[tiscy182]

Well I forgot to refill my prescription and I ended up not being able to take my 20mg of Lexapro for 2 days and today I started feeling the withdrawal symptoms. I feel like a crazy person with this dizziness, irritability, hot flashes, chills, etc. I gained a lot of weight while on Lexapro and for a month now I've been working out almost every day. While on withdrawals however I'm afraid to go to the gym or just exert myself. I hate feeling this way and I don't want to make it worse. Does anyone know if exercising during all this will make it worse? Should I take a break for a few days?

[klopper22]

Working out with light weights or very moderate cardio should be safe, but don't do it if it adds to the discomfort of the withdrawals. I have never made it thru any antidepressant withdrawals. They are just too dibiltating...even more so than opiate w/d.

I am about to try to go from Lexapro to prozac and then eventually off.

Good luck to you.

[MeJenna7]

Hi Tiscy,
I'm not sure if you already got your answers - but I hope this helps. With SSRIs they come out of your system super fast and cause side effects. Something about a short "half-life." Symptoms could be dangerous and lead to seizures. Of course tell your doctor that you want to stop. I advise to cut down to half (10mg) for a week or 2. Then half that again for a week or so (maybe less if your doc says its okay). Exercising will probably accelerate the process of cleansing the drug out. Drink a lot of water and again begin to take the 10mg for at least a week. Some doctors will give you a 10mg free 2 week sample. The weight will come off. I've noticed with the SSRIs that I will be very bloated and retain lots of water - that can translate into pounds - 5, 10 or 20. So good luck!! I too am on 20mg and tonight I'm going to cut down to 10mg. I'm so tired of being overweight by 10 to 20lbs for the last 3 years on this med!!
take care,
Jenna

[MeJenna7]

Tiscy,
I'm sorry. I reread your post and realized you were not trying to stop the Lexapro. I would not workout - but go straight to the pharmacist. Many times - even if your doc hasn't approved a refill yet - and if you can't pay for the meds - they will give you an emergency 2 or 3 day supply. Don't miss your meds - its very dangerous. Yes, take it easy and try to get the meds asap.
good luck.
Jenna