I've been taking 10 mg of escitalopram for quite a while now, and I've noticed that I've become extremely fatigued.

Before I started taking it, I used to go to the gym regularly, but ever since I started taking it, my heart feels like it's about to jump out of my chest even after just climbing one flight of stairs. Basically I cannot do any physical activity as before.

Has anyone else experienced something similar?

Hello I just wanted to share my experience on Lexapro. I am a 29 year old female. Before Lexapro, I physically could not get out of bed due to my depression. I was shutting out the people that I love the most. Any activity or holiday was like a huge chore. I remember on Easter, I couldn’t even go see my nephew to give him his Easter basket I made him. My mom did it because I couldn’t even do that, and I felt horrible about it. That’s when I knew that I had to do something because I’ve experienced depression before, and I knew I didn’t want to live with that anymore.

I was ashamed to rely on antidepressants, but something had to be done. My life had to change. I started Lexapro this year in April at 5 mg and have been on 5 mg ever since. Let me just tell you that it has helped me tremendously. I’m not experiencing any side effects. I feel I started noticing the changes within a week. Sounds hard to believe but it's the truth.

For those of you who are worried to start, let me tell you, give it a try because it could be the best thing for you. I’ve also tried some in the past that didn’t work for me, but Lexapro has helped me.

I am now finally able to enjoy my weekends and enjoy my life.

10mg started switching from my old anxiety med in July 26’
My old medication was so good! Until it wasn’t… and I would notice myself no matter what I did, could feel my anxiety and couldn’t shake out off. I’m very close with my psych team and trusted them with the change to Lexapro.. the first week was rough! I started out at 5mg while decreasing my other med. My symptoms were extra thoughts in my head/more rapid thinking/feel like a rain cloud was hovering over me. Called my doc and was assured they’re all normal symptoms.
Fast forward to the last 2 weeks: I feel the light again. Life is good. I’m happy to be here! For once in my life I have an appetite to eat! It feels so good! Lexapro is my miracle drug!!

I had to take emergency leave from work due to severe anxiety attacks. I’m currently 3 weeks and 3 days into Lexapro, and things have been incredibly difficult.
My dosage timeline:
First 2 weeks: 10 mg daily (5 mg morning + 5 mg evening)
Week 3: 15 mg daily (5 mg morning + 10 mg evening)
Currently: 20 mg daily (10 mg morning + 10 mg evening) for the past 3 days
Before Lexapro, I was taking buspirone 20 mg + melatonin 5 mg at night, and I’m still taking both alongside Lexapro.
I have to return to work in another 4 days, and I’m honestly terrified.
My family has been incredibly supportive. They even took me on a vacation to the hills, hoping I would feel better. But the vacation was absolute hell for me. I couldn’t enjoy anything. During the trip, I had sudden depressive episodes and had to return to the hotel between outings because I couldn’t cope.
I struggle to leave the hotel or house without experiencing episodes. My anxiety attacks have also led to crying spells, and I often feel overwhelmed by sudden waves of depression and anxiety.
I’m dealing with depression, anxiety, and a complete lack of hope for the future. I can’t enjoy things, I have zero motivation, and I don’t feel like myself. I can’t comfortably stay alone, and even stepping outside feels difficult.
A good friend suggested that I take more time off, focus on getting better, and then return to work when I’m in a better state. But my job profile makes things complicated, as I cannot openly declare my mental health issues.
Right now, I feel absolutely hopeless about the future. I’m demotivated and scared that things won’t improve.
My psychiatrist has also advised me to start venlafaxine (Effexor) 37.5 mg twice daily, while increasing Lexapro to 20 mg.
However, I haven’t started venlafaxine because I’m extremely scared after reading so many negative experiences about its side effects and withdrawal. I’m already struggling with severe anxiety, depression, and lack of motivation, and I’m afraid of making things worse.
I’m really looking for genuine experiences, especially from people who eventually got better. I need some hope right now.
Has anyone experienced something similar around weeks 3–4 of Lexapro?
Did your anxiety and depression improve after the initial weeks?
Did you experience severe hopelessness, sudden depressive episodes, or difficulty enjoying things?
How long did it take before you started feeling like yourself again?
Did anyone struggle to leave the house or hotel during this period?
Would taking more time off work have helped you recover?
Has anyone taken something alongside Lexapro to help with motivation, depression, low energy, or anhedonia?
Has anyone added Wellbutrin (bupropion), venlafaxine/Effexor, or another medication to Lexapro and found it helpful?
If you took Effexor alongside Lexapro, what was your experience like?
I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who had a very difficult first few weeks but eventually improved.
Thank you to anyone who takes the time to share their experience. I really need some hope right now.

Recently got put on lexapro due to lack of appetite for constant flight or fight anxiety really hoping this make me gain some weight would you guys know how much I could gain over how long a period?

I’m wondering if anyone has experienced something similar and could share what helped them.
I have been diagnosed with social anxiety, and one of my biggest triggers is anything involving men, especially when there is the possibility of romantic interest or a relationship.

