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Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms: How Long Do They Last?

Lexapro (Escitalopram) has emerged as one of the most popular antidepressant drugs in the United States. It works as an SSRI (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and has approval to treat major depression in individuals over the age of 12. In addition to being utilized for depression, it is also prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is strikingly similar to the drug “Celexa” in the fact that it contains just the (S)-stereoisomer (without the (R)-stereoisomer).

There is controversial evidence suggesting that Lexapro may be slightly more effective than Celexa. In some cases, Lexapro is used to treat social anxiety disorder, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and panic disorder. This is one of the most prescribed SSRI’s in the United States due to the fact that it has been found as one of the most effective. Most people stay on this medication until it either stops working or they are compelled to quit.

When a person quits, they may not expect to experience any significant withdrawal symptoms – especially if this is a person’s first SSRI. If you plan on stopping this medication, it is important to know what you should expect and prepare yourself for the symptoms. Most people experience a pretty severe withdrawal period when they come off of Lexapro, which goes to show the power of this drug.

Factors that influence Lexapro withdrawal

There are a few factors that are thought to influence the severity of withdrawal from Lexapro.  These include things like: time span (i.e. how many months or years you were on this drug), the dosage that you took, whether you quit cold turkey or tapered, and your individual physiology.

1. Time Span

How long were you taking Lexapro? In the event that you were on it for years, the withdrawal process is likely going to be longer for you than someone on it for months. In general, the longer you take Lexapro, the more intense the withdrawal process.

2. Dosage (10 mg to 20 mg)

Most people take anywhere from 10 mg to 20 mg of Lexapro. The recommended starting dose is 10 mg, but for some people this isn’t quite strong enough. Therefore most doctors continue increasing the dose to achieve the desired effect. Doses tend to increase up to 20 mg, and then it is up to the patient and doctor whether 20 mg needs to be exceeded. Keep in mind that the higher the dose you are on, the greater the difficulty of the withdrawal process.

3. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering

It is never recommended to quit Lexapro “cold turkey.” Although some have done it, quitting cold turkey leaves your brain in a state of chemical disarray. Some people do not have the patience to taper because they feel so crappy on the drug. If you are able to taper, try to work with your doctor to gradually reduce your dosage. The higher the dose you are on, the longer the tapering process should be.

4. Individual Physiology

To a lesser degree than the other factors, your individual physiology will play a role in determining how quickly you bounce back from the discontinuation symptoms. Some people find that they feel normal within a few months of quitting the drug, while others find that it takes months to start feeling a little bit better. Everyone responds differently and heals at a different pace.

Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities

Below are some symptoms that you may experience when you stop taking Lexapro. This is a collective of some common symptoms that people experience when they withdraw from this drug. You may only experience some of the symptoms listed below, but in any event, it is better to be mentally prepared for what you may experience so that you don’t become overwhelmed.

  • Anxiety: Most people will experience anxiety to a significant degree when stopping Lexapro. This is a drug that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin. If you have been taking it for an extended period of time and discontinue, your serotonin levels are likely lower than average – causing severe anxiety.  This is because your brain had become reliant upon the drug to increase serotonin and is no longer receiving it.
  • Appetite changes: You may experience changes in appetite when you first quit taking this drug. Some people notice that they aren’t quite as hungry and/or aren’t eating as much, while others regain appetite. Usually changes in appetite are opposite to your experience while on the drug.
  • Brain Zaps: It is common to experience “brain zaps” or sensations of electrical shocks throughout your brain when you stop taking Lexapro.  This is a common symptom that occurs when withdrawing from many different antidepressants.  These usually subside within a few weeks.
  • Concentration problems: One thing that most doctors will not tell you is that your concentration may be extremely poor during withdrawal. You are experiencing a ton of withdrawal symptoms which naturally detract from concentration, but the neurotransmitter levels are imbalanced – creating a state of brain fog.
  • Depersonalization: This involves feeling unlike your natural self. Most people feel depersonalized and when they try to describe it to someone else, the other person may just not understand what they mean. It can feel as though all natural emotions have been sucked out of the body and the person is lifeless. The emotions will eventually return as the person stays off of SSRI’s for awhile.
  • Depression: It is common to experience “rebound depression” when you quit taking Lexapro. It is a drug that was created to treat depression, so when you stop it, the depression will likely return. Many people notice that their depression is actually worse when they stop this drug – this is because the brain has become even more chemically imbalanced after taking this drug.
  • Dizziness: Many people report feeling dizziness, in some cases to the point of having “balance” issues. This dizziness can last for an extended period of time and may make life difficult to deal with. Recognize that this is a result of your brain trying to cope without stimulation from the drug.
  • Eye floaters: Some people report seeing “floaters” when they come off of Lexapro. Floaters are small shapes that “float” in and out of your field of vision. These are harmless and do not indicate that anything is wrong with your vision. Do your best not to panic and think that you are doomed if you see these.
  • Fatigue: It is very common to notice that you feel excessively tired throughout the day. The lethargy, tiredness, and fatigue may become so difficult, that you think it’s never going to end. This is likely due to your brain trying to restore itself to homeostasis.
  • Headaches: This is another extremely common symptom to experience when you withdraw from any drug – especially SSRI’s. If headaches are intense, do your best to relax – as many can be caused by tension. Also make sure that you are drinking plenty of water and consider taking headache relief medication if they become too difficult to deal with.
  • Insomnia: Some people are unable to fall asleep at night when they first stop Lexapro. This is usually a result of sleep pattern changes and increased anxiety. Some people find that taking a little melatonin supplement helps.
  • Irritability: If you are becoming increasingly irritable, do your best to control it without lashing out on others. It can be extremely difficult to control yourself when you feel as crappy as you do, but keep trying.
  • Libido changes: Most people notice that their sex life improves when they stop taking antidepressants. Lexapro is known to cause delayed orgasm and in some cases, inability to orgasm. When you stop taking this drug, your sex life should bounce back.
  • Mood swings: It is common to experience crazy mood swings when quitting this drug. One minute you may feel as though you’re going to recover and the next you may feel as if there is no hope. People may notice that you are acting especially irritable and angry. Realize that you don’t have much control over these during withdrawal.
  • Nausea: It is common to feel nauseated when you first stop taking an antidepressant. In some cases it may lead to vomiting. Do your best to deal with it and understand that it will go away.
  • Suicidal thoughts: When coming off of SSRI’s like Lexapo, it is very common to feel suicidal and experience suicidal thoughts. Although you may have felt suicidal before going on this drug, the intensity of these thoughts will likely be higher when you withdraw.
  • Sweating: Many people sweat more than average during the withdrawal period. You may sweat more than usual throughout the day and/or notice that you sweat excessively during your sleep.
  • Weight changes: Most people experience some degree of weight gain on Lexapro and other SSRI’s. When they come off of the drug, they may notice that they experience weight loss.

