I was on Lexapro for 1.5 years at 10mg. Upon discontinuing the medication I entered a state of constant dysphoria and brain fog. I also have the classic brain zaps and excessive sweating but I can live with those. It has been three months and I have slowly been getting better, but still suffering from debilitating brain fog and concentration issues. Has anyone had a similar experience and did it eventually go away (if so in what time period)?
I am having Lexapro withdrawal symptoms 3 months after terminating - will it get better?
Question posted by SuttonTer on 11 Aug 2016
Last updated on 16 May 2025 (5 days ago) by Niniche
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5 Answers
Niniche
6 days ago
Wow, these are exactly the symptoms I have been having while slowly tapering off escitalopram for about 6 weeks, going from 10mg to 5mg (mistake - should have gone to 7.5) for 5 weeks, and now down to 2.5 mg. The brain fog and light-headedness are pretty tough, but I also have no appetite, significant digestive problems and weird, shooting little pains in my stomach. Wish I knew how it finally worked out for you, @SuttonTer.
The good news for me is that the intrusive thoughts that “forced” me to start taking this drug 9 years ago have not returned, and I feel more emotionally alive and sensitive than I have in a long time!
sam3131
21 April 2020
Hi SuttonTer
its been a few year since you posted your question. im having a similar issue, just wanted to know did it resolve for you? and if so how long did it take you for the brain fog to clear?
it is certainly annoying
Mwanz
14 Sep 2018
I've been having horrible withdrawal from Effexor(same type of med) for 12 weeks now. I was on it for 10 years, the last 6 at 300mg. I have heard it can take up to a year before we will fill 100%
Mwanz
14 Sep 2018
My story:
Hi everyone. I started to take Effexor to combat the withdrawal of Chantix, 11 years ago. I was at 300mg a day for about 7 years after my initial dosage of 75mg. I started my taper Sept 25 2017 and my last dosage of 37.5mg coming up to to 12 weeks ago. June 23, 2018. It’s been the worst since I completely got off of it, but it was quite difficult throughout most my tapering period.
Once I got low enough, I started to use Effexor tablets so I could cut them in half and into quarters. All of my days are not horrible. I have good days and simply horrible days where I can’t even get out of bed. I know the horrible withdrawal is very common and can take a long time to completely subside, but is it normal to have horrible days, followed by good days and then horrible again?
It’s been like this since I was down to 150 mg a day after going from 300mg to 225mg. That horrible withdrawal (achy, very moody feeling horribly weak, lethargic, as if I’m on my death bed. My Doctor has been no help. When I first started to feel withdrawals, I asked him if there was anything he could prescribe to help me through the withdrawal.
Again, the only thing I would like feedback on (although I’d take feedback on anything I have posted) is: Is it normal to go from bad days to good days and then back to bad days? Ex.last week; I had such a horrible day on Tuesday to the point I came home from work and went to bed for 6 hours.
I felt as if I couldn’t get out of bed, but then I was feeling good in the evening and continued to feel good for the next 3 days. Saturday I was in bed all day again. Couldn’t get out of it. Sunday was good and today is horrible again. Thanks for reading.
SuttonTer
23 Aug 2016
Has anyone else experienced very protracted lexapro withdrawal? particularly brain fog? would love to hear how long it lasted and what you did to get out out of it.
DanSar
22 May 2018
Hi Sutton,
It’s been a couple years now since you first posted... I wanted to see if the brain fog has lifted for you. I stopped my lexapro medication almost 5 months ago and still don’t feel as sharp as I used to. Brain zaps stopped at month 2 after following a food protocol from Dr. Kelly Brogan (A Mind of Your Own). How have you been feeling?
Liet25
9 July 2018
Hi DanSar, I joined this website just to say that you aren't alone. I've been off 10mg Lexapro for a few months now, and the lightheadedness/fogginess sucks. Has yours improved since May?
chuck1957
15 Aug 2016
Sutton; Yes this is very common I don't know how long you took to taper off and there is no set time for anyone, Most people it is around 3 to 4 months at most but most that I have followed or myself when I changed from Lexapro to Effexor I had that zaps and withdrawals for several months and it was 3 months before I could tell a big change and the fog lifted. So I would say just do your best and just as we have to fight to get to the point that they work do the same thing. Try not to think or dwell on them and kind of laugh them off. I know you well get better but like I say to many people we need these things to get through this junk as I call it.Trust in your faith whatever it is and keep a sense of humor about it and continue to think positive and we can get through anything. Trust me my friend this to shell pass and I am happy for you that you are able to go off your medications.
But the way it works these medications the Serotonin type medications are something that our bodies make and we all react differently and at different dose's So it's different for each person. but that is the best average I can give you. So let's hope it is anytime now things can get much clearer. IF you do not already make sure you're eating healthy or some GOOD vitamin B 50 or just a super B complex make sure it is a USP approved vitamin-like nature made and take walks around the block for mild exercise if you can. And flush your system with plenty of water or good juices. I hope this helps you some. If they continue much longer than I would say see your doctor and see what else you can do. Good luck to you and feel free to let us or me know how your doing!! try and not DWELL on it.
SuttonTer
16 Aug 2016
Thank you for the response. I tapered in 4 weeks (Advice of my doctor) which was clearly not enough time. I am just very uncertain as to when this will pass - I am still having the "brain zaps" and the fog is still constantly with me. It is very frustrating!
I am taking fish oil, magnesium and a daily vitamin to try to accelerate my brain recovery and get back to homeostasis ASAP!
chuck1957
17 Aug 2016
Well sound pretty good Sutton; I really am sorry you're having to deal with all of this and trust me I know it is no fun. But just know it well get better. It's Crazy but when these class of drugs came out even the company that makes these did not say or know that these medications had to be tapped down very slow and over a long period of time. And the doctors thought we were all nuts complaining about the withdrawals. I have no idea how this could not have been noticeable in their studies hang in there with luck you could get better anytime now.
Related topics
lexapro, anxiety, withdrawal, medication, brain, symptom, brain zap, brain fog
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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