[Junedawn]

Originally Posted by sfsyed

I've been having severe withdrawal symptoms after my doctor made me ween off of Lexapro recently. These symptoms are severe restless leg syndrome all throughout the day, being jittery, uneasiness, and being overall restless. I'm also sleeping a lot less, waking up during the night, and I've been smoking a lot more, and I mean a lot. Has anyone else experienced these types of withdrawal symptoms from Lexapro?

I haven't used Lexapro, but Paxil and it was awful going off it. No one told me not to quit cold turkey. Man, I was sooo depressed and suicidal and no one could help me. It was much later that I found out it was the paxil. I'd say wean very slowly. ??

[celestial]

I learned how to taper from a website "paxilprogress" from lexapro.

Lexapro comes in liquid. The pharmacist will give you the syringe.

It can be done in 1/2 mg. drops which has less of a debilitating w/d effect.

My schedule

20 mgs.
19.50 @ 2-3 weeks
19.mg @ 2-3 weeks
18.50 @ 2-3 weeks

and so on......

TWO TO (4) WEEKS BETWEEN DROPS ALLOWS US TO STABILIZE BETWEEN DROPS.

Supplements

I learned on paxilprogress to take calcium/magnesium citrate liquied for anxiety. To be taken with 1,000 mgs. Vit C. Really helps cut anxiety.

Magnesium powder for anxiety/depression

Pharmaceutical grade Omega 3's for depression

Multi Vitamin and Mineral Liquid

HOPE THIS HELPS........celestial

[celestial]

Lexapro can be weaned off of by using it in a liquid form. It is much easier and can be done in very tiney increments. 1/2 mg at a time to feel less w/d side effects with a stretch of 2-3 weeks between drops.

Unfortunatley most physicians don't understand this. If we go off too quickly or drop by too much the w/d symtpoms can last much longer than doing it slowly.

[KarenRB53]

Originally Posted by celestial

I learned how to taper from a website "paxilprogress" from lexapro.

Lexapro comes in liquid. The pharmacist will give you the syringe.

It can be done in 1/2 mg. drops which has less of a debilitating w/d effect.

My schedule

20 mgs.
19.50 @ 2-3 weeks
19.mg @ 2-3 weeks
18.50 @ 2-3 weeks

and so on......

TWO TO (4) WEEKS BETWEEN DROPS ALLOWS US TO STABILIZE BETWEEN DROPS.

Supplements

I learned on paxilprogress to take calcium/magnesium citrate liquied for anxiety. To be taken with 1,000 mgs. Vit C. Really helps cut anxiety.

Magnesium powder for anxiety/depression

Pharmaceutical grade Omega 3's for depression

Multi Vitamin and Mineral Liquid

HOPE THIS HELPS........celestial

Hi: Can you tell me how much calcium/magnesium citrate to take daily? I tapering off Prozac and its awful. I'm taking the other things you mentioned. Thanks

[nickie14]

finally i've been looking for similar symptoms, of lex. Yes i have a lot of stinging, like someone's throwing sand at your whole body. it hurts, everywhere. I only took this drug for 2 days, and got virtually no sleep, because of the stinging pain. and my mind was racing. Now i took this at around 10 am each day, and like i said only for 2 days, my dr. wants me to be on this for a week, till i get used to it. but the side affects, that i've experienced, i really don't want to do that.

[wherethehellami?]

hello everyone,

several months ago i visited this forum for help with my Lexapro issues. I went from 20 to 10mgs for about 8 weeks and it was not working out. I went back to 20mg and have been on it for almost 4 months now. Early May I had really bad fatigue and I am still dealing with fatigue issues. I wonder if I have Chronic fatigue syndrome. Also, I get pains in my head but they are not as frequent. I have not seen anyone else with a similar experience. What's the deal? I found that this med helped me alot except when I started trying to cut back.
Was taking omega 3 supp, taking magnesium, and I'm also taking CoQ10. Anyone try melatonin for deeper sleep?
To LMChelp:
Has your daughter tried therapy first? My advice is to see how well therapy works before starting the med. Therapy might help bring underlying issues to the surface that is causing your daughter to be depressed and have an eating disorder.

[BronteJo]

Originally Posted by Shifty

Yes, there are countless lists of side effects from withdrawing from this drug. I'm surprised you don't get the shocks/reboots. That's where you seem to daze off for a second then snap back to reality having to regain your balance and feeling slight nausea for a second.

