Does Lexapro really work?

Bookie · Post by **Bookie** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:39 am

I have suffered with anxiety and panic disorder for the past six years. I am currently seeing a psychiatrist who is suggesting I take Lexapro. If you have taken Lexapro before will you please tell me if it really works with getting rid of the anxiety symptoms and panic attacks. Does it help you to feel normal again and enjoy life? What about the side effects?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:29 am

I take lexapro. I have been taking it since I was about 16 and I am 22 now I take 10 mg but when I feel really bad when I go threw bad episodes they up it to 15mgs and it really does help. it helps you to take the edge off while you work on your program. I still feel anxious somtimes but i think thats only normal

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 1:13 pm

Hi there, do you remember how long the lexapro took to kick in. They started me on 10mg but up me to 20mg last week. All in all I've been on it for 3 weeks and still feel anxious all day every day. Thanks for any feed back

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:32 pm

I "was" on Lexapro 20 mg's for years (probably 6 or 7). At one time I had a psychiatrist up me to 40mg. When I was on 40mg it was like I had constant brain fog. I couldnt think and my memory was shot. While on the normal 20mg I had minimal side effects. One major was the
"in the sack" side effect. Being in my early 20's I was not too appreciative of this! I am now glad to announce that I am now off Lexapro!! I feel so much better. My side effect is gone and I laugh more!

But to answer the original post...does it work? Yes it work wonderfully for anxiety. I think I only had a few attacks when I was on it. When the attack did happen it was usually so short lived that when it was over I then realized that it was an anxiety attack!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:52 pm

Hi, I've been on lexapro since Feb., of this year. I started out on 10mg, and just upped it to 15mg, about a moth ago. I'd say it took about a good month after I started taking it before I could feel any real positive change. You definately have to give time to get in your system. It has worked for me pretty well! I haven't had a panic attack since March, and hadn't had to take xanax since then either. However, I think the side effects lasted for about 2wks after I started taking it. It only got better a little bit at a time from there. I did have to up it after about 6mos, bcuz my body symptoms started to work on me again, but they have definately simmered down after I upped it to 15mg. Everyone's reaction is different, but again you do have to give it time to work! Good luck!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 5:15 pm

I cant really remember how long it took for it to work since I started taking it about 6 or 7 years ago. I agree with INDY5QQ it does have some sexual side effects and I am in my early 20's too so it is kinda hard to deal with that, but I would rather feel better than to have a sexual appitite.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:40 pm

Hi I just began taking Lexapro 14 days ago today....I have not have a full blown anxiety attack since the day I began the medication...however I am dealing with the fear of fear, as well as the fear of anxiety. What are your recommendations?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 5:07 pm

speaking for myself, lexapro has been a wonderfully effective medication. i've had no side effects - no brain fog, no weight gain, etc.

i am such an advocate for lexapro they should pay me as a spokesperson LOL

karma

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:21 am

I am on lex for about 3 months now. One month at 10mg, one month at 15mg and now a month at 20. Every time after I start to feel a little better, the anxiety comes back after a few weeks of the increase. Is this normal- or do I need to keep increasing it? I dont want to go much higher. I know you get more side effects after increasing, but then when those go away and I start to feel better, it comes back again.

I am just wondering, is this what they call leveling out. How many days does it last each time, or is it just not the right med for me? I dread trying something else after so much time. It has helped a little, though, so I am confused. Just looking for others experiences. Thanks so much, Maria

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 5:28 am

Lexapro does work, and yes it does have its side effects.

I was on 10 mg for the past 1 1/2 yrs and I did get control over my attacks and depression, as well, I overcame my IBS, but I did not utilize any therapy. Unfortunately, I like so many too experienced the sexual side effects, the memory lapses and brain fog, but the biggest downfall was the emotional numbness which I was not aware I was experiencing.

I stopped taking Lexapro in July as a trial because of my failing marriage. I attributed my lack of emotional connection to the medication. Sadly to say my marriage did end and my anxiety and panic attacks returned more powerful than before and so once again I am back on the medication. I am one week full in and feel moderately better. This time I am using my resources and medication to guide me through this process.