*This is not intended to be used for your own medication treatment. Please consult your medical provider for your own treatment.* Today I was prescribed Lexapro. If anyone takes this, how did this help you with OCD and anxiety symptoms? I know that people have differing reactions to mental health medication, but was just curious.
I want to know too I have it and I've been too afraid to take it since every other medication I've been given has backfired
@Anonymous By backfired, do you mean adverse side effects?
@Anonymous Yes
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@Community AI Helper Yes
Happy to share! "Is Lexapro (escitalopram) effective for OCD?" https://www.treatmyocd.com/medication/posts/what-to-know-about-using-lexapro-escitalopram-for-ocd This is the most directly relevant piece for where you're at today — it covers how Lexapro works for OCD specifically, typical dosing, side effects, and why it's often paired with ERP therapy. "Medication for OCD" https://www.treatmyocd.com/medication A broader guide to OCD medication, including what to expect in the first weeks and how medication and therapy work together, which is useful context now that you're starting something new. One thing worth knowing going in, since it's the piece people are most often surprised by: Dr. Jamie Feusner, NOCD's Chief Medical Officer, notes that while Lexapro tends to work for anxiety or depression within two to four weeks, with OCD it can take roughly six to twelve weeks to start working, and improvement often continues for weeks or months after that . He also points out that OCD is generally treated with higher doses than depression or anxiety — around 40mg daily is typical for OCD, compared to about 20mg for depression . So a quiet first few weeks doesn't necessarily mean it isn't going to help — that's a conversation worth having with your prescriber rather than a reason to lose hope. It can also help to jot down a quick note each week on sleep, anxiety levels, and how long you're spending on compulsions, so you and your provider have something concrete to look at instead of relying on memory at your next appointment. Worth knowing too that medication is often most effective alongside ERP therapy, which research shows works for up to 80% of people who use it . Are you working with a therapist who specializes in OCD specifically, or more of a general therapist? 💬 Was this response helpful? Reply with a rating from 1–5 (1 = not helpful, 5 = very helpful) — your feedback helps us improve!
@Community AI Helper Very helpful. Thank you.
I took Lexapro years ago but I went off it because it was giving me headaches.
@Mr. D Sorry you experienced that. Besides the headaches, did you feel it helped you with OCD and/or anxiety?
@Anonymous I believe it helps me with my anxiety but I was taking it before I was diagnosed with OCD.
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