Lexapro withdrawal

I weened the same way you did for 2 mos and then 21/2 weeks ago the anxiety hit me like a ton of bricks. Not just small anxiety it's the crippling fear can't go to work anxiety. Having a hard time coping because I am a very active person so not sure how to deal with these attacks. Seeing a phych Nurse tomorrow for some help. I also believe there is room for a holistic approach and treating the entire body. Good food, exercise, yoga and mediation. I hope you continue to do well off lexapro.

To help you rest tonight, maybe google a hypnotherapy session on YouTube. If another medicine is suggested be open to it. They are pretty harmless. I have only been on two different, six month each, times that I really needed help and got off way before they said to. So I understand wanting to get off meds, but when you do need them it is well worth not suffering so much. Remember that a panic attack can never kill you but boy it sure seems like it when it is happening!! Breathe eat and sleep, sounds so easy!! Good thoughts going your way!!

@lighthouseceliac Thank you for your many gentle thoughts and suggestions regarding withdrawing from anti-depressant meds. You make a good point when you say "So I understand wanting to get off meds, but when you do need them it is well worth not suffering so much." This is very true. Often when we have been under stress our brain-chemistry is changed by the stress and anti-depressants can help adjust that chemistry. I also appreciate your comment, "Remember that a panic attack can never kill you but boy it sure seems like it when it is happening!! Breathe eat and sleep, sounds so easy!! Teresa

Very well put. Gluten does seem to interfere with gut health causig inflammation. Clonazepam is the med I think you meant. 1/2 mg. Does much p.m. to help increase GABA and eliminating anxiety and helps eith sleep. GAD is a very real condition and not always depression related. Hormonal imbalance too.

@janetfinkel I hope that all goes well with your hip replacement. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Teresa

I cannot figure out how to post a new discussion. I'm wondering if there are any people that have had severe withdrawal from lexapro? I've only tapered to half my dose for 3mos and then at month three severe anxiety hit me. The kind that keeps you home from work. Is there anyone that has suffered withdrawal servely like this for a long period of time? I'm going on week three. Taking xanax to help and was just switched to buspar instead. Afraid I may get addicted to the Xanax. I took lexapro for 15 years.

It seems like you are trying to withdraw too quickly from the Lexapro. I called my pharmacist to help me with information about how to withdraw from 2 medications I have been taking. I recommend that you contact your pharmacist. Actually mine was far more helpful than my physician.

Also, I discovered late in life that all my years of counseling and group therapy have helped me live a more fulfilling and large life, but didn't help my anxiety/panic attacks. I always believed that eventually I would be cured from them, but at the age of 62, I was still having them. I was living in a tiny town in rural Missouri at the time. I asked my general physician if he could give me a prescription for an antidepressant that would help with anxiety too. He prescribed Celexa, and I titrated over 6 months to the full dose of 40 mg. For the first time in my life I have been free from panic and anxiety, and have been happy with my life. I have been happy before, but always with an undercurrent of fear. I had a traumatic childhood, so I understood my constant vigilance as part of PTSD. I never thought I could be free from that undercurrent in my life. With the Celexa (I take the generic Citalopram) I am free of the fear. I am far more relaxed and can express my love and joy. I have concluded that sometimes individuals need both talk and medication therapy. Looking back now, I am sure I needed the antidepressant a long time ago.

I don't know if this will be helpful for you, but I hope it gives you a different perspective. While I have been withdrawing from Gabapentin and Baclofen, I have been experiencing occasional feelings of anxiety and I'm certain this is the result of withdrawal. So, your anxiety may very well be from withdrawal. Google it and read qualified information about withdrawal and the side effects with Lexapro. They will also tell you generally how quickly to withdraw. You do need to be very careful not to get serotonin storms from withdrawal too quickly. Good luck. Gail B

@gailb Thanks for sharing your story and telling how your pharmacist helped you. I appreciate your relaying the benefits of anti-depressants, they really can make a difference. Your balanced approach to living life is great to read! I believe it will be encouraging to others. Teresa

Thanks Teresa. I appreciate your feedback. Gail B

Sounds like you are getting and taking some really good advice. You are doing everything perfectly in my humble opinion. Buspar is great for stress and anxiety. Be patient, take the Xanax anytime that you need it or on a regular schedule to get ahead of the anxiousness. Take some morning and night maybe. The buspar will take a few weeks and then one day you will just forget to take it because you don't need it. Don't stress about it, do what was suggested by your health care person. Go about your life and laser focus on the details of your loved ones and the duties expected everyday. Choose to not focus on any of your withdrawal and the new drugs. Take them and go about your day. Not drinking alcohol will help the drugs be more affective, some do in moderation but it does act as a VIP in the body and the drug becomes ineffective. Just a side note that you probably don't need to know. You are fine, you are doing this very well. No worries, just the normal OMGOODNESS of everyday stuff!!! Be nice, be happy, be well!!!❤️