Escitalopram User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• John
• August 29, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "Like all of you, I read every review on the drugs I have been prescribed. It helps on those really bad days to hear someone has been helped. I was put on Lexapro 20 years ago after a run of deaths in my family and on the fire department. My doctor explained it like this: you have a natural immunity to bad events, but if you experience too many too quickly, you may not be able to return to normal by yourself. After 20 years, I began to feel emotionally numb. I weaned myself off Lexapro 20mg, thinking I could deal with things myself. Then COVID hit, and a run of bad life events again. After the worst year and a half of trying different antidepressants, I'm back on Lexapro. It's only been a week and a half, but already I feel slightly better. Taking a medicine to improve your life experience is not a weakness; we are only here for a short time, try to enjoy it as much as possible."

• CCano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Lexapro has saved me! I didn’t want to take any medication, but heightened anxiety and a couple panic attacks made it difficult for me to enjoy life — so much that I was becoming depressed. The first week on Lexapro was awful! Increased anxiety, a clouded feeling, and tiredness! And at the end of week 2, I had a day of high anxiety. But I’d read other reviews that encouraged me to push through! I’m so glad I did! I’m at week 4 on a dose of 5mg Lexapro and I’ve had no more panic attacks and anxiety is greatly reduced/manageable. I’m looking forward to how I’ll feel in another 4 weeks! No side effects have remained after the initial week or two. I did find it made me sleepy taking it in the morning, so I just changed to taking it at night which solved that problem. Hang in there if you’re just starting it and it’s rough. It will get better!"

• GoGirl
• July 19, 2018

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "37 Female, mom of 2. I have hormone imbalance, anxiety, and occasional depression - genetic. First of all, hang in there; it takes a couple of months for the full effect. I kept quitting because of the sexual side effects and never fully gave it time to work! Hang in there, after a few months I was back to my old self, high sex drive, and amazing orgasms! I don’t feel detached or numb; I feel in control, calmer, and more focused. I did not gain any weight; take the tablet after a meal. Previously, I took it on an empty stomach and felt hungry all the time. Take a good probiotic and good multivitamins. Take walks & meditate. The drug did not ruin my creativity. I can sit longer with my children, connect with them, and I'm less impatient. I am a much more empathetic and attentive listener. This drug turned my life around. I suffered through my childhood and early adult years with definite low serotonin. I sleep better! My skin is better, stress free. I accept myself and love myself more."

• Sugar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 4, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Lexapro is my miracle drug. The most life-changing medicine I've ever taken. Because of the mild sexual side effects, I'm not on it year-round - even though I should be. I take a small 5 mg dose when I feel my life spinning out of control. Within days, I go from antisocial nervous wreck when I'm off it, to a very rational, confident, and outgoing person when I'm back on it. If you're painfully anxious, negative, and self-loathing (like I find myself sometimes), Lexapro can make you the life of the party - an empathetic, engaged, and caring human being you know you really are deep down inside. I started taking it in my 40s - it would have drastically altered my life if I had started at a younger age. But that's okay, I have it now, and I'm eternally grateful. Don't let the bad reviews dissuade you from trying it - try everything until you find a medicine that works for you. Best of luck - you deserve peace and happiness in your life."

• Ashley
• April 22, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Major Depressive Disorder "If you are reading these reviews because you or a loved one are considering SSRIs, please don’t be discouraged or panicked. Between myself and my loved ones, I think we’ve been through 7+ antidepressants. We made it through every single one, and honestly, reading reviews didn’t help in the slightest and harmed us more than anything. START LOW AND SLOW. I started this medication a year and a half ago; I had weaned off fluvoxamine and had a period of about a week before starting Lexapro. For me, Lexapro has been incredible. I’ve been on antidepressants for about 8 years, and I've never been better despite my life circumstances honestly never being worst. Therapy has been a massive help, but I honestly haven’t had a depressive episode since I started the medication, and my anxiety has been a lot better. I’m finally learning to drive, something I’ve always been terrified by. Try and try again with antidepressants. When you find one that works for you, life can be livable again."

• Johns...
• September 21, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Last week, I was doing the same thing you are probably doing. Scouring the internet for any reviews on Lexapro that tell me when it is going to start working. I needed any kind of reassurance that the side effects would be worth it. I was so anxious that I couldn't sleep, couldn't stop crying or obsessing over the symptoms of my anxiety, and was struggling to function with a 3-month-old baby at home and just going back to a stressful job. It is day 12 on Lexapro, and I feel normal. I have slept the last 3 nights without Ambien, and I am calm. I feel genuinely happy for the first time in a month. I am feeling super encouraged and hopeful. I just wanted to share my experience and give you the reassurance you are probably looking for."

• KareB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I just started Lexapro 2 days ago. The doctor prescribed 10mg, but I am taking 5mg. I have severe reactions to medications which cause a racing heart. The first night I took it, I had no issues. Last night, I didn't sleep at all and had a panic attack/anxiety attack all night. Today, I still have anxiety and a tight chest. Please pray that this works for me. My husband has been paralyzed in an accident, and that's when all this started. I am his main caregiver and working 40 hours a week. It's been overwhelming. I am trying my best to stick to the meds to see if they work."

• Aano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I hope this helps people who feel scared. A few months ago, my anxiety got very bad. I couldn't enjoy life, worrying about traveling, weeks of insomnia, and physical symptoms before starting the pills: nausea, irritability, sugar cravings, twitching, high sensitivity to sounds, or sudden moves. I read the reviews here - terrifying. I started five weeks ago. 5mg - felt a bit sick. Scared for the first two days, a bit agitated - nothing serious. The pills can't hurt you. Most people tolerate them pretty well. The first days I felt extremely tired, but it didn't last. Things started looking up after a week. I increased to 10mg - after 3 weeks that made a difference - 90% better. CBT also helped a lot. I'm responding to anxiety very differently now. Meds are working. I watch my favorite shows again, read, travel, walk. Amazing - happy. I'm back to my old self - fun and engaging."

• Jolly
• February 3, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "I’ve been on Lexapro for about three months now. I was prescribed 5mg a day by my doctor after experiencing ongoing depression and anxiety. The first week was really hard; my doctor warned me that my anxiety levels would rise, and they did. I couldn’t sleep; I was extremely anxious, and the depression had worsened as well. I was also extremely nauseous. After about a week, those side effects began to subside. I’d say that after two weeks, I started feeling a difference; it was easier to get out of bed and get through the day. After a month, it was even better; I felt like those depression glasses had lifted, and I was feeling like myself again. I have been feeling so energetic, determined, confident, and happy. It’s important to realize that it isn’t a magic pill; all of my progress came with hard work and therapy; Lexapro just gave me a fighting chance. I'd also like to add that I still have bad days, but they’re not quite as bad. I have had no side effects since that first week."

• Dtrout
• August 8, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I gave a review on August 12, 2017 after a month of being on 10mg (my review was 10/10 positive). I just happened to be browsing and saw it, so I thought I’d give an update for all of you wanting to see if this could work for you. It’s officially been 2 years since I started taking this medication and I’m at 20mg a day. Sometimes I can’t even believe I used to have crippling anxiety and OCD - it feels like a lifetime ago and a different person. But that was me. I now feel like how I believe a “normal” person feels, and I almost take it for granted now. This medication has given me the opportunity to be happy, something that my OCD always prevented me to do before. My relationship centred OCD is virtually gone, and when it does rear its ugly head, it’s easy to push aside. 2 years later and this was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made. No side effects, just the opportunity to live life at its fullest for the first time."

• Freedom
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 23, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Lexapro saved my life. Prior to starting the medication, my anxiety was severe. I couldn't leave the house and get into a car without a full-blown panic attack - sobbing, nausea, the works. Therapy wasn't cutting it, and neither was meditation or any of the suggestions people threw at me. The first week of Lexapro, the nausea was very intense. But I could feel it changing my brain, and it was such a weird yet hopeful feeling. For three years, I had my life back. I was able to travel and enjoy taking risks without crippling anxiety. At the three-year mark, my Lexapro stopped working. I haven't found a resolution yet, but I hope I can find another alternative that will help me feel the way I have these past few years."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Like you, I’ve been reading these reviews over and over again and was just so incredulous that this drug could fix my issues. I had horrific social and generalized anxiety. I was self-conscious of my voice 24/7, would ruin every experience. 24/7 negative self-talk. It was awful. Started with Prozac and had to switch to Lex. Everything took about six weeks to kick in, so be patient. I thought I was hopeless, but I’m laughing, smiling, feel worry slowly dripping away day by day. Social anxiety is lower every day. I feel confident. I feel like who I was meant to be. My best piece of advice is to not obsess about whether or not it’s working. You WILL know when it does, trust me. Maybe Lexapro isn’t for you, if that’s the case, DON'T WORRY you WILL find something that works for you and it will be so worth it. Hang in there and don’t give up!!"

• Erica
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am a 32-year-old healthy and happy female who has dealt with minimal anxiety over the years due to hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS and more recently was diagnosed with PMDD. I never had a depressive thought in my life until I woke up a few months ago with a horrendous bought of anxiety. It spiraled into constant panic attacks all day, scary intrusive violent thoughts, and depersonalization, all of which were extremely terrifying and new to me. After resisting, I decided to start Lexapro after my doctor insisted it would help. This page was the ONLY thing that got me through. I truly believed I would feel like that forever. Slowly the medicine started working. Started with 5mg in the first week and had headaches, nausea, and insomnia. Within a week all day panic attacks stopped and I bumped up to 10mg after a week. Truly it all started to get better in week 3. Like a cloud lifted and I felt so much more like myself. Now completed week 4 and I feel happy again and love life. PLEASE STICK WITH IT!"

• Deebee
• August 22, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Lexapro has worked great for me in the past, for my panic disorder and anxiety. I start at 5mg dose, do that for 1 week, and then I increase to 10mg dose. I take it at night to avoid daytime drowsiness. I always make sure I eat with it. I take 1 mg of Ativan for the first two weeks on it. All that combined really helps with side effects and anxiety when your brain is trying to get used to it. Hang in there!"

• Bowj
• January 12, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "I was tired all the time. Everything stressed me out. I was very negative. I found fault in most things. I was irritable most of the time. My thoughts raced with negativity most of the time. I withdrew socially a lot because other people upset me most of the time. I lacked compassion for other people most of the time. I felt like life was worthless. Lots of trouble concentrating at work. Trouble sleeping. More depressed in winter time. These problems progressively got worse as I got older. The doctor gave me Lexapro. I noticed some changes the 1st day I took the medicines but it took a little over 4 months to take its full effect on me. I'm almost exactly opposite of who I used to be now. Lexapro changed my life."

• Amelia
• December 19, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Let’s talk menopause! I eat healthy, teach yoga, and work with natural therapies. Stress and menopause, diet, exercise, meditation, and herbals didn’t clear the fog and short temper and irritability. I was turning into a porcupine, and I was prickly to everyone and everything around me, defensive. It took effort to do anything, negative brain chatter, apathy, jumping from project to project shopping for satisfaction. Three days ago, I went for a physical, we talked, and it is now three days on Lexapro, very little side effects, the difference is that someone turned on the sunshine in my heart again, sleeping with a smile, jaw clenching, gone! So grateful for this tool of healing. It is where I need to be, yes, I will still keep taking those supplements, and maybe that’s why I don’t have such bad starting effects. I think too much emphasis on lack of sex drive. For me, I’d rather be happy, functional, sunny, balanced, and grounded."