How long does Lexapro withdrawal last?

It really depends on a number of different factors including how long you’ve been on the drug and the dosage that you were taking. If you conducted a gradual taper, the symptoms that you experience during withdrawal may be less intense and last for a shorter duration than if you quit cold turkey. Unfortunately there is no exact timeline for determining how long you are going to experience withdrawal symptoms. It is important to recognize that most withdrawal symptoms persist for much longer than professionals think.

I have taken Lexapro and know that the withdrawal process is certainly not as trivial as most people make it out to be. If you withdraw from this medication, you can expect to experience some discontinuation symptoms. These symptoms may only last a few weeks, but in many cases they end up lasting months after the person has taken the last dose of their drug. I would suggest that if you used Lexapro for a year, used 90 days (i.e. 3 months) as a checkpoint.

Most people notice that their severe discontinuation symptoms tend to subside after about 90 days. If yours continue to persist beyond 90 days, just know that it’s most likely that your brain is still in disarray after SSRI usage for an extended period of time. One individual reported that he never fully returned to feeling like “himself” until 48 months had passed (4 years). Although most people will feel “normal” before a three year term, it is important to recognize that withdrawal effects can last months and in some cases, it takes over a year to fully recover.

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703 thoughts on “Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms: How Long Do They Last?”

  1. I took my last dose (2.5 mg) of Lexapro two days ago after tapering from 10 over about 5 weeks. I have experienced nausea, vomiting at random times, and now just plain feel “off balance.” Does this sound consistent with discontinuation? I have been to my internist to check in about the vomiting as it is so unusual for me; now they are sending me for an endoscopy. All bloodwork fine. I think it’s all in my head, but I do not feel myself at all…
    Please comment.

    Reply
  2. I’ve been taking 20mg Lexapro for the past year and due to recent changes I’ve decided to come off the drug. Lexapro helped me immensely whole being on it but they way I feel now is AWFUL. My head hurts, I feel disconnected from reality. My emotions are on a roller coaster.

    I screamed at several people today, cried and laughed. I threw up, felt dizzy, exhausted and just plain uncomfortable all day. I also gained thirty pounds in the last several months and I’m starting to wonder if it was bc of the Lexapro. I’ve also been unmotivated as well as extremely tired the past several months.

    The Lexapro did help me to stop feeling anxious but all these terrible side effects and the withdrawals are making me think twice about ever suggesting this medication to someone else.

    Reply
  3. Have been on Lexapro since 2006, that’s 10 years. It absolutely stuffed my libido. But, it stopped my taking my life. I have gradually worked my dose down to 5mg and now I have quit for 10 days. I’m still feeling very dizzy and the brain zaps are constant. Thanks for the article. It explained a lot, the wonky sea legs and all. I want to stay off it and wonder if there’s a natural medication like St Johns Wort (??) that will do the same thing without the side effects.

    Reply
    • Hi Mike, Yes St. John’s Wort will help. I have just come off Lexapro 10mg because I started to have bad dreams and waking through the night in a cold sweat. Then I was sleepy and lethargic most of the next day. Not much difference to the depression I felt after my brother died. I still get the drowsiness in the day but it is getting less.

      I take one 450 mg SJW tablet with my breakfast. I’m going to add 5HT one tablet at lunch when I can find them – been a bit disorganized for a while. Like antidepressants they take a few weeks to work but have no side or withdrawal effects as far as I can tell. I have taken them before. Just follow the instructions and don’t take more than suggested. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  4. Man, I’ve been on escitalopram for years. Like literally 6-8 years, I don’t even remember (my memory is pretty shoddy these days). Last time I talked to my doc about quitting he doubled my dose, and I went with it because hey, he’s the professional, right? My sex life is gone. Dead.

    My wife and I have sex maybe 1-2 times a year. On top of that, I find myself almost completely unable to feel any strong feelings about anything. I’ve had 3 kids born, barely felt a twinge. My grandma (who raised me) died and almost nothing. I feel dead on the inside.

    But reading about these awful withdrawals, people suffering for months after taking it for <1 year… it's sorta terrifying. I've been on it nearly a decade… jesus. I haven't taken it in 3 days and the zaps have started… I'll start taking it again so my head doesn't explode (either naturally or via shotgun blast)… but how long am I gonna have to taper this?

    Years? I don't know if I can handle this that long.

    Reply
  5. Hi All, It’s been 3 weeks to the day of my last dose of Lexapro and TODAY I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I feel more like myself, less anxiety, no feet/palm itching, and NO hot flashes. I didn’t wake up with terror either. I still feel out of it but the part where I felt like my insides were being strangled is gone… I’m hoping I will continue to improve and not go backwards but I’ll keep you posted.

    Reply
  6. I have wanted to get off Lexapro for a long time. I have been on it for 12 years. About 10 days ago I ran out of my RX and decided to just do it. Boy, has it been difficult. It is really a struggle to get anything done at work. My focus is awful. I feel somewhat depressed but mostly so very exhausted.

    I am trying to decide if I can really do this. Maybe I should get back on and then wean myself instead of cold turkey. My mind is very clouded right now. I do not like this feeling. I am usually a very happy, get along with everyone kind of person. Not the cases over the past 10 days. As the day goes on I just need a nap. Any advice?

    Reply
  7. I always wanted to go off my lexapro but 4 days ago I was forced because someone stole my pills out of my bag!! On day 5 without taking them and last night I had absolutely horrible nightmares. Also, I’m scared because I tried going off cold turkey before and experienced sleep paralysis which was the scariest thing I have ever experienced!! Please, what are my best options to get these nightmares to go away?

    Reply
  8. Ugh, this is the worst. I’ve only been on 5mg for about a year. I cut my pills into 1/4ths (which just seems ridiculous) but these brain zaps are no joke. That’s the only side effect I’ve had other than right when I first quit I thought I had a stomach virus (I’ll leave that to your imagination) until 2 weeks later when I realized it couldn’t possibly be a 2 week stomach virus.

    And I’ve been eating like a horse but that could possibly be due to something else I’ve been dealing with. I will never take this again. Can’t stand these brain zaps. Keep hearing people talking about taking fish oil for the brain zaps but I’m vegan sooooo… maybe I’ll try eating some walnuts (loaded with omega 3s). Sigh.

