"i was put on lexapro 3 years ago to treat depression &amp; premenstrual dysphoric disorder. the first 2 months were standard. adjusting and getting the dose right. i ended up on 20mg. after the initial adjustment, i experienced panic attacks, which came frequently, worsening anxiety - over 3 years, gained 12kg. it in no way helped pmdd. i weened myself from 20mg down to 5mg over 6 months which was hell then stayed on 5mg for another 12 months. i have since had my ovaries removed and a total hysterectomy to get rid of pmdd. now 4 weeks ago,  i stopped the 5mg, cold turkey, as the tapering was so bad. lexapro took so much of my life, and coming off is the hardest thing i&#039;ve ever done and i&#039;m still withdrawing after 4 weeks. it&#039;s been a nightmare!"