| Key to ratings for lexapro: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
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| 3 | anxiety/depression | I had the worst panic attack of my life 3 days after taking this- ended up in the ER-I knew it was a panic attack, but it lasted ALL day long- I kept up with the meds bec I thought my body was just getting used to it..I started to feel better, had more energy, but then I would feel dizzy and like, duh and paranoid from time to time. Overall, over 2 months, I felt a lot better 70% of the time. The other 30 I was paranoid but kept telling myself it would pass. I gained about 10 lbs, and suddenly became too paranoid to continue the drug. I contributed all of this to the lexapro- I was also taking geodon, buspar, and vistaril. I guess it wasnt for me. I have tried a thousand diff things- hopefully this pristiq I have started will be helpful for me. Im on day 3 so far. | I would watch for any sudden changes in mood, extreme paranoia, and sudden bouts of anxiety. The lexapro seemed to go back and forth between working really really well, to working, and then to just being scary. Its crazy how people react so differently to diff meds. | F | 32 | 2.5 months | 11/14/2009 | 5 | depressed and anxious about life | No side effects. I tolerate this drug very well. It works for me within 12 hours. I take it at night before I go to bed and I have no trouble sleeping. | I took this drug a few years ago after my mother died and I was feeling very depressed about life. It worked nicely for me, so I recently decided to try it again because I was starting to sink into depression. Lexapro helps me feel better about life in general -- not so dark, anxious and paranoid. It has changed my whole outlook and I'm doing much better at work where I was really floundering for awhile because of my depression. I don't feel "high" or unnaturally happy; I just feel normal, which is something I don't usually experience. | F | 59 | 10 days | 11/13/2009 | 1 | Postpartum depression | Tremendous insomnia during first four weeks (decreased a bit over time), coupled with chronic tiredness during the daytime. Night sweats and dizziness. Reduced libido and inability to orgasm. Significant and lasting weight gain. | Taking this drug was a nightmare on top of my difficult situation! If I weren't depressed before Lexapro, the side effects sure insured that I was. And, it did not noticably improve my depression! The worst side effect is the weight gain. I gained 22 lbs. in four months on Lexapro without any changes in diet or exercise. It has now been months since I stopped the drug and I have only lost 4 lbs., despite increasing my exercise and decreasing my caloric intake. Some research shows long-term damage to the metabolism, and my experience reflects that. I will not ever touch this drug again! | F | 32 | 180 days | 11/11/2009 | 4 | Depression/Anxiety | The first week the whole world was pretty much spinning, but that went away. There's a definite decrease in sex drive, as well as other sexual side effects such as decreased lubrication which is annoying, but oh well. | Works well. No panic attacks, and allows me to be less emotional without being a drone. Being back to normal is great. | F | 20 | 1 years | 11/10/2009 | 1 | Anxiety/IBS | Terrible insomnia, night sweats, nightmares, yawning, watery eyes, dilated pupils, muscle tightness, thirst, always hungry, groggy, dizzy, dysphoria | My doctor suggested I take 10 MG of lexapro for my anxiety [which has an effect on IBS]. I DO NOT recommend this medicine for anyone- the side effects are not worth it. It was suggested that I take lexapro in the evening before bed, since it makes you sleepy. From day one, I was not able to sleep, yet I had the urge to. My body began to ache from the lack of sleep. Yesterday was day 4 - I purposely didn't take the pill and I slept through the night. I felt much better, but decided to see how I'd react if I took lexapro in the morning. That was a bad idea; Within half an hour, I was yawning uncontrollably and fell asleep. I am NEVER going to take lexapro again. I am sure I can find a way to deal with my anxiety without drugs. | F | 22 | 5 days | 11/10/2009 | 4 | Depression | Dilated pupils, sleepiness, dizziness first few days, inability to cry, anxiety. | Overall lexapro worked really well for me. I started on the 10mg and upped that after two months of little change to the 20mg. Within two weeks i felt much better. As far as mood goes, i didnt feel any real highs or lows, more of a constant comfortable feeling. At times I felt very anxious for no reason and at different times in the day but these negative side effects paled next to the depression i was stuck in before lexapro. | F | 21 | 1 years | 11/9/2009 | 5 | brain tumor / aneurysm survivor | Slight drowsiness, cured by coffee ingestion. Zero problem with libido, but there is an inability to ejaculate despite raging erections. Just stay hard for hours upon hours, but as I've always been that way, there's basically no change... I just rarely ejaculate. very rarely, but when I finally do, it's copious, 'Sexapro'... indeed. | I Thank God for this drug. I'm hypopituitary and secondary parahypothyroid, due to an aneurysm. Needless to say, without a pituitary and thyroid, and after 2 neurosurgeries, depression was something to combat. Lexapro did it excellently for me and brought me 100% back to normal. SSRI's are the best, IMHO. feel free to e-mail for further info. This is a med I heartily recommend Lex to anyone who is either hypopituitary or hypothyroid and / or on cortef (hydrocortisone) which is essentially a depressent. Hope this helps someone in the same way I was helped. | M | 57 | 4 years | 11/8/2009 | 5 | Depression | 15 pound weight gain over 1 year...jaw clenching at night...yawning during day...deeper and easier sleep with vivid and pleasant dreams | Lexapro is all about regaining comfort and satisfaction with your life. I come from a long line of cigarette-smoking alcoholics (I rarely drink...but did smoke). I think the alcohol and cigs were my relatives way of dealing with the depression "gene" we all inherited. I have been on several antidepressants, but Lexapro is the only one that has given me back a feeling of calm satisfaction instead of the anxious dread I used to feel. I am really still ME...just a happier, more relaxed, if somewhat plumper me. Maybe there are many different brain-chemistry reasons for depression, and if so, I KNOW Lexapro works for the one that causes people to become alcoholics and die-hard cigarette smokers. Lexapro maybe be a lifetime fix for my genetic "gift" of depression. | F | 43 | 2 years | 11/8/2009 | 4 | Anxiety | Biggest and