6 MONTHS ON LEXAPRO (Escitalopram): Advice + Q&A |

Here's my experience with Lexapro (Escitalopram), which was prescribed for anxiety and depression. This video describes my side effects and how I've been getting on with the medication over the last 6 months. I also did a little Q&A based off my Instagram DMs!
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hi there and welcome to my channel! my name is mackenzie and i'm a 26 year old "adult" living and working in los angeles. i love cats, chipotle, flowers, concerts and spoonfuls of nutella. i work full-time with youtube creators and i'm a part-time creator myself! the best of both worlds, haha.
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i use this channel as a creative outlet, documenting anything from homey vlogs and out-and-about and travel vlogs, to career chats and my past experience living abroad in london. i also touch on anxiety and mental health, giving my advice and experience. basically, just doing my best to capture life as 20-something.. full-time job and all!
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[@bernesalinas3666]

Good job with these videos. I started escitalopram a bit more than a month ago due to general anxiety. I always thought that there was something wrong with my stomach since 14 years old. Now at my 28 i went to the psychiatrist because i figured out that maybe it wasn't just bad digestion, maybe i was too anxious. I think the medicament works really well and just want to say to everyone going through this treatment, TAKE IT EVERY DAY. I agree with Mackenzie since i forgot to take it a few days and the difference is HUGE! Side effects are more terrible when you stop taking it. Also, KNOW YOUR SELF! The medication is going to help you in your symptoms, but you have to make the homework! That is, know which things triggers your anxiety or depression, then, know how to fight it. A huge hug to everyone that is going through these mental issues, we are not alone!

[@amtm1982]

Gracias desde Mexico ❤️

[@cybercab]

I developed ulcers at 28 for the same reason. I found a new job and my ulcers went away. There's only so much the body can handle.

[@ankitshah397]

I started taking Lexapro at 5mg for generalized anxiety and OCD. At first I noticed my anxiety increased a bit but three weeks into it I can tell it's working. Thanks for sharing your positive experience.

[@RsRj-qd2cg]

I've been binge watching updates of people giving updates on antidepressants. It's amazing how much calmer you seem in this video compared to the first week.

[@brianbloom6931]

I'm getting ready to start on this on Saturday. After watching your videos i decided to wait until i had a day off to handle the side effects that might come along. Thanks for being willing to share it has helped me be prepared to start.

[@ziggymorris8760]

Wow, I just watched the video of when you first went on Lexapro and you can tell immediately you are much more upbeat here.

[@jake37644]

Thank you so much for your videos and sharing your experiences. They are very helpful. I just started on Lexapro. Hoping for very good results🤞

[@joyhurley-deluna1428]

So, I speak for all us anxious people, thank you for doing these videos. U recently just went on Lexapro. Working on 3 weeks now I believe and I don't know if it's working but I'm sticking with it. I was put on 10mg to start with and I literally felt like shit for 5 days. Went to the pharmacy and they said I could cut In half then after 3 days of feeling better I started the full pill again. I also was prescribed something for panic attacks. So far so good I say. In any case, these videos really helped ease the anxiety for sure so Thank you so much for doing these! You're awesome and now I'm a new subbie 😁

[@vidalynag3972]

Just found you and feeling less anxious about this medication. My primary care physician just started me on this medicine June 5th 2020. I thank you for sharing your journey. Will be watching your videos sweetie. Blessings always to you and all.

[@staceylynndemarr8297]

If you don't mind me asking how did you do with it when you first started taking it? You can text me if you'd like 301-848-7815

[@nicolebowen8979]

Do you take it in the morning or at night before bed? I’ve been on it for only 3 days and am taking it in the morning but heard people take it before bed as well.

[@silvesterutd9369]

Search "PSSD" on Google!!

[@journeyoflovelight]

I searched Lexapro and your channel came up...Thank you for sharing. I just had to talk to my primary MD. about meds. My insurance doesnt have any Phyc. MDs available and I have a large co pay. Im excited to watch your content.

[@Filmgirlphilosopher]

Thanks for sharing! Hi Nelson!