I get the jitteriness/uneasiness from any kind of withdrawal from paxil / lexapro / hydrocodone / caffeine / nicotine / etc.

Go here for 148 pages of stories:
http://www.drugs.com/forum/topic.asp...&whichpage=148

---
Meds: 450mg Eskalith CR
You are listening to the opinions of a certified crazy person.

Hi i have been taking 20mg of Lexapro for bout 9 mnths after suffering 'reactionary depression' after treatment for cervical and lung cancers. Recently i missed somewhere between 2 to 4 days medication and for the last 2 weeks i have been getting quite dizzy. How long is it reasonable to expect this to continue. I have not missed any doses since and am beginning to worry. Appreciate any help anyone can give. As i'm sure you can imagine anxiety is getting the better of me.

[mysharks]

Hi,

Does anyone know about getting baggy eyes after taking/withdrawing from Lexapro? I took the 10mg Tablet for one week and stopped because I was only mildly depressed. It's been over a month now, but I still have the baggy eyes and I didn't have it before I took it. I"m getting enough sleep too.

[missamy26]

Hi all!!

I have been on Lexapro for about a year (10mg) for anxiety and panic attacks. I have long been suffering from GAD and a few panic attacks a year. When college became very cut-throat, it intensified my anxiety, so I finally decided to go on something.

When I started the Lexapro, it significantly reduced my anxiety and I have not had a panic attack since. I had NO side effects- NO sexual side effects, NO nausea, NOTHING. It was great.

HOWEVER, in the past year, I went from 122 pounds to 136 (I'm 5'4). My clothes don't fit, and the weight gain has made me miserable. Thank god it distributed itself evenly, so it is not a huge difference, but I am getting married in 10 months and feel like it's only going to get worse. I have read all about the weight gain problem online~how Lexapro interacts with your metabolism, carb digestion, etc etc etc

Without consulting my doctor (I do not have insurance~he gives me samples of Lexapro) I decided 2 days ago to wean myself off. Here is my schedule:

7 mg (3/4 pill) for 2 weeks
5 mg (1/2 pill) for 2 weeks
2.5 mg (1/4 pill) for 2 weeks
1.25 mg (1/8 pill) for one week

I should be done by December 11th. It's been 3 days of the 7 mg, and so far, not too many w/d symptoms. Last night was the first night I couldnt sleep too good, but this can also be because I have 7 college classes right now.

Any comments? Suggestions???

I will keep updating on my progress

[missamy26]

She probably will gain weight. Read my post (#70)~ I wouldnt start her on this.

[jslhell]

I have been on Lexapro10mg for about 18 mos. and it seemed to help me a little bit (before I went on, I couldn't get out of bed and did nothing but cry). However, due to a financial situation, I had to stop 4 days ago and I am in hell. I didn't think it was possible, but I've got even more symptoms than I had before. All I want to do is get out of my own head, and every morning I am disappointed that I woke up again. Does anyone have any suggestions on getting through these withdrawal symptoms? And how long does the withdrawal process take? I'm afraid to call my doctor because he'll yell at me for not coming in to get a refill (he has no sympathy for the fact that I can't afford his fees). Any suggestions (short of street drugs)? Thanks!

[SARAH258]

I also have stopped taking lexapro, i stopped taking it on 11/06/07 it is now 11/12/07 and for about 3 or so days now, i have had a nonstop buzzing in my brain, and my ears are rining like crazy, and when i blink or a sharp sound hits me, i get like an electrical shock. i feel so off, and all i do is cry. so i know the pain you go through. all the research i have done says it lasts anywhere from 2 days to 3-6 weeks depending on how much you were on how long, and just the person in general, i have Lupus and Fibromialgia and OseteoArthritis also, so i hurt to being with, but all this now.....it is NO fun at all. i have worked with doctors for about 12 years, and have learned so much, but some things are just out of my hands.

