HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Lexapro withdrawal

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/5/2014 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
PLEASE... Someone tell me how long the brain zaps last. Started 3 days ago. Off Lexapro for 4 weeks. Terrible withdrawal.
Posted 8/5/2014 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry. I had brain zaps as well when coming off Zoloft last year. It's terrible. Do your best to take care of your self in every way possible while you are going through this transition - and try to remember it is a transition.
I think I got through mine by sleeping as much as possible. It took some time... you will get through it.
Posted 8/5/2014 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your reply. How long did it last?
Posted 8/5/2014 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have experience personally to share...sorry, but here is a helpful site.

Working with your doctor, and reading up here may help bring you some comfort and helpful information during your transition.

On-line drug weaning information: (to be used in conjunction with, not substitution for your doctor's instructions)

http://www.theroadback.org/

 

We also have great self-help coping skills here in our Resources. For relief during your wean and beyond!

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Keep posting for anxiety support anytime.

Scaredy Cat

Posted 8/5/2014 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
SC, thank you ever so much. I am reading now. Thank you. This is just miserable.
Posted 8/5/2014 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
kate - I don't remember exactly how long they lasted for me, but I did go cold turkey off of Lexapro about 4 years ago. If I had to guess, I would say that they didn't completely go away for 3 months or so.
Posted 8/6/2014 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
AB, I had to quit the Lexapro due to hives. Did it cold turkey almost 5 weeks ago now. My withdrawal symptoms started appearing at about 4 weeks after stopping the Lexapro and have been miserable since. I just wondered how many days, weeks or months this would go on. Thank you so much for giving me a time frame. I know it is different for everyone but 3 months gives me an idea. I started with St. John's Wort a few days ago, thinking that might help the withdrawal, but it has not. I still feel I need something for the depression but I cannot take the Lexapros or the Cymbaltas. I will start the fish oil. This is just unbelievable. Bad. But, the hives I had were bad, too. Thank you so much for your reply. I so appreciate it. My doc and I have been in close contact during this time. Kate
Posted 8/6/2014 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
Worse today than ever. Started the fish oil. I feel like I need to take the Lexapro just to feel better today, but the hives would be bad. I have to "stay the course" but it is really really hard.
iluvdogskate
Posted 8/6/2014 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
kate - the three month estimate was including when it started to calm down into when it went away completely. Mine started right away after I stopped and the last brain zap was not until at least 8-10 weeks later, and likely more like 3 months. It was miserable, but it did calm down over time. I hope it goes away faster for you!! I hope you feel better soon.
Posted 8/7/2014 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
My sign in name has a little symbol at the end. I can't get it without copying from my original email. It is very inconvenient. How or who do I need to contact to remove the symbol at the end? Trouble signing in. Thank you all for your help!
Posted 8/7/2014 4:26 AM (GMT 0)
I believe if you go to your profile 'My Profile' icon...upper left hand toolbar...you can change it there.

Click on the 'Edit Profile' option...then you should be able to change your 'User Name'.

I can't make this change for a member, or I would help. Only you can do this.

Let me know if this works...if not, you may have to contact Admin for a screen name change...but give the edit of your profile a chance first.:)

S.C.

Posted 8/7/2014 1:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

I was on Lexapro a couple of years ago and did find the withdrawal difficult keep in touch with your doctor the symptoms should pass soon. Have you been put onto a new medication?

Hibee
Posted 8/8/2014 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Scaredy Cat, Thank you. I found the little symbol on my keyboard (never noticed it/never used). So, I can get in. I cannot change that portion of my profile. I did write the administrator to see if I can get that symbol off.
Today has been the worst day ever. Vertigo, nausea, vomiting. Buzzing in head, zaps. But, this evening it has subsided a little. I am sad that one has to go through all these symptoms when discontinuing Lexapro. If it wasn't for that drug, I fully believe I would be dead. I hope am okay off an antidepressant. Thank all of you, again, so much for your replies. Kate
Posted 8/8/2014 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hibee, no, no new medication. I am so allergic, I am trying without. I take regular meds for other things but not depression now. I did a test to eliminate the drug causing me problems. Did not take meds for a week, then added one at a time. My last to add was the Lexapro and it seemed that none of my other meds (diabetes, cholesterol, stomach) caused hives. So, it would seem that the Lexapro is the culprit. My psychiatrist said she has never had a patient be allergic to Lexapro, but I am very sensitive to everything. I, myself, added St. John's Wort one week ago and that doesn't seem to be making any difference. Need to ask the doc about that. But, I don't seem to be allergic to it. I am 67 on Saturday, so am hoping I can live out my life without the antidepressants. I have had a terrible year with horrible illness and pain. It is hard, at this point, not to be depressed but I am trying to be thankful and think positive thoughts. Kate
Posted 8/8/2014 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all, so much, but I have failed in my attempt to get off Lexapro. I took one this morning. Just praying I do not get hives. I really appreciate all your input.
Posted 8/8/2014 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
ILDK.,

Are you keeping in consult with your doctor about all of this?

I hope that you are letting him/her know of any and all changes to your regimine for safety.:)

Best wishes in doing what you need to in order to feel your best. We support you always!!

S.C.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply