Escitalopram for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 4)

• Dad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2019

Escitalopram "Literally had one foot off the bridge. I have suffered from a heart arrhythmia that was causing me to just give up on life. I was on a beta blocker for it and the beta blocker intensified the depression. My two kiddos were the only thing keeping me in the game. No one, of course, knew this... but I was one foot off the bridge with my kids holding my other foot firmly planted. Then came Lexapro. I had tried it a year or so before and gave up on it... too soon. Told my doctor I had to try something. It was like my body remembered the Lexapro, I swear to God. About 10 days after taking it, it was like a switch flipped. I woke up feeling better. The heart arrhythmia stopped for the most part, and the depression was almost lifted. I take 10mg daily. I would rate this a 20 if I could."

• Fis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 27, 2025

"Nine months ago I was a happy, relaxed 54-year-old male. Out of nowhere, I began to get intrusive thoughts, which led to severe anxiety and OCD. My doctor wanted to put me on escitalopram straight away, but I wanted to fight it without antidepressants. I tried everything: probiotics, vagus nerve stimulation, exercise, vitamins, habits of a healthy mind, etc. But nothing worked, so I started on 10 mg escitalopram. The first 2 weeks were the worst 2 weeks of my life. Couldn't get out of bed, burning all over, and massive anxiety. I pushed through, reading all the comments on this site to keep my hopes up. After 2 weeks, things settled down, but I was no better off. I was on 10 mg for 2 months before going up to 20 mg. That only made me tired all the time. Unfortunately, my anxiety hasn't improved on this drug. After 6 months, I've tapered back to 5 mg. This med has not worked for me. Trying to decide if I should go completely off antidepressants or try something else, like an SNRI."

• Deb...
• December 16, 2020

Escitalopram "I've been on Lexapro for 6 weeks for severe anxiety with depression. I'm feeling better than I have in years! Finally found something that works for me! Hang in there y'all. It really started working in the last week."

• djd...
• November 18, 2013

Escitalopram "I am a 30-year-old female who has suffered from depression and anxiety my entire life, and it got worse after I had my daughter. Two years after she was born, I couldn't take it anymore, and I had to get help. I talked to my doctor and was put on Lexapro, 10 mg. I hated it at first. I was dizzy and 'swimmy' feeling, couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, felt out of it, couldn't care less about things that were going on. This only lasted about a week! Then, I could gradually feel myself getting used to it. My next appointment, my dosage was upped to 20 mg (he started me on 10 because he wanted to ease me into it knowing I was a mom and worked full-time; I still needed to function). Let me just say that Lexapro SAVED MY LIFE!! I love it and swear by it!"

• MM2...
• February 1, 2014

Escitalopram "I've been taking Lexapro for about 2 months now. I have suffered from social anxiety all of my life and finally went to the doctor to get help. It was the best thing I ever did. I now can function and feel normal. I didn't have any bad side effects from the medicine and have been very pleased with the results. My day-to-day life is not filled with me avoiding many situations, and I now feel 'normal'. I never expected this medication to work. My only regret is I didn't get help sooner."

• JBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2019

"Please give this medicine a fair try. My life was changing gradually day by day and then by week 3, I’m about 90% better. Before I took it, I couldn’t drive, work, or even cook dinner for my family. I was housebound... just terrible! This weekend I was able to enjoy outings with my family and it felt so wonderful!! My side effects were worsening anxiety (had Xanax and needed it for 2 weeks), being nauseous (ended at 3 weeks), exhaustion (but not being able to sleep - ended at 3 weeks). I’m here to tell you to please give it a month. Living in a constant state of fight or flight is no way to live. And then when you’re better, reach your hand back and help someone else out. God bless!"

• mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 15, 2014

Escitalopram "Before I took this medication, I had severe social anxiety. I would often stay silent because of hurting someone's feelings or I was afraid of embarrassment. I constantly worried about what people thought of me. It was ruining my life. My doctor started me on Paxil but I couldn't take the physical symptoms. When I started taking Lexapro, it felt like a huge weight was taken off of my shoulders. I could be myself again! I usually take it at night because it makes me a little drowsy. Months later, I got a job working for a school near me as a bus monitor. I ride the preschool and high school buses to maintain safety and prevent bullying. Without Lexapro, I DEFINITELY would have not been able to be in that position before."

