Question posted by redlandsbluenose on 10 June 2016
Last updated on 13 June 2016 by redlandsbluenose
Up until about 6 weeks ago I’d been on Lexapro off and on for around 7 years. I’d been on various strengths, mostly around 10mg and 5mg but had a period last year of being on 20mg. In between times I also spent a few months taking mirtazapine and about 10 months on Prozac. Being relatively stable for nearly a year, I thought the time was right to say goodbye to these meds. My sex drive was little to none and weight gain was a problem too. I tapered from 20mg to 15, to 10mg ,to 5mg over the course of a few months, then to 5mg every other day for about a month. After stopping completely (about 6 weeks ago) I began taking 5-htp as I’d heard this was effective for countering the withdrawal. I’ve been taking vitamin B complex, vitamin D, Omega 3 and magnesium for years. However, about two weeks ago I started to crash badly. Crying, depressed, very anxious, feelings of guilt consuming me, etc. I went to the doctor and he suggested reinstating the Lexapro at 10mg. So, for the last 9 days I’ve been back on it at 10mg. Initially it was OK and I felt a bit better but these last couple of days have been hell again for me. I have since read that reinstating might not work (but generally, the longer you leave it, the less likely it is to work and being I only left it 5 weeks I was hopeful of it being a success). I also read that reinstating should be done at a low dose before ramping back up. Therefore, today I’ve only taken 5mg.
My questions are: are these horrible feeling my brain just readjusting to the Lexapro and is it right to reinstate at a lesser dose (i.e. the 5mg rather than the 10mg for a period)?
Any similar experiences, success stories, advice, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
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4 Answers
RE
redlandsbluenose
13 June 2016
Thanks everyone. I have reduced down to 5mg a day. I'm still struggling but maybe not quite so jittery and tense. It's the feelings of guilt which totally consume me though. I have an assessment tomorrow with a psychotherapist and they are going determine the most appropriate type of therapy for me. I have tried CBT before but I didn't find it very helpful. That was 3 years ago though, so I'm willing to give it another go.
I'm so worried though that Lexapro won't ever be effective again for me and I'm going to have to start another med.
I know there are no time limits on these things and it's different for everyone, but how long should I give it before knowing whether the Lexapro will be therapeutic again or not? It was 5 weeks I was completely off it for (with some considerably tapering prior to that) before I started it again nearly 2 weeks ago.
Thanks again.
Votes: +0
WI
WildcatVet
10 June 2016
Hi, Red! I re-started Lexapro full strength with no more than slight nausea and a headache for a few days, it's been fully effective for several years, and I intend to stay on it for life unless it *poops out* and then I'll switch to another antidepressant. Unless a person is only suffering from the blues true depression IS a real disease that can't be cured, only the symptoms controlled. Why not stay on meds as would a diabetic, cancer, or heart patient?? No more rebounds for me... EVER! Not when the price for happiness is swallowing a couple pills each day.
Votes: +1
WI
WildcatVet
10 June 2016
Read depression and/or anxiety...
RE
redlandsbluenose
13 June 2016
Thanks everyone. I have reduced down to 5mg a day. I'm still struggling but maybe not quite so jittery and tense. It's the feelings of guilt which totally consume me though. I have an assessment tomorrow with a psychotherapist and they are going determine the most appropriate type of therapy for me. I have tried CBT before but I didn't find it very helpful. That was 3 years ago though, so I'm willing to give it another go.
I'm so worried though that Lexapro won't ever be effective again for me and I'm going to have to start another med.
I know there are no time limits on these things and it's different for everyone, but how long should I give it before knowing whether the Lexapro will be therapeutic again or not? It was 5 weeks I was completely off it for (with some considerably tapering prior to that) before I started it again nearly 2 weeks ago.
Thanks again.
SL
SLMRDC
10 June 2016
Hi Red, I have experienced a similar issue to you. Unfortunately, we want to go off these meds when we are feeling better, not realizing we are feeling better because of the med. I restarted on 5 mg of Lexapro before moving up to the 10 mg I am now taking. I fully expect to be on them forever, but it's really no different than taking medication for diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid problems... we need them. Whatever the problem may be, we are all different... be it genetic, chemical issues in our brains, issues which have caused a serious depression... but many of us need medication for depression. No shame, no stigma. Recently I thought I was needing an increase in the medication and did NOT want to increase it. I tried a different intervention... Counselling. I have never been one to seek this type of help, but now I wish I had gone years ago. I certainly do not need an increase in the Lexapro now.
The sex drive seems to return after being on the medication for awhile... at least in my case. You just need to be patient and consistent with the medication. An antidepressant can't fix you alone... it's not a magic cure... but it sure can help a lot. I suggest you that you try Counselling along with the Lexapro. I have found it most helpful. Also, maybe start on 5 mg of Lexapro and build up to 10 mg so you don't feel so terrible. I had to do that as well. I take mine at about 9-10 at night. It helps to mask the side effects. When do you take yours? Wishing you the very best.
Votes: +2
JA
janiebme
10 June 2016
Hi Red- From what I read you are right. It seems when you stop and start an antidepressant the less effective it can become. I am sorry that you crashed. It is disheartening and frustrating. This is sometimes called rebound depression after stoping an antidepressant. You did not say what the side effects you were having from the Lexapro, just feeling bad? It may take a couple of weeks for any side effects to subside or lessen. You can advise your doctor about reducing your dosage and see if that is OK. I hope it all works out for you soon :)