    Reply
    • Not personal experience, but my boss is vegan and has lots of Alzheimer’s and heart problems in her family so she talks a lot about proper omega-3 intake and whatnot. If you can’t do fish oil, walnuts are good, and also try flaxseed and eat LOTS of leafy greens (kale, spinach etc). Fish oil is still probably the best but I understand if you object to it on moral grounds. I hadn’t heard about fish oil for the zaps but I’m definitely willing to try it.

      Reply
  9. UPDATE: It’s been a month now that I have been on the 9mg. No major symptoms except mood swings, short temper and a bit of an upset stomach. (Maybe down to the compounding version?) The first few days I noticed a twitch in my left eye but it went away. I will be staying on 9 mg for another 2 months before going down to 8mg. My tapering off will be a gradual process. I am taking fish oils and 2000 in Vitamin D 3 which I am sure helps. I haven’t had any weight loss.

    Reply
  10. I haven’t taken the medicine for months although I’m stilling having symptoms from the withdraw. They include things like insomnia, fatigue, irritability, and even a worsened feeling of depression.

    Reply
  11. An update to my previous post: I’ve reduced from 20 to 15 and now to ten. No major side effects so far, just some minor tingling at the back of my head and some brief periods of nausea. I’ll stay on 10 through April, then move to 5 for May. Hope it continues to be mild, and I am counting my blessings. I think my vitamin and supplement regimen is helping.

    Reply
  12. I am so glad I found this!!! I thought I was losing my mind. I have every single one of these side effects right now. I didn’t know it would be this bad. I have been on Lexapro 40 mg and Welbutrin 150 mg for close to 10 years probably. It started with going through a divorce and then my father suddenly dying of a massive heart attack.

    Last month I stopped taking the Wellbutrin with no problems, no side effects (that I had noticed). I also started trying to cut back on doses and skip days on the Lexapro over a month ago. Nothing too drastic at first. The last couple of weeks have been tough. I haven’t had one in about 6-7 days but I think I am going to have to take a half of one today because this is almost unbearable.

    I have had the sweats, tremors, lack of sleep, nauseous, nervousness, dizziness, very funny feeling in my head, CRAZY dreams, inability to focus, etc. I really thought that a lot of this was just the “normal” crazy me going off the medication. I am very relieved to find out that this IS normal for withdrawal. I really never would have imagined it would be like this.

    I knew that I had some issues before when I would skip doses or try to cut back but I didn’t see this coming. I didn’t expect it so much that I didn’t even realize these are side effects from withdrawals until I read your posts. Thank you so much for taking the time to tell your stories. For whatever reason, I feel some relief after reading these.

    Reply
  13. Any doctor that prescribes this drug of Satan should be arrested. I was on Lexapro for a little over a year. I tapered off for about 4 months. I am going through the worst withdrawal symptoms. The brain zaps are the worst. I can’t sleep, eat & I cry at least 5-8 hours a day. If I knew any of this about Lexapro I would’ve never had started taking it. I was put on for General Anxiety Disorder. All this medication did was make my anxiety 10 times stronger.

    Reply
  14. Reading all your comments has made me feel so much better… I thought I was going crazy and like one understands why or what I’m going through.
    I have been on Lexapro for over 12 months as I was on Valdoxan before Lexapro. I had been so busy that I hadn’t had time to go to the doctor to get another script.

    So I have been off it for 7 days and my mind & emotions are going crazy!! I feel dizzy and very tired. I couldn’t work out what was wrong with me and my poor bf thinks Im total nut case. I feel that I am not ready to come off Lexapro and have got my script filled in.

    Coming off it for just a couple of days has made me realize I still have a long way to go till I find that inner peace/happiness within myself. Also seeing other people going through what Im going though has given me a lot of comfort & the strength to keep going :).

    Reply
  15. Hi I was on lexapro for 4 months and I did exactly what the Dr told me to do to get off. I tapered off, my last pill was on 3-7-16. It’s going on 3 weeks without it and just so few days ago my anxiety has gotten really bad. I’ve been taking xanax like everyday, I don’t know what I should do, should I go back on the lexapro or just ride this out?

    I really don’t want to be on lexapro because it was messing with my sex drive. Is there anything else or should I just stick to my xanax??? Please help! ?

    Reply
  16. Hi Karie, so happy to see your post. Please update us on how your weaning process is going and how fast you are weaning. Ten percent is usually recommended but I will tell you that was too much for me. I too have have gained a lot of weight after being on 10 mg Lexapro for 12 years (35-40 lbs). I’ve managed over a year to reduce my dosage to 5 mg and it was a brutal journey for both me and my family.

    I have basically stopped and stabilized at 5 mg. The anger, crying and thoughts of suicide finally got the best of me and I decided to hang tight for awhile. Hopefully at a later point I will be able to continue the process. I’m still hoping to hear from someone who was on lexapro for an extended time, weaned off and has been off for a few years. It’s not a walk in the park and I haven’t given up…only taking a break.

    And, btw, since being on the reduced dosage I have not lost one pound. So disappointed!!! I just wish I had worked through the situation some other way that first landed me on this drug in the first place. My doctor told me it was weight neutral and getting off of it would not be a problem and he was totally misinformed.

    Reply
  17. You guys show a real compassionate understanding for people on SSRIs. I’m so used to scrolling through mental health information articles and it being informative but completely analytical. I missed two doses by accident and am going through this now but it’s not so bad, just REALLY uncomfortable, argh.

    Reply
  18. Hello Y’all. I originally wrote/added this under another poster’s post, in response to what another lady shared here. But on second thought, I decided to re-post here to make it easier for all to read and respond to.

    I’m just reading this wonderful blog. I’ve been on Lexapro for 5 years, from 5mg – 20mg, but mostly 10mg. In the beginning, I started having severe burning, tingling, cramping, numbness and twitching from hips down to my feet. This began over night. In the same year, I was also diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis with small goiter, biopsy confirmed Celiac Disease, perimenopause, chronic migraine – although now it’s much better.

    I was diagnosed with all these things 5 years ago and no one could figure out why I had/have these leg issues. I’ve been all over the country including the Mayo Clinic and Johns-Hopkins. I’ve had 4 spine surgeries without relief, including the implantation of a spine stimulator. I couple of weeks ago, I discovered info about leg problems and Lexapro and now believe that’s mostly my problem.

    I went cold turkey 2 & 1/2 weeks ago and went from 100mcg patch for fentanyl down to 50mcg with break through oxycodone if I need it. That’s as far as I can taper due to the leg pain. I am under the care of a pain management doctor I’m seeing every week or two. He knows everything about me and what I’m learning. And, of course, he’s never heard of these issues with Lexapro. I’m now a woman on fire with the mission of finding out if it’s really Lexapro.