[ginabina]

Wow, its absolutely amazing and comforting to find people having the same side effects from Lexapro as myself. I thought I was going crazy!
I had been on Lexapro 10mg for a little over a year and decided I wanted off. I was taking it for GAD. My doc told me to cut my dosage to 5mg a day for three weeks, 5mg every other day for one week, and then stop. I followed her directions. Its been three days and the brain zaps are getting progressively more frequent. I'm worried that I was taking the drug for so long that its going to take my body a much longer time to wean off of it. I'm a teacher, so constantly feeling like I am going to lose my balance will not work for me! I don't want to have to rely on this drug to live a normal life, but I don't see how I am going to be able to carry out my everyday responsibilities feeling dizzy, disoriented, and unable to focus on one thing for too long. It's almost as if I have developed ADD. After reading several of your posts, I think I am going to speak to my doc about some alternative methods, or supplements that may help me feel better. BUT I would still greatly appreciate some feedback. Thanks for listening!

p.s. For anyone suffering from anxiety: Before you take a pill to fix it, try reading From Panic to Power by Lucinda Bassett. Its an amazing book that really helped me get through those feelings of anxiety and panic. I hope this bit of info helps someone

[flyleo]

I can't believe what I'm reading. I've been on 10mg of lexapro for about 2and a half years and now feel well enough to stop taking them but the withdrawal sounds worse than any of the symptoms I had before it was ever prescribed. It was for anxiety. I've been using healthy lifestyle changes and supplements lately and am delighted with the mood regulating results but don't want to risk everything I've worked so hard for. Most drugs have long term side effects so I really want to stop. Has anyone tried any food or supplements that can help with the side effects of withdrawal.

[SARAH258]

I stoppped taking 20mgs of lexapro on the 6th of november, it is now the 28th, and the shocks are almost gone, still getting them every now and again but not nearly as bad. I am finding that my mood is very irratic, I seem to be quite irritable and get annoyed at just about anything. and only with my family, i go friends houses and am my normal giddy self. someone explain that to me!!!!! I am 28yrs old, and i am feeling PMSish all the time. in no way do i want to take lexapro ever again, but i hope this moody thing goes away before i end up losing my family. It isn't eay to keep happy happy all the time. I also am finding myself to get confused easily and just seem airheadish and stupid!!! anyone else???

[workingitout]

I slowly decreased 5 mg/day (my highest dose) to 2.5/ day and then 2.5 every other day and every three days for about 6 weeks. My last dose was 2.5 mg one week ago. I am having all of the same symptoms as many have stated. I feel like I am not myself...anyone know how long this is going to last? Also just began Buspar for the anxiety attacks which I was originally taking the Lexapro for. Trying to figure out if the symptoms I am having are from the new med or form getting off of the old one. I did have flu like stuff happening when I would miss a few doses of Lex. in a row so I have been attributing my yucky feelings to the withdrawal.

I do have to say the first year I was on this med I felt great, the last year I just felt like a zombie going through the motions of life. Getting off of it seemed like the next best step but the withdrawal is horrible. I would not recommend to anyone that they start this drug unless they never plan on stopping it.

I have put on 5 lbs in the one week off the meds, I had headaches but they have stopped, still have dizziness, I have shooting, stinging pains occassionally in my chest and arms, I am very irritable and anxious, general feeling of not being able to relax or calm myself, all of my senses seem to be on overdrive and I am spouting off at anyone who comes in range of my voice (not typical of me AT ALL) which could be because I can't sleep through an entire night, I wake every hour or so.

I felt amazing the first week I decreased to 2.5 every other day and then went downhill from there, almost manic on some days. I dumped the rest of the bottle because when I tried to take it again to relieve the symptoms, I just ended up going through the bad part again.

two positives from stopping this med. sex drive is back and I even enjoy it again! and I feel like a foggy shroud has been lifted from my head, I no longer feel like I am living underwater.

My question is this...can anyone who has made it through this tell me how long I have to deal with the tense, irritable, "I want to run away from my life" feeling? And does ANYTHING help get you through this? My kids want their fun mommy back...

[erinkj]

You should visit and post on the thread: Lexapro withdrawl started by antybiotic. It is a popular board and full of people like us who are coping with this problem. Some on that thread have been off meds for a long time and some are trying to get off their meds. there are many people there who can help answer your questions. Good luck to you...Erin

[erinkj]

Hey if you are still checking in would you take a look at what my husband has posted and see if any of it sounds familiar. I think the thread is anxiety with no deppression?! or look up posts by ynotfish...Let me know if you have any thoughts on his probs...Thanks. I hope you are feeling better....Erin

[jc545]

yes, I'll look into his postings. Sounds like we have some similarities. Thanks.