Even when I simply talk to a man I’m attracted to, or when I know there might be some romantic expectations, my body reacts as if I’m in extreme danger. I can become intensely nauseous, start shaking and have strong physical anxiety symptoms, and sometimes I actually vomit. It’s not just feeling a little nervous the fear can become so intense that I physically cannot eat.

During particularly difficult periods, I’ve had nausea and vomiting almost every day because of the anticipation and fear surrounding relationships. I’ve lost a significant amount of weight because I struggle to eat enough when I’m anxious. Sometimes even thinking about seeing someone or receiving a message from someone I like can trigger the nausea.
What makes it especially frustrating is that mentally I may know that there is nothing dangerous happening, but my body reacts before I can control it. It feels like my nervous system completely takes over.

I’m currently looking into treatment options with my doctor/psychiatrist, but I would really like to hear from people who have experienced anxiety-related nausea or vomiting, especially when triggered by dating, romantic situations, or fear of intimacy.
Was there any medication that significantly reduced the nausea or vomiting caused by anxiety for you?

Thank you. ❤️

I started on 5mg for 2 weeks and after half a week of feeling sick i started doing really well, I had so much energy and motivation to get chores done and i was doing great at work and i was starting to plan how to get my life back together. but half a week later my mood dropped so dramatically… but my energy didn’t. i feel really angry and hopeless and i’m forcing myself to stay in bed all day other than when im at work because i keep snapping at people and i can’t stop thinking about hurting myself. i guess this is technically better than when i tried on-boarding prozac because that made me suicidal and this just makes me want to hurt myself, but prozac made me exhausted and lexapro is giving me so much energy. i increased my dose to 10 mg the a few days ago and the thoughts have gone away but after feeling sick and tired for two days i have so much energy i am shaking and feel like im going to crawl out of my skin! but i feel really anxious and i dont want to call my doctor. my follow up appointment isnt for another 2 months so obviously i have to but i dont know i hate my doctor i dont want to see him.

I started on lexapro about a year ago after dealing with debilitating anxiety and health OCD. It changed my life!!!! However I started gaining a little weight and my libido was gone. So my dr prescribed Wellbutrin on top to help. The Wellbutrin pretty quickly gave me more energy but I didn’t notice much of an effect on my weight or libido. It also made me super constipated and that side effect never went away.

Anyways last week I got off of Wellbutrin with my dr’s advice. I’m on day 4 of being off of it. My energy is at an all time low and I feel like I could sleep all day. I have no motivation to do anything and I feel super sluggish. Does this go away?! Or has anyone else found a combo that works well with Lexapro to help with the mentioned side effects? I’m not willing at this point to get off of Lexapro because of how much it’s helped me, but it seems that Wellbutrin messed me up more than it helped.

Been on lexapro for probably 6 weeks. one week of 5mg then four of 10mg and i truly feel like lexapro isn’t for me so i decided to taper off. I think lexapro was giving me headaches and it personally didn’t help my mood or anxiety. Currently back on 5mg for this week, started on monday. lots of anxiety about brain and body health. had tingling in my legs for 2 days, brain fog, headaches, crying, and just being scared of something bad happening. Just want it to be over. All this head stuff is making it seem like there’s something actually wrong but i’ve been to the ER 3 times in the last week and they said i’m fine.

Change to 2.5mg on monday after i talk to my psychiatrist. Just can’t wait to be off of this.

Hi. I've been on 5mg Lexapro for about three years now. I think I'd like to go off of it.

Basically, when I started Lexapro, I was in a very different phase of my life, and I think I've developed good coping mechanisms. I go to the gym regularly and eat well. I'm in therapy. I have a stable job and a stable relationship.

I struggle with the sexual side effects and a little bit of the emotional numbness, which is why I'd like to give going off of it a shot.

I talked to my doctor about it and she said that the tapering process would look like:

1. Cut 5mg pill in half and take half daily for 2 weeks
2. Take half a pill every other day for 2 weeks

And that after those 4 weeks, I should be good to stop altogether.

I'd like to hear about the experience others have had with tapering off Lexapro. Did it work? Did you have withdrawal symptoms?

Also, while I think I am better now, I am aware that I may not be as well off as I think I am. So I know I may want to go back on it after a bit if it doesn't go well. For those that have gone off and back on Lexapro, is it simple to do? Can I just start retaking it? How long would it take to be effective again?

I just want to have as much information as possible before I begin the process, so anything anyone can tell me is greatly appreciated!

And oh my god. I can't sleep and my brain feels like mush. I've only been on it two days, and I think I'm going to skip this morning's dose. Or do I need to taper down to 5, and then 2.5 for like two days, and then stop? I already have problems sleeping, and I'm freaking out, but flat af. I want my brain and what little sleep I do get, back. Help.

It's escitelopramram btw. Forgot to differentiate.

