Lexapro for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews

• Aztec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2021

"If only I had taken this sooner, how different my life could have been. I have dealt with PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, depression and the whole shebang since I was 18. I am now 40. I am a single mom and keeping up with work, kids, school was just draining on top of being in a fight or flight mode 24/7. Going to the grocery store or a simple doctor's appointment for them was a chore within itself. My first 2 weeks, I was very sleepy during the day, no appetite and awake at night. I stuck with it and I am now on week 4. You know how it is working? I was terrified to even think about going into an unknown situation. A week ago I decided to apply to different jobs. Yesterday, I got ready and went to an interview and nailed it! I was not anxious nor did I run out of there. I was calm and collected and my thoughts weren't a fog. I am still in shock! I am so excited for what life will be from here on out. Hang in there."

• Suz
• June 3, 2020

"I will update in a few weeks with my full experience with starting Lexapro. Let me tell you, I was TERRIFIED to start this medication due to bad reviews. I am terrified of feeling ill and ESPECIALLY vomiting. I finally told myself this morning I can no longer live in fear of my own life, constantly anxious, and told myself to just take the medicine. I was prescribed 10 mg, but personally medications do cause significant side effects for me (I am 5’4 and 100 pounds soaking wet) so I broke it down to 2.5 mg to start. I have experienced NO terrible side effects, it’s been roughly eight hours. I have had some “burning” sensation in my stomach, but I also have terrible stomach issues as is. I have been tired as well, but depression does that to a person.. PLEASE TAKE THIS MEDICATION. IT MAY HELP YOU. IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE. You. Can. Do. This.. *I will update in a few weeks with results as of then*"

• Nicol...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 24, 2020

"I have extreme anxiety and chronic depression. I cannot tell you how much this medication has saved me from harming myself. I’ve been on it now for 5 years, started at 2mg daily and now up to 10mg recently after losing my job and this coronavirus pandemic. Overall, this pill isn’t magic but it’s helped me and my anxiety and compulsive thinking. It doesn’t give those weird side effects like blank thinking or weird dreams. All this medication has done is ground myself and thoughts, and I’m thankful for that. Oh, and if you're worried that it makes you gain weight, it did not make me gain any weight at all."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2019

"First off, I would like to say I feel everybody’s pain, and you are not alone. I went through years of anxiety and panic. Lexapro has changed my life. I’m on day 10, and I already feel a HUGE DIFFERENCE. Please believe me when I say this, while on this drug, it has to get worse before it gets better (exactly what my doctor told me). I had massive side effects the first 6 days at least and then are finally starting to taper off on day 10. Do not give up on the drug. I used to have 10 heart palpitations a day, and now I have MAYBE 1, and it has only been 10 days. I started with 5 mg and on day 7, I jumped up to 10 mg. Side effects included dizziness, nausea, headache, extreme panic, sweaty hands, and feet. You need to let this pass and realize you are going to be fine and get through this. If you play the game mind over matter, you will win, and it can change your life. I feel all your pain and hope this review has at least pointed one person in the right direction."

• Thank...
• February 11, 2020

"2019 Took a toll on my life in every aspect. I am 45 years old, and my career crashed. My husband left me, and I am battling legal issues. My husband locked me out of utility accounts until shut-off notices arrived. I could not think straight at all. My stress and worries took over me. I began deep depression, and the worries would overwhelm me to a point I wanted to sleep, but I had insomnia. My mind would race. I closed myself off to the world and prayed heavily. I could no longer have normal conversations. I pushed everyone away. I finally called my doctor, realizing it was more than I could handle. I’ve only been on it for one week and can truly say “LEXAPRO SAVED MY LIFE”. I do not feel different at all. I feel “Normal”. I can think. I can decipher between tasks of importance and have been more productive than I have been in a year. I sleep better. I go to bed with a clearer picture and less worry. The stress and reality are all still there, but each day I am managing and making progress now!"

• Snoopy
• November 1, 2020

"I’ve been on Lexapro for 3 months now for major GAD, social anxiety, and moderate to severe depression. I had gotten to the point where I was crying all day every day. I could barely function in social situations and would spend all day negatively ruminating over every little thing. I would wake up every night at 3-4 in the morning and just lay there worrying about everything. Lexapro is wonderful. This is the first time I’ve felt hopeful and productive in so long. I sleep through the night again, and I haven’t cried in 2 months (that is HUGE for me). The only negatives I have noticed with Lexapro have leveled off after a couple of weeks. I experienced sexual side effects at first, but they went away. Lots of grogginess in the morning at first, but it leveled off. Anyway, I’m at 20mg of Lexapro/day now, and I’m so thankful. I haven’t felt this good in a really long time. It has given me my life back."

