"i&#039;ve always had anxiety more than most for years since i was a kid. in last few years (i am 50 yr. old male) this grew into depression. it got to the point i would get paralyzed on the next task over thinking it - i couldn&#039;t be decisive. then i would get depressed because i couldn&#039;t get things under control which led to lack of sleep - continuous cycle. i was always against anti-depressants (for the weak i thought). i tried everything - exercise, no alcohol, no sugar, sleep aids - with little success.  i finally gave lexapro a chance.  it brought the anxiety noise level &amp; depression way down and allowed me to get perspective and sleep. occasional chills, but less over time. no other side effects for me. glad i did it."