• LLa...
• July 13, 2021

Escitalopram "About 2 months ago, I started having severe panic attacks. I was then put on Prozac and had a horrible side effect, and then on another med which was even worse. I researched Lexapro and got prescribed 5 mg for a week, then upped it to 10 mg. At the time, I couldn’t go anywhere without having a near panic attack, and only Xanax would help calm me down. I couldn’t sleep well taking Lexapro at night, so on week 2 of 10 mg, I started taking it in the morning instead. It made my anxiety almost worse at first, but I just kept sticking with it after reading reviews. I’m so glad I did. It didn’t actually start working well until week 4 of 10 mg, and now I’m at week 6 and I can finally go anywhere without having a panic attack, and I’m finally back at work. This med saved my life. Stick with this med. It takes 4-6 weeks to start working!!! It will be worth it."

• T V...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2024

Escitalopram "After 7 weeks of using Lexapro, it has FINALLY kicked in!! I was almost going to go back to my doctor to change or see if I needed to up my dosage. For these 7 weeks, my anxiety was definitely helped, but I had been in hermit mode, not wanting to socialize and wanting to be in bed a lot, relaxing which is very unlike myself. As of yesterday, a surge of energy has hit me, and I have been ready to go! I'm so happy, give this medication time! My doctor told me it could take 4-6 weeks for it to work, but as I said, 7 weeks was my duration."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2020

Escitalopram "I started on this drug on my doctor's advice to ease the anxiety that was occurring from taking blood pressure medication. I wish I would have found it years earlier, even before the blood pressure medication highlighted my anxiety. It took about 2 weeks to start kicking in. It negates anxiety and enables me to deal with what is in front of me far better. Plus, silly or repetitive, negative thought loops cease and I get over things that upset me way faster and easier. The only negative for me is that I know I am on something. The positives far outweigh this negative and my doctor says after about a year she will wean me off and hopefully my serotonin levels will remain at a higher level, so I don't have to be on it forever."

• Non...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2025

Escitalopram "First two weeks was on 5 mg Lexapro generic while weaning off a Benzo, but my doc says I’m to keep a few Benzos on hand for emergencies (like flying or anything that causes instant anxiety). I’m still weaning, by the way, so it’s been rocky to say the least. I’m now up to 10 mg as of a few days ago—my body had adjusted to 5 mg, but I wasn’t getting much relief. Now I’m in bed and letting my body adjust again. It’s very nice to read other comments so I kind of know what to expect. I will hang on and keep trying because, like so many of you, my life is not where it needs to be. I’ve got much faith in God, and I know He will continue to hold me in His hands as I navigate all of this. I’ll be back with an update. Oh, and as far as side effects, it’s hard to say. I haven’t slept great since I had COVID in 2020, but I do know Lexapro upsets my tummy a little, but nothing I can’t manage."

• Doo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2020

Escitalopram "So I’ve been on this Lexapro for almost a couple of months, and I’ve been trying to stick it out to see where it gets me. I started taking whole pills, which was and is terrible, the side effects suck. So I started taking a half in the morning and a half in the evening. I felt like I was finally getting somewhere, and my moods were getting better, but I keep having what seems like more attacks. For a few days now, I’ve just not been myself-dizzy, brain fog, frequent urination, fatigue. It’s so hard to get out of bed in the mornings, even when I get plenty of sleep. My sex drive has drastically gone down to almost nothing, and it's horrible, I would rather deal with attacks and take a Xanax every day than deal with the side effects of this medication. I will be calling my doctor and weaning off it. I want my life back. For all of you that it has worked for, I’m happy it worked for you. Unfortunately, everyone’s bodies don’t take things as well as others."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2021

