[trying2change]

Hi All,

I need some help and urgent advice guys. I’ve been on 20mg Lexapro QD for approx. 1 year. I ran out when I was on a surprisingly extended business trip and figured I would try to come off of it. I did not know to taper so I just quit cold turkey. Now I am having the weird brain zaps and vision zaps i've read about on hear. I am so stupid for doing that without actually knowing what I was doing.

My questions are and help needs are:

1) I have not had a Lexapro in about a week and a half, should I get some more and start back using and then do a slow taper? OR should I just stay off of it and deal with the zaps etc.

2) How long can I roughly expect the zaps to happen.

3) Have the zaps ever stayed permanent for some of you.

THANK YOU ALL!!! For your help in time with my questions
Signed…..Stupid non-Taperer

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by trying2change

Hi All,

I need some help and urgent advice guys. I’ve been on 20mg Lexapro QD for approx. 1 year. I ran out when I was on a surprisingly extended business trip and figured I would try to come off of it. I did not know to taper so I just quit cold turkey. Now I am having the weird brain zaps and vision zaps i've read about on hear. I am so stupid for doing that without actually knowing what I was doing.

My questions are and help needs are:

1) I have not had a Lexapro in about a week and a half, should I get some more and start back using and then do a slow taper? OR should I just stay off of it and deal with the zaps etc.

2) How long can I roughly expect the zaps to happen.

3) Have the zaps ever stayed permanent for some of you.

THANK YOU ALL!!! For your help in time with my questions
Signed…..Stupid non-Taperer

My advice is to re-instate the Lexapro and begin a SLOW taper no earlier than one month after you resume taking it. 20 mgs to 0mgs is HUGE! That is to much of a change for your brain to process, as evidenced by the "brain zaps."

I do not believe that the brain zaps are permanent, at least, I do not know of anyone that has happened to. The "zaps" can last a long time when quiting lexapro cold turkey. ( 18 months for some)

If you want to taper off of lexapro please, plan on reducing your dosage by 5% no more than every two weeks until you are down to zero. SSRI's can be very difficult to stop taking but, it CAN be done. Let me know if I can help. Good Luck...Peace...Erin

[mickelvine]

I hope brain zaps are not permanent.If you want to be on lexapro please reduce the dosage of it.Dont use the medication with out consulting your doctor.This is my humble suggestion.
http://www.mydepressionmedication.co...ntidepressants