ultimately intolerable side effects were sexual- inability to achieve orgasm and overall decrease in sex drive. Also alot of yawning. | Lexapro worked well and quickly (within a week) to help allieviate my anxiety. Unfortunately, its sexual side effects forced me to switch off it after two months- now trying Cymbalta and hoping for better results. | F | 38 | 2 months | 11/6/2009 | 5 | GAD | The first 3-4 weeks are difficult, with hot flashes, dizziness and worse anxiety, but now after 2 months on Lexapro, I feel like my normal self again most of the time and am SO happy about that! I was on this for two years and gained some weight in my gut, so I weaned myself off (which despite what you read, if you do it very slowly, is not that bad and totally do-able), but after two months was a mess again so went back on. | F | 38 | 2.5 months | 11/3/2009 | 4 | Depression and GAD | teeth grinding trouble sleeping | some days are better then other but for the most part it is working ok but could be better going to see doc in 2 weeks will see about moving up to 20 mg | M | 47 | 8 months | 10/30/2009 | 3 | GAD/Social Anxiety | Fatigue | Began taking a week ago at 10mg and did not read all these side effects but have not felt anything except a little more tired in the day. I am also on Sotalol for my heart and this may also cause tiredness. Anxiety so far seems slightly less but being patient and hopefully will get greater effect in another few weeks. Also will hope for no other side effects. Medicines in general dont bother me. | M | 39 | 8 days | 10/23/2009 | 4 | anxiety, depression | decreased libido, dry mouth, sleepiness, numbs emotions-which isn't always bad. | have taken 2 yrs now. started at 15,now down to 10 2x/wk, 5 4x/wk and none on sunday. Started tapering 14 months ago-doing it slow. There are still some withdrawal effects but nothing serious. It seems to take 3-4 wks for body to adjust to new dosage. sexual side effects still there-maybe a little better at lower dosage. If i had to do over again I would still take it. No more panic attacks. | M | 39 | 10/22/2009 | 5 | Bipolar depression | I had minimal side effects starting it, and none to speak of now. It seems to be a very easy drug side effect wise. | Out of the antidepressants I've tried, the lexapro was the best at stopping the depression, while still leaving my personality mostly untouched. I can't take more than 7.5mg without getting very manic....but the lexapro combined with 10mg zyprexa makes a VERY nice 1 2 punch ;) Overall its worked very well for me :) | M | 46 | 3 years | 10/21/2009 | 4 | GAD | Yawning and low sex drive. | I have now been on Lex for 2 months. Overall it has been very helpful for GAD. I don't constantly fret over terrible things that COULD happen. In fact, for the most part those thoughts kind of melt away as soon as they start. I also experience what I call the "lexaflow" - occasional feelings of well being that kind of wash over me. I'm not sure why that happens but I like it! Lexapro has been great for taking the anxiety edge off. Additionally, it's made me a little more assertive. I'm less prone to worrying about how others will react when I speak my mind. On the icky side, it has NO effect on PMS. I was hoping it would ease my PMS symptoms! In fact, when my PMS kicks in I feel as if the Lex is not working at all. Also, I have an almost complete and total lack of sex drive. Not good for my hubby. But, the overall relief from intense and constant anxiety is really worth it for me. | F | 39 | 2 months | 10/19/2009 | 3 | Anxiety/ Depression | Dry mouth, jaw clenching, teeth grinding. Increased sex drive with no ability to orgasm. Shakes, hot flashes. Possibly getting laryngitis as I sound like I'm losing my voice or hoarse. First noticed hoarse voice on the third day of taking it. | Aside from the side affects, it really has helped with anxiety and depression. I am usually talkative, but haven't been talking much since I've been on this medicine. I feel a lot better on the medicine than off of it. | M | 30 | 4 days | 10/16/2009 | 4 | Anxiety/Depression | Weight gain, never feel full, vivid dreams, shakes, cold sweats | It has helped me quite a bit (better than Paxil, which the side affects were 10 times worse for me) I have emergency Xanax incase I have a sever panick attach but only .25 mg. I just hate the weight gain. | F | 25 | 3 weeks | 10/12/2009 | 3 | Depression | Negative: Excessive Teeth Grinding (my molars are permanently damaged) Acting out in dreams during the first few weeks. I awoke hitting the bed in a dream anger fit. (I am glad my husband was not there) Some weight gain even though I had more energy and was working out more. Postive: Depression was lessoned but I can not handle the teeth grinding or night guard. My now teeth hurt all day everyday. I am slowly trying to ween myself off. | The symptoms are not worth it for a low grade clinical depression. I would only recommend it for suicidal type depression. | F | 39 | 3 months | 10/12/2009 | 2 | Anxiety / Stess | 20 mg. Loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, mild head aches, restlessness, loss of libido, intolerance to heat, night sweats, vivid dreams. I'm on my third week and all of the above have gotten much better. | Do NOT drink in excess with this medication. I was alone this past Saturday night and had about 3 to 4 glasses of wine while watching a movie. I had a what I call a mental breakdown. I felt compelled to bang my head on the wall continuosly. This sounds kind of funny but it did happen. I called my GF in a panic but, she managed to calm me down she was close to calling 911. Talk about total loss of control. | M | 36 | 3 weeks | 10/12/2009 | 4 | Depression and anxiety | May have intensified cravings for sweets/carbs, but I had the cravings before lexapro | I've been taking 5mg lexapro every day for 3 years. It has really allowed me to relax and enjoy my life and family. I tried dose holidays and it really didn't work for me. 5mg/day works | M | 47 | 3 years | 10/11/2009 | 5 | Depression and Anxiety | increased anxiety, sleeplessness, increased appetite, increased sensitivity, BUT only for first few weeks of upping dosage | I have been on all kinds of medications for 10+ years. I am also VERY sensitive to drugs and any side effects, I always have to start off on very low dosages. I had a very bad experience with Celexa so my Dr suggested Lexapro as it's better tolerated. I started off with 10mg which was ok but now that I'm on 20 I feel SO much BETTER. Yes, the first few weeks weren't easy. Honestly, reading any negative reviews on a medication won't help you either...been there, done that and it only makes you more aware of any bad reactions. I have to say