I was on 10 mg a day for about 18 mos. I had filled a 90 day prescription and just flat out lost it. I was down to 3 pills and both the pharmacist and my doctor were treating me like a criminal when I tried to get a new prescription. The doctor was going to let me just run out because he couldn’t see me for a few days and wouldn’t even call in a few pills to get me to the appointment. So, in a weird set of circumstances, I went cold turkey INVOLUNTARILY.
First 2 days I felt almost nothing, though I did have a little trouble sleeping. Starting day 3 I started getting frequent throbbing like my head was a tuning fork. A little dizzy but it actually is not unpleasant. KInd of like being buzzed. The throbbing has continued, even intensified somewhat, so I figured if this is all that will happen, I may as well try staying off it for a while and see what happens. (FU doctor and pharmacist).
Have not felt depressed much at all but am having anxiety-driven dreams every night. But I have to say that after a couple days off the Lexapro it’s a nice feeling to have short term memory again. I knew my memory has dulled on the lexapro but I did not appreciate how much until I stopped it. I’ve been significantly more productive at work also (I seem now to actually care about being productive - as compared to the “don’t really care about anything like work” of lexapro).
If my chronic depression comes back maybe I’ll think about lexapro again. I guess I am fortunate that my withdrawal symptoms are not only mild but fairly pleasant. It’s kind of exciting to be off it and knowing that I can go back to it if I ever really need it.
First 2 days I felt almost nothing, though I did have a little trouble sleeping. Starting day 3 I started getting frequent throbbing like my head was a tuning fork. A little dizzy but it actually is not unpleasant. KInd of like being buzzed. The throbbing has continued, even intensified somewhat, so I figured if this is all that will happen, I may as well try staying off it for a while and see what happens. (FU doctor and pharmacist).
Have not felt depressed much at all but am having anxiety-driven dreams every night. But I have to say that after a couple days off the Lexapro it’s a nice feeling to have short term memory again. I knew my memory has dulled on the lexapro but I did not appreciate how much until I stopped it. I’ve been significantly more productive at work also (I seem now to actually care about being productive - as compared to the “don’t really care about anything like work” of lexapro).
If my chronic depression comes back maybe I’ll think about lexapro again. I guess I am fortunate that my withdrawal symptoms are not only mild but fairly pleasant. It’s kind of exciting to be off it and knowing that I can go back to it if I ever really need it.
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I'm now on my 5th day without Escitalopram and feeling those dizziness and slight head sensations too. I've had some others withdrawal symptoms through the last three months since I started to taper it off, but I can tell I'm slowly feeling better day after day. It's now 7 months since I started taking it for severe anxiety attacks that made me feel some kind of numbness in my arms and face. I think I'm learning to control my anxiety and feel like it's definitely time to face it by myself without drugs. Just to let you guys know, there's an article trying to explain why we feel dizzy when we stop taking SSRI meds like Escitalopram and Sertraline: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/00016481003602082?journalCode=ioto20. Best regards and hope you all feel better soon.
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I was on 29 mg a day and quit cold turkey. The CBD oil I’m taking erased anxiety, depression and PTSD. Message me on ***this post is edited by moderator *** *** posting of social network links, groups, invitations, or usernames is not allowed *** Please read our Terms of Use
So after a week I started getting a headache, dizziness, and Flashes/brain zap. I was headed to urgent care and found this thread.
So.... going to go home and take 5 mg a day and see if that will ward off symptoms until doc can recommend a weening schedule.
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I stopped Lexapro after taking it for several years. I told my doctor I wanted to get off it because I heard it could be causing insomnia which I have. Almost immediately my sexual feelings returned. Now at timesI feel faint. Being off it hasn't helped with my sleeping problems but made me realize I was somewhat of a zombie not feeling much emotional or otherwise. I suggest to everyone who suffers from depression if it isn't overwhelming try to handle it yourself or with a good friend. The alternative isn't worth it.
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I was on 10mg Lexapro for two and a half years due to anxiety. When I began Lexapro I noticed my sexual interest and ability dropping to zero and I gained 30 pounds over that period despite working out regularly (I was a master's swimmer). I felt fatigue, bowel irregularity, and morning nausea which forced me off the swim team. Things just got worse after that.
When I decided to quit Lexapro I gradually cut back to 5mg and then to 2.5mg with no problems. However, when I went completely off I started feeling headaches, light headedness, nausea, anxiety surges (not true attacks), sleep irregularlityand fuzzy thinking at times.
I've been completely off for a month now and still having those same symptoms, though not as frequent or severe. I'm going to stick it out and hope things improve.
