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← Return to Lexapro withdrawal
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Hello, Ive been having a pretty rough paradoxical effect of Lexapro adjustment. After 2 months of going up and down from 2.5 mg to 5 mg to get to the therapeutic effect, the doctor finally told me to stop and taper off then we start something new. Im currently on 50-75 mg of Seroquel for sleep and 0.5 mg Ativan for panick attacks. My experience with Lexapro is horrendous!!!! Im experiencing a foggy brain, lack of concentration, dark thoughts, extreme anxiety, jittery hands, feeling like wanting to crawl out of my skin, lack of energy and motivation, and racing thoughts, and a terrible insomnia. It is horrible! These side effects increase within 3-6 hours of taking the medication. Then I need Ativan to stop shaking. Has anyone else experienced this with such a low dose or upon initiating treatment? Im really hoping that getting off of it will ease this misery. Im barely functioning. I want to get back to a normal, happy life with my husband and two little kids. Any experiences shared with me would be greatly appreciated to get me thru this. I just hope the withdrawal won't be as bad as the initiation.
Replies to "Hello, Ive been having a pretty rough paradoxical effect of Lexapro adjustment. After 2 months of..."
I didn’t have those symptoms with lexapro but I did with other meds I tried and had to ween off and try different ones until my symptoms improved. It was a miserable time and I stayed sick until the magic pill kicked in, which was Paxil. Then with the Paxil, my hair started falling out so I tried lexapro and it helped me. Now I’m getting off all meds and going the nutritional route through the Kelley brogan diet. I’ve struggled for so long! I hope you feel better soon friend! It’s harder when you have kids!
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Hi, @happythinkingma — welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Sorry to hear you've been experiencing some rough effects of adjustment with escitalopram (Lexapro). The symptoms you are experiencing — foggy brain, lack of concentration, dark thoughts, extreme anxiety, jittery hands, feeling like wanting to crawl out of your skin, lack of energy and motivation, racing thoughts, and terrible insomnia — all sound very difficult. Understandable you'd like to get back to a normal, happy life with your family.
You'll note that since you mentioned withdrawal from this medication, I've merged your post with this existing one, "Lexapro Withdrawal." Hoping that members like @guener @wwwzeydotrocks @annalivia @kdo0827 @kaylacookie @farabella may have some thoughts for you as you are tapering down and experiencing some challenges.
What has your doctor advised about these symptoms you've been having, @happythinkingma?