What has your experience been with SSRIs? 

I used to be on escitalopram (lexapro) at 20 or 25 mg daily for over 5 years. I don't think it really "fixed" the issue so I weaned off of it and came completely off it earlier this year. It also had annoying side effects like low libido. However, I'm now back to thinking I may still need medication. I have severe anxiety that sometimes makes it quite difficult to function. I'm constantly in the future in my head, have severe anxiety around relationships, struggle with codependency (my mother is also codependent and feels that she has to be needed to be ok), dissociate, have horrid physical symptoms like chest pain/tension/random sharp chest pains (this is the worst physical symptom of my anxiety), feeling like I can't breathe, itchy legs/thighs, feeling like I can't swallow... 

With all of this being said, I'm looking for other's experiences with SSRIs. Are you on them? If so, which one? How long? Have they helped you? Side effects? 

As always, I hope you all have a great day and find peace. Anxiety is an awful thing but some of us have to live with it and find ways to cope, sometimes that means medication and that's ok. Sending all my best to each and every one of you.