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Lexapro Withdrawl

blue200604
blue200604
Hi There,

I was on 20mg of Lexapro for about 8 months for the second time. I started tapering off July 16th, and just finished my last 5mg dose September 24th. So I did a very slow taper. I'm still experiencing yucky withdrawal symptoms and wondering if anyone has any insight. The most uncomfortable are:

-Brain "shivers" which travel through my chest at times
-EXHAUSTED
-Moody for no reason
-Some rebound anxiety

I'm very determined to stay off it for good, as my husband and I are trying to get pregnant. Any words of encouragement would be very appreciated. These brain shivers are really frightening me!

Thanks!
HipHappy
HipHappy
Yep same. Im on effexor and soooo many people go on about it being the worst drug to withdraw from.

Well imo escitalopram was the worst to get on and off. So I hear ya. Its awful.

Talk to your doc about non benzo drugs that can assist with withdrawals, beta blockers or maybe even alpha blockers which are more androgenic.

Not medical advice what to take, just saying speak to your doctor about something to help with the withdrawal side effects.
HipHappy
HipHappy
By the way, a lot of people have problems with effexor and law suits etc due to birth complications.

I dont think any anti depressant is risk free. Keep in mind 90% of our serotonin alone is in our second brain, the stomach.

I often wonder, without being a gastro or neurologist if its robbing peter to pay paul.
HipHappy
HipHappy
Definitely one for a psychiatrist especially with birth issues. Like I said, lots of people seem to have birth problems with Effexor going by a google search. See a psych doc.
22Lynn
22Lynn
I just came off Lexapro after 5 years. I finally figured out it was causing nausea as a side effect for almost the entire time I was on it. I was completely off anti-depressants for 3 weeks. But talked to my endocrinologist and he said to restart the new med, Welbutrin. I've been on that about 4-5 days. I still feel off from the Lexapro. I don't think I would take it again. Good luck with the baby plans. I'm not quite sure what you mean by brain shivers. But I know I don't like how I felt on it, and am still trying to feel better.
BonTemps
BonTemps
You may be close to getting past it. When i came off of Pristiq , I had
some of the effects you mentioned for about a month afterwards. I even
started having panic attacks while I was asleep for about 2 or 3 months afterwards..I assume it was from the calming effect of the drug being taken away. Eventually, everything went back to normal. Time may be the answer.