    All this to ask, and I know your experience has nothing to do with me and you aren’t responsible for anything pertaining to strangers on the internet, like me. However, in the last 5 years, I’ve gone from a very healthy, active, athletic person weighing 130lbs with muscles at 5’6″, to 105lbs and spending most days in bed. I was in a wheelchair for a year too! I’m in my 40’s.

    Never smoked, drank wine on occasion and exercised on most days. I’m just looking for some experience, strength and/or hope from others who may know what I’m talking about with Lexapro pain. If you would like to share, I would love to know how bad your leg issues were and how long it took to resolve, if ever. Thank you so much! Amy

    Reply
  19. You said the amount of time you were on the drug was a factor in how long the symptoms lasted, but you didn’t give any specifics, like the average length of time withdrawal lasts for someone who’s been on Lexapro for several years vs the withdrawal period for someone who’s merely been on it for a few months, a few weeks, or even a few days. It would also be nice to have some specifics for the other factors too.

    HOW does individual psychology affect the withdrawal period? What does that even mean? Do more anxious people have a longer withdrawal period? People who are going through this just want to know if what they’re experiencing is normal & how long that hell is going to last.

    Reply
  20. Hi everyone, I stopped 20mg of Lexapro (after 3 years) cold turkey a week ago. I’ve only experienced three key side effects so far, the worst by far is the brain zaps. Walking, each step, zap zap zap, all day, zap zap, it’s awful. Does fish oil really help? Other two side effects I’m having are sweating (but I live in a hot climate), and I guess you could call the other symptom ‘mood swings’, or ‘irritability’.

    Reply
  21. Wow! I have been on lexapro 10mg for a year. I tapered off by taking 5 mg for about a month instead of the full 10. I stopped taking it at all a week ago. Apart from feeling tired and lacking concentration I haven’t had any other side effects. I’ve found it more difficult to get to sleep, but once I’m asleep I’m good all night.

    I was worried that I would be anxious again, but I haven’t been. After reading all these comments I’m feeling pretty lucky. Hoping I lose some of the kgs I’ve put on over the year. To anyone who is thinking about quitting just remember to taper off slowly, don’t be scared. Withdrawals aren’t going to last forever and everyone is different.

    Reply
  22. Down to 10 from 20mgs. Having all the above symptoms although I am going slow. 1/8 of a pill less every 10 days. I am ok (just ok) today but it’s a long road ahead to get this crap out of my body.

    Reply
  23. I have decided to wean myself from Lexapro after 10+ years of taking it. I did not quit cold turkey as my doctor did not recommend that. I can honestly say I was addicted without realizing it. I am having all of the listed side effects except the vomiting, so far. I am so VERY angry that no one ever mentioned how addicting this would be.

    Over the years I have gained 50+ lbs, I am constantly hungry. This is one of the biggest reasons I decided to try a more natural approach to curbing depression/anxiety. I am concerned that it may take years to rid my body of this horrible crap I have ingested on a daily basis for the past 10 or more years. I have been taking 20mg since day one. The doctor who prescribed this medication has left the state I live in and therefore I have not been properly monitored while taking it for the last 6-8 years.

    My current primary care doctor just keeps refilling the prescription…he says I can take it as long as I feel I need it! ??? The way I am feeling is very frightening, not that I am violent, I just feel bad for my family having to put up with me. SO dizzy, tired, foggy and I can finally cry again, mostly for no reason but…?. I am looking for NATURAL ways do deal with depression/anxiety now. Any suggestions from my fellow addicts? Best regards to all and, hang in there!

    Reply
    • Hi! Have you tried yoga, or any form of exercise or even just going for a walk)? Maybe meditation or journaling? Journaling helps me. Just writing my problems and pretending I’m telling them to someone who isn’t even there. Sometimes diffusing oils that smell really good or lighting a candle can make me relax and feel calmer and happier.

      Stay away from tv and MOST social media. That only makes things worse if you ask me. I say MOST because I hate Facebook (Twitter, etc) yet there is something very calming to me about scrolling through Pinterest for hours. Ha ha. Also look stuff up on YouTube about dealing with depression and anxiety. There are TONS of videos that may help you.

      Some are just videos meant to relax you with music and imagery and nothing more. You probably have already heard all these things but just thought I would put that out there since you asked for suggestions. :) Good luck!

      Reply
  24. I have read through many of your posts and believe that they will help prepare me for my withdrawal from Lexapro 20 mg. I am currently less than a week reduced from 20 down to 15. I feel some buzzing at the back of my head and hope that nothing will be worse than this. I’m hoping for an easy recovery. Thanks to what I have read I have shared the information with my immediate family and friends so that they will not be taken by surprise.

    I live alone and I’m retired so I am hoping that I will be able to handle the withdrawal privately. I already take fish oil, E, D, and a multivitamin. I am committed to the process and have booked a first class trip to Hawaii in September as additional incentive to power through the rough times. I already hit the gym 2-3 times a week and use my stationary bike at least 3 days a week.

    You all have helped me to prepare as best as I can. Thank you to each of you, and I hope to share my progress so that I may help others.

    Reply
  25. I was on 20 mg for 5 years. Finally came off with my doctor’s help. The tapering helped. But, taking magnesium and B12 has really helped the head issues. Magnesium helps your confused neurotransmitters that don’t quite know what to do on their own now. Omega 3’s are highly recommended for the brain zaps, but I have a bad fish allergy. I stayed away from them. You can do this… It is worth it.

    Reply
  26. I’ve been taking Serpentil for 2 years, which is also based on escitalopram. I forgot to take it due to stomach sickness, and after the recovery I completely forgot to get back to it. It’s been more than 3 weeks. I’m personally able to take it, but my studies and projects and sleep are suffering. I don’t know if I should get back to it until summer or keep not taking it.

    Reply
  27. I am so glad that I found this website. I was to thank all of you for sharing your journeys. I am been on Cipralex 10 mg for about three years for brutal panic attacks. Has been a mostly positive experience except for the weight gain. I’ve gained about 40 pounds. I’ve always been a healthy active person so this has affected my self-confidence.

    I’m not vain but I can’t help feeling that when people don’t know that you’re on a medication they think you just eat badly. I I feel sluggish being so large and my joints ache from the extra weight. It’s definitely affected my relationship with my husband as I feel so unattractive. Anyway for that and other reasons my doctor and I have decided that now is the time to reduce my dose. He is a great doctor and says it’s basically a numbers game that we will work at.

    I have now started on 9mg using a compounding pharmacy that reduces the pills and puts them in capsules. It’s been 3 days and so far no symptoms from losing the 1 mg. I’m going 90 days on the 9 mg then we will move to 8 mg. I will write again to let you know how it is going. I hope as I am tapering so slowly I can avoid some of the withdrawal symptoms you have mentioned. I also take 2000 in Vit D3 a day.

