Lexapro for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

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

"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."

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

"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

"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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2012

"Lexapro has changed my life and the lives of my family. I struggled with tremors, nausea, dizziness, chest pains, numbness and tingling in my hands and feet, and muscle twitching. I thought I was dying. After a million medical tests that were all normal, my doctor diagnosed me with anxiety. I did not believe him. I was started on Lexapro, and felt better in a matter of weeks. I cannot adequately express my joy and relief. I do not wish to fall into my bed all day anymore. I am able to enjoy my amazing husband and children again. I am posting to give hope to anyone who is experiencing anything like I was. Anxiety caused me awful physical symptoms that lasted all day for months. There is light at the end of the tunnel."

• Recov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2021

"I’ve been diagnosed with GAD since I was 16. I first tried sertraline, and that worked for me until I was 18 when I stopped taking it. Once my anxiety relapsed again a year later, sertraline didn’t work for me anymore. I then switched to Wellbutrin, but that didn’t work for me after 6 months of waiting. I honestly thought I would never recover from my anxiety… until I tried Lexapro! The very first week, I felt happier, I had more energy, I was talking more, I even told others that it felt like it was harder to be sad or to get stuck in that dark place when I’m anxious. Fast forward to 1 month on the drug, I haven’t even felt anxious for a moment. I feel like my old self! I have energy, I want to go out and do things, I just feel happy. I’m so glad I tried this drug. I was in a dark place struggling with my anxiety where I told myself I’d rather not live than to 'survive' each day struggling with my anxiety… If you’re reading this, DON'T GIVE UP!"

• AshleyB
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2023

"Like most of you, I was in the exact same position. Scared to death to start taking medications. I would spend HOURS scrolling and scrolling through Reddit and other forums trying to absorb as much information as possible. Now that the Lexapro has completely kicked in, I will never go off of it! This medication quite literally saved my life. For MONTHS, I was in such a downward spiral, and I was so sure I could never get out of it. My anxiety and depression began affecting everyone around me. I knew that I needed to take the leap, and I'm so glad that I did! I took 5 mg for about 6 weeks and bumped up to 10 mg, which has helped immensely. The side effects (mostly nausea and no appetite) only lasted about 1 week, and I've had none since then. If you are torn, just do it! This medication exists for a reason. You'll never know unless you try!"

• LeG
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2023

"If you have anxiety or depression and are holding off on going on medication because you’re unsure about the side effects, or perhaps worried about being on it for life, please keep an open mind. I dealt with both from mid 20s until I started Lexapro in my mid 40s. Those 20 years were really hard, and didn’t need to be. I’ve been on Lexapro for 4 years now and it has changed my life, basically neutralising anxiety and depression with almost no side effects. Every aspect of life - work, family etc - has improved. Wish I’d discovered it much earlier …."

• Curlz
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 21, 2014

"First and foremost, like so many others on here, Lexapro saved my life. I was not necessarily suicidal, but literally had no life and was scared all the time. For the most part, no one knew what I was dealing with. I was a highly respected professional who somehow managed to keep it to herself. I would sneak off to bathrooms all the time to go in a stall and calm down. If no one was in there, I would indulge in laying on the cold tile floor to just try and cool myself off. I stopped going to movies, on dates, church, or anything where I felt trapped. I was not afraid of flying; I was afraid of when the time between takeoff and when the captain turned off the seat belt sign. This medicine gave ME back, 5 years strong."

• tbrx
• October 29, 2019

"I have struggled with anxiety for my whole life but in the past 5 years, it has gotten uncontrollable, and I was crying every single day. I didn’t feel like myself and felt so lost. I am 22 and in nursing school, so there is a lot of pressure, but this has been something I’ve wanted and knew I could achieve, but couldn’t do it with my anxiety. I was VERY skeptical about taking anything and have tried every alternative I could think of, but I just couldn’t quite get there. I have been taking Lexapro 10 mg for over a month now, and it has made my life 100x better. I haven’t cried once or felt extremely overwhelmed the entire time. The only side effects I experienced were sweating, dry mouth, and a slight headache. These have all subsided after the first week. This drug has made me feel like myself again, and I didn’t know if I would get here, but I’m so glad I am. Don’t let the reviews scare you into not trying a medicine; it can help you if you let it. Give it time and push through. It’s so worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 25, 2020

"I started 5 mg of Lexapro for social anxiety a month ago, with no side effects. My doctor increased to 10 mg. And after 2 years, I'm still using it, and my social anxiety has subsided. Amazing, I was a mess!"