[@RsRj-qd2cg]

Omg you seem so much less tired and happier than you were in the 1 month video!

[@meganpratt5482]

That lexapro dizzy is no joke. I didn’t have it getting on, just when weaning off or when I forgot to take it

[@cedricchester29]

I went back to Escitalopram just this week. I was on a different medication for almost 6 mos and I can definitely tell that this one had made me feel better. It's very common I guess that you get these side effects in the first two weeks. I'm feeling super nauseous and hadn't had much sleep. Can't wait for my body to adjust coz these are the things I hate with anti-depressants!

[@silvesterutd9369]

Search "PSSD" on Google!!

[@wickedcrypto6004]

I took escitalopram an it took me on a roller coaster. There would be time that I would be with my family and felt cold hot chills and nervous. It took about a week or so for my body to adjust and reclaim my life. It was a roller coaster however I did learn a few thing. To combat the side affect I would take a spoon full of Neurobion b12 complex. Remember anxiety can also be a form of fatigue that impact the brain weather you stress from work or a heart break. Also meditation and exercise. Stay positive people and feel better.

[@AprealifeTV20]

same

[@wickedcrypto6004]

@@AprealifeTV20 I hope you are feeling better and hopefully find some of my information helpful. I'm here to help to anything.

[@edwardwong654]

Very cute cats!

[@marilyn.g]

I've taken 5mg for 3 days and I've had crazy migraines and super bad nausea. I don't think I will be taking it anymore. I'm already nauseous because of my post concussion and endometriosis. And apparently with lexapro you can't take any head ache pills. And I need to be migraine less for school.

[@jccnz]

Hello, thanks for your vlog on this, I just started , I wonder do you sleep naturally or you take something to support that? My problem is sleep I cannot sleep so that made me so much stress and anxiety. Thanks

[@malakmansur4681]

Hi! I'm about to restart using it. Did you experience side effects on the "second round"?

[@GoProLouisiana]

I was prescribed Lexapro, but decided to use a non-THC CBD instead. No side effects and works great! I have pretty bad anxiety with lots of muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and pelvis.

[@brando6136]

What cbd are you using?

[@GoProLouisiana]

@@brando6136 I was using Cypress Hemp 1800MG broad spectrum. Recently stopped using it as my anxiety issues got better.

[@stephaniealdape4454]

I started with 20mg 3 weeks ago and for the first week I had headaches. In the middle of the 2 weeks I started to feel more energy and motivation. Tomorrow will be exactly 3 weeks and this whole time I’ve had trouble falling asleep but I can’t explain it but I feel REALLY happy for no reason.

[@HenriqueVilelaMusic]

I'll start lexapro tomorrow morning, and I'm a little scare with this effect you said: "happy for no reason", maybe thinking something like an "empty happy" ..

[@beachaddict7653]

You feel happy becouse you are drugged..... but if it works for you with no severe side effects then keep it.

[@tongpoo8985]

Update?

[@tiathegod5439]

the cat has my attention

[@digitalartchannel279]

I didn't know i had depression or Anxiety till this year.. i had depression after I moved out of my step dads house but I had Anxiety my hole life.. my step dad always called it Spaz attack.. i be sad an want cry most of the time I just want lay in bed till end of time I loved photography then out of no were I dont feel like picking the camera up...I want to hid in my house dont want to talk to anyone I feel lonely i feel helpless.. their is worried none stop 24 hours i worry about this an that the future an the past i can't think i can't remember i keep forgetting this had a big impact on my job..theirs days my job makes it worse.. I be scared go up to people if I do my heart starts to beat hard i get more scared i feel fear i be scared call my bank or go ask a question then I start freak out have a spaz attack.. their be days i zone out my brain be none stop thinking about the future or the past.. i feel like its getting worse

[@Aoz825]

Look man I don't what yo tell you I am not a doctor but I am a human being like you in this life you have to give yourself it's time thinking about every single thing happen around you some time you have to just live the moment I used to think about my life and what happened in the past till a moment that I realized if I continue doing that I will be in a loop that I will never get out, and now j learned that you don't have to think about every thing you do in your life just try to clear your mind past will never happen again so dont think about it over and over, and future is so far from now and you can't control it so only think of things you can control and life your day.

