Lexapro withdrawal

Hello @freefromdrug1 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm glad that you have joined this online support network. Thank you also for your post regarding withdrawing from Lexapro. I am glad to see that you are under a doctor's care while you are in the withdrawal process. Have you discussed these current problems with him/her as well?

Previously we have had a discussion on the topic of withdrawal from antidepressants, some of which discuss Lexapro - here is the link, http://mayocl.in/2pBYHti. Please take a look at some of their comments. From this discussion, I'd like to invite @mentor51 @frank1 @ronnie3716 and @jay_baruch who have discussed changing their Lexapro dosage.

Please feel free to continue to share with us during this process, we have a lot of individuals in our Mayo Connect community who care and are willing to share their experiences. Best wishes to you! Teresa

Thank you so much for responding. Every time I try the process of weening I end up back on lexapro bc my doctor thinks I NEED this drug. I don't think they recognize that it could possibly be withdrawal. I am seeing a new doctor this week and pray that she will be open to the possibility that this could be withdrawal. I don't want to be on these drugs anymore bc of how I feel on them. If I truly need them then I'll deal with it but I owe it to myself and my family to see if I need to be medicated. I am so scared to take xanax bc not sure if there is a withdrawal from that as well. Also, I know you can build up a resistance to it. The panic attacks/anxiety is so bad that I cannot go to work some days. I feel like the doctors answer is always you need this drug. There has to be another answer and another way to treat people coming of antidepressants.

@freefromdrug1 We will all be interested in hearing about your appointment with the new doctor next week. In the meantime, here is some information from Mayo's website about panic attacks http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/basics/definition/con-20020825. There is a section on this website about preparing for a doctor's appointment and discussion topics that you can use at an appointment. Perhaps this will provide some helpful ideas for you. What other remedies have you tried? Do you have an exercise program like taking walks, Tai Chi, yoga, swimming etc.? These can often provide relief when anxiety hits. You also might look for a NAMI support group in your area. They offer support and education for people dealing with any type of mental illness including anxiety, depression, etc. Continue to share with us as you are able. Teresa

I am walking three times per week, eating clean foods (until two weeks ago) now I have no appetite. I am also taking a combo of vitamins to help with my anxiety. I do yoga before bed and diffuse lavender oil while I sleep. My husband is amazing and is available whenever I need him. Thx so much for the info. It helps to know there are people to talk to.

I would like to add my welcome to @hopeful33250's.

I would also like to invite @hollyn to this conversation to share her thoughts on Lexapro withdrawal. @hollyn, you just posted about what you experienced withdrawing from Lexapro in another conversation about withdrawing from antidepressants, would you mind sharing your experience again here with @freefromdrug1?

@freefromdrug1 I'm glad to hear that have a supportive husband and that you are involved in some exercises as well as some self-help strategies. That is great! Please keep in touch with us. Teresa

Thyroid checked out. Antibodies too. If so, compounded thyroid hormone if need be. Or, you could have an over active thyroid, perhaps peri-menopause too. I went through much.<br><br>

Thank you for your reply. I'll talk to my doctor about thyroid.

When going through a tough time of anxiety I ran across an article that said that 30 minutes of moderate exercise gives you the same "boost" as my Paxil. The dose you have taken is minimal, but I understand your desire to be off of it. Xanax helps but ask about clonopin instead maybe, just a suggestion. Anxiety has to be combated from many angles. Try yoga, lifting weights, cycling and meditation time working in a garden or crafts. Hypnotherapy helped me the most. Stand up for yourself and surround yourself only with positive people for a time to protect your progress. Think every morning of everything that you are grateful for and that make you smile. In my case I had to change my diet (gluten zero). Even if you don't have a diagnoses I suggest doing a "whole30" diet. It will help any inflammation that can mess with anything from hormones to aches and pains. You can do this. Take all advice given by anyone and decide what works for you. Try it all. The words "I can't" need to exit your brain. You can find a way and you will. Hang in there.

I forgot to say to consider that your supplements can have side effects too. Only take them if you have a blood test that shows you have an issue. Then only take them until you get your numbers in range. I have severe Celiac and never take anything unless a doctor says to and I monitor it like any other medication. I always suggest a probiotic though but get advice, I take kirkman brand, it is a food and very safe.