so far, so good, well GREAT. It's 3 weeks going on 4 of the 20mg dosage and I actually feel "semi-normal" if that makes any sense. I feel hopeful and positive on a more daily basis. My depression is at an all-time low and my anxiety getting better...I have relied on Xanax to calm my panic attacks and now slowly weaning off of it due to the Lexapro! I sure hope this lasts...it's feels so good to finally feel like life is worth living!!!!!!! | F | 35 | 2 years | 10/10/2009 | 4 | bipolar/depressd | M | 21 | 4 years | 10/8/2009 | 2 | Anxity/Depression | Foggyness,painful muscle tightness,constipation,weight gain,dizzieness,headache,sweating,skin rash pimple like sores on my scalp very painful. | This was a mood stabilizer I was mellow but intense side effects I could not handle I was on this for two months and and gained 18 pds when I tried to get off it cold turkey (Big mistake) I should have tapered off slowly I had veritgo and shakes for two days after stopping this drug on the third day I took a pill and it all went away so slowly weaned off and went on Welbutrin XR been on this for a week and so far I feel great. | F | 44 | 2 months | 10/7/2009 | 5 | Severe pani/ Anxiety | NONE whatsoever, expect for gaining 15 pounds over the course of a year | MY ANXIETY WAS G-O-N-E-...GONE! IT WAS WORTH THE 15 POUNDS BECAUSE I GOT MY LIFE BACK. WORKED FAST AND HAD NO SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS OR ANYTHING ELSE! | F | 32 | 365 days | 10/6/2009 | 1 | GAD | Fatigue, low libido, inability to orgasm, forgetfulness, memory loss, excessive sleeping, inability to concentrate on anything, not feeling happy or sad over things, inability to cry, weight gain, sugar and carbohydrate cravings, never feeling full, overeating, tingling sensation in mouth and lips. | Began to feel better the first week on Lexapro. Anxiety was gone. By the 2nd week I noticed my libido was low and it took 30 minutes to orgasm. Was having to lay down every afternoon due to fatigue and would take 2 hour naps. One month after taking Lexapro I was sleeping 10+ hours at night. I was never happy or sad. Just here. I was forgetful of things I would say, repeating things within an hour of saying it the 1st time. I had difficulty recalling what I watched on TV from day to day. I could no longer orgasm and I was craving sugar and carbs CONSTANTLY! I was gaining weight, but cravings were so intense I didn't care. I gained 6 pounds in 6 weeks. Saw my Dr. 5 days ago and told him my symptoms. He apologized and told me to start tapering off. He reduced my dose to 5mg a day for a month and then stop. I took 5mg the day after I saw my Dr. and stopped cold turkey. It's been 4 days since I quit and my energy is returning. A little dizzy and a few sweating episodes, but nothing I can't deal with. My mind is fuzzy but felt like that the whole time I was on Lexapro. Cravings are still here but now that my energy is returning I can resume working out. I ran a half-marathon the 1st week I took Lexapro and had been working out consistently for years. Ran 3 times in the past 6 weeks and no weight training. Lexapro messed up my ability to enjoy my 2 greatest joys in life: sex and running! No anxiety, but if I do I will take a Buspar. Lexapro screwed my life up more than anxiety did! | F | 36 | 6 weeks | 10/5/2009 | 4 | anxiety | felt drowsy at 10mg so my doctor cut my dose to 5 mg. no side effects and controls my anxiety. | F | 45 | 2 years | 10/2/2009 | 1 | anxiety/depression | I had a terrible time on this medicine. It increased my anxiety threefold and made it hard to sleep. I had a weird zoned out feeling all day and it was hold to interact with others. I had no appetite at all even when I could hear my stomach growling. I would never take this again. I acutally took myself off the medicine and feel great. Not sure that I really needed an antidepressant -- maybe just a sleeping pill! | F | 42 | 5 days | 10/1/2009 | 4 | Anxiety | dry mouth, drowsy, insomnia, weight gain | I was on Lexapro for 2 years and went off it cold turkey with no side effects. Recently been getting debilitating panic attacks so it's back on the Lexapro. I dont remember side effects being so strong. Fatigue is the major issue. Cant sleep through the night, but can easily nap at my desk! | F | 40 | 5 days | 9/29/2009 | 5 | Anxiety and aggravations | None | M | 59 | 2 years | 9/26/2009 | 5 | Anxiety | When I first started taking it I had some side effects -- mild headache, getting drunk off one beer. The side effects went away after a while. I recommend starting SLOWLY. I took a 2.5mg a day at first, then gradually worked up to 10mg. ... Also, a couple times I accidentally took TWO pills because I didn't remember if I took the first one or not. When this happens I get a raging headache, like a migraine. Now, if I'm not sure if I took it, I let it go. Better to take none than two, for sure. | I read conflicting information about SSRIs and headaches. Some say Lexapro is given to migraine patients, but the package insert says headaches are a known side effect. Weird. Also, when you have a migraine, seratonin levels drop, so does it make sense to have a seratonin reuptake inhibitor to prevent further absorption of seratonin? It seems counter-intuitive. Not sure if I should skip Lexapro when I have a migraine or to keep taking it. Generally, Lexapro has been a life-saver. I started out taking Celexa and gained 20 pounds on it. I switched to Lexapro and didn't gain any more, but neither have I lost what I gained on Celexa. :( Lexapro helps keep my ruminating thoughts under control. I don't obsess about things as much any more, but I still feel like myself. My thoughts have not changed, but I don't dwell on them as much any more. I can live a normal life now without staying up all night stuck on the same thought pattern. (Ie. imagining I made a huge mistake at work and dwelling on it all night.) | F | 38 | 6 years | 9/22/2009 | 4 | Anxiety | None...some sexual side effect like reaching orgasm but wasnt too much of an issue and it slowly faded anyways. | Did a great job of stabalizing my mind. Not that it cures freaking out but when I do I dont get any physical symptoms from it | M | 36 | 3 years | 9/20/2009 | 1 | Very mild anxiety | Dizzy, dry mouth, out of body feeling, lots of speeding heart feeling. Also had no sleep for 36 hours. Very hard drug on the body and mind. It's like I was living in the move "matrix" I felt like reality was not real and my dreams had the taken over my life. I felt my skin was on fire from my sholders down to my hands, my body was shaky and sweaty. My brain had a tingling sensation. And my eyes dialated and I noticed my left eye was puffy. Very scary. | Do not take this med. Please