[erinkj]

Just thought I would let you know that we found a good dr for my hubby. They don't think he is bi-polar! yea! They said he deffinately has ADHD but that he has depression and anxiety with it. They put him on cymbalta for the anxiety/depression and depakote to stabilize mood/aggression as well as to help prevent migrains and the possibility of seizure as he tappers his "over the top" xanax use. So far, so good...How are you doing? able to quit the Lex yet?...ERin

[Ma'am]

I have been taking lexpro for about 6 months. I have gained about 20 lbs. now I am depressed. I am going to try to wean myself off of this drug. So any suggestions? And also has anyone else gained weight with this drug and have you lost your sex drive?

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by Ma'am

I have been taking lexpro for about 6 months. I have gained about 20 lbs. now I am depressed. I am going to try to wean myself off of this drug. So any suggestions? And also has anyone else gained weight with this drug and have you lost your sex drive?

YES to the weight gain. Yes to the lost sex drive. Yes to the weaning suggestions. My advice is to go to the thread called lexapro withdrawl started by aunybiotic. Start at the most recent posts as the weaning/tapering scheduale had been covered again in depth over the last few days. You will find any and everything that you ever wanted (or did'nt want) to know about Lexapro on this thread...Good luck...Erin

[just_normal]

My doctor suggested that I start taking Lexapro for mild symptoms of depression. He gave me samples to last for about 3 weeks, beginning with 10mg a day for 7 days and increasing to 20 mg. a day maintenance dose. I have been taking this drug for THREE DAYS now and am on day three of headachy, dizzy and nausea feelings and as a result of these symptoms, an increase in feeling depressed. I decided to check the web for any information about my symtoms and discovered this discussion board, which has been very helpful and a bit alarming. I am going to stop the Lexapro immediately and look for a drug free solution. I recently heard about a mineral supplement out of Canada called Empower plus that has been working for people dealing with depression. Has anyone heard or had experience with this supplement? Thanks again for sharing your valuable experiences.

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by just_normal

My doctor suggested that I start taking Lexapro for mild symptoms of depression. He gave me samples to last for about 3 weeks, beginning with 10mg a day for 7 days and increasing to 20 mg. a day maintenance dose. I have been taking this drug for THREE DAYS now and am on day three of headachy, dizzy and nausea feelings and as a result of these symptoms, an increase in feeling depressed. I decided to check the web for any information about my symtoms and discovered this discussion board, which has been very helpful and a bit alarming. I am going to stop the Lexapro immediately and look for a drug free solution. I recently heard about a mineral supplement out of Canada called Empower plus that has been working for people dealing with depression. Has anyone heard or had experience with this supplement? Thanks again for sharing your valuable experiences.

I am not familiar with that supplement but, sam-e is effective for depression treatment and has been well researched. If you can avoid anti-depressant medications to treat the depression then, I highly recomend that you do as they can be far more trouble than they are worth especially if your depression is not chronic. I feel anti-depressants should be used only when all else fails. ( I been on SSRI for 11 yrs and they SUCK) Also, you should start taking fish oil supplement daily, carson's brand is best and most pure. Fish oils (rich in omega 3 and 6) are PROVEN to support brain function and help with depression and mood besides, the omega's benefit your whole body. Check into Inositol as well. It has been studied for deppression and is a natural supplement. St. Johns Wort is effective to treat deppression for many people however, some people get stomache aches with it and it does interact with some medications. If you decide to try it run a consumer report search on St. Johns Wort first to see what brands routinely test their product, as that will help you determine the best and safest brand to use. Supplements are not FDA regulated so, we have to check it all out for ourselves. Many supplement manufacturers actually test their product for quality and publish results....I hope this helps, Good luck...Erin

[Chamois]

Hi everyone.

I'm so thankful to have found this site, and thank you all for sharing your experiences tapering off of lexapro. It's helped to put my mind at ease. I was actually happy to discover that those little dizzy spells are those "brain zaps" many of you have talked about. I've been tapering off now for about four months and am down to 2.5 mgs. I've had practically every symptom described - brain zaps, headaches, nausea, tiredness, mood swings, sweats, chills, flu-like symptoms etc. However, for the past two weeks, I've been dealing with bouts of depersonalization and extreme tiredness, which really worries me. I had CNS lyme disease back in 1995 which was successfully treated with ceftriaxone, but it's almost like the symptoms are back. This is what I hate - is what I'm experiencing lexapro withdrawal, or something else? I had some blood work done and am seeing my doctor next week to try and figure out what's going on. I feel I'm in for the long haul with this since I've been on between 20 and 30 mgs of lexapro for SEVEN years! Now I'm wondering if some major damage has been done to my brain being on the stuff for so long. I look forward to the day that lexapro is completely out of my system! (I know it takes 45 days after the last dose is taken.)

