[sarita]

quit,
i'm so glad you went back on it. after you move, start tapering really slow. go to www.theroadback.org for professionals who will help you with a program to taper with little or no suffering....

me? i'm doing great. today i started my next taper and i'm down to 1 mg. i haven't had any withdrawals at all except for one day i took by accident 5 mg instead of 2.5. a few weeks ago. whew. that wasn't good but i got normal in a couple day. i look forward to hot sex again (no libido still...well, alittle!!) and to lose some of this weight. i gained 25 lbs.!! lucky i was size 3/4 when i started....

i haven't had withdrawals because i tapered 5% only for a couple weeks each taper. and i'm taking omega 3 and power barley (it's like a combo of b6 and b12 for energy)

[QuitLexColdTurkey]

I will definitely check out "theroadback" program. No libido is why I quit Lexapro in the first place and I hope to begin tapering soon. I am worried that my stiff necks are going to return but I am going to have to find another way to deal with that. I don't want to do anymore anti depressants.

[Bethany]

Wow! What an insane past three days! I was definitely meant to have found this site. I have been taking Lexapro for two years, 10 mg, and "brilliantly" forgot to refill my script. Impressed with actually feeling "not crazy" for a few days I completely forgot about Lexapro, until day seven. That was Friday and I am still awake. Last night at 3am I googled withdrawal from Lexapro. I am extremely grateful to learn about withdrawal. I read, and cried, because I realized that I wasn't crazy, nor alone. I was also amazed to learn the madness of Lexapro . Two weeks ago I was down because I had finally accepted that I would never be happy and should just accept this as life. I am 32 and haven't been happy for a long time. I have been sleeping for days, even weeks. And hell, not being able to keep a job (always late because I can't wake up). After leaving a very successful career two years ago, to take a break from corporate world, I now feel like a complete failure. Anyway, my head hurts, I feel numbness, dizziness comes and goes and of course don't forget the crying. Boyfriend is not helping matters. I don't think he quite understands.
I called my doctor to see what he recommended. He said the worst part is over and since I've been off for seven days I should stay off. I called the pharmacist and was told to weaning may help. Any recommendations/advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, not quite sure what to think about these side effects. In saying all that, the positive out of this is I actually see light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for listening (reading).

[vmv702]

Bethany I felt the same way you do. I'm a SHELL of what I used to be and I'd rather go back to how I was before this drug came into my life...Thanks again to all that have been posting...You help more than you could know!

[windupbird]

I've been on 10 mg Lexapro daily for apx 3 years. About a year ago, I went off it cold and it was horrible. I just felt really anxious all the time, really self-conscious about the potential to freak out around my friends and family, and just wanted to stay in bed all the time. After a few weeks, I resumed the dosage because I was scared. I've gained weight and been unable to get rid of it, to be honest that's why I want to taper off of it - this time, very gradually. I just took 7 mg today instead of 10, and plan to decrease the dosage week by week until I am off of it.

I agree with some of the other comments here, while Lexapro can provide someone with help during a major depressive episode, long-term, I find everything very "flat", if that makes sense. Not really enjoying things as much, and while not having crying spells at all, not crying ever - maybe twice in a one year period - does not strike me as healthy. I don't really feel like I am my true self. Best of luck to all who are endeavoring to get off this drug.

[toxxic]

Hi all been reading and freaking my self out at the withdrawls ppl encounter getting off this drug.

i have only just started 3 days ago on Lexapro for my anxiety/depression. I am now wondering if i am better off stopping this drug now and continue a more naturopathic means to my anxiety issue???

In everyones opinion after only 3 days on this stuff @ 20mg if i quit now will i experience all the same withdrawls?

thanx

[nomoresuffern]

Hang in there everyone. I decided to go cold turkey off of 10mg without consulting my dr, and as the symptoms got worse I refused to go back on with the thought that I just wanted to get it over with. For the first week or two, I got the brain shivers and would wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. For the first 3 weeks, I felt like I was going to cry constantly, often for no reason. And for the 3rd week or so I felt some pretty severe insomnia, also feeling like I had jolts of extra energy running through me.