    You are all so brave. Reading this and knowing I’m not alone has helped a lot. Thank you.

    Reply
  28. Been on this for awhile. Prescription ran out (I thought it was auto refill). While waiting for it, I stumbled onto this thread. I have been without for over a week. These symptoms suck. I don’t think that I will continue these even after I get them. Thanks for the posts.

    Reply
  29. Hi all. I ran out of my prescription and my inner voice/spirit was telling me I don’t want to put this garbage into my body any longer! I think it’s been about 4 days. A few days ago, I had bad depression but I am doing surprisingly well now. The brain zap are minimal and I plan on getting supplements to help with this.

    I just want to feel like my old “self” again, whatever that is after 15 years, now on 20 mg. per day. I am suddenly more outspoken. Also, in the past I have let my husband/doctor convince me to either a) go back on the med or b) taper off. However, I just don’t want to go back and try to taper off now since I’ve gotten a head-start. One thing I feel is confused.

    I wonder if I am acting weird and other people can see that. I just want my life back and wait and see how I feel after all this garbage is out of my system. I feel that I am tired of polluting my body with chemicals! I am just looking for reassurance that I am doing the right thing, as opposed to being some crazy person who needs her “meds.” Can anyone relate to wanting to regain their “selves?” Thanks in advance!

    Reply
  30. It’s well beyond a year since I began weaning off 10 mg Lexapro and it’s been one long, bumpy and rocky road. I’ve reached a comfortable dose of 5 mg but it’s been hard on me and even more so on my family. The irritability, anger outbursts, uncontrollable crying, general sadness and the questioning of why life is so hard has left me feeling and appearing as totally unstable.

    I’m exhausted with this ride and plan on staying with the 5 mg until I regain the motivation to consider further reductions…which hasn’t crossed my mind for sometime. Good luck to all who are on this journey and, to all who make it please post your story and details as that will serve as inspiration to everyone struggling to get off Lexapro.

    Reply
    • Been off cold turkey just over 3 weeks. Was on almost 3 years. “The irritability, anger outbursts, uncontrollable crying, general sadness and the questioning of why life is so hard” describes me almost entirely. Hang in there, you are not alone!!

      Stomach pain, nausea and headaches, while all terrible and annoying, are nothing compared to the BACK and muscle pain I have been experiencing. I have not read anyone else talk about back pain and I’m nervous it is not related to coming off the meds.

      Whoever mentioned the glass of wine at night is spot on. After a long day of work with a 2 hour commute each way, I find I can try and relax before bed and get some sleep. I have not tried supplements yet but would like to after reading all the positive experiences.

      The biggest struggle I am facing is determining what is a side effect and what is reality? Am I really sad and unhappy or are these just mood swings from a chemical imbalance?

      Reply
  31. I had been on prozac for many years but at a low dose (10mgs). I felt like it wasn’t working anymore and all my friends swore by Lexapro so went on it. I was on for 5 weeks and it was/is an emotional rollercoaster for me. I can’t even describe it properly. I felt so hopeless and sad and just went through the motions.

    I really wanted to keep pushing on. I too got the meds from a PCP. I finally saw a psych and he said to go off and return to the prozac again. That was a week ago. I still feel crappy. I have the brain zaps and the worry about worrying thing. Anyone else have that where you are engaged in an activity and then your brain reminds you there is something to panic about… like false panic?

    I am hoping it’s just an adjustment. Sometimes it feels like it will never end. I am waiting for the PGT results next week which tells you what meds are right for you according to your genetics.

    Reply
  32. I was on Lexapro for over a year. I went off cold turkey 2 months ago because I thought I didn’t need it anymore. I have experienced the worst anxiety of my life. I have frequent panic attacks, and I am excessively irritable. I experienced about 30 brain zaps. I will probably go back on the drug soon. I cannot stand living like this.

    Reply
  33. I’m currently withdrawing from Lexapro and I feel terrible. It was time for me to go off it though because I was experiencing other symptoms that were really interfering with my life while being on it rather than helping at this stage. I was using Lexapro for 3 years. My main withdrawal symptoms are dizziness, headache, irritability and crying a lot which I think is due to the flood of emotions that are coming back after being on it for so long.

    I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, so I’m focusing on that rather then getting discouraged about the temporary side effects of withdrawing which is really tough. I keep telling myself, “this to shall pass.”

    Reply
  34. I had been taking Lexapro for about 10 years (with one 2-year long break). I was on 10mg until about 1 year ago, when the dosage was increased to 20mg. For years I had been feeling very lethargic, disinterested, unmotivated, and fatigued. But I had been taking Lexapro for so long that I just continued with the routine.

    Recently I have been adding exercise and eating holistically in an effort to lose about 35lbs that have crept up on me (I am 43 yo), and to gain some energy, motivation, and interest in life outside of my house. About 1 week ago my refills ran out, and I ended up missing a few days. I noticed that I was a bit edgier, wasn’t sleeping as well, and had these strange dizzy spell moments (when I would turn my head it felt as if my eyes were following much slower, and I felt “dippier” and not “with it”.)

    The dizzy feeling mentioned above is what prompted me to look for withdrawal symptoms of Lexapro. It was either my new eating habits or the Lexapro. The previous time I had quit I was taking 10mg and I didn’t recall feeling any withdrawal symptoms. I was glad to see it was the Lexapro (as opposed to the new eating habits), and that the symptoms aren’t too terrible – although apparently I am just beginning.

    I am looking forward to being my old self again (before the Lexapro).

    Reply
  35. I was on escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg for at least 5 years; prescribed for anxiety. It gradually dawned on me a few months ago that I wasn’t the same person I used to be – I couldn’t cry like a normal person, I didn’t laugh as hard as I used to, just seemed to be less of myself than I used to be. I also had horrific sweats (in Florida not a good thing) and weight gain, as well as some of the other symptoms I’ve read about on this site – joint pain, difficulty sleeping, etc.

    Since I’m in my 60’s, I’ve chalked a lot of this up to just aging. Anyway, I asked my (new) primary care doctor to wean me off Lexapro, and he tapered my dose gradually, while starting me on Buspar (buspirone) to treat just my stress/panic/anxiety. I went through withdrawal migraines, irritability, and all that. Now at about 8 weeks out, I feel like a depressive mess!

    Granted there are some situations going on with finances and family health issues, but I’m not sure where the situational depression starts and the chemical influence from the Lexapro ends. Does anyone have any experience similar to this? I can weather another few weeks of feeling this down and alone, but I’m hoping there is an end in site. I don’t want to go on another medication, and certainly don’t want Lexapro again.