[@leahmann5484]

I’m on the third day! So far my side effects are a lack of appetite, dehydration and nervousness in the mornings before I take it.

[@denisearmendariz6432]

How u been feeling ? It’s almost my second week and same dehydration n lack appetite have u been losing or weight gain?

[@joerobinson2567]

@@denisearmendariz6432 I’ve been loosing weight

[@Moogatoo]

Ive been on 5mg for 8 weeks and feel worse anxiety than when I started. Tried to go up to 7.5mg but that made things even worse. Ive had good moments on 5mg for a few hours some days, but other than that it seems like it only makes things worse:(

[@sharon268]

Starting on 2.5mg today for a week then up to 5mg for 3 weeks until I see my therapist I have a high stress jobs side effects are not an option neither is weight gain

[@lizmann2732]

What kind of therapy do you go to??? I can’t stop crying

[@dianacatalinacordobatabare5632]

I’ve been watching your videos about Lexapro... I have many questions: can you be alert for at least the first two weeks of treatment? I have to drive everyday and I’m worry not being able to do it. Did it affect your libido? How bad is the headaches you mentioned, I suffer from migraines 😓

[@SergioLuna09126]

I'm starting tonight with 10mg lets see how it works on me, and I'm also taking clonazepam 2mg a day...

[@mallardduck3972]

Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, please consult with your doctor with regards to long term use. Wouldn’t hurt to get a second opinion either. I’ve read pretty bad stories about the long term use of benzodiazepines. Best of lucks in your journey.

[@SergioLuna09126]

@@mallardduck3972 Today 1 week using 0.5mg of clonazepam in the morning and 0.5mg of clonazepam before bed, and lexapro 20mg, it was hard to take 1mg out, but It did work

[@michellediazbarriga]

my therapist is suggesting on referring me to a psychiatrist for medication and I’m kind of afraid about the side effects. Any advice ?

[@maxiking5747]

Please don’t be afraid of side effects. I have massive panic and also depression. Now I am on Escitalopram and yes: I have side effects. But it’s doable. And it should be just for a short time! Did you get something?

[@dianelindenberger6941]

I can't sleep and am on klonopin.......but afraid to take it for it might give me insomnia or stomach problems or anxiety....scared...maybe people are scared because of the crappy side effects.......

[@MarcoMaga]

Hello you have ringing in the ear? Its pass? Thanks 🙏

[@Aoz825]

Yes I am taking it and I have ear ringing it's been 2 months on it

[@karinagonzales9505]

3 days on it when does it usually start working ? Feel nothing .

[@UndamagedRat336]

Takes about a week for initial side effects t start to subside and at least a month for noticeable changes.

[@nicolebowen8979]

Do you suggest taking it in the morning or night? I’ve only been on 10mg for about three days now and take it in the morning. What do you think is best?

[@TypicalAlicia]

I’m Not a dr. So take my recommendation with a grain of salt, but I take mine at night because I get sleepy.

[@jennifermaguire5433]

How long till you felt a difference, I'm 2 weeks in and stil getting side effects.

[@shafiqulislamshafi8210]

I also need to know

[@schafiqaz]

for me actually after 2 or 3 week I can see the different .

[@HenriqueVilelaMusic]

@@schafiqaz difference about side efects AND it's intentional effects?

[@silvesterutd9369]

Search "PSSD" on Google!!

[@rosakline3479]

When is a good time to take it? Mornings, midday, or night? I have issues sleeping at night so is that the best time or ?

[@lizmann2732]

I take it at nite

[@krishnenduks]

Morning is the best since its giving you sleep issues

[@rosakline3479]

@@krishnenduks thank you for your reply. I was doing mornings but I have switched to nights due to severe nausea symptoms. I now added a sleep aid in addition to vitamin D. So I take 3 pills at night. And so far it appears to be ideal.