Now everything is looking much better. I got on it for anxiety and so far I haven't come close to passing out yet (that's what'd happen before when I got nervous). I've also drastically changed my diet (full 3 meals per day, high protein and only complex carbs) and that helped I think. I've got plans to exercise more but of course they haven't panned out yet. Anyway, hang in there and things will look up. I highly recommend the diet...I've gained about 10 lbs in the past year but it was weight that needed to be gained (actually, when I'd feel anxious I couldn't eat, and it helped me overcome that).

[nomoresuffern]

Hang in there everyone. I decided to go cold turkey off of 10mg without consulting my dr, and as the symptoms got worse I refused to go back on with the thought that I just wanted to get it over with. For the first week or two, I got the brain shivers and would wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. For the first 3 weeks, I felt like I was going to cry constantly, often for no reason. And for the 3rd week or so I felt some pretty severe insomnia, also feeling like I had jolts of extra energy running through me.

Now everything is looking much better. I got on it for anxiety and so far I haven't come close to passing out yet (that's what'd happen before when I got nervous). I've also drastically changed my diet (full 3 meals per day, high protein and only complex carbs) and that helped I think. I've got plans to exercise more but of course they haven't panned out yet. Anyway, hang in there and things will look up. I highly recommend the diet...I've gained about 10 lbs in the past year but it was weight that needed to be gained (actually, when I'd feel anxious I couldn't eat, and it helped me overcome that).

[windupbird]

toxxic - I don't know if anyone can answer that question but you. I can honestly say that Lexapro did help me (I think) during a major depressive episode. Did I really think I would still be on it three years later - no, not really. Having tried to get off of it once before, I can tell you that the withdrawal is scary. I'd definitely field your concerns with a doctor before quitting, if that's what you want to do - they may have some useful advice on how to taper off. Best - windupbird

quote:Originally posted by toxxic

Hi all been reading and freaking my self out at the withdrawls ppl encounter getting off this drug.

i have only just started 3 days ago on Lexapro for my anxiety/depression. I am now wondering if i am better off stopping this drug now and continue a more naturopathic means to my anxiety issue???

In everyones opinion after only 3 days on this stuff @ 20mg if i quit now will i experience all the same withdrawls?

thanx

[mrigdon]

Hey Guys,

Just a little update and maybe one more question....After a bad time withdrawing from 10mg to 5mg..I went back to 10 and began slowly droppping down to 3/4 then 1/2 then 1/4 then I stopped alltogether...I did this over a period of a month, now after 3 days of not taking anything, I stay dizzy kinda like vertigo and today have been sick on my stomach. Should I go back to a 1/4 then take more time to come off? or will this pass shortly ..Thanks for all your help

[Bethany]

Does anyone else question your actions while dealing with these withrawal symptoms? Just curious. Don't want to make hasty decisions, very confused. I feel so sad and cry spur of the moment. I want to not be this person but can't snap out of it. Just feel like I am pushng people awayl Any advice?

[windupbird]

mrigdon - I actually took someone's advice from this thread and just have been shaving a small amount from each dose - and even with just that, I have had some comparatively mild withdrawal symptoms. I am having less of a bad time though, just some extremely vivd dreams (much like what I experienced when I first started taking Lexapro). Maybe a more gradual approach would help?

Bethany - I definitely feel it less than the first time I withdrew (feeling somewhat self-conscious all the time and not feeling in total control) but the first time I just wanted to stay in my room all the time (not an option if you really must go to work ) so I wound up going back on it out of fear. Don't give up - maybe reduce the dosage more gradually?

Now I am reducing the dosage much more gradually, and that helps alot. Just some weird dreams so far.

Good luck to you both -

windupbird

[windupbird]

Also mrigdon - if you are very ill, you should see a doctor or go to the emergency room (not that you need me to tell you that).