    The Buspar is managing the panic/anxiety pretty well. I would really like to hear from others. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Hi Billie. Your situation is very similar to mine. I’ve been on Lexapro 20mg for anxiety for eight years. I decided it was time to rid myself of this about two months ago. My doctor weaned me off over a two week period. I’ve been completely off for about 6-7 weeks now. After the initial period of feeling like crying constantly, headaches, nausea, depression, insomnia etc, I still have most of these symptoms!

      Two weeks ago I kicked my husband out of the house! He’s back now thank god. I think I’ve passed that horrific stage of wanting to die, run away whatever, but I still feel dissociated from myself, and so irritable and sad. Everything is annoying. I have a friend who went through the same thing and it took her six months to start feeling normal again.

      I hope it doesn’t take that long for me. I don’t know how I’ll get through it! I’d really like to know how you’re feeling now? Is it getting any better for you?

      Reply
  36. Hi, Just writing my experience just in case it could help anyone out there; I was on Lexapro for 6 months for Panic Attacks. I first tried 10 mg and it was awful. It was like been on ecstasy and then a sudden crash all in 3 hours so I asked my doctor if I could reduce it, so I did for 3 months I took only 5 mg then I took 10mg for 3 months.

    This medication helped me with my panic attacks but gave me way more problems I became a teenager too impulsive, obsessive and I became ‘numb’ to emotions. So I’ve decided to stop it. When tapering the drug, my doctor told me to take 5mg for 3 days and just to be extra cautious I added another 3 days with 2.5mg. It has been 3 weeks without any lexapro and today I had a panic attack.

    It was a weird one cause I haven’t had them in more than 2 weeks. Interestingly I had more panic attacks on Lexapro. I’ve had mood swings, confusion, dizziness it’s important to tell yourself (if you suffer from Panic Attacks) that it’s just withdrawal effects and nothing major. I’m feeling way better without Lexapro I feel more human.

    There has been a couple of bad days here and there where I feel emotionless, but overall if you can never go on this drug. Also when you stop taking lexapro drink chamomile tea and take fish oil, they help greatly. Stay positive, it gets better overtime. Thankfully I wasn’t on the awful med for years.

    Reply
  37. I just need to know that at some point I WON’T FEEL LIKE THIS. 4 years on 20mg and one month reduced by half 10 mg tapering off… I am 5 days with no medication. I went thru the brain zaps, headaches and like others thought I had a tummy bug only to realise now that it’s withdrawal. Today I am foggy, sad, frustrated and a little teary.

    I am doubting my decision to get off this medication. I worked really hard to get my mental health to a point where my doctor and I worked towards coming off this. I eat well, exercise, nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming sadness I feel today.

    I don’t like it and I am tired of feeling tired. Body aches and pain, headache still the fatigue is horrible. Someone please tell me that at some point I won’t feel like this for too much longer? Maybe being on the medication was working better than I thought? So unsure right now…

    Reply
    • I am on my second week, soon third without the medication and I am feeling utterly and completely miserable… the withdrawals are just unbearable and I am already on a downward spiral feeling horribly depressed and irritable, sad, blue and just… blah! I am going back on it and taking my first tablet tomorrow again to get back on it.

      My doctor and psychologist both suggested I should be on it for a year longer and I didn’t take their advice and stopped way too early. I talked to them both this last week and they both suggested that I should start back up… so, listen to your doctor’s advice for sure! If you feel as bad, you shouldn’t quit either!

      Reply
      • Kristine: I am going through the same thing where it’s like mini panic attacks all day long and can’t control my thinking. I try but still go down the dark path of this drink controlling me in withdrawal. Are you feeling better these last 3 weeks?

        Reply
    • Hi Sonny. You tapered way too fast and are suffering from bad withdrawal. It lasts much longer than most doctors know.What people often don’t know is that this isn’t an old condition coming back it’s a chemical firestorm in your brain. Unfortunately when doctors say you need this med for life, they are saying it for the wrong reasons. You may need it because your brain has remodeled itself around the drug and it takes an awful long time for it to come back on its own. I check out DR David Healy. Best psych doctor in the world.

      Reply
    • Sonny you need to taper 10% cut on dose and wait a month or longer to see how you feel. Reinstatement at a lower dose is only way to immediately resolve withdrawal symptoms.

      Reply
  38. I just went completely off escitalopram and went from 20 mg to 10 and finally 5 mg over the course of a few months and now I’ve been completely off for 3-4 days and I feel so dizzy, sleepy and strange I can’t hardly stand it. I just want to lay down and sleep, and whenever I do something I feel so dizzy I almost fall over.

    I also experience horrible heartburn and nausea, but that is actually something I can live with if it hadn’t been for the dizziness and feeling so sleepy. Today I went out to shop for groceries and found myself suddenly not understanding where I was and felt completely disoriented and I have no concept of time… thinking I had been in the store for 10-15 minutes at the most, I had actually spent over 40 minutes, and most of them spent staring at the fruit section not remembering or understanding where I was.

    This can’t be normal?? I have been on escitalopram for 2.5 years after becoming clinically depressed after years of hormone imbalance because of goiters – and thyroid disease. I went off it now because my hormones now have been in balance – and so has my thyroid disease for the last 6 months.

    Reply
  39. I’m so glad I found this post. Thank you for writing it. Thanks to all the commenters for sharing their experiences. I had been ~2yrs at 20mg daily Lex. I tapered over ~ 3wks. No noticeable effects during the taper. I told my PCP I was tapering and was at 5mg at that time. He said that was as a ‘pediatric dose’ and that I might experience unpleasant but not dangerous withdrawal-like symptoms about 3 days after my last dose.

    Took my last dose of 5mg on a Sunday morning. By Tuesday I felt like crud (dizzy, tired, irritable). By Wednesday I was experiencing ‘clamminess’ and very vivid dreams. While not themselves nightmares, they’d wake me with a feeling of “fear”. By Thursday (today), I’m using ibuprofen for the headaches. My jawbone activity tracker’s telling me I’m restless at night and not getting nearly as much ‘sound sleep’.

    Which might explain tiredness, fatigue, irritability the next day. I’m on a high potency daily multi vitamin (Garden of Life Vitamin Code for Men) with an additional daily 5000-10000 IU Vitamin D3 (same brand). PCP tells me this is high, but it’s winter and I’m not getting nearly enough sunshine. I plan to reduce D3 dosage in the spring.

    I am very thankful my symptoms aren’t as bad as what I’m reading here. I attribute this in part to the supplements and vigorous exercise. Lex is powerful and risky stuff. Discontinuation Syndrome should be discussed much more openly and widely upfront. My heart goes out to those that have been through this and those thinking of doing so.

