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lexapro withdrawal... how long will it last?

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Posted 1/19/2011 10:49 PM (GMT 0)
I was on lexapro for 6 week and have been off it for 2 weeks now.

My shrink claims the withdrawal should be done. I don't buy it. I crashed bad and this is the first day I haven't felt like bawling my eyes out for hours. I have felt hostile, crabby, and on the verge of insanity at times.

I quit the lexapro cold turkey from 15 mgs.

I still don't feel like leaving my house or seeing people. Any thoughts?

Twiggygal
Posted 1/19/2011 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
TG,

I am sorry but I respectfully disagree with your Dr.  Symptoms will last longer for some patients then others.  There is no set timeline.

That being said,  I feel it is never wise to go cold turkey of a medication as weaning off is much better for you system to adjust to.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 1/20/2011 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi TG

I take Lexapro and it was my understanding that you need to come off this medication slowly to reduce the withdrawal effects which as Kitt mentioned can last a long time especially if you have quit cold turkey.

Ben
Posted 1/20/2011 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hiya
I was lead to believe that the withdrawl symptoms wouldnt be that severe after only 6 weeks useage as it takes between 4-6 weeks to start working (lexapro is a ssri right i'm not gettin it confused with something else) Id there a reason why you stoppped after 6 weeks twiggy?

Kitty x
Posted 1/20/2011 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Kitty- the lexapro made me cry nonstop. I felt unstable and couldn't get off my couch and didn't want to at all. it was like the life was sucked right out of me.
Posted 1/20/2011 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Awww twiggy so sorry to hear that, have you thought about any other SSRI's like prozac or sertraline (i take prozac and find it rather symptom free tbh alongwith buspar) Do you feel like you need any meds to cope with the anxiety or are you mostly just experiencing withdrawl? xx
Posted 1/20/2011 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
Doctors!! I tell ya, sometimes!! Grrrr Sometimes they can be so ignorant about anxiety.
Posted 1/20/2011 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry twiggy just saw your meds on your signature, buspar are great but work really well along side other meds, maybe if you talked to your doc about prozac or sertralin!!! I dont know what else to recommend like Kitt said withdrawl times are diff for each person so i cant really comment how long it wil take, maybe it isnt withdrawl maybe its still side efects from the meds, they can take a while to leave your system also, i hope you feeel better soon hunni and just try and think positive :=D xx
Posted 1/20/2011 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
I really don't like the idea of getting on another ssri. My withdrawals are horrid right now from lexapro as it stands. I feel good one minute then on the verge of feeling crazy the next. I was put on a beta blocker a couple days ago and I pray this does the trick. I just don't trust ssris personally for all that I've gone through with them.

Twiggygal
Posted 1/20/2011 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
Ahhh beta blockers work wonders for me for my palpatations, I can understand your reluctance for SSRI's, they just dont agree with some people!! Well hang in there hunni it will pass eventually and you'll start to feel better, I promise

Kitty xx
Posted 1/20/2011 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
TG,

Dang those meds ! I did not do well on the SSRIs/SNRIs and yet others do  well on these drugs.   I have been on so many of the meds I cannot remember them.  Always looking for the perfect one for me.

Right now I take Trazodone 150 mg for sleep and it works very well for me.  Buspar for anxiety and Lamictal for mood stablizer.  I found the Lamictal at 150 mg works well. 

I am weaning off of the Effexor as it has caused huge weight gain - it makes you hungry all the time.  At least it did for me.  It is a good drug for depression.

I want to see if Lamictal will stand alone for the anxiety/depression and my Dr. has agreed to work with me on this.

There are so many to choose from and the side effects can last up to 6 weeks getting on a new med.  Wishing you the best.

Kindly Kitt.

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