• Tigga
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I was once you, anxiously reading reviews for Lexapro. I began getting severe anxiety and mild depression, and my doctor recommended 10mg of Lexapro. I have never liked taking drugs, but I felt like it was my only choice. The first 2-3 weeks, my experience worsened. Every side effect you could have, I had. Drowsiness, sleep problems, nausea, vomiting, decreased libido, constant yawning, the list goes on. However, it started to lighten up every week. By Week 6, every side effect was gone. 11 months later and I'm still on 10mg, and I can't explain how much my life has improved over the past year. My life is back. I'm happier than ever and enjoying every aspect of life again. It may be hard at the start, but it's worth it. I believe in you! peace"

• pablo
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After suffering with OCD since childhood (I'm now 36) and have been through various long-lasting periods of depression and bouts of extreme OCD. I gave up on the few times I'd tried other therapies. I finally just asked my Dr if I could try antidepressants. She offered 5mg of Lexapro for 2 weeks and in view to up dosage afterwards if I felt ok. 5mg seemed to not have any side effects, but the difference in my anxiety was not greatly improved. So I upped to 10mg in the morning. A month in and I can honestly say I have been better than I have been in ages. Really amazed at the results. Don't expect euphoria, as it's not a happy pill unless you have an imbalance. But I feel like I must have, as I really feel a whole lot better, and still feel like the same person. Just without all the stupid worries. Highly recommend for anxiety and OCD. I wish I took it 20 years ago."

• BUDDY
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 8, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Lexapro has worked wonders for me with absolutely zero side effects. I have noticed my anxiety attacks and need for Xanax decreased to almost zero since I started this drug. It has almost entirely cured my anxiety and the resulting depression, and I have a zest for life again. I never thought I'd feel like I did in my twenties again. I never realized how much of my symptoms were anxiety and depression. I had narrowed it down to just getting older. I have so much more energy and have Lexapro to thank for this. Everyone reacts differently to every drug, but for me, it has been a miracle."

• Lady
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2024

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Started on 10mg. The first 4 weeks were extremely tough/awful. I experienced insomnia and was in bed for 4 days with no energy. Please push through the pain and adjustments. Week 6 now and my anxiety is gone, and my mood is starting to lift. I’m doing much more day to day and feel calm and at ease. I’m so happy I took the steps to get help, and this medication has changed my life! Be patient and allow 4-6 weeks to notice changes."

• Wow
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro has literally changed my life from the first 24 hours I started taking it. For the first time in my life, I understand what it’s like to have a quiet/calm mind, rather than coming from a place of anxiety. I’ve suffered from anxiety/depression/ptsd for years and just thought it was a normal way of living. Turns out, all I needed was Lexapro and all my other medical problems have drastically reduced! My IBS is completely gone, and I’m back to living a normal life! I seriously can’t express how grateful I am for this medication."

• Jojo
• November 2, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Give Lexapro a chance, don’t be scared. It’s amazing how good you will feel. I was sick the first 5 days on 5mg. Got better after that, then I increased after 2 weeks to 10mg, got a little sick again, it’s very normal. I’m now on 4 weeks and I feel amazing. No more anxiety or fears. Please don’t give up and give it a chance. Good luck."

• Outside...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 2, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been an over-the-road salesman for 23 years. Five years ago, I had a panic attack while driving on the highway in a construction zone. I could only manage backroads to get home. I lost sensation in my feet and hands, which is not good for driving. Ten mg Lexapro had me driving on highways again after a month."

• Calder
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This is the 2nd time I've been on Lexapro. The first time was 15 yrs ago for 2 years at 5mg. It worked, especially for my GAD. This time, I now have an autoimmune disease with weird symptoms that significantly exacerbates my GAD and depressive thought cycles. Reluctantly, I went back on 5mg of Lexapro and it has helped significantly. My main side effect is vivid dreaming, but I'm a prolific dreamer anyway. For me, 10mg is too much. Doctors don't like to hear that. Trust what works for you! You know your body. Lexapro is one of the safest SSRIs out there and I don't like taking meds of any kind."

• good...
• March 11, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "I have been on Lexapro for the past 10 years for generalized anxiety disorder and depression. It works perfectly, and I have no side effects at this point. You have to try different ones to find the right one for you. Don't worry about long-term use. Your goal is to return to a normal life. Don't listen to the negative talk and just remember how good you feel. That is what is important, as life is too short to worry about all the people who are negative about something that helps you. Good luck to them, I say!"