I’m a first time mum. I went to my GP with mild anxiety (worry about my baby etc) but definitely not postpartum depression. He put me on 10 mg Lexapro a day (it’s my first antidepressant) and I've never felt so bad in my life having constant panic attack - both physical and mental symptoms, extremely depressed,Muscle spasms,can’t get out of my bed let alone look after my 3 months old. I've stopped the medication after 2 days it’s been 72 hours and I still feel horrible. I’m starting to feel hopeless like this is my life now and permanent damage was done to my brain! Can you please let me know if the symptoms will stop and when and will I ever feel myself again? I’m terrified. GP asked me to stop the medication and gave Valium which is helping but not a lot. The symptoms are always worse in the morning or when I wake up from a nap. I really need some hope to go through this hell. I want to feel like my old self again.
Stopped Lexapro after 2 days. I have terrifying side effects. Will I ever feel myself again?
Question posted by MartaMrz on 15 Aug 2021
Last updated on 15 August 2021 by WildcatVet
Answers
Hi, Marta!
Antidepressants do not damage your brain so you're okay there. What you've been feeling are side effects some people experience what first starting treatment.
Lexapro has a very long half life of about 30 hours. This means that after 30 hours from your last dose 50% of the drug is still in your system, after another 30 hours 25% will remain, and after another 30 hours only 12.5%, etc. Depending on your metabolism it can take 5-6 days for the drug to completely be removed.
For most people the side effects are negligible once you get down to those miniscule figures so you should be seeing them resolve for you quickly now.
I'm sorry that you had to go through this. You must be very sensitive to this medication but never fear... you'll be back to your normal self very soon.
Best regards,
Wildcat
Related topics
lexapro, depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, generalized anxiety disorder, escitalopram, major depressive disorder, side effect, baby
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