    Reply
  40. I was on lexapro for 2 years (50mg) and just finished tapering. I feel awful even after tapering. I have the dizziness, nausea, restlessness, sweats, can’t concentrate and very emotional. Any suggestions on how to deal with these and how long did these symptoms last for other people?

    Reply
  41. I have been on Lexapro 10mg for around 2 years. It has helped me greatly with my panic/anxiety attacks, but I found my energy levels dropped, my libido dropped significantly and put on weight also as I was more tired than ever before. I felt my energy levels drop and couldn’t be bothered doing stuff around the house for example. I have been off the tablet for the last 5 days and found I get lightheaded and reflux/upset stomach at present.

    Headaches are minor, but have been getting them. I have been doing deep breathing techniques and that helps immensely. I have started changing my eating habits for the positive even though I was eating healthy beforehand, but as it is only earlier days, time will tell. All the best to everyone who is traveling down this path.

    Reply
  42. I’ve been tapering down from 20mg a day, which I was on for 18 months. It’s taken me two months so far to go from 20mg to 10mg. So far, so good. There are times I feel tired, or low, or a bit obsessive, but that’s just normal in my opinion. In any case, I have’t experienced any of the severe withdrawal symptoms. I should qualify that I tried once before to taper very quickly, and that did’t feel so great. I think the key is to do it very slowly, and to just ensure a good balance in life. I’ve been exercising more, which seems to help quite a bit.

    Reply
  43. Hi. I appreciate reading the experiences of others-it helps me understand what is normal and also to know I’m not alone. I have been grateful that Lexapro was so effective for me for the past 9 years (with a debilitating depression and anxiety that came on in my early 40’s), but have decided to try to decrease my dosage and possibly go off it completely. The side effects from Lexapro for me are lower energy, motivation, and a good bit of weight gain (20 lbs the first year-10 more since then)

    I think it is important to decrease the dosage slowly and with a doctor’s guidance. I understand how some may try to go cold turkey, especially if there are uncomfortable side effects, but there is a danger in that. I have decreased from 30 mg to 15 in the past 2 1/2 months. My doctor wanted me to go slower, so I also haven’t been completely careful in terms of doing the prescribed speed for withdrawal.

    I have agreed to stay at this dose for the next several weeks to slow my body to adjust. I have not had any brain zaps-although I am familiar with them because I had them when withdrawing from Effexor years ago, before starting Lexapro. That withdrawal was much, much worse (at least so far). My stomach is very upset and I think this is related to the withdrawal. I have had IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) all my life and on Lexapro I had a lot of stomach upset on the diarrhea end of the spectrum. I am now experiencing the opposite and it feels awful.

    I am hopeful though that it may indicate that once I am off or on a lower dose, I may have less stomach upset. I am also sweating a lot and I just realized that is likely related to the decrease in Lexapro too. If I experience any great mood issues, I would continue on this medicine, but I am hopeful that I can manage stress with mindfulness techniques and exercise and also hopeful that perhaps the onset of anxiety and depression was related to hormonal changes at the time that may have stabilized now.

    I would really like my energy back and would really like to lose the weight. On the other hand, I would sacrifice those things if I had to for my mental health. Time will tell. For those of you on this site who have not had success with Lexapro, but struggle with severe mood issues, I recommend working with a psychiatrist you like (it took me awhile to find the right person and that was a very hard process) to try other medications. In my experience, it was very, very much worth it to try other medications until I found a good fit and I have no regrets.

    I would not have been able to handle the responsibilities of life, including parenting my children, or enjoyed life as I have been able to thanks to this medication. Best wishes to all who are on this journey.

    Reply
  44. When my doctor prescribed Lexapro about 6 years ago I asked him about potential side effects, like liver damaged. He assured me that it was completely safe… yeah right. Anyway about a year ago I had a blood test and one of my liver enzyme’s was high. (ALT) I haven’t touched alcohol for over 20 years. I have since stopped taking all natural medications and over the counter things like aspirin and ibuprofen.

    The only thing I didn’t stop was Lexapro, 10mg. So I had my blood tested about 1 month ago and figured my liver test would be normal but no, it was actually higher. Now I’m going through kicking the habit and am on my 12th day without any Lexapro. I have an incentive called life so it really has not been that hard. I would definitely recommend that everyone get their blood tested… if you’re on any kind of SSRI.

    Reply
  45. Took Lexapro for 14months and tapered down from 15mg to 10mg to 5mg to 2.5mg in two months. Last week took the last 2.5mg. First three days everything was fine; day four the brain zaps started. Whenever I move my eyes just a fraction to the left, I experience a short electrical buzzing zap on the right side of my body; especially in my righthand and foot. And the other way around; so zaps on the left side when I move my eyes to the right even just a little.

    Together with a heavy brain fog, bad concentration and dizziness, it altogether causes some problems to get through the day. What helps me is taking short brakes during the day for breathing exercises and meditation. (many apps for that in the appstore) It helps calming the brain and the central nervous system. It is not a solution, but helps a little to prevent thoughts going in a spin all day and prevents getting too anxious again.

    Reply
  46. Congratulations to all that are working on getting off Lexapro!! I’m on my 3rd go around getting off in 10 years but I’m only good on them for about 3-4 months when they stop working. This time it was 6 months…even went from 10’s to 20’s for about 2 weeks thru the “holidays” but found out that mostly anything over 10 mg doesn’t change any thing. Now I’m working my way off, like I’ve done before.

    One 10, every other day, for another week or so, then One 10 every 2 days, then 3 days…etc. & I will be done this month. Yes, I’m having side effects but they a livable. I can’t cry, I’m tired of feeling Nothing….I’ve lost ME & I don’t like that. One side effect is how Tired I am, but I’m catching up on much needed sleep with short naps thru out the day.

    My house is a wreck but at soon to be 69 I don’t care….I’ll fix it when I’m ready…Maybe even paint a wall soon. Yeah, I lost my creativity too. Just holding a paint brush may change my life again?? I’ve found that taking antidepressants only postpones, delays what we are really feeling… Grief, Anger, Things we can NOT control. It all comes back when you go off the pills…sometimes even harder.

    I truly understand that there are many that Need the pills but from what I’ve read, most of you don’t even want them! There’s a few things I want to mention that have helped me… A good multivitamin (from a Good Health food store…I use Solgar), a good basic B-Complex (50mg of all of them), magnesium w/potassium at night & melatonin (I use 5 mgs) 2-3 at bedtime while I read Stephen King for 20 minutes until I have to go pee (takes that long for your body to relax).

