10 mg every day lexapro for 10 years. After visit to doctor to stop it I did it slowly. From January till today all good but I have bad days as tiggling to feet like electric shock sometimes , muscles tension etc. I feel like my body is battling something:) Went to doctors and nothing physical problem found. Is this normal? anyone experience this.
Lexapro - Does anyone had side.effects 8 months after stopped?
Question posted by pipis on 24 Aug 2023
Last updated on 25 August 2023
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Answers
I saw 2 psychiatrists and they insist that side effects are for 7 days after I stop. They advised me to start again with 5 mg and maybe depression is the problem of muscle pain and brain zaps. I don't want to start the medicine again, though. I don't have panic attacks and no problem getting through the day. It's just the muscle tension problem that creates some anxiety for me.
Hi, pipis!
It is uncommon but it has been reported. This is from some literature I found:
"While there is no set-in-stone timeline, most people report that after 90 days the most severe of the symptoms tend to decrease.
There are, however, some who report that it takes as long as a year for withdrawal symptoms to stop."
I don't understand why it comes and goes though. Is the doctor you're seeing a psychiatrist? If not it might be worth a referral as they are much more familiar with psychotropic medications.
Regards and best of luck to you.
They're called brain zaps but they can affect the body too:
" Sensory disturbances after stopping antidepressants can lead to burning, tingling, electric- or shock-like sensations in the body and brain."
I saw 2 psychiatrists and they insist that side effects are for 7 days after I stop. They advised me to start again with 5 mg and maybe depression is the problem of muscle pain and brain zaps. I don't want to start the medicine again, though. I don't have panic attacks and no problem getting through the day. It's just the muscle tension problem that creates some anxiety for me.
If you don't mind my asking why do you want to stop the medication? Perhaps you felt better and don't feel you needed it anymore?
Lexapro discontinuation can be difficult for some people and should be done with a slow tapering dosage schedule over a sometimes long period of time. I'm not a doctor but from my experience this is the only way to go.
If you could get any cooperation from your doctors...
"Lexapro withdrawal symptoms can be severe and the dosage should be slowly tapered down over a period of time and under the guidance of medical professionals who can help prevent or mitigate any withdrawal symptoms."
I truly hope you can get out of this situation. You know you have every right to participate and make decisions about your treatment plan.
PS, There is a liquid form of Lexapro which would make it easier to reduce your dose by small increments over time.
Related topics
lexapro, shock, side effect, doctor, muscle
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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