talk to someone and deal with the emotions. This is after all a drug and "drugs" are not good. I have never needed help with my issues but lately life got overwhelming, but I would rather lose control of my emotions than lose my MIND. Please take caution. We all have overwhelming stress, but there is not a magic pill for it. I should know after working in a pharmacy since 1998. | F | 32 | 1 days | 9/20/2009 | 1 | Anxiety | Clenched teeth, jitters, seemed to increase my anxiety, fear escalated, extreme confusion, I am instructor on software programs, I could not even remember what buttons to push. I was told to give it 4-6 weeks and things would get better. It only got better when I quit taking this medication. I could not even make decisions on this medication. Be extremely cautious when taking this medication. | I do not believe this medication will help people deal with their problems but instead just numbs the emotions. I will stick with therapy. I prefer to deal with reality than to not even be concerned with reality. | F | 49 | 6 weeks | 9/20/2009 | 4 | Depression&Anxiety | I had hand shakes,warmness in my body,very energized,mood was alot better,sweating,pretty bad insomnia which i did not like.Loss in appetite but i think it is going to work hopefully.I just dont want to feel like I did before ever again! | I just hope these side effects subside after taking it for awhile. | F | 26 | 2 days | 9/17/2009 | 3 | PANIC DISORDER | tired, weight gain, still have panic attacks | I HAVE BEEN ON LEXAPRO FOR 1 YEAR AND 1/2. I SUFFER FROM EXTREME PANIC ATTACKS THAT ARE UNCONTROLLABLE. WHEN TAKING LEXAPRO, FOR THE MOST PART IT SLOWED ALOT OF THEM DOWN, BUT I STILL GET PANIC ATTACKS. IM GOING TO MY DR. TO TRY SOMETHING ELSE. | F | 31 | 1 years | 9/17/2009 | 3 | Anxiety | Terrible headaches, felt like a space case a lot of the time, harder time remembering things | It did work with the anxiety for the MOST part. Still experience sweaty palms, feet, & dizziness occasionally. | F | 22 | 1 years | 9/16/2009 | 3 | Depression/anxiety | Sleeplessness followed by extreme fatigue, headaches, withdrawls | It helped for my depression but not anxiety! I still have to take 15mg of Buspar as needed to control the anxiety! I can't say if my nausea is from the lexapro, but I am on Zofran to combat the nausea. I only really had 2 side effects: 1) I am incredably tired but must take a sleeping pill to actually fall asleep and stay asleep! I also get more frequent headaches. I was never tapered up to the 10mg I am on now....just started it. I dis try and wean myself off it and it was HORRIBLE! Dizziness, confusion, shaking, nausea, migraines, and mood swings! I may be stuck on it forever! My sister also takes lexapro but she takes 10mg everyother day. That doesn't work for me but maybe it will for someone reading this! | F | 25 | 9 months | 9/13/2009 | 3 | Anxiety | Yawning and diarrhea - both side effects gone now during my 4th week of Lexapro. No sexual desire-which is a real bummer symptom! | Very subtle effect. I kind of wish it was a little more dramatic. Still, I am feeling much less anxiety over the small things that used to get me so worked up. It kind of feels like a buffer zone between the world and me. One nice effect: I kind of get a warm/fuzzy tickly feeling (hard to describe) which is really calming. I'm better at socializing and coping with work stress. I still get freaked out about the things I hear about on the news, though. It is helping, but not in a major way. I'll hang in there for a couple of months and report back. | F | 39 | 4 weeks | 9/11/2009 | 1 | adjustment disorder | Do not take this drug for the long term. Stop once you're well. Currently I am suffering from chronic insomnia because I have difficulty expressing sadness. | F | 23 | 1 years | 9/10/2009 | 5 | depression, anxiety | some insomnia at first | Works great for me. I've taken several antidepressants, including Zoloft, Remeron, and Pristiq. Lexapro works the best for me. | M | 30 | 2 months | 9/9/2009 | 3 | depression/anxitey | frequent headaches, dry mouth, tired all the time, increase appetite, dizziness when eyes are closed, lots of yawning that feels different. | it did help with my mood, quick irribility, anxiety and depression. But having a headache everyday makes it hard to be worth it. Not sure what i hate more. | F | 26 | 3 months | 9/9/2009 | 5 | anxiety | Lots of yawning and feeling tired in the first week, but it seems to be getting better. | I am feeling so much better and my anxiety has totally disappeared. I am very happy with Lexapro. | F | 25 | 2 weeks | 9/7/2009 | 1 | anxiety | terrible all over shakiness, head vibrations, insomnia, sweaty palms and feet, night sweats, loss of appetite, anxiety, panicky, could not focus at work | Would not recommend for anxiety. The doctor said to take time for the side effects to wear off as my body adjusts to the medicine, but after 11 days of .5 mg a day, I have realized that the lack of sleep and constant shakiness/anxious feeling makes everything worse. I'd rather deal with the anxiety through counseling than through this pill. I'm weaning myself off of it. | F | 36 | 11 days | 9/5/2009 | 4 | Depression, Anxiety | Mild diaohrea first week or two and mild headaches. Have experienced some weight gain and feeling hungry all the time and decreased libido. | This drug has been a godsend for me. My partner noticed a change in my mood within a few days. I am a lot calmer, more relaxed and less stressed about the minor things. The benefits of this have outweighed the side effects for me. I have been taking 10mg each day for the past 6 months. Not sure how I would be without it. | F | 40 | 6 months | 8/30/2009 | 5 | Bi-Polar | Muscle aches | Was on prozac that stopped working. Switched to Lexapro. No more depression. Works great. | F | 46 | 2 years | 8/28/2009 | 4 | anxiety, stress, depression | In the beginning very tired. Lightheadness, night sweats, weird dreams | On day 1 I could sleep all day and that was at full strength 10mg. Day 2 I tosses and turned all night long, then just when I got to sleep, it was time for me to wake up. Day 3 I started to split the pills in half, taking one half in the A.M. and the other half at P.M.. I have notice that so far I am a lot calmer and more relax, not freaking out even over major events. My concertration has improved some what and what appetite I do have has once again decrease. As far as libido its still there. | F | 36 | 5 days | 8/28/2009 | 3 | anxiety,,, depression | None Yet | I started taking lexapro to help with depression,,,,,I think for me its depression that leads to my anxiety,,,not the other way around. I still have a hard time getting up in the morning. My