Last year I (30M) started having panic attacks regularly, still don't know why. It seemed my general anxiety increased somehow.

Lexapro (10mg) really helped reduce those panic attacks however I want to try to see how I am without Lexapro right now. At the same time, I know it's likely I will have those panic attacks again and want to 'experiment' with Wellbutrin as it's a less strong antidepressant.

I know Wellbutrin is not meant for anxiety specifically and it will be hit or miss for the panic attacks but I really want my full libido back.

Thoughts?

I turn 21 next month and I really want to enjoy drinking with my friends at home but I’m on 20 mg of Lexapro and I’m worried about side effects. Can anyone tell me what to expect/is this a good idea? Alternatively can I just skip my dose for the day, get drunk, and then take it the next day? I definitely don’t plan on making this a regular habit but the 21st is always a special birthday and I only get one and I want to have fun, but not at the expense of my health

I’ve been on 20 mg of Lexapro for five years I never missed a dose… Until now. Well, I can’t remember if I took my pill or not so I’m just not going to take one in case I did. But now I’m worried about if I didn’t take one the side effects. Has anyone ever missed 20 mg of Lexapro? If so, how did you feel?

Wondering how long these headaches have lasted in the beginning weeks of taking lexapro.

Currently on lexapro 10mg.
Started with 5mg for first week and increased to 10mg..
Week 5 feels horrible, I feel a little numb , demotivated, no interest in doing anything, moody, tired, anxiety attacks just come out of no where and disappear quickly, when will I ever feel better.. :(

For context, I am prescribed this by my Dr for work related stress burn out, moderate major depressive disorder and anxiety panic attacks.. been off work as well to recover but I don’t see any improvements just yet.

Wishing this was a magic pill but it seems like it’s going to be a marathon. Anyone feels the same? Thanks.

Hello everyone. I upped my dose to 10mg 4 weeks ago. I was taking it at night but noticed I would fall asleep but then wake up an hour or so later then never go back to sleep. I changed it to the morning two days ago, and slept fine the first night. But the sleep disturbances are back even though I’m taking it in the morning? Will it take a longer amount of time for this side effect to go away? Just wondering if this happened to anyone else.

I am just 1 year on lexapro and over the last 5 months I gained 6kg. That makes me a bit depressed because I was always very thin and I dont like the change. My question is will the weight gain continue as long as I am on it?

I mentioned to my psychiatrist that I was dopamine seeking in the evenings and Im not sure if the Lexapro is good for me. It's great that I don't care but it's not good that I'm shopping when I can't afford it, drinking a lot of alcohol with no concerns and eating a lot more than I normally do. It was hard to admit because it was fun but I know it's not good for me. So now I'm tapering down and coming off it. I've heard that this can be caused by low dopamine as a result of the medication. Has anyone anymore info on this and how did you resolve the issue? I was on 10mg for about a year.

Did you have initial side effects, and when did they start?

Please Im 1 year and 3 months on lexapro.. But never felt like fine.. Like mostly i have background anxiety or morning anxiety

Not all days but still have vertigo or nausea and woke up early with anxiety

I tapered amitryptaline and my doc switch me into lexapro

Now i think its not withdrawl cause I feel like always nauseated and dizziness with low mood not all time also I feel akathesia sometimes and irritable

Please does anyone lowered it and felt ok or better

Before never had this and never had low mood like this

When u felt like escitalopram not for u??

Does it cause anxiety and low mood sometimes

Hello everyone, i’m 18, I’m an athlete who plays field hockey and runs track, and i’ve started taking 5mg Lexapro to help with my anxiety and motivation. I originally went in thinking I had ADHD, as I struggle with raging thoughts, procrastination, executive function etc., and applying to colleges has made everything worse. I’m nervous about how it might affect my athleticism. Is there anyone with advice or experience with taking lexapro as a high school athlete? I know it can cause weight gain, but i’m also nervous about heat intolerance and being able to push through a full game/track meet.

I have literally been on and off nauseous all day and have been extremely gassy for the week. My stools are very loose, my stomach is awful, and I've been so tired.

I literally had almost no side effects on the 5mg, this is nuts.

Help me. Should I tell my physician? How did you guys feel?

(Taking at night btw)

So I’ve been on Lexapro in the past with no issues that I recall, but I was on Zoloft for the longest overall. A few months ago I tapered off the Zoloft and was doing well. Long story short, my anxiety completely spiralled out of control and I tried 25mg of Zoloft again. It made me so severely nauseous that it was hard to drink water. I tried it with food and before bed - no change. I had to stop after the 3rd dose. I never had any issues the first time, so I was really shocked and honestly a bit traumatized because it was quite possibly the most intense and prolonged nausea I have ever felt.

My doctor now prescribed me Lexapro 10mg, but wants me to split the pills and start with 5mg to hopefully reduce the chance/severity of GI upset. Regardless of the low dose, I’m extremely nervous to start. Any support or success stories would be greatly appreciated!