1. < Mental Health

Withdrawal symptoms from Lexapro

Posted by preston1962 @preston1962, Apr 1 3:39pm

After taking Lexapro for almost 20 years, my PCP suggested lowering the dose because of my age (80 Y)).
I went from 20 mg to 17.5 mg to 15 mg. to 10 mg. Most of the lower titrations have gone by without any notice but at 10 mg. I am suffering!
My hemorrhoids are bleeding more, I have gastritis, diarrhea. body pains, some allergy type symptoms etc. Can this all be withdrawal???
If so, any suggestions!!!!
Thank you

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elijahcarter | @elijahcarter | Apr 2 8:24am

That sounds really rough—sorry you're going through this! It definitely could be withdrawal, especially since you've been on Lexapro for so long. Maybe slowing down the taper even more or checking in with your doctor could help? Hope you start feeling better soon!

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gregtsaunders | @gregtsaunders | Apr 2 9:23am

Brother, I took Bupropion for 10 years and the doctor just stopped it. I thought I was losing my mind. Physically, I was about where you are now. I found a doctor who knew how to titrate medication. He took me down gradually. He also wrote the old doctor a terse letter on compassion and education on taking someone off of medication.
Many doctors won’t prescribe benzodiazepines because you might become dependent and have withdrawals when stopping. I’ve stopped Valium 10 mg X 4/day with very little withdrawal. Antidepressants are as bad, if not worse. I wish you the best of luck my friend. PS: maybe get the doctor to take you back to 15 mg and squat there for a while. Talk to him frankly about your symptoms. Regards, Greg

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1 reply
preston1962 | @preston1962 | Apr 2 9:33am
In reply to @gregtsaunders "Brother, I took Bupropion for 10 years and the doctor just stopped it. I thought I..." + (show)
@gregtsaunders

Brother, I took Bupropion for 10 years and the doctor just stopped it. I thought I was losing my mind. Physically, I was about where you are now. I found a doctor who knew how to titrate medication. He took me down gradually. He also wrote the old doctor a terse letter on compassion and education on taking someone off of medication.
Many doctors won’t prescribe benzodiazepines because you might become dependent and have withdrawals when stopping. I’ve stopped Valium 10 mg X 4/day with very little withdrawal. Antidepressants are as bad, if not worse. I wish you the best of luck my friend. PS: maybe get the doctor to take you back to 15 mg and squat there for a while. Talk to him frankly about your symptoms. Regards, Greg

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Thank you so much. I felt like maybe I was imagining these symptoms. But I’ve researched and it seems probable. Doctors don’t quite get it. They are not educated enough about these reactions. It seems to me every cell in my body, especially the whole gastric network is revolting against losing this drug. It’s a lot to take in. Something that was so helpful can resist my dose lowering to this extent. I’m also guessing that at 80 YO my body does not react as easily as a younger persons.

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michaelhall | @michaelhall | Apr 14 6:32pm

Wow I'm sorry.i didn't have a good time either but eventually it went away

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michaelhall | @michaelhall | Apr 14 7:56pm

Believe it or not 10mg is a lot of Lexapro

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1 reply
preston1962 | @preston1962 | Apr 17 9:35am
In reply to @michaelhall "Believe it or not 10mg is a lot of Lexapro" + (show)
@michaelhall

Believe it or not 10mg is a lot of Lexapro

Jump to this post

Thanks for your comment. I have gotten through the worst and am now starting to feel better. But I am thinking, as you said, that 10mg is still too much at my age.
And as an aside, I lost some weight without even trying so there is that to consider.

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