outlook is depressing. I'll continue and see what happens. I've had no real noticeable side effects. | M | 35 | 8 days | 8/26/2009 | 1 | Depression | It made my depression worse. And it had severe sexual side effects, which did not help the depression. | Hungry all the time! | M | 17 | 2 months | 8/26/2009 | 3 | anexity | I have been on lexapro for 2 days now. I feel like I cant sleep at night...my hands are sweaty and my chest is hot...if anyone else has gone through this please email me at jb128867@gdn.edu I really need some advice! | F | 24 | 2 days | 8/25/2009 | 4 | GAD, Panic Disorder | Nausea, upset stomach, feeling jittery, weird dreams, yawning if I don't take the pill at exactly the same time each day, lack of libido, and lack of appetite (which is good if you want to control your weight). But the worst is feeling like my brain is scrambled at night... like when I wake up it takes a while for me to feel like me again... like my brain has to put all the pieces back together again. It's hard to describe if you haven't felt it. | I tapered up to the full 10mg dose (5 days at 2.5mg, 5 days at 5 mg, then the full dose). I felt best on the 5 mg dose. It definitely helped with my anxiety right away, and the side effects are much more tolerable than the Cymbalta I was on before. I'm on the 10 mg dose now, but will see about going back down to the 5 mg dose if my side effects don't improve (I've only been on the 10 mg for 3 days now). Overall, I think Lexapro is going to work for me, it's just a matter of getting on the right dosage. | F | 34 | 13 days | 8/24/2009 | 3 | anxiety | hives, angioedema. | started with itchy palms, hives, then angioedema | F | 55 | 3 years | 8/22/2009 | 4 | Depression/Anxiety | First 3 days had felt like I was a talking box, fidgety, tired. Oh, and constant yawning. | The first week or so I felt like I couldn't stop talking. I was really tired and fidgety at the same time...All of that eventually went away and now I feel much better. Most of my anxiety and depression has gone away...I am still yawning a bunch and I still have my "days", but overall, I am glad that I started taking it. I have always been leary of taking psych meds, but this has been good for me and my marriage. Used to be "on edge", and angry about everything, but it's all gone!!! Yay! | F | 26 | 4 weeks | 8/20/2009 | 3 | Anxiety/Depression | Short term memory loss, Drunk off of one beer, blackout on 2nd - 3rd drink, muscle stiffness, insomnia, vivid dreams, balance is off. | I'm very back and forth about this because my mom takes LExapro and doesn't have any issues. I'm currently going to see my dr. because of my short term memory loss. I can't remember any plans I make. I quit drinking on the medicine because of the blackouts and I thought that might help my memory but it didn't. | F | 23 | 4 months | 8/20/2009 | 3 | depression | Helped my father initially with depression.Gerontologist kept him at 20mg. Recently hospitalized with sroke symptoms- falling,confusion. developed severe hyper-reflextivity- bruises from jeking and hitting side of bed, hallucinations, panic, flushing. Had spontaneous retroperitoneal bleed. Off for 2 days now and finally sleeping for past 2 weeks and more like himself. Wish I would have known the side effects esp at higher doses. | M | 83 | 18 months | 8/19/2009 | 4 | anxiety/hypertension | Fatigue (but not sure if it's the lexapro or my BP med. Diovan) | Dr. prescribed lexapro because my BP was not responding to the Diovan. Since starting Lexapro, I don't feel tense all the time. Also, no longer have the urge to "smash" things. Generally, I feel much calmer and my BP has gone down significantly. | F | 59 | 2 months | 8/18/2009 | 5 | anxiety | At first I was jittery right after taking and experienced a extreme hunger. Those side effects are now gone. | This drug gave me my life back! I started out at 5mg then 10 and finally at 20mg/day. Started slow so that my body could get used to it with as little side effects as possible. I have gone 2 weeks without taking a Lorazepam and I am finally out doing things in the world! Things I couldn't do before especially without taking a Lorazepam. I have not gained weight either. Thank God for Lexapro! | F | 8 weeks | 8/17/2009 | 5 | depression | The first few days, nausea and tiredness. But both went away. | After reading the posts, I want to tell people, "to stick it out" on the nausea, etc. It does go away. Lexapro helped me sooooo much! My doctor added it to my Wellbrutrin 300XL, as it wasn't pulling me out of the pit of depression. Adding lexapro did....Please give it at least 10 days. I so feel for anyone suffering from depression, it is difficult and sad, especially when you are around people that don't suffer. They can't seem to help saying, "You're life is great, just be happy"....Drove me nuts! Hang in there!!! | F | 46 | 8 months | 8/16/2009 | 4 | Depression | None | I take 75 mg Effexor with 20 mg Lexapro and wouldn't trade it for the world. This combo helped snap me out of my depression and helps keep me positive, even keeled and smiling. I should note that I first started taking 20 mg Lexapro solo before Effexor was added and it was not very effective on its own. | F | 30 | 5 months | 8/13/2009 | 4 | anxiety and depression and PMS | indigestion (ongoing) and a feeling of "brain freeze" when I first began. I am experiencing increased energy, and with that, some increase in anxiety. | Over all this medication had helped me tremendously so far with depression and PMS. WORD TO THE WISE: I attribute my success in part to the GRADUAL increase in medication strength- from 2.5 mg to 5 mg for over a month, and now to 7.5 mg for ten days and then onto 10 mg. Some here went to 10 mg in a week- for me I have been on Lexapro for almost 2 months and and still not up to 10 mg. | F | 29 | 2 months | 8/8/2009 | 3 | depression/anxiety | no side effects | no change in mood | F | 30 | 3 months | 8/7/2009 | 3 | depression | feeling flat all of the time, almost zombie-like. No emotions whatsoever. Hair is thinning, insomnia, severe inability to concentrate, night sweating | my doc prescribed this to me to ward off my seasonal affective disorder and depression..it worked good for a while, but almost immediately upon starting this medication I began to have terrible night sweats, I go to the gym and I am drenched after two minutes, and now I feel as flat emotionally. I'd rather feel something than nothing at this rate. It did work for a few months but the side effects are too much for me. I'd rather try something else. | F | 31 | 10 months | 8/6/2009 | 2 | anxiety | hand tremors, insomnia, waking up after a few hours of sleep having a panic attack/palpatations, constant yawning, fatigue, tingling