My son had been having some general pain in fingers and toes (maybe muscle tension) starting about two weeks after a death in the family. His anxiety was increasing so he started taking Lexapro again about two months ago (he had been on it before with no known problems...except irritibility for which he took a few mgs of Lithium Aspartate. He also had quit cold turkey last year without any problems)
HOWEVER, Soon after re-starting (at a very low dose, about 2.5 mg ) he started having bruise-like pains scattered about on his legs and arms (no bruise, just felt like it). We didn't think at that time it might be the Lexapro so we kept on gradually increasing it) A few weeks after that the bruising pain was replaced with burning pains...also on the legs and arms. Again, never thought that it might be the Lexapro (or the Lithium asparate). He's been to several doctors and a Neurologist and had an MRI (normal). All the doctors just shrug their shoulders and say... "I dunno".
I have read on many websites and forums that Lexapro can cause pain, especially burning pain so we decided to start tapering down the Lexapro. Now, here's the thing. I've also read where burning pains can be a symptom of Lexapro withdrawal TOO!
The a couple nights ago we reduced the Lexapro by about 2.5 mg (was taking about 12. 5 and we knocked it down to 10) and he seemed to have a pretty good morning and afternoon yesterday. Once evening hit however, the burning pains were worse than before and then also occurring on his trunk.
So, my question is this? Has anyone else had withdrawal symptoms (especially like these but others as well) that were the same symptoms as side effects? Would like to hear of anyone's experiences with side effects while taking Lexapro and then what they experienced while tapering down.
Thanks!
I had good success taking Lexapro because I think I am not prone to addiction to caffeine, nicotine, pain killers, etc. I can take them, drink them, smoke them, whatever and quit. But most cannot. I took Lexapro to get through some really bad times of divorce, moving, job change, friends change....just about everything in my life changed in about two weeks. I took it about six months. If you or anyone you know is contemplating taking ANY anti-depressant or on ANY anti-depressant they should think about whether they addict easily to things like mentioned above. If so, then think long and hard about starting these anti-depressants unless you are so old it makes no difference. These are excellent old people drugs but not for the young. My daughter is in withdrawal from being on them over five years. She is suffering just as much now trying to get off of them as she suffered when she went on them. Bad, bad stuff to get hooked on. Please read about all the symptoms and side effects of these drugs before you saturate your bode.
MY SIDE EFFECT FROM THIS DRUG IS TERRIBLE SWEATING, (A BIT LIKE HOT FLUSHES) LASTING ABOUT 7 MINUTES, THEN SUBSIDING, ONLY TO COME BACK ABOUT 6 OR 7 TIMES PER NIGHT AND ALSO DURING THE DAY. I AM GOING TO TRY TO QUIT. I HATE BEING ON LEXAPRO. KH,
Does anyone have experience on Cymbalta vs Lexapro?