• Jeb
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2021

"I am 60 years old and have suffered from anxiety since I was 23 years old. Many times, the panic attacks were quite severe. I had trouble holding down a job, and there were times I couldn't drive and was terrified of being alone. I've tried so many anti-anxiety drugs, but I expected them to work right away. I've done years of counseling. In October of 2020, my doctor put me on 5mg of Lexapro. I knew what side effects to expect, and they lasted almost 3 weeks before I started to notice that it was working. In January, I started 10mg. I have not had an anxiety attack since I've been taking Lexapro. It gave me my life back. I feel normal for the first time in many years."

• MAano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2019

"Ok, so I don’t ever do reviews. Like ever. But this medication has changed my life. I’ve been on it for about 5 months now, and I’m honestly amazed. I’ve suffered from extremely bad depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I’m also a recovering alcoholic/addict with 8 months sober. I went from being literally at rock bottom to all of a sudden living life again. For the first time in years, my body didn’t ache all day long, my anxiety went away, and I started to sing in the car and get excited about nice sunny days! It’s crazy. I’m just super thankful. I take 10mg along with Wellbutrin and Adderall. But Lexapro has been the game changer. Let your body go through a little nightmare for the first couple of weeks. I promise you will all of a sudden hit a hump that you get over, and it’s so nice. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my moments and struggles in life, but I can deal with them now instead of breaking down. And I like people again. Give it a try."

• Ola
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2020

"I've had anxiety problems since I was about 12 and was put on Lexapro when I was 18 years old. I didn’t feel much difference that time and stopped after about a month because my parents found out I was on it and shamed me into stopping. I’m now 19 and my anxiety has gotten much worse, I disassociate often and I’m depressed. I got put back on it and I’m on day 4. I’m having a really bad time on it. I’m extremely anxious right now, it’s made me dizzy and it’s given me stomach problems. I did notice an improvement in my sleeping right away which has been amazing. Reading the comments that say that you just have to wait it out are helping a lot, it’s making me motivated to continue and it’s reminding me that this feeling isn’t going to last. I hope in a few months things are better."

• Karla
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 29, 2024

"I don’t usually leave reviews but Lexapro changed my life. I have been on 10 mg for 4 months now and I feel like a normal person. I lived with anxiety since I was 16 and this is by far the best medication I have been on. I had no side effects. Very happy with this medication!"

• Emily...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2024

"Never experienced life so quiet before, nothing to worry about, no anger outburst, did not notice any seasonal depression this winter as well??, being able to look at things before reacting instead of going from one mood to another and having high mood swings all day. 'What if...' thoughts are gone. No overthinking. I can actually think clearly now. I am able to read because it's so quiet, normally I had no focus.. I actually went on ADHD meds before this because I thought I had ADHD because my mind couldn't stop. Turned out it was not ADHD, it was anxiety. ADHD meds just made me worse, but this.. I feel finally free. Free from worry, overthinking, health anxiety has gone away, OCD completely went away and social anxiety as well. I have my moments when I might think of something embarrassing but I do not feel disgust from it. I accept it. I am so much more talkative without repeating convo in my head afterwards. I've been taking this for 4 months now, I am still not used to it. I love it."

• Nikki
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 31, 2021

"This is a lifesaver for me! I was prescribed this because I have minor generalized anxiety and OCD with intrusive thoughts. I regret I did not take this sooner. I was very scared to take it at first because of side effects. I didn't want to be 'zombie-like' but this helped my OCD thoughts immensely. I still get anxiety now and then, but it's much easier to brush off. I didn't have any bad side effects. The thing I recognized most is your brain feels quieter but not in a zombie way. I would get anxiety because I wasn't having anxiety anymore haha. This medication seemed to help me right away within 2 weeks, but I noticed a full effect after 2-3 months."

• Awano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2019

"I promised myself if I made it out alive, I'd come back and give my review. I've been on the meds for a little over 2 months, and the outcome has been very good for me! First couple of weeks are rough but stick it out, it'll be well worth it!"

• Jojo
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2020

"My life was literally wrecked by depression and anxiety when it turned its ugly head when I was 17 years old. I've been through terrible times and through a living nightmare. Now I'm 32 years old on Lexapro and I feel good finally."