• happy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2020

"I have had anxiety, insomnia, and I guess depression for life. I'm 42 and finally told my PCP I felt like I was going to lose it after a lot of drama plus COVID quarantine. I was on Zoloft (generic) for weeks, and the side effects were unbearable; I almost checked myself into the hospital, it was so bad. I was switched to Lexapro (generic) and feel like a new woman! Calm, cool, and collected. Wish I had these in my 20s; I would have a different life, lol."

• Tried...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 16, 2022

"I began taking this drug 10 years ago when I thought I was seriously ill. I had numerous medical tests done, but in the end, my doctor was right, and it was just anxiety and panic attacks. I don’t say 'just' lightly. I know you are reading this post because you are miserable with suffering and struggling so much right now. Please know that you are in good company, and so many people are suffering just as you are. I highly encourage you to give this medication a solid chance. I’m not gonna lie, the first 2 to 3 weeks were pretty brutal. Increased anxiety at times, then better at times. Then one day, I had an entire afternoon where I felt perfectly normal. The next day I had a little anxiety, but those good days grew longer and longer until I realized I wasn’t constantly keeping score about my anxiety. Back and forth for a while, just like the tide. My ideal dose is 20 mg, but I usually take 10 when things are relatively calm and 20 when things get really bad. YOU’VE GOT THIS! Hugs"

• Dml
• November 22, 2021

"I am 2 weeks into my 10mg Lexapro. I will say, every day for the first 7 days, I wanted to quit! I was tired, so, so, so tired, felt so much anxiety, and had panic attacks almost every morning. Like I said, I'm 2 weeks in and I literally feel like a new person, a new happy person who again wants to go outside, wants to talk to friends again. I spent so long not wanting to be around my family, friends, didn't want to do my job, didn't want to shop, didn't want to cook or eat. I finally told my doctor I don't feel like a person anymore at all, I had no drive to do anything at all. If you're struggling, please don't stop taking it... I promise, life starts in roughly 10 days!!! I get up now, I'm not tired, I can eat, my stomach doesn't stay in knots, and I'm not living in my head worried about everything possible, and no panic attacks, thank goodness! Stay strong, you got this!!! These posts are the reason I'm at this point... thank you everyone for your stories."

• destos
• June 19, 2021

"I said I’d come back and write a review after a few weeks, so here I am!! I’m not going to lie to you, the first few weeks of this medication were hard (terrible thoughts, increased anxiety, insane amounts of sleeping). But I am so very glad I stuck with it. For 7 months, I could barely go 5 minutes from my house without getting a panic attack. I was terrified of everything and developed really bad agoraphobia. My anxiety controlled every aspect of my life and I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to get over it. This medication is slowly starting to give me my life back after just almost 4 weeks on it. All the side effects have cleared up and I have done more this week than I was able to do in the past 7 months. I did everything I was once terrified of doing, and I had not a lot of anxiety doing it. If you are having side effects and they are getting to you right now, I am BEGGING YOU to stick with it. I almost stopped taking this medication, and I am so happy that I didn’t stop."

• Ali
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 6, 2020

"After 3 years on Lexapro, I have a life. I am so grateful that I found a doctor who really worked with me to find something that worked. And also for convincing me to stay on it as I had so many conflicting beliefs around using antidepressants. My moods are stable, it’s helped me during 2 pregnancies and with postnatal anxiety. I notice my mood swings and insomnia creep back if I’m not taking it regularly. It’s a lifesaver for me and it took me approximately 9 days to start feeling normal when I first took it. The initial side effects do stop. Sex drive did come back."

• Max
• March 9, 2020

"Just a disclaimer, I am NOT a doctor, nor do I specialize in anything beyond my own experience. This is my perspective that I want to share for those who were just like me. I take 2.5 mg of Lexapro. The first aspect I'd like to clarify is that taking a pill is not magic. I work out 2-3 times a week, I eat healthy, and I make a conscious effort to do skills my therapist teaches me like grounding, CBT, and balance. My anxiety is still there. However, the crippling act of having anxiety that would physically make me drop to my knees and ruminate in my brain for days in a row has subsided. Side effects of weird dreams, icy-hot feeling, and anxiousness did happen in the first week. This may not work for everyone, as everyone is different. I have read those same crazy reviews that scare you. I have circled on the act of why, when, how, and what if. I still have fears. I still get anxious. However, the place I was at, I wish for no one in the world to have to go through."

