Lexapro withdrawal--anybody else?
 

I had a major depressive episode last year and was put on Lexapro. I had never been on any sort of drug like this before. My doctor told me it would be temporary and sure enough, after a year, I'm coming off of it.

BUT, I weaned down from 40 mg to 5 mg over a 3 month period. Today is my third day w/NO Lexapro.

Starting yesterday, I started having weird symptoms--dizzyness, headache, mild confusion, heart racing from time to time, etc. Today, it's worse.

I called my Dr. today and he said it was normal and should only last a few more days. I wanted to say, "Thanks for the heads up on all this". But, was so relieved to hear it's "normal".

But, this is just SOOOOOOOOOOO WEIRD. Mentally/emotionally I'm fine. Physically, I'm really a mess.

Has anybody else experienced anything like this? DOES it in fact end after about a week?:?:

Hello..
I was put on Lexapro for a short period of time by an emergency room doctor.. I had a panic attack and so he thought I needed it.. I was on it for about a week and started getting all kinds of symptoms, so I called my regular Dr. and he told me I didn't need to be on it, and to go off of it and that I would have withdrawls for 4 days... it went away within that time frame, and when I had the withdrawls they sucked... now, you have been on it for WAY longer than I was, but I think you'll most likely be fine.. If it's not better by monday, I'd get it checked out..
I hope you feel better asap!!
:)

Scary to say the least..... I hope your feeling better today.

I am currently attempting to taper off Lexapro again.

The last time I tried I did it too quickly, going from 10mg to 5mg. This resulted in HORRIBLE withdrawal symptoms. I experienced something similiar to what you're experiencing now. But I also had intense burning throughout my entire body, diarreah and bleeding.

It made me terrified to attempt weaning off of them again, but now I am doing it with the help of my doctor and going at a much slower pace.

I doubt that your symptoms will get as bad as above. I am merely very sensitive to these kinds of medications. I have heard it's normal for these symptoms to last more than a month, so don't let that surprise you.

Good luck.

Thanks everybody. I am better today. Still weird, but not as bad.

While I know these drugs have their place (I know I needed it), their power terrifies me.

I hope I never have to use one again.