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Lexapro withdrawal
I am currently weening from 10 mg lexapro after 15 years of being on the drug. I was put on this drug due to post partum. Having a difficult time getting into psychiatrist due to wait list. I've been weening for 2months and taking .5 instead of 10 mg daily. I was doing fine until 2 weeks ago when severe anxiety hit, no appetite, flu like symptoms and very emotional. Doctor prescribed xanax to help with anxiety and I take only as needed but honestly I'm afraid to take another drug. I see an phych nurse this week and a holistic doctor as well. Taking a multi vitamin, fish oi, B12 and vitamin D as well. I'm trying to figure out if my severe anxiety is due to withdrawal or if I'm prone to anxiety attacks because I've never had anxiety before.
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Well, for a while the doctor kept on encouraging me to keep going and get through the tough adjustment period with Ativan. However, I was really getting scared with the dark thoughts so she decided to get me off of Lexapro. It is strange,however, that the symptoms are so horrific this time around as I was on Lexapro a few years ago and have not experienced anything like this. So this is my second time around on this medication and it's been a completely different experience. It helped first time around. I am really hoping to feel better soon. Today is my first day without Lexapro. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Has anyone experienced good results with a medication the very first time around and a horrible experience on the second try?
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!
I experienced the same .. first go of Lexapro went great then 3 yrs later went back on again and it was a horrible experience. After 3 months of enduring the side effects, I noticed the pharmacy had been giving me the generic Escitalopram. Because this was the only difference from 3 years ago, my psychiatrist prescribed a DO NOT SUBSTITUTE and now back on primary Lexapro with great results and little side effects. It’s worth checking on. There are many blogs online regarding those that are unable to tolerate the generic
I think mine was generic all along but I dont know if the generic company is the same or different. Im tapering off right now. Its truly intolerable. Especially the insomnia and the sick to the stomach feeling. What were u experiencing?
Good day, My name is Whitney I'm in my early 30's. I have been on Lexapro (20mg) for over 2 yrs. I began taking the medication shortly after starting a new, very stressful position. Recently, I have been medication free (I also have Lupus) for my Lupus and wanted to rid myself of the remaining medication I was on. I started to ween off the lexapro slowly. At this time, I have not taken a pill in 5 days and, I am experience some very undesirable symptoms. Currently, I am experiencing extreme dizziness and nausea. I have luckily, only had one small anxiety attack which only lasted a few minutes. Can anyone give me some pointers on how to help the dizziness and nausea? I am currently taking vitamins, fiber supplements, using "Sea Band's" which are used for motion sickness etc and, taking benadryl to try and calm some of the dizziness but, that is making me drowsy and also making it hard to stay awake at work. Thank you so very much in advance!
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1 ReactionHi, @wmontalvo1 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will note I moved your post here where many other members are talking about escitalopram (Lexapro) withdrawal in a thread by that name.
If you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole discussion and can join in, meet and participate with other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.
I'm hoping many members here will have some thoughts on the dizziness and nausea you have experienced in your taper, in addition to some anxiety, like @shevet123 @happythinkingma @mommabird74 @freefromdrug1 @farabella @kdo0827 and others.
Has your doctor weighed in on how to deal with these symptoms you are having as you taper off this medication, @wmontalvo1? If so, what did he or she suggest?
Thanks so much! Really appreciate any feedback, advice or assistance. My doctor suggested slowing down the taper and also suggested staying on the drug but, I’m not really up for that. Today is day 5-6 of no medication at all. I’ve adjusted to the life changed and am grateful for the lexapros assistance during that transition but, I’ve learned ways to deal with any anxiety that don’t include medication.
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1 ReactionI’m on day 15 with no lexapro and my withdrawal peeked at day 10. I tapered slowly over 4.5 months & followed a diet plan for decreased inflammation. My withdrawal made me feel like I had a cold, I was irritated by little things & crying lots. But the crying was a good thing in that it felt like a release. Running helped me a lot through this and Jesus my healer!
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2 ReactionsPrayer is always a great help in any and every situation. Exercise as well since it naturally release stress etc. thank you for adding to the conversation and I hope you feel much better. Stay strong!
@mommabird74 Hopefully you are through the roughest part.