-windupbird

quote:Originally posted by mrigdon

Hey Guys,

Just a little update and maybe one more question....After a bad time withdrawing from 10mg to 5mg..I went back to 10 and began slowly droppping down to 3/4 then 1/2 then 1/4 then I stopped alltogether...I did this over a period of a month, now after 3 days of not taking anything, I stay dizzy kinda like vertigo and today have been sick on my stomach. Should I go back to a 1/4 then take more time to come off? or will this pass shortly ..Thanks for all your help

[sexysue]

HIYA ALL . NEARLY 7 WEEKS NOW . THE WITHDRAWALS FROM THIS TERRIBLE DRUG IS STILL GOING STRONG , ESPECIALLY THR SEVERE MUSCLE TENSION . AND THE NON STOP PAIN EVERYWHERE . ALL MY BODY MUSCLES JUST TENSES UP AND JUST ACHES . NOT FOR JUST A COUPLE OF HOURS BUT NEARLY ALL DAY SOMETIMES . GETTING REALLY WORRIED ABOUT THAT NOW . DID NOT TAPER OFF LIKE ALL YOU LOT . DID IT COLD TURKEY . HAD NO CHOICE . HAD A SEVERE REACTION TO IT . REFUSE TO EVER GO BACK ON IT AGAIN . IF ANYONE OUT THERE WHO IS HAVING THESE VERY SAME SYMPTOMS AS ME , JUST LET ME KNOW IF THESE UNBEARABLE SYMPTOMS EVER DIE DONE ????????????? [xx(][V]

[sarita]

sexy sue,
i'm really worried about u. i think u should go to a new doctor and find out why after 7 weeks u aren't feeling any better. it doesn't make sense if you're not taking anything else nor doing any social drugs.

to everyone else: i've been on this site for a year. went cold turkey and went back on it after not researching enough. i've been hardly suffereing at all this time around bacause 1. i did a slow, slow taper 2. i took supplements 3. i learned how to control my anxiety attack 4. i kept a journal so i know exactly when and why i have anziety and 5. i went to www.theroadback.org for a tapering program and support through the whole taper.

i'm down to 1 mg!!!! yeeepie. and i can't wait to finish. i haven't told anyone except my husband cause i wanted to get stronger...

i got off cause i'm fat and i have no libido and i don't need to be on it anymore. i got ON it cause i was sick and noone knew what was wrong so i had panic attacks. now that i know WHY i panic, i dont' panic....i used to (and still do sometimes) have tightness in my neck and nightsweats(during pms) and i get a little dizzy, but because i know WHY it doesn't even phase me anymore. it's better everyday. when u understand why, u will stop worrying, and i hope everyone can get there.........

[windupbird]

SUE - I agree with the other poster, you should seek another opinion and I hope that another doctor will help. I'm very sorry that you are having such a terrible time and hope that things improve soon.

[Philip N.]

If You stop Lexapro cold turkey after 2 years and start sliding downhill after 6 months till now should you restart and then do a real slow taper? Ideally I could stay off but the doctor thinks I've dragged it out for too long and need to get on my feet. I'll admit my but is on the ground but there is so much stuff on the web about withdrawal and all and I didn't slow down before stopping which may have escalted these symptoms. Some say that it's been too long to be still withdrawal and others say it can go on for a long time. I just don't want to risk successfully stopping these meds by rushing if it is better to stop the train slowly! My total time on Antidepressants is about 9 years and I never really knew about problems stopping until this year. I do want to get off but in a good way to where it doesn't make everything worse like I may have already done! Thanks

[sexysue]

hi everyone . saw another doctor . told all about it . he has never heard anything like it . sending me for a blood test tomorrow . seeing a nerve specialist in 4 weeks time . long waiting list . i personally think it is my thyroid which causing all this trouble . it regulates everything in your body . it is definitely not the withdrawals of lexopra . it has been 7 weeks now since i stopped that stuff . should have died down by now . this is really scaring me now . every bit of my body has tensed up . this is unbearable . just want to end it all . will keep you updated with my progress folks [xx(][V]

[Dizzy101]

I was on vacation so this reply is a little late. No dizziness before just tired all the time.

quote:Originally posted by sarita

dizzy,
did you have the dizzy symptoms before you got on? i had dizzy before i got on, and then it stopped. i'm alittle dizzy withdrawaing
but not much.

[Dizzy101]

Hi, as I wrote earlier I have been off Lex for over two years and 2-3 times per year I still get the same dizziness, floating feeling for awhile, nothing else wrong with me either.

quote:Originally posted by flagator

Hi,

As many others have said, this thread has been quite helpful.

I started Lexapro in April 2006 after having what was diagnosed as a panic attack. I thought I was having a stroke or something horrible and eneded up in the er. CT scan was negative but I couldn't shake the fact that I had some kind of lfe threatening illness. Basically had health related anxiety I believe. Would work myself up so much that I would bring on an anxiety attack.

