Anxiety Support Group
Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...
Hi All-
I have been slowly, with the help of my doctor, been weening off 20mg of Lexapro because my husband and I want to start a family. I'll be 28 on Saturday, and am having a recently hard time coming off Lexapro. I went to 10mg for 6 weeks, 5mg for 2 weeks and took my last 5mg pill Thursday. Thus far, it hasn't been bad. Some tummy troubles and increased anxiety. I should also mention I stopped birth control at the same time. However just today, day 3 completely off the Lexapro, I'm feeling extra anxious, spaced out and have started getting brain shutters or zaps. They're currently keeping me awake and scared. I've experienced them in the past coming off Lexapro but these seem to not let up much. Any help would be so appreciated. Or any advice on how to stop them!!! Thank you.
I have been slowly, with the help of my doctor, been weening off 20mg of Lexapro because my husband and I want to start a family. I'll be 28 on Saturday, and am having a recently hard time coming off Lexapro. I went to 10mg for 6 weeks, 5mg for 2 weeks and took my last 5mg pill Thursday. Thus far, it hasn't been bad. Some tummy troubles and increased anxiety. I should also mention I stopped birth control at the same time. However just today, day 3 completely off the Lexapro, I'm feeling extra anxious, spaced out and have started getting brain shutters or zaps. They're currently keeping me awake and scared. I've experienced them in the past coming off Lexapro but these seem to not let up much. Any help would be so appreciated. Or any advice on how to stop them!!! Thank you.
Half the dose, twice the time is the saying I'm used to for antidepressants and I don't see why lexapro should be an different. Did your Dr say 2? And then if you can you should split the 5mg pills in half and take 2.5mg for a while. Or take 5mg every other day.
You can't go off the way you went on. your brain undergoes physical changes and it has to change back.
I was meaning 'did your doctor say 2 weeks? because I would have expected more like 12.
I am so sorry you're having a tough time coming off Lexapro. The increased anxiety, spaciness, and brain zaps are all very distressing and frightening, but based off of what I have experienced personally and what I have read, are all very common and "normal". I know that does not make it any better, but hopefully it makes it a little less frightening.
I have never experienced antidepressant withdrawal myself until about a month ago when I got off of Luvox. I, too, had all the symptoms you're describing. For me, they lasted about a week, but it was quite a long week. I wish I knew a way to make them stop, but I really did not find any solution. I just spent a lot of time laying down, trying to keep myself distracted as best I could. Make sure you are doing the best you can to take care of yourself, including keeping a set sleep and eating schedule. Also, drink a lot of water.
I would make a call to your doctor and let him know what is going on. He may be able to offer suggestions, or prescribe you something like a benzodiazepine to help with the anxiety in the short-term.
I am really sorry you are suffering right now. Please keep us updated on how you are doing. Sending you lots of positive vibes.