Escitalopram "Day 3 on Lexapro. Had been on it a few years ago and it worked great. I have severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks. Got side effects the first time I used it and was started at 5mg. I think some of that was fear of a new medication. This time was started on 10mg. Except for being tired about an hour after taking it (which is why I take it after dinner), I haven’t had any other side effects. Slept great. Woke up feeling better just knowing relief is coming. I usually wait months trying to cure my anxiety naturally, which, sadly, I haven’t been able to. I suffer for months, finally take the med & then regret waiting. Gave in much faster this time. Life should be more than nonstop worrying. I’ll post an update in a few weeks."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2019

Escitalopram "This medication worked great for me! The first 2 weeks were not great (insomnia, increased anxiety, some GI upset, blurry vision). Wait out the first 2 weeks if you can! The first 2 weeks are not the final result by far! This medication destroys anxiety after 4+ weeks. I took the medication for agoraphobia caused by Xanax withdrawal. It worked great AFTER 4+ weeks. The results are up and down until about week 4. Meaning, you’ll feel worse and better on weeks 1-4. Then in week 4 it became consistent. I did get euphoria on day 3-4 but that didn’t last long. Don’t judge the medication for better or for worse in the first several weeks. Don’t judge it too soon! I had side effects in the beginning but they went away after about 3-4 weeks."

• Syd...
• June 30, 2015

Escitalopram "I started having bad anxiety after I went back to work. I started on Lexapro 5mg. I'm glad I stuck with it. Yes, the side effects for the first 6 weeks were hell, but after week 6, they ALL went away. I had every side effect too. But reading the reviews from people who said to stick it out, it's worth it is what kept me going. After week 6, I went up to 10mg and was worried I was going to experience the side effects again. But nope, no side effects. My anxiety is gone, and I'm coming out of that black hole I was in. So please, anyone reading this, yes, stick with it! The start-up side effects will go away. I had increased anxiety when I first started taking it, but that too stopped. I am on the generic as well."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2024

Escitalopram "I've been on Lexapro for 6 months now, and I must say it has changed my life for the better. I sleep better, and I'm more relaxed, I don't overthink anymore as I used to do before taking it. It has also helped me with agoraphobia. I will continue taking it for sure. I'm on 10 mg and have no side effects. It's a miracle drug!!!!!"

• God...
• October 25, 2018

Escitalopram "I really hope that my review can help someone out there. Even if it only helps one person, it will be worth it to me. I just had my first child in the month of April, and about 3 months later, I noticed something was different. I was scared to leave the house, and even the most simple tasks seemed overwhelming. My thoughts were racing, I would pace back and forth, and I was having multiple panic attacks. I wanted to call the emergency room because I thought I was losing my mind! After suffering for a month, I spoke to my doctor, and she prescribed me 10 mg of Lexapro. I had every side effect, including upset stomach, hot flashes, going to the bathroom constantly, insomnia, mood swings, shaky hands, loss of appetite, and nausea. After 3 weeks, my side effects are almost gone! My appetite is back, I don't have panic attacks anymore, and I'm not scared to leave the house! Please be patient with this medication. It takes 3-4 weeks to even BEGIN to be effective!"

• Fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2020

"I want to share my experience so far. I've been taking Escitalopram 10mg for 5 days. So far I feel my brain feels foggy, nauseated, no appetite, and I feel restless. I am reading that most people feel better by the second week with less to no side effects, so I am hopeful that I will soon feel like myself. I am hoping that these symptoms go away today. Good luck to everyone. May your journey on escitalopram be a great one!"

• Ste...
• July 4, 2017

Escitalopram "This drug - super small dose - has changed my life. I have been a nurse for 26 years. My stress and anxiety levels were at the max! I just wanted to sleep on my days off and I did not want to socialize. I was easily overwhelmed and worried constantly. I was just awful. I started Lexapro at 10 mg and it was too much! I backed down to 5 mg and the first 3 weeks were hell. I felt out of body - exhausted but could not sleep - it was just an awful three weeks. After reading many reviews to hang in there - that's what I did. Around week 3-4 - I adjusted. I felt like my worries rolled off my back, I wanted to do things, I felt more energy than I had in years, I was laughing and finally listening to people did not annoy me! Hang in!!"