[@silvesterutd9369]

Search "PSSD" on Google!!

[@PGBnia]

Has anyone had any negative effects with lexapro and occasional alcohol?

[@breannaneden8088]

Yes. I found I cant drink on it. I get a headache and feel off. It's not fun, but honestly I don't miss it. I still have coffee! Lol

[@PGBnia]

Breanna Neden thanks so much! I was hoping a glass of wine once a month wouldn’t hurt

[@Just762mm]

The alcohol hits harder on lexapro

[@T_b_bl3ss3d]

😅I sued to completely black out while drinking on it I wouldn't do it

[@marekkowalski9861]

Hi quick question so that means you have to take those pills for the rest of your life?

[@SoFarSoGoodSoWhat14]

Generally the idea is you take the pills to get yourself back on track so then you're more able to do some CBT etc and train your mind

[@asterianspirit1917]

I will start taking it next week 10mg and I am afraid xD

[@SRBOMBONICA86]

Start with 5 mg ,it lessens the side effects

[@asterianspirit1917]

@@SRBOMBONICA86 I've already stopped it ::it affected my eye vision and caused swollen eyes and rashes.Gonna start with zoloft soon instead

[@missmaam3765]

@@asterianspirit1917 omg

[@black444squad9]

i have been taking for depression since two weeks...

[@allanajanae7511]

How’s it working for you? I started a week ago

[@kysstaylor]

Is it worth taking?...I have a bottle but scared to take it

[@allanajanae7511]

TRINA ZUE oh I completely understand how you feel! No need to be scared though ❤️ honestly I’ve been on 2 anxiety/depression medicines in the last 5 months (Buspar and Zoloft). Now on Lexapro for a week now and I have to say, out of all three, lexapro is the one that didn’t hit me hard like the others. It gives no bad side effects except maybe being a little sleepy, maybe a headache if you haven’t ate, but other than that it’s great so far!

[@dianelindenberger6941]

Did you have sweating and bad dreams......I am scared to get on this...did this give you constipation? and insomnia?

[@brenda5924]

I had insomnia and sweating at night the first two or three days on lexapro, after that it went away :)

[@dianelindenberger6941]

@@brenda5924 so now you are able to sleep or do you just feel tired....did it blunt your emotions?

[@brenda5924]

now I'm sleeping perfectly, and I dont feel tired. It didn't blunt my emotions but it did decrease my libido A LOT when I was on 20mg, so now I'm on 10mg and got my libido back.

[@dianelindenberger6941]

@@brenda5924 Here is the big question....did it give you CONSTIPATION?......or nausea or dizziness

[@brenda5924]

@@dianelindenberger6941 it didn't give me constipation, it did give me nausea and dizziness the first two/three days (it went away after that)

[@creativespirit1738]

Ever since I started, I've had diarrhea each day, anyone else?

[@SocialistjP]

Just started last night...shat my brains out this morning

[@creativespirit1738]

Yup I know it

[@SocialistjP]

@@creativespirit1738 you still having diarrhea? I'm also exhuasted

[@amberv8449]

Yes! Me too! And tired all the time. If I didn’t need it so bad for my panic attacks I wouldn’t take it. The runs and sleepiness is easier to deal with for me.

[@creativespirit1738]

@@SocialistjP No I've switched to another medication

[@mainereen9240]

Placebo

[@danixx17]

i'm sorry that I liked the video but then I had to un-like it because it was number 666 :|

[@memyself4431]

This is how I think tooooo Also, the color RED makes me feel negative lol

[@licklebee]

im on 2 weeks today, cannot believe how fast times gone by! no real side effects, feeling pretty good :) thanks for your video!

[@VanessaSimon26]

b dee how much are you on?

[@amtm1982]

Gracias

[@silvesterutd9369]

Search "PSSD" on Google!!

[@licklebee]

I’m back watching your video 3 days later have had bad anxiety last 3 days 😢 hope it goes away soon!