When I decided to quit Lexapro I gradually cut back to 5mg and then to 2.5mg with no problems. However, when I went completely off I started feeling headaches, light headedness, nausea, anxiety surges (not true attacks), sleep irregularlityand fuzzy thinking at times.
I've been completely off for a month now and still having those same symptoms, though not as frequent or severe. I'm going to stick it out and hope things improve.
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Oh my!! I have the exact feelings and experiences!! The doctors should really care for the patients and explain how serious these side are!!! It’s been 1 month and a half, and my vision messes with me, and sometimes feel like I loose my balance /almost stop breathing while I’m awake! Please god want to be normal again!
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This is my story exactly. Been on it about 8 months. Decided I didn't need it anymore and didn't want to be tied to it, so I stopped. Then....read your story....that's me. I wish I knew what would happen once I stopped. I was thinking of restarting but after a bit of research....no. Never. I will overcome this.
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Hello all, so I have had chronic pain now for almost 5 years. My doctor decided to put me on lexapro to help replinish my serotonin levels. I have take 20mg of lexapro for about a year and felt that it was not really helping me so I decided to quit cold turkey. It’s been like 3 weeks now and I can still feel it messing with my equilibrium as well as my mood. I would highly suggest staying away from this drug.
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I was on 20mg around 4 months and I started cutting them in half and was taking 10mg for a few months, now I’m trying to wean off and have been cutting to 5mg and taking every 3 days, I won’t be dizzy for 2 skipped days but on the 3rd night I will get crazy dizzy spells/vertigo like the floor has dropped out from beneath me. It really freaks me out being a hypochondriac as it is. I read people having these symptoms a year after quitting and that is really depressing and it makes me angry that I started taking Lexapro. The Lexapro does help and keep panic attacks at bay, but I really wish there was a better way to solve without having to pop a pill everyday and be dependent on some drug. I guess my advice would be to eat healthy, excercise, get 7-8 hours of sleep and stay away from alcohol. When I am strict about these things, I am at my best. But, these dizzy spells are freaking me out. From what I’ve read, the withdrawal from Lexapro is not dangerous like say alcohol withdrawal, just very uncomfortable! I also gained 25lbs and I never had a problem with weight before, it’s so hard to get it off while on Lexapro too. I was eating perfect, running, taking apple cider vinegar and very little weight would come off. I really hope cutting down to 5mg will see some weight come off. Good luck to everyone and stay strong.
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Hi,
After reading the many reports of Lexapro withdraw symptoms, I am determined to get through it. I have the brain shocks, dizziness, and mild headaches. This is the third time!! The first time was cold turkey. I felt terrible and went back on them. The second time, I decreased dosage from 20 mg., to 10 mg., and 5. It didn't work. The headaches we too much!! I had been on Lexapro for close to 20 years. Maybe the longer on; the harder the withdrawal. This last effort has proven successful. My prescription had run out and I was off meds for 2 weeks. I had a refill and got sick when I went back on them. I had nausea and headaches. I have been off now for 2 weeks. No matter what; I am done!! We will get through this. Hang in there, everyone! I pray for the Holy spirit of God to help me each day and He is. Take care everyone!!
Hopeful
After reading the many reports of Lexapro withdraw symptoms, I am determined to get through it. I have the brain shocks, dizziness, and mild headaches. This is the third time!! The first time was cold turkey. I felt terrible and went back on them. The second time, I decreased dosage from 20 mg., to 10 mg., and 5. It didn't work. The headaches we too much!! I had been on Lexapro for close to 20 years. Maybe the longer on; the harder the withdrawal. This last effort has proven successful. My prescription had run out and I was off meds for 2 weeks. I had a refill and got sick when I went back on them. I had nausea and headaches. I have been off now for 2 weeks. No matter what; I am done!! We will get through this. Hang in there, everyone! I pray for the Holy spirit of God to help me each day and He is. Take care everyone!!
Hopeful
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Been on 15mg lexapro for 2 years for GAD and panic attacks. Don’t think I will ever be “off” it - but if I go more than 27-30 hours without it I get bad vertigo. I find even turning my head I get tracers in my vision and I get very dizzy and feel like I’m waving around. I hate that about it. But for me lexapro has been a life saver
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The medicine can't be stopped cold-turkey; it confuses the brain, Although my symptoms didn't start for 3 days when stopping Celexa.
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I am comforted by these posts. I took Lexapro 20mg for about 4 years, tapered off, and have been without for about 3 weeks. I am edgy, sleep is wonky, and am seeing the visual disturbances. I am able to cope and work with my body on this. I also see someone for acupuncture. I just am confused about what to do.
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