feeling in legs and arms, dizziness similar to an aura before a seizure | I take 10mg before bed. About a week and a half after starting this med, I began having constant hand tremors and shocking feelings going through my legs and arms. I was alos yawning constantly and realized that I havent been able to sleep at all. When I do get to sleep, several times I will wake up out of the blue having a panic attack, which is very scary. Also, I will wake up in the morning with numbness and tingling in my hands. I have had MRI/MRA and full heart work up and everything is fine. I fully believe that my issues are Lexapro realated, especially after reading the comments posted here. | F | 38 | 3 weeks | 8/6/2009 | 3 | depression | Decreased sex drive! Mood changes,tired all the time loss of sleep | F | 20 | 2 years | 8/5/2009 | 2 | for mild depression | spaced out/zombie-like,severe sweats,irregular heartbeats,extreme hot flushes,clenched jaw,loss of appetite,drowsey yet unable to relax,unable to sleep,irritable,swelling of face,extreme shakes,very jittery,very nauseous | i was advised by my dr to take 5mg the first 2 days,then move up to 10mg,i felt drowzey and spaced out when taking the 5mg,with extreme nauseousness,and bad sweating.i took the 10mg in the late afternoon and felt very sick,went to bed that eve and couldnt sleep,got up as was so aggitated and nearly fainted,felt hot flushes rushing through my body/chest,skin was tingling,it felt like a bad mushroom trip/or like coming up on extacy.i had to call a friend to pick me up and drive me to hospital,the A&E was full,couldnt sick there and wait as was too aggitated to stay still,sat up most of the night,getting the flushes and the other symptoms i have described.i didnt take any doses today,and im going to my doctor tommorow as this was a scary experienced for me | F | 28 | 3 days | 8/4/2009 | 1 | Depression | Severe muscle cramping, twitching and pain in legs, esp thighs | F | 51 | 6 months | 8/4/2009 | 4 | Anxiety, depression | Nausea (severe at times), occasional tremors, delayed orgasm, hot flashes | The first time I took Lexy (10 mg) was terrifying. I went to sleep, then woke up a couple hours later feeling extremely nauseous. All of the sudden a hot flash shot throughout my body, my heart skipped several beats, and I felt like I was going to die for a minute. I gradually calmed down and sweated profusely. That said, Lexy ain't all bad. I've been more socially confident, been told for the first time that I'm outgoing, and haven't had as much anxiety. My emotional range might be a little muted (I don't cry nearly as much), but I still feel like myself. Increased dosage to 15 mg a month ago. I missed a dose yesterday, and now I'm nauseous, my abdomen is queasy, and I get occasional, incredibly uncomfortable waves of heat that shoot up from my stomach to my sternum. Although I took my missed dose this afternoon, the symptoms are lingering. Rather disturbing, and I wonder how the hell I'm going to get off this stuff. But Lexy's different for everyone, and it certainly has helped out with my anxiety. Keep an open mind. | M | 21 | 11 months | 8/2/2009 | 1 | Anxiety | Seretonin syndrome | Was rushed to hospital 2 hrs after my first 10mg dose. Woke from sleep extremely dizzy, severe buzzing in head & body, racing heart, thought I was going to die. | F | 39 | 1 days | 8/2/2009 | 1 | Depression | Got fat, hated life. | Was so much better once I went off after 10 months and did it cold turkey with NO negative effects. Felt almost euphoria going off it. Never again with that drug. That stuff is poison. Avoid at all costs and explore other options. | M | 54 | 10 months | 7/29/2009 | 5 | GAD | weight gain, loss of libido | My doctor prescribed Lexpro at a time in my life when I was working in a terrible hostile work environment. The stress was literally killing me and I was angry and crying all the time. She started me on 5mg, increased to 10 mg. At my 9 month check up, my life situations had changed drastically and I no longer needed the hlep from the drug. I didn't mind being on Lexapro. I was happier, able to better cope with emotional disasters and more patient and caring with my children. The weaning off part was TERRIBLE. For 2-3 weeks I was dizzy all the time. I had these crazy, vivid funhouse dreams and woke up feeling terrible. Once I was over the withdrawl I felt better and have moved on without and drugs at all. Six months after being completly off Lexapro I'm happy and productive. | F | 33 | 9 months | 7/22/2009 | 2 | GAD with Anxiety induced nausea | More nausea, feeling in a "fog" for several days. Side effects not terrible but drug ineffective. | Been on 10mg for 3 years and now 20mg for 6 weeks. No difference except more floating feelings for 10-12 days. This is going away but the purpose was to feel more relaxed - NOTHING. Take with Xanax which is way more effective. Lexapro is like taking a sugar pill. PLEASE RESPOND IF ANYONE HAS ANXIETY INDUCED NAUSEA - I'd love to know what drug(s) worked. Have tried Paxil and Prozac too. | M | 45 | 4 years | 7/22/2009 | 5 | generalized anxiety and bipolar | sexual side effects... nothing else | amazing drug. could not live without it. taken it for 10 years. gives me my life back. | F | 29 | 10 years | 7/20/2009 | 1 | Low energy, depression | HORRIBLE fatigue, yawning so many times a day and so hard that I would actually groan. Could not muster the energy to do everyday tasks but could NOT sleep at night. I was completely restless. It was exhausting. | This did not work with my body chemistry- I took for 2 weeks and could not tolerate the "walking zombie" feeling any more. Doc switched me to Wellbutrin and I am a NEW WOMAN! | F | 35 | 2 weeks | 7/17/2009 | 3 | depression | sleepy | Works well for suicidal idea but not for the mood , I still fell depressed | M | 22 | 6 months | 7/14/2009 | 1 | Anxiety, depression | Increased appetite, weight gain, low libido, inability to orgasm, life limiting lethargy, spaced out feeling | No discernible benefits, intolerable side effects, withdrawal effects | F | 40 | 8 weeks | 7/14/2009 | 1 | Social anxiety. Depression. | Excessive perspiration. Erectile dysfunction. Almost no libido at all. | Utterly useless. | M | 34 | 2 years | 7/14/2009 | 5 | depression | Sweating and dizziness were a little problematic for the first week I used Lexapro and again for the first week when I increased my doseage from 10 mg to 20 mg. The only continuing side effect I've noticed is some fatigue. | For me, this medication has been very helpful. I sleep better with fewer bad dreams. My upsetting emotions have been easier to control, and between the medication and some talk therapy, I'm feeling good-natured, hopeful