[@VanessaSimon26]

I started 7 days ago. Lexapro 10 mg at breakfast time. I also take Pristiq. And 600 Lithium at night. I just want to be well now. Thank you for your videos. I was anxious to start the medication. I feel a little better.

[@staceylynndemarr8297]

Lithium is a very very strong drug it completely Alters your serotonin level you have to be very careful with lithium and coming off of it is the devil!

[@VanessaSimon26]

Stacey Lynn DeMarr I am now alternating . 300 one night and 600 another night. But finally stable. Still taking Pristiq and 10 mags of Lexapro in the morning. But also vitamins and lots of walking. And sweat a lot on my mini trampoline at home!!! All tools are worth it. Hope you are well too. ;)

[@Ays2929]

How do u feel now?☻

[@mayac-g9847]

Hi Mackenzie, I'm on Lexapro for 6 months too. It's 10 mg too. I like watching your videos.

[@sigurdthedragonslayer1810]

can you talk about lexapro and weight gain

[@anothercampervanchannel]

Have you found it's made a difference to your weight at all, as I know some meds can. I'm already getting porky!

[@SRBOMBONICA86]

I am on 10 mg for 8 months ,I always wanted to be on 20 mgs but my hair falls extremely when I up the dosage ,sucks .....cute kitty btw awww:-*

[@mashnach]

Do you take vitamin b also?

[@lilysloves]

💗💗💗

[@merry6661]

I'm one month on 10mg lexapro I'm sooooo tired and sleepy all day and all night 😞😞😞😞

[@karenvaldez9160]

moroccan lavender me too ☹️

[@suryaananda8362]

Really Not doing good on this at times. Don’t know what to do. My mental health is very complicated tho. :(

[@suryaananda8362]

Gone down on the medication now & I’ve been feeling worse. Freaking out about it!

[@TreasureJanasia]

Surya Ananda go to the doctor immediately. They’ll change it

[@nekeechand3200]

Hi dear Mack.... Is your depression gone completely? I'm on Escitalopram for 2 month and I m felling lil bit better now. Hope it will go away completely 😁😁😁😁😄

[@nekeechand3200]

@@mackenzievlogs thanks for your reply 😊 best of luck you too dear😊

[@mashable8759]

I'm gonna Start tomorrow, it's for social anxiety and general. Did anyone else take it for social anxiety?

[@Sarah-md4mi]

Mashable I am going to start it next week for that. They said to start 5 mg but I’m wondering if I should start even smaller

[@mashable8759]

@@Sarah-md4mi 10mg here, I just took it with food. I'm so scared but hopeful at the same time. Yeah you could start with 5mg. Gonna have to break it in half. Good luck.

[@mashable8759]

@@Sarah-md4mi you also have social anxiety?

[@user-qq6nq2kw8x]

​@@mashable8759how it worked for you?

[@ahmadtaufik3756]

Im on lexapro and klonopin

[@bexmaster]

When did it start kicking in?

[@emilyaday2747]

3 or 4 weeks

[@Rebelz173]

2-3 months

[@mistyguinto2503]

Did you gain weight?

[@jaimearcuri3150]

Misty Guinto id also like to know. I was on Prozac for a couple years and I gained about 10 pounds. I’d like to try something different if I need to get back on one.

[@nadadenada319]

I do not trust my brain to big pharma

[@MrThunderb0lt]

What choice do you have though? Medication certainly helps by the way

[@nadadenada319]

@@MrThunderb0lt are you on ssris?

[@MrThunderb0lt]

@@nadadenada319 yes,even i thought of avoiding medications and try everything naturally,but eventually I tried medicines and i feel much better,can go out of my house and stuff... it's a chemical imbalance unfortunately

[@nadadenada319]

@@MrThunderb0lt chemical unbalance? Who tell you that lie? Your doctor? Lol. Chemical unbalance was a propaganda eslogan to promote the use of ssris. Anyways, ssris blunts libido, emotions and orgasm. So watch out for these side effects

[@mashable8759]

@@nadadenada319 seriously? I guess all the other diseases are also lies told by doctors yeah? Diabetes, cancer it was invented by Doctors yeah?