    I don’t want the life I HAD. I want the life ahead of me without antidepressants!! It’s do-able & worth the effort. Life is meant to be a roller coaster ride & I’m strapped in… ready to go. :-) Blessings <3.

    Reply
  47. Thank you to everyone that commented on the withdrawal of Lexapro. This was so helpful. I was on 10mg for about 6 months. My Dr prescribed when I told her I was grumpy and just not myself. I didn’t notice any difference being on it nor did I want to be on Lexapro. I stopped taking it cold turkey.

    About 7 days later the side effects hit. Flu-like issues and terrible brain zaps (learned the name from this site). From reading what others posted I started to take muti vitamins, fish oil and B-complex. I took them every 12 hours hoping to find relief. After 3-4 days of this the side effects were minimal. I plan to continue taking these for another week (double dosing) and then following the bottle instructions.

    Others mentioned different side effects at different times. I will be so pleased when Lexapro is out of my system and I begin to feel good again the natural way. You are reading this to become informed of Lexapro and the side effects. Hang in there and hopefully you find the right suggestion that works for you.

    Reply
    • After a month of double dosing vitamins – I still get a brain zap here and there but nothing like in the beginning. Not sure if it’s all the vitamins I’m taking that is the key, but I feel so much better and happier.

      Reply
  48. I have cold-turkeyed it from 20-30mg Lexapro a couple of times, and am currently nursing a two-week cold turkey due to bad holiday planning on my part (ran out on Christmas day) and unreliable receptionists forgetting to notify my prescriber about my refill and never returning phone calls. This will be a 2-week cold turkey until my appointment and I’m currently on day 9. I last cold-turkey’d from 20mg for three months after being on it for seven years, and it was a living hell.

    All the classic symptoms of SSRI withdrawal to a degree I never thought possible, and it only got WORSE as time went on. I could scarcely function at all. When I got back on the Lexapro, I was right as rain within a day or two. This drug does not mess around, it can seemingly cure you and/or curse you depending on your mental/physical makeup.

    At the point I’m at with Lexapro, my brain chemistry has been permanently altered, and I’m resigned to the likelihood that I’ll be on it for life. Given what I’m experiencing on this latest cold turkey, I have a love/loathe relationship with it. It has helped me through a lot of traumatic life events and allowed me to “function”, but there are time I wish I could turn back the clock and maybe go a more “holistic” route to health.

    I have a few recommendations for those undergoing a voluntary or involuntary cold-turkey from Lexapro:

    1) Treat yourself as you would if you were “handicapped” in some way … you are likely to feel emotions and mood swings you never knew existed, and these can be so random and unpredictable that you feel you’re losing your mind … IT WILL PASS … I recommend trying any and all the New Age self-healing cliches at times like these, including daily Epsom Salt baths, massage, yoga, meditation, guided imagery, relaxing music, and watching funny movies or anything to activate the laugh reflex.

    A sense of humor about the absurdity of your situation can often keep your thoughts from going into those negative patterns. Don’t despair when you find yourself pacing around, yelling at the walls and cursing the world. It will pass. Breathe, try to relax, and let your mind “do its thing” without latching on. This is a meditation technique more or less, and it works, even in the most desperate of times.

    2) Remember, Lexapro affects, to a very large degree, the central nervous system. Sudden removal of the drug from the brain makes the neuromuscular system say “WTF?!?” I spent last night (New Year’s Eve) bedridden and vomiting. In fact, no cold turkey from Lexapro is complete, at least for me, without a puke fest somewhere around the 1-2 week point. It happens like clockwork.

    Again, this is totally common, and is part of the process of the body adapting to the chemical changes. You’ll feel like dying, but you won’t, and it will pass. Again, try to relax and lay down. Find a calming distraction and let your thoughts run. I find when I try to force myself not to think about such-and-such, it makes the nausea/vertigo worse. Again, it may seem like you’re going insane at times, but it will pass if you let it.

    3) Crying. Your brain isn’t getting what it is accustomed to getting for its thought patterns to remain in balance. Thus, emotional molehills quickly become mountains, and in my experience, crying can help you decompress. Don’t be afraid of the tears, let them come and go. I’m a 35-year-old man, and if it’s true what they say that “real men aren’t afraid to cry,” then I am Hercules.

    Yesterday morning I put on Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water and bawled my brains out. It’s a strange feeling when it happens, but I don’t fear these crying spells anymore, they are normal, and once again, THEY WILL PASS.

    4) Don’t overstimulate yourself. Wanting to be alone is common during SSRI withdrawal, and you should honor the fact that your brain is resetting itself. I often find my anxiety increases exponentially when I try to force myself into social situations during withdrawal. This is a slippery slope. On one hand, you might increase your isolation and depression by doing so, but if you expect to feel like “good old you” in social situations during cold-turkey, think again.

    I find that whenever I feel okay, small steps out into my usual habitats work best. If you work fulltime, my only advice is NEVER try a cold turkey from Lexapro. Slow and steady tapering is the name of that game. If you are cold turkeying and can take some down-time from work/family/friends, DO IT, and give yourself every opportunity to succeed by finding a healthy balance between exposing yourself to stress and letting time and rest restore your mind to homeostasis.

    I hope some of this helps someone out there navigate the treacherous jungles of SSRI withdrawal. Keep the faith, and if you believe in a higher power, there is never a better time to consult with said power. All of thesee recommendations are virtually useless without some sort of guiding faith to propel the process and keep one from losing all hope. You will be alright. Sincerely, Concerned Citizen

    Reply
  49. I have been taking 20 mg of Lexapro for 10 years. I’ve been off it (cold turkey) for 3 weeks because I need to see the doctor for a new prescription. The withdrawal symptoms are awful and am ready to beg a walk in clinic to give me three week’s worth to get me through my next appointment. The dizziness is the worst. I have so much to do, but am completely incapacitated. I don’t know that I can live this way for 90 days or more.

    Reply
  50. Positives: Lexapro worked well for my anxiety and depression. Negatives: I’m not myself, always lethargic, lost, stomach burning, ringing in ears, and lot more. Comments: I wish I hadn’t started this medicine. I am trying to come off after taking only for three months. Started 10 mg, went to 20 mg, dropped to 10 mg. Now I’m on 5 mg per day, but still not myself and numbness in my finger tips and tongue tip, dizzy, drowsy etc. My suggestion: Try something else if you can. If lexapro works for you that is great. Wishing you all the best.

    Reply
    • It helped keep my emotions level, very true. But I haven’t felt the range, and miss the “very good “. I have tools now to help me through the harder parts. I’m hoping that’s enough.

      Reply

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