Lexapro withdrawal

Undiagnosed symptomsMy son had a panic attack put on Lexapro (sp?) then had to go off of it, as it messed him up. Since then, May 2025 till present, he has been experiencing ever day:Brain fogDizziesStomach painNauseaSome headachesContinuous nasal dripTingling in hands and feetSleep issuesDepression due to being sick for this longTreatments done:EndoscopyColonoscopyMRI’sCT scans on stomach and head/ brainNumerous blood testsKetamine treatmentsEmergency room visitsSeen numerous doctors, blood doctors, stomach specialists, primary care, functional doctors, ear/nose/throatThey did find that his ferretin levels are high and has some inflammation in his stomach (gastritis). Also found that his sinus are completely clogged on one side and the other is 3/4 cloggedHe is having sinus surgery on the 10th of February to have his sinus cleared as antibiotics did not help.Currently sending in tests for:GI mappingOrganic acids testMycotoxins profileMetals toxic elementsWe have had no success in getting him any answers and everyday is getting harder. Any suggestions, help would be great. Thank you

@oceanayers - I wanted to let you know I moved your post here to an existing discussion on escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro) withdrawal:

- Lexapro withdrawal https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lexapro-withdrawal-4/

Please also note that this Mayo Clinic article on escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro) says the following:

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping it completely. This will decrease the chance of having withdrawal symptoms such as increased anxiety, burning or tingling feelings, confusion, dizziness, headache, irritability, nausea, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

From: Escitalopram (oral route) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/escitalopram-oral-route/description/drg-20063707

Hoping that @preston1962 will return to discuss going off this medication and whether it might lead to some of the symptoms and emergency room visits your son has experienced since going off of it. I'm also inviting @freefromdrug1 @hopeful33250 @shushu @lighthouseceliac @1000016352 @janetfinkel to join in to offer any input or suggestions from their experiences.

Actually I’ve had a bad time since trying to cut the dose or stop taking Lexapro. The hardest thing is getting any doctors to understand. They absolutely do not accept the withdrawal issues. I’m now anticipating having endoscopy because my stomach has been an issue since I started this path.
My anxiety needs work! But this physical breakdown is worse. Acid reflux, IBS, gas, bloating, bathroom issues that interfere with my social life. I recently tried a Gummy! First, I should say I am 81 and never touched drugs in my life. But a low dose gummy seems to quiet down the physical distress.
So I went from worrying about the effects that the drugs may be having on an elderly woman to feeling crappy most of the time. This serotonin/gut connection is REAL!

It has been seven months since he went off Lexapro, you would think the symptoms would be gone. He was on a low dose of this medication and the doctors told him it is out of his system. We are looking at every avenue we can think of! Yes the serotonin gut connection is very real.

It’s very comforting to speak in a place where others are experiencing similar issues. Thank you for listening and for any who have responded.
I’m so distressed at what your son has been through.
I have found physical exercise helps.
I’m older but I still manage 5,000 to 6,000 steps daily even in my home.
It was recently suggested that I try IBgard! It’s natural, just peppermint, but it’s a game changer for the IBS symptoms. What I don’t want is unnecessary testing. I’m not interested in making insurance companies richer while I’m put through their regimen.
It’s Withdrawal and I need to help my body adjust.

A doctor I had abruptly discontinued my taking Lexapro. It was tragic for me in that I became psychotic and my daughter did not understand what was going on and she no longer talks to me. Lexapro needs to be taken off the market.

@oceanayers I am wondering if his sympoms will start improving with clear sinuses . new research is out about how bad mouth breathing is for you including some of the symptoms you are talking about. Poor sleep, which has its own complications as well as lower oxygen levels.
nasal breathing promotes nitro oxide which relaxes the blood vessels for better oxygen levels in the lungs.

Respiratory & Systemic Health
Reduced Oxygen: Bypasses nasal nitric oxide, which helps lungs absorb oxygen, leading to lower oxygen levels and fatigue.
Poor Sleep: Linked to snoring and sleep apnea, disrupting restorative sleep and causing daytime tiredness and irritability.
Infection Risk: Bypasses nasal filters, allowing unfiltered, cold, or dry air directly into the lungs, potentially increasing sinus and ear infections, says this dental website.
positive thoughts to him

@samclembeau thank you, yes we are hoping after he has his sinuses cleared his symptoms will clear up. So hard to keep positive as every test comes back normal, left with trying to figure out what we should do next.

@shar1504 yes I agree also. Been hearing a lot about this drug and the bad symptoms it causes.