• ner...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 16, 2013

Escitalopram "If you're suffering, you need to fix yourself! This medication is the most important thing to ever happen in my life. I went from a nervous, neurotic, obsessional wreck, to calm, cool, and in-control dude - and I only take 5-10 mg (I'm 6'4'). Over the last seven years, I've taken it on average 1-2 months out of the year - only when needed and never more than 6-8 weeks. I prefer not to be on anything, but when my health and business decline because of my mood, I immediately break the safety glass and reach for the Lexapro. And if for some reason Lexapro doesn't work for you, work with your doctor to find the right medicine so you can feel better. (I've tried 6 different medicines, we all have different chemistries - never give up.)"

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2022

Escitalopram "I wanted to wait and write my review. First off, I want to tell the people who wrote their experiences, thank you. When I started my journey on Lexapro, I would sit in my bed crying, rereading the reviews over and over to comfort me. I thought I was stuck for life. Each morning, I would coach myself to take the pill and get through the day. I experienced anxiety, depression, and terrible intrusive thoughts. I started low and slow at 2.5 mg, now I’m fixing to start 20 mg. It’s a hard journey in the beginning, but stay strong and stick with it. I didn’t think this drug would work, I questioned it so much in the beginning. Thanks to God, my doctors/therapist, my family/friends, and this drug, it will forever change my life. All the comments that tell you to wait it out and to just give it time, I have to say, were true for me. Just remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If not this drug, there are others. Keep fighting, take care."

• Nik...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 18, 2019

Escitalopram "Lexapro has helped to take away the awful stomach stress l lived with for many years. I am now able to better manage my anxiety issues without extra intervention. I've only had a positive experience with this medication. I have been taking 10mg for 8 years. And suffered from anxiety for 20 years prior to that."

• Aud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2019

Escitalopram "I used to read these reviews and be so scared to take the medication. I was scared of the side effects and horrible stories that I read about. However, my anxiety got so bad after I had my 4th baby, I knew I had to do something. I started taking 5 mg. The only side effect I had was extreme tiredness and some yawning. I then went up to 10mg, and now I’m on 20mg. I think I began to feel a difference after a couple of weeks. This medication has really helped me. I hadn’t been able to drive on the freeway for 7 years due to extreme anxiety and fear. I am now driving on the freeway with no anxiety or panic feelings, and I owe it to this medication. I am very happy that I gave it a chance, Lexapro has greatly improved my life."

• Spe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2015

Escitalopram "I posted in Oct. My 9 yr. old has Asperger's and my life was hard. It is now the last week of month 2 on 10 mg of Lexapro. OMG!! Is this what normal really feels like!? Please, if you have anxiety and possible depression, give this drug a chance. I feel like a new person. I laugh at shows now, I have a sense of humor again. My spouse is spending more time around me since I am more pleasant to be around. I cooked a small Thanksgiving dinner for 4 from scratch in 4 hours without stressing it. I can watch sad movies and feel the emotions but not cry through the whole show or movie. Find myself interested in things I used to enjoy but stopped. I am glad I hung in and listened to others who said to give it 6-8 weeks for full effect. They were right. :)"

• Deb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 18, 2019

Escitalopram "My entire life, and I mean even as a child, I can remember overthinking and worrying about everything. I have dealt with the anxiety that comes from the worry and the panic attacks too. It wasn’t until I turned 40 that I mentioned this to a new doctor I started seeing, and he prescribed Lexapro. My god, I wish someone had opened my eyes before. I assumed everyone felt this way, but after a month on Lexapro, it was a weight lifted off of my shoulders. I am so happy to not feel all of that anxiety anymore. Normal stress is fine, but the overwhelming feeling of anxiety is gone, and I hope it stays that way. It’s been close to 4 years now, and it’s still working for me. Lexapro really is an amazing drug."