Has anyone been on this drug for the same amount of time as me, and if so, how long did it take before you were completely symptom free?

Thanks again for sharing!

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by Chamois

Hi everyone.

I'm so thankful to have found this site, and thank you all for sharing your experiences tapering off of lexapro. It's helped to put my mind at ease. I was actually happy to discover that those little dizzy spells are those "brain zaps" many of you have talked about. I've been tapering off now for about four months and am down to 2.5 mgs. I've had practically every symptom described - brain zaps, headaches, nausea, tiredness, mood swings, sweats, chills, flu-like symptoms etc. However, for the past two weeks, I've been dealing with bouts of depersonalization and extreme tiredness, which really worries me. I had CNS lyme disease back in 1995 which was successfully treated with ceftriaxone, but it's almost like the symptoms are back. This is what I hate - is what I'm experiencing lexapro withdrawal, or something else? I had some blood work done and am seeing my doctor next week to try and figure out what's going on. I feel I'm in for the long haul with this since I've been on between 20 and 30 mgs of lexapro for SEVEN years! Now I'm wondering if some major damage has been done to my brain being on the stuff for so long. I look forward to the day that lexapro is completely out of my system! (I know it takes 45 days after the last dose is taken.)

Has anyone been on this drug for the same amount of time as me, and if so, how long did it take before you were completely symptom free?

Thanks again for sharing!

Go to the thread "Lexapro Withdrawl" started by Auntybiotic. It is under the featured conditions tab (I think) It is the most active thread on this subject and you will find TON'S of info there. Good Luck...Erin

[oldhippie]

My shrink pulled me off Lexapro cold turkey and I didn't go through any withdrawl.

Same thing with ativan. They say you have to be 'weened" off of that but again I stopped taking it and had no problems. He told me I wouldn't.

Sometimes I wonder where these doctors get their information from.

[vduda]

hippie,

I think you are the exception in case. It is great that you had an easy time of it. How long were you taking the ativan and what dose?

It is easy to play down the suffering of others when you don't experience something. Like I said I am happy for you. Benzo withdrawals almost killed me. And it is deceptive when someone like yourself comes on this forum and says, "I had no withdrawals". You are putting your life on the line if you go cold turkey with benzos, especially if taken at higher doses for prolonged periods.

[centaur62]

I started 10mg daily Lexapro 8 mos. ago to alleviate depression caused by a traumatic event in my life. I feel it's time to come off Lexapro. My doctor recommended a tapering off regimen of 5mg for 6 weeks, 2.5 for 6 wks, 2.5 every other day for 6 wks. After 2 1/2 days at 5mg I started feeling dizzy, nauseous, anxious and highly irritable. I went up to 7.5mg and this seemed to help somewhat. I maintained the 7.5mg for 10 days, then went down to 5mg. Again, after 2 1/2 days the withdrawal symptoms came back with a vengeance. I had to go back to the doctor who recommended I go back to 10mg, but I told him I was determined to come off the drug. He prescribed Xanax which has pretty much alleviated the withdrawal symptoms. Now I'm hoping withdrawing from Xanax won't be an issue! These drug companies sure know how to get us hooked. I find the whole pharma industry quite insidious and unethical. There should not be a drug on the market that is so difficult to stop taking.

[oldhippie]

Originally Posted by vduda

hippie,

I How long were you taking the ativan and what dose?

It is easy to play down the suffering of others when you don't experience something. Like I said I am happy for you. Benzo withdrawals almost killed me. And it is deceptive when someone like yourself comes on this forum and says, "I had no withdrawals". You are putting your life on the line if you go cold turkey with benzos, especially if taken at higher doses for prolonged periods.

I took it for 3 years, 1 mg twice daily. And I didn't mean to play down anything I simply expressed what I experienced.

Maybe I wasn't clear when I talked about this but my doctor told me I would not experience withdrawl, and I was shocked because two other doctors told me I would. He was right.

And I'm not being deceptive what so ever. I'm just sharing my experience. Saying I'm "deceptive" is the equivalent of calling me a liar.