day, but it is worth it. I highly recommend it. Please stick with the medicine for at least a month. It takes time to work. Only read POSITIVE reviews on Lexapro. I got through it reading the positive reviews on here. Motivate yourself to do daily functions! This medicine is not a total cure. You have to motivate yourself daily to do stuff. Start out small. In order to get over anxiety, you have to put yourself through it. Also, definitely recommend CBT."

• Mum...
• May 27, 2016

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I first started Lexapro when I had a massive panic attack in October 2015. It came out of nowhere, and after seeing doctors, they diagnosed me with health anxiety. I'm a mum of 2, and I'm always constantly worrying if I have cancer or if that niggle in my leg was something bad. After my panic attack, I was put on 2.5 mg, and the first week was horrible: nauseous, feeling crap, and so tired. After that, I started feeling so much better. I'm now on 15 mg and very happy. I started letting anxiety rule my life, and it was turning me into someone I wasn't. I've always been scared of the stigma of having to be on medication to get me through life, however, if it helps me be a happier person and a better mum, then I'm more than happy with my decision."

• Lex...
• September 17, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I have been dealing with general and situational anxiety disorder and panic attacks on and off since college. Tried Paxil and Prozac. Paxil made me gain 20 lbs., and Prozac increased my anxiety. Lexapro works. My advice: Try taking Lexapro for at least one week. The first week you will feel tired, dizzy, and mildly nauseated. Those effects disappear very quickly. Do start at 5 mg and slowly increase to 10 or 20 mg. Ask your doctor to supplement with Buspar XL, which counteracts most Lexapro side effects and further helps control anxiety and panic attacks. I don't recommend using Lexapro without Buspar. Anxiety/panic will gradually disappear over two to four weeks. Use Ativan or other benzodiazepines sparingly until Lexapro is working."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2021

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was prescribed Lexapro about a month ago. They started me at 5 mg. The side effects I had were dry mouth, racing thoughts, terrible thoughts, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, my right leg would uncontrollably shake on its own, and I felt like my stomach was burning. After about 2 weeks, the side effects went away. Before Lexapro, I would wake up every day feeling like crap. I always had a headache and was always nauseous. Going to work was such a struggle. I always got so anxious before work, driving was becoming scary, I felt like I was crying every other night, and I was easily irritated. The bad side effects made me want to lose hope in them, but I kept taking them. Now I have noticed that I don't get nauseous, I don't get headaches as often as I used to, I don't panic at work (or before), and waking up has been easier. I recently got my dose raised to 10 mg, and I feel like it's been making me tired, but I know that day by day I will get better! DO NOT LOSE HOPE!"

• dom...
• June 21, 2013

Escitalopram for Depression "I gave birth three weeks ago. About two weeks ago, I was hit with postpartum depression like a ton of bricks. I started Lexapro four days ago after I could no longer handle the awful depression and anxiety. My overall feelings have dramatically changed. I laughed yesterday for the first time in two weeks. I'm still depressed, but I am seeing a huge difference. Side effects are very minimal, they include being a little tired, a slight headache, and some nausea, but being where I was, I would definitely take the side effects over my depression."