Some people are very sensitive to medications. In these individuals, standard recommended doses are too high. I think it is important for patients and doctors to recognize this, because awful side effects may actually be tolerable, at a much lower dose. This would permit a patient to try a drug and see if it is helpful.

I am very sensitive to medications. This is why, I only take 5 mg of Escitalopram Oxalate for anxiety/OCD. This small dose is very effective. My life has changed for the better.

My initial side effects were mild. The light headedness and bowel emergencies were tolerable and disappeared about three weeks later. At 20 mg, this would have been more severe.