about the future, and busy with ideas and plans for my life. The "bad" things are still going on as far as distressing situations over which I have little or no control, but they are not overwhelming me. I have been successful at losing a pound a week for the past 48 weeks with walking and a moderate diet. | F | 55 | 11 months | 7/13/2009 | 3 | mild depression | weight gain, hair breakage, inability to orgasm | F | 55 | 3 months | 7/8/2009 | 4 | OCD, anxiety | Night time grinding of teeth and hormonal changes (PMS) | For me the positive benefits of lexapro have outweighed the negative side effects. | F | 28 | 2 years | 7/7/2009 | 1 | depression | Emotions drowned to near zero. I was noticably in a cloud similar to drunk 3 drinks to wind at work unable to decide or even care about disasters that occured durring this time. | had no withdrawals - a plus. Tried to get on this drug 2x times and each time didnt make it to 6th day as couldnt continue the living in a white out of world around me. | M | 44 | 15 days | 7/6/2009 | 1 | Depression | Severe Exhaustion, loss of appetite, depression, confusion, nausea | The above relates to my mother who is 81 years old. I want to thank this web site for enlightening my as to her symptoms. I was going crazy trying to understand why she was feeling like this. I am forever grateful to you people. It seems to me she should have never taken the drug. Apparently she complained of feeling low and her cardiologist gave her Lexapro. | F | 2 months | 7/6/2009 | 5 | depression/anxiety | some weight gain | This stuff is the bomb!!!Works great for me | M | 47 | 3 months | 7/4/2009 | 5 | Bipolar I | Severe shakes during the first weeks - my entire body would shake. If I missed a dose, I would feel slightly nauseous that day. Both of these side effects went away and now I have none. Slight lowering of libido, maybe? | Fantastic drug for me. Excellent anti-depressant, works in hours and has no cognitive side effects for me. I take 20 mgs/daily except during manic episodes/hospitalizations. Coming on and off it is painless. | F | 41 | 5 years | 7/3/2009 | 4 | Depression/anxiety | Gain weigth & low sexual drive | I ahve taken this medication for many years and I have gain weith (about 10 LBS)and the worst part is that despite that I work out 5 times per week I havenot being able to loose weight. Also, my sexual drive is very low, problem with erection. | M | 47 | 9 years | 6/30/2009 | 3 | anxiety | vivid dreams, grinding teeth, inability to orgasm, tired, caring about things less | The most difficult part about being on the lexapro has been the exhaustion. I started taking lexapro about 16 months ago. I have never been so tired in my life. I've been able to adjust to it and know what to expect now. I have to say that I am much more calm and have zero mood swings. Things don't seem to bother me like they used to. I still have some anxiety about things, but overall it has helped me. I've tried to get off of it before and have experienced the "brain zaps" that people have described and went back on. Even though it has helped me, I would advise against it. There has to be something better and less addictive out there. | F | 25 | 16 months | 6/30/2009 | 3 | anxiety | spaced out feeling, muscle spasms, inability to concentrate | i'm a bit biased - i just don't like taking these drugs, because i don't feel like ME anymore. I don't enjoy the zombie-like feeling. Occasionally I have missed doses - VERY BAD IDEA! This caused weird muscle type spasms in my whole body. felt like lighting bolts were constantly jabbing me all over. i couldn't concentrate on anything. it was horrible. sleep was very hard too. luckily it didn't last long. Just make sure you do not miss a dose or this drug will mess with you badly! | F | 21 | 5 months | 6/28/2009 | 2 | Depression, Anxiety | Weight gain, inability to orgasm, felt a little bit like a zombie. | I took Lexapro 15 or 20 mg for about a year, and didn't even realize how much I didn't like it 'til I stopped taking it. I gained at least 10 pounds since I started taking it. I look back at pictures from when I was taking it and my face was very chubby from it. One of the worst things was that I couldn't orgasm. It felt impossible, even if I felt like I was going to, it just wouldn't happen, which was very frustrating. After stopping the Lexapro I also noticed the fact that it had made me feel a little bit like a drone, prob. not noticeable to others, but I felt a little zombie-ish. I take Wellbutrin now and love it. I don't have any problems with having orgasms now or weight gain. | F | 21 | 1 years | 6/27/2009 | 4 | depression | fatigue, slightly embarrassing chattiness at work, inability to have orgasm | the worst part for me and why I stopped in 2 wks ago after only taking it for a week, is the chattiness and short, unexplainable, very embarassing, spurts of hyperactivity, in front of other people. I decided to stop because I am new at work, and didnt want it to be obvious to people that I'm on something. I'm trying my best to fit in, and it was hard because I kind of butted in on other people's conversation, ..against my own will......... I do want to find something else to take, or if anyone knows whether the hyper side effects ore only temporary,then I will start Lexapro again. I am at the point that at home, I can't get anything accomplished and slipping in to a deeper depression. The only time that I'm ok is at work, totally normal functioning and acting, but at home I'm a zombie. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated | F | 43 | 7 days | 6/25/2009 | 1 | depression | loss of appetite (with weight loss as a result), teeth grinding, twitching, constant yawning, delayed reflexes, flashes of light, very painful legs, hot flashes, slurred/slow speech, loss of desires/interests (couldn't function in day to day life) | For some Lexapro works wonders, but in my case it made my depression worse. I couldn't do anything at all, hardly got any sleep, was in pain a lot (especially at night) and couldn't eat anything (as even the thought of most foods made me gag. Once I stopped with Lexapro I felt so much better (at least, compared to when I was taking Lexapro). | F | 22 | 5 weeks | 6/25/2009 | 4 | GAD, panic attacks | weight gain, approx 40 lbs in 5 years | Really helped my anxiety, but now I'm depressed because I'm fat. So there ya go. was on 10 mg per day for 4 years, now on 15 mg per day for 1 year. | F | 33 | 5 years | 6/24/2009 | 1 | Stress and Anxiety | Took 10 mg before bed....woke up 3 hours later having panic attacks, nightmares, couldn't go back to sleep, throwing up, body felt like it was on fire, my mom sad my face was green. | I've tolerated Celexa much