Doc sent me to psychcologist and that helped but he thought lexapro would help even more.

Was put on 10 mg of free samples and sent out the door. Was told Lex had fewer side effects than the others. Was NEVER told that the Lex may cause some of its own effects.

Three days into the 10mg I had symptoms worse than the actual panic/anxiety attack that started the whole thing in the first place.

Called the doc on Sunday morning and he said it was probably just the underlying anxiety and that we should up my dose to 20mg.

So I went along with that and took 20mg until about mid August. At that time I had had enough of the yawning, weight gain, lethargy and lack of labido that I could take.

I had a bunch of medical tests run and realized I wasn't dying of some horrible illness and it was time to get off the pills.

I went from 20mg to 15mg for about a week. Then 10mg for 2 weeks. Then 5 for 2 weeks. Then did 2.5mg for 2 weeks. I am now off the drug and have been so for 9 days.

During my tapering I never had any real bad side effects. I did have headaches that were more annoying than anything. My worst effect was being very edgy. No patience at all.

I felt I was lucky however, because these were not bad side effects compared to what I have read here.

For the last 2 days things have gotten a bit worse. I have experienced some dizziness and I guess that brain zapping thing. For me it is almost like a startling sensation when you are dozing off and get woken up. But it happens at any time.

My question is, has anyone else gotten these symptoms so late in the weaning off period? I was doing great 7 days with no Lex and would have thought I was in the free and clear.

Is it "normal" for these brain zaps/dizziness to come this late in the game?

I am doing so much better with my healthcare anxiety but this causes me to worry about my health and can start the vicious cycle over again.

Thanks,

[sarita]

philip,
i'm sorry. i don't understand. can u explain it again?

dizzy,
do u think maybe that dizziness u get 3x a year is anxiety? or do u really think it's still withdrawal?

i have a cold/flu thanks to all my sick co-workers. been in bed for 3 days. still on 1 mg.and not sure the dizziness is the cold or not.
i think it is............

[Dizzy101]

Sarita,

Never had anxiety, other than being depressed and tired, the reason i took Lex, I never have any problems with my health, I'm one of those lucky ones who does not have alergies or anything. I don't see any other reason for the dizziness and it goes as quietly as it comes.

quote:Originally posted by sarita

philip,
i'm sorry. i don't understand. can u explain it again?

dizzy,
do u think maybe that dizziness u get 3x a year is anxiety? or do u really think it's still withdrawal?

i have a cold/flu thanks to all my sick co-workers. been in bed for 3 days. still on 1 mg.and not sure the dizziness is the cold or not.
i think it is............

[sarita]

dizzy,
did the dizzy go away when u went on lex? have u gone to doctors? i went to like 10 different doctors to find out why i was dizzy. no answers until they put me on lex.

[Dizzy101]

I did not get the dizziness until I went off, never had any problems before lex

quote:Originally posted by sarita

dizzy,
did the dizzy go away when u went on lex? have u gone to doctors? i went to like 10 different doctors to find out why i was dizzy. no answers until they put me on lex.

[hookemgc]

quote:Originally posted by Dizzy101

I did not get the dizziness until I went off, never had any problems before lex

Hey Dizzy,

I have been on Lex for about seven months. I never had dizziness befor I started taking it. I started taking if for Depression, some pretty serious irritability and panic attacks brought on by several factors but brought to a head by and unexpected split from my now x-wife.

I also never got dizzy when i started taking Lex. In fact I didn't have any side effects when I started taking it except for NOT having anxiety and seemingly climbing out of the depression. Recently I have been considering getting off of it but had not made a plan to get it done. While on a trip last week I had forgotten to refil my script and ran out on day two of a week long motorcycle trip. I didn't suffer any ill effects until about the third day without. Major irritibility and dizziness to the point I had to stop riding as I thought I might be having a heart attack or stroke as mentioned in some of the other posts. Finally a friend, knowing my personal situation and noting irritability jokingly ask if I had taken my Lex that day! With my answer being no and him being a nurse he realized immediatly what the problem was. Fortunately he had some with him so I took my normal dose and was good enough to ride the next day. To make a short story long, my doctor never told me what might happen if I miss dosages or try to go off cold turkey. He only told me what I might feel when I started taking Lex. After being back on for several days now I am still having some head aches and anxiety. Looking around on the internet I found this site. I feel much better having read all of these posts but am more than a little irritated that my Dr. didn't let me know what might happen if I were to just stop taking it!! I still plan to get off but I am going to wait until my body gets back to normal before I do.

