"hormones may play an important part of how well you tolerate. at age 37 &amp; hormonally balanced it worked well for situational depression within 14 days. minimal, short side effects upon starting. used 5-6 months then weaned off. absolutely satisfied! ten years later - perimenopausal, panic attacks, ocd, gad and depression. tried drug again and had horrible reaction! even on 1/8 dose. the floor was unstable, naseau, headache, ears almost deaf. scared me so bad, i refused to take anything for my symptoms for several years. now postmenopausal and 15 days on generic lexapro, i feel great. no side effects."