• Elyush
• July 28, 2021

"I’ve been taking Lexapro since 2018. In two words, miracle drug! It saved my life. I used to be so terrified to take SSRIs because of misleading reviews. Please give it a go. For 6 years, I fought with debilitating anxiety. I was doing acupuncture every week to be able to function. But one trigger was enough to throw me off. It was exhausting. My family was sick and tired of my illness, and it can damage any happiness in your household. My husband blesses the person who created Lexapro because he got his wife and happiness back. My sex life has improved (just reaching climax is hard). The only side effects are vivid dreams, dry mouth after sleep or nap, weight gain for me :( but believe me, I wouldn’t trade my old skinny and miserable body for my current chubbier but much happier one :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2021

"Hi, I just started taking Lexapro after having a major nervous breakdown due to coming off a Lyme disease medication too quickly. I had never felt so close to suicide in all my life. I started the Lexapro at 5 mg, and it started to help with the panic almost instantly. I am trying to get to 10 mg slowly. Thanks for all the reviews; it really helped me when I was at my worst to hang in there and wait for the medication to start working. Hang in there, everyone."

• colle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2014

"Before Lexapro, my anxiety would take over my life. I would worry too much about little things and had trouble remaining calm in social situations. I had trouble sleeping and would feel sick to my stomach from all the anxiety I would get. Lexapro helped all of these symptoms for me! I am only 21 years old but I feel like it changed my whole outlook on life, and I can handle it much easier now. Little things don't get to me, and I tend to live for the moment instead of worrying about tomorrow. I feel like myself again and that I am in control, and my thoughts no longer control me. I recommend this for anxiety, or anxiety that can lead to depression. It took about a month to completely work for me, so be patient!"

• JJJ
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2024

"I'm only on day 5 of a 10mg dosage and the first 4 days have been grueling. Sweaty hands and feet, constipation, upset stomach, severe insomnia, and major anxiety are some of the things I've been dealing with so far. The reviews that I've read here have given me the courage to continue to power through the early stages. I have faith that my persistence will pay off. I will come back with an update once I give it more time."

• behap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 4, 2024

"I'm a 36-year-old male, and I too searched these websites for information. In the beginning, I was so scared and afraid to start this medication, but I got to the point where my GAD was so bad I needed to try something. Finally, I committed. I will say I took too much too early, and like many say, the first 2-3 weeks were pretty terrible. My advice to any of you: please slowly ramp up and stick it out! I'm at 15mg now, and it has changed my life. However, it is not a magic pill. Make life changes, go to therapy, join a group, whatever. Over time, you will find the benefit of this medication while also bettering yourself. I'm a huge advocate, tough it out. The only way out is through!"

• FW u
• December 10, 2019

"After years of anxiety, I finally went to the doctor in 2016 and started Lexapro at 10mg. After 2 years, I moved up to 20mg along with therapy, which almost seemed to take away anxiety completely. After 3 years, I stopped taking Lexapro because I felt so good. The first month off this medication, I felt AMAZING. Then it all went downhill after month 2. My anxiety skyrocketed, and I began feeling depressed. Then I tried Zoloft, which made it even worse. It gave me the shakes, caused daily panic attacks, and suicidal ideations for the first time in my life (which I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy). Also, I lost much of the weight Lexapro caused. Fast forward, I am back on 20mg of Lexapro. I feel human again. I feel stable, but I am gaining weight back (which sucks) and I feel fatigued again. BUT I feel like I can function normally. Even with the effects, Lexapro is worth it for me. If you’re reading this, please don’t give up! Things can get better :) It's a trial and error."

• Jenni...
• September 3, 2019

"I want to share my detailed experience so far with Lexapro because, let's be honest, anxiety is an awful beast. I started experiencing panic attacks recently. I kept thinking 'I am not taking medicine.' I can control this on my own. Well, in my case, that was wrong. I went to counselling and learned breathing techniques, which helped some but it did not prevent my panic in the middle of the night. After letting go of my pride, I decided to see the doctor about medicine. For about 8 days I experienced different side effects—nausea, insomnia, headaches (some bad), and still some anxiety. DO NOT QUIT THIS MEDICINE. Now, I am 2 weeks in on medicine. GUESS WHAT?! FEELING AWESOME. I am sleeping great now. My anxiety is 99% gone. I feel like my happy self again. I am thankful for this medicine and how it is helping me."