[ceasesurthinko]

Had generalized anxiety and mild depression since middle school. 10mg Lexapro/escitalopram (SSRI) has done wonders for my anxiety and subsequently helped my depression. I tried CBT alone for some years and it helps a bit but the medication was really what helped me get out of my head and start living life. CBT while on medication was even better which I highly recommend you do both together. I personally didn't have any side effects on Lexapro after the first month. First month was some mild headaches and significantly reduced libido. Remember that millions take Lexapro daily, vast majority without significant issues- of course there's going to be a selection bias online towards exclaiming side effects and negativity. People who are enjoying life aren't posting about their side effects of their medication online. Getting online folks opinion's is great and all but ultimately you just gotta talk to your doc and try it and see for yourself, you can always come off if you hate it, or stay on if it changes your life.

Legal disclaimer: This is not medical advice- just my personal anecdote to encourage you to seek an opinion from a psychiatrist or your primary care doctor and discuss whether medication is/isn't right for you.

[jpgvm]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Hearing from real folk that have had a range of outcomes is why I asked here on HN and have been hesitant to place much weight in what I have read elsewhere online.

So far experiences seem to have ranged from the medication did nothing, it supported them through therapy or completely changed their life. Overall though hearing that for most people any side-effects were either minimal or worth the improvement in quality of life has given me a renewed energy to seek treatment again.

So thanks again, everyone here has been so very kind.