• KN1973
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2023

"Since this thread was SO helpful to me when I first started Lexapro, I wanted to come back after my body truly had a chance to adjust to it. I’ve been taking 10mg for about two months now, and the change is honestly amazing. I feel better than I have in years. Happy, more energy, less ruminating thoughts and stupid worries. I feel like me, only better. I highly, highly encourage anyone reading this who is experiencing negative side effects to stick it out to at least the 6 week mark. I really started feeling a difference at a month (but felt better at 2 weeks) and it only kept getting better from there. The side effects go away. I’m sleeping better, and I’m just happier throughout the day. Truly grateful for this medication. I know how scary anxiety and depression can be. There ARE better days ahead, I promise."

• Wavel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2024

"I've been on Lexapro for two months—10 mg initially, then increased to 20 mg. In my demanding profession, a health setback following emergent surgery triggered intense panic and anxiety. After a month of emotional suffering, I was prescribed Klonopin and Lexapro. I resisted benzos but needed relief. Reading testimonials on drugs.com kept me hopeful during the turmoil. Side effects (dry mouth, nausea, headache, jitters) improved slowly. At around six weeks, consistent positivity emerged. After battling misery, I finally felt relief. Occasional rough patches are manageable. Smiling and laughing again, the pit in my stomach is gone. Moments of calmness and contentment replaced daily dread. Changing brain chemistry takes time, but the results are worth it. I share my journey for those doubting—you are human, and you are scared. Feel what you feel without judgment or shame. Better times lie ahead, and you have the strength to see it through."

• anony...
• January 28, 2020

"I just wanted to share my experience with people who are just starting out on Lexapro. This is my 20th day on Lexapro and I must say that the first two weeks are pretty rough. The first week it made my anxiety to the point I've never felt before with nausea, fatigue, headache with a fog. Had insomnia as well. The second week the anxiety started to subside and nausea was gone but started to get hunger pains so I drank a lot of water instead of grabbing food every time I got the hunger pain. I also had some days with dizziness in week two and fog and headaches with fatigue during the mornings (I take it first thing in the morning) and it would subside by the afternoon. Insomnia started to get better. By the start of week number three all the side effects started to diminish little by little each day. At this point pretty much all side effects are gone and no anxiety. It took about 3 weeks for me and now it's great. 10mg a day."

• Herta
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 7, 2021

"I was prescribed escitalopram for GAD with panic attacks after trying 2 other medicines (tricyclic antidepressants). Along with 20 mg Lexapro, I was taking 2 mg of clonazepam daily, 25 mg of quetiapine in the evening, and melatonin for sleep. At that time, I was experiencing all possible symptoms of severe anxiety, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, low mood. I felt overwhelmed and was crying all day. I had upset stomach, fear of dying. I wasn't going out at all. My family was worried and I thought I was dying. When I started the medicine, I experienced side effects: excessive yawning, insomnia, increased anxiety, nausea, sweating which lasted about 2 weeks. After 3-4 weeks of taking escitalopram, I started feeling better. I started therapy, and applied yoga, meditation, etc. Now I feel great. I can enjoy life again, and you can do it as well."

• desto
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2021

"I took my first dose of this medication a week ago. I had a terrible panic attack and had to stop taking it. I decided yesterday that I was going to start taking it again. I have agoraphobia, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It’s gotten to the point where I can barely leave my house most days. I decided I need to make a change. I know that with medications like these it always gets worse before it gets better, so hang in there. Read the positive reviews, ignore the negative ones. I’ll come back on in 6 weeks and update with my experience. Zoloft has worked in the past so I’m hoping this will work too. HANG IN THERE. YOU’RE NOT ALONE."

• Feeli...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 4, 2019

"I have been taking 20 mg of Lexapro for almost a year, and it has made an incredible difference in my life. I had suffered my entire life with anxiety and never really knew what it felt like to have a normal level of anxiety. The anxiety honestly almost killed me. I have lived more in the last year than the rest of my 48 years. Every day is a gift now, and I am incredibly grateful. I hate to see so many people who quit after a few days or weeks of hard times, which is what it’s like at first. Those ratings are unfair since they didn’t give it a proper chance. I hope YOU will, and that you end up eternally grateful like me!!"

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

"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."

• Johns...
• September 21, 2017

"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."

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

"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."

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

"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!"

• Amelia
• December 19, 2020

"Let’s talk menopause! I eat healthy teach yoga all work with natural therapies. Stress and meonopause, 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 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 affects, 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"

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

"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."

• 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."