Escitalopram (Lexapro) for Anxiety

@meingan: I’ve been on Escitalopram for a couple years (began with 5mg & now on 10mg). In my experience I noticed a “lighter load” within the first week. If I mistakenly miss a dose I can tell I am having a bad day. This told me I need this drug to keep me emotionally balanced. Success!

@dbamos1945 Thank you so much for responding. I’m absolutely frightened of drugs and this gives me hope. God bless you. 🙏

After 52 years of marriage, my wife passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at home which shocked me. After a week of high blood pressure, my doc put me on 10 mg and that was in Feb 2025. I am still on 10 mg and getting by well. Recently, same doc said for me to stay on the 10 mg which I plan to do. I calmed me down and took the edge off. For me, no side effects but it can also depend on other meds or supplements you are taking. Best to you.

@njed Appreciate your input very much. Thank you. 🙏

Hi, can I increase from 5mg of Lexapro to 10 mg after 3 weeks? Will I have intense anxiety if I up the dose?
Any thoughts, suggestions most appreciated.

Hi @cooper1990 - glad you're here at Mayo Clinic Connect.

I moved your post to this discussion where others are discussing escitalopram (Lexapro):

- Escitalopram (Lexapro) for Anxiety https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/escitalopram-lexapro-for-anxiety/

I'm hoping members in this discussion such as @meingan @njed @dbamos1945 will offer input on whether they have been through increases of this medication before and how that went.

Are you and/or your doctor feeling like you need a higher dosage at this point, cooper1990? What have you experienced as far as your anxiety at the 5mg dose?

I have been on 10 mg per day due to unexpected death of wife as mentioned back in March and I am still on this dosage. At this point, no interest is discontinuing and doing OK. Ed

@lisalucier I have been on 20mg for 9 weeks and haven’t experienced any improvement. Apparently it can take up to 12 weeks. I’m suffering terribly daily.

@lisalucier
Hello and thank-you for your response. Appears I am quite sensitive to Lexapro. At 5mg I am experiencing high anxiety, Tinitus, waking multiple times in the night with high anxiety. Not pleasant. Hoping it is transitional - adjustment phase.
Thanks for reaching out! Appreciated.

@lisalucier so sorry to hear this! I hope it gets better for you soon. You are getting close to 12 weeks. Reach out anytime if you want to chat or vent. Sending you a big virtual hug!