Bottom line... This stuff cannot be good for you. It helps get over stresses of life and gets you back to even but but then one has to deal with trying to get off of it too!

Like dizzy101 I never had any problems until I got off. I am hopeful that when I do get off that I don't get the dizzy spells for years after I am off. I never really had the muscle fatigue but that may be becuase I workout five to six times a week. I was pretty tired when I was off but at the same time could not sleep for more than an hour or two at a time. I can't speek to the sexual side effects becuase I just haven't started dating again since my divorce. I did have headaches but not severe ones, just dull aches. I haven't experience any great weight gain but I may not have been off long enought to see that. By far the worst problem I had was the dizziness and the feeling that I was walking about a foot above the ground.

My clear advise... Don't go cold turkey!!! Especially on a motorcycle trip!! But seriously, I do think this could cause you some serious problems if you operate machinery or drive long distances for a living.

This site is fantastic and I will certainly come back here when I start the task of getting off of this stuff.
Good luck to all of you!

[nms]

I have been completely off lexapro for 1 1/2 weeks. Starting at the beginning of this week I started feeling really dizzy & tired. The dizziness has brought back the panic feeling I felt when I got on lexapro 2 years ago. So today I decided to google getting off lexapro and this site came up. After reading some of the stories on the forum I now feel so much better knowing others have gone through the same thing. I can not wait for this feeling to go away! I kept a few pills for emergency purposes, but I hope I will not need them. Thankfully I have a few good friends that are pharmicists and they have helped ween me off. I read today that someone wrote "I'm free"! I can't wait to say that!

[wimsy]

Hi,
I have seen a few posts here regarding abdominal pain and discomfort while withdrawing from Lexapro. I had bad abdominal pain and gas along with all of the other symptoms of withdrawal. The pain lasted for about a month after I was completely off Lexapro. Well, now it's been 4 months and the exact same pain is back and has been for about 3 weeks. I'm starting to get scared that Lexapro caused some kind of permanent damage. I don't seem to have the classic symptoms of any stomach or abdominal condition. It just hurts all the time except when I lay down. I sleep fine but shortly after getting up in the morning I start to feel the pain and it's like gas is building up inside. Anyone else have these abdominal issues?

[lexnogo]

Hi all,

I have been following this board for a while and have found it to be a lifesaver.

I have been on Lex for about 2.5 years and am slowly weening off. I am now down to 2.5 dose. Just knowing what to expect makes all of the symptoms bearable.

For those with the upset stomach issues I HIGHLY recomend peppermint drops. I use essential oil peppermint drops with water. This is what to do. Use a GLASS (not plastic) cup and put a small amount of water in it. I would do like 2-3 swallows. Add 2 drops of the peppermint and quickly slam it. It does not taste good. It's like peppermint schnaps.

However, the MINUTE it hits your stomach you will feel sooooo much better. Instant relief for me. For those of you who try it let me know your results.

Best of luck to all and God bless everyone in their journey to be free of Lex. WE CAN DO IT!

[Moop]

I stopped taking Lexapro for two days.. (or maybe more, I keep forgetting to take it in the morning.) I have the flu right now.. so I dont know if its the lexapro withdrawel, but I've been feeling faint and dizzy, and I feel this weird tingly sensation. I've sometimes get these shock feelings. It's horrible. I'm just going to start taking it again, cant stand not being on it anymore.

[wimsy]

Thank you Lexnogo,
I am going to try the peppermint drops tomorrow. I haven't taken anything because I am a freak about meds. Peppermint I can handle. I really appreciate your response. The brain zaps, dizziness, irratability, muscle cramps and tingles were all horrible beyond description but eventually they did go away as did my stomach pain. But now that it's back it's scary. I've never had anything like this before. An occasional stomach ache or gas pains yes, but never day after day after day. I'm really looking forward to trying the peppermint and hope it gives me some relief.