better but I think its because you can cut your doses of Celexa and start out really low. | F | 27 | 1 days | 6/24/2009 | 4 | depression and anxiety | nausea, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping | I initially took Lexapro at 10mg with my Wellbutrin in order to stop a debilitating depressive episode from progressing. The side effects got better after 2 months. Then I got lazy and wasn't consistent about taking it and whenever I tried to take it again I'd deal with horrible nausea, so I weaned off. After about 4 months of being off, I noticed my irritability and anxiety increasing, so my new doc suggested a measly 2.5 mg dosage. I'm dealing with mild nausea but feel the calming affects. I need to hang in there. BUT I think we all need to remember why we turned to anti-depressants in the first place - because we were severely depressed or ridden with debilitating anxiety that affected us living a good quality of life. If life was better off the meds than perhaps you didn't need them as bad as others do. When my side effects are difficult to deal with, I remember that a debilitating major depressive episode, wanting to curl up and die, is FAR worse and I am thankful that I have options to help me live a normal life. | M | 39 | 1.5 years | 6/19/2009 | 4 | For anxiety and depression | I experienced weight gain, dizziness, dry mouth, and being tired but overall the medicine helps me | I am now in the process of taking 20 mg, going down to 10 mg. Would like to hear from people that were on 20 mg and went to 10 to see how the side effects are from that. | F | 43 | 3 years | 6/18/2009 | 1 | Depression | Weight gain, HAIR LOSS, increased depression, fatigue, lethargy | I switched from Cymbalta to Lexapro and after approximately 30 days, I began feeling very bad. I gained 13 lbs in 6 weeks and could not get out of bed after 60 days. My hair started falling out by the handful. I quit cold turkey last week and I feel a lot better today but hair loss continues. Doc said that should reverse within a month. Very negative experience. | F | 44 | 90 days | 6/16/2009 | 1 | anxiety / depression | Extremely tired and dizzy. Nausea. Spaced out feeling. | I've only been on this drug (5mg) for 3 days and I feel numb. I'm not sure if I should continue because I want to try and give it a chance. My doctor's plan was to have me take 5mg for a week and then move up to 10mg. But I'm scared to do that given how incredibly tired I am. I went for a 2-mile walk today because I a love to exercise and don't want to lose that in my life. I thought I was going to pass out. I don't know what to do. Any thoughts? | M | 51 | 3 days | 6/14/2009 | 1 | Depression/anxiety | Nausea, extreme fatigue, leg tremors, jaw clenching, edginess, numbed feelings, sleeplessness, insomnia, loss of appetite | I only took this for 6 days. The first 2 or 3 days were fine, although I felt a little weird and edgy and didn't sleep well. By the 4th day I was feeling kind of bad. The 5th and 6th days were pure hell, I could not get out of bed to go to work or do anything. I just laid there, not sleeping, feeling awful. I've been off four days and I still have some trouble sleeping along with constant nausea, loss of appetite. Wish I had never touched the stuff. | M | 38 | 6 days | 6/11/2009 | 3 | Social Anxiety | Lethargy, Decrease in sex drive and difficulty in maintaining erection or reaching orgasm, extreme apathy, laziness, slight confusion and memory loss, weight gain. | I will say one thing for this medication - it was the only drug that enabled me to stay off benzos ( Xanax most recently) - I had been taking benzos for my anxiety for many, many years and had tried so many times to stop them without success. Finally after trying most other things, I was prescribed Lexapro a couple of years ago and I have not had to go back on the Xanax which is astounding. I have now been almost 2 weeks off the Lexapro - it made me very lazy - just wanted to lie around all day and also made me completely unconcerned regarding my appearance in public. ( a bit too unconcerned!) As it has been a full 10 years since I have spent any significant time on no medication at all, I would like to have some clarity again, and time to restore my memory if possible. I would recommend Lexapro for Social Anxiety over anything else, as long as you are willing to take the side effects - weight gain , no sex, etc ( Sounds great doesn't it? ) | M | 50 | 2 years | 6/10/2009 | 2 | Depression, anxiety, suicidal | High blood pressure, hyperactivity, headaches | At one point I switched from Zoloft to Lexapro and just couldn't get used to the new medication. With Lexapro, I experienced hyperactivity, higher blood pressure, headaches, and skin flushing akin to that from niacin supplements. Took Lexapro for 3 weeks then switched to Paxil. Paxil works great for me. I know it isn't for everyone. | M | 43 | 3 weeks | 6/10/2009 | 2 | Body dysmorphia | At first, it seemed as if the drug had been helping and doing it's job. Then a few months later the sides started coming in. ...jitteriness, tremors, extreme agitation and nervousness, nausea, vivid dreams, night sweats, headache, shortness of breath, severe bouts of depression, anger, the list goes on and on. | This drug may help some people, but it's not meant for my body. I just fear the bitch of a time I'm going to have getting off this crap. | M | 21 | 2 years | 6/9/2009 | 3 | add-on antidepressant | Loss of sex drive, impotence, trouble ejaculating. | I was prescribed 10mg Lexapro as an addition to Cymbalta to help reduce anxiety and anger. The Lexapro worked great, but after a few weeks I started having sexual side effects. I cut down to 5mg 2 weeks ago, but I am still having trouble keeping an erection and ejaculating. My doctor suggested a new drug called Abilify, which as an add-on to my current antidepressant, can help with my anxiety, but not have such severe sexual side effects. Abilify is a newer drug, but the clinical trials look promising, so I am going to give it a try. | M | 37 | 6 weeks | 6/8/2009 | 2 | Migraines and anxiety | Muscle tremors in right arm, muscle spasms in feet, increased anxiety and panic attacks, nervousness, ringing in ears, dry mouth, brain freezes. | I have been taking this medication for almost four years and recently began having the strangest symptoms/side effects. At first I thought I'd had a stroke or was developing MS until I read other peoples comments on this drug. (MRI's all came up clear, yet the doctor didn't make the connection with lexapro and these side effects.)I'm going to gradually ween off of this. I'm not "me" anymore. Scary. | F | 52 | 4 years | 5/27/2009 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
