Lexapro Withdrawl - HELP!

[hyacinth9296]

OK, went off Lexapro 15 days ago.  OMG - I feel like I have the flu.  I am taking 5mg every other day per Dr instructions, but I swear, every bone in my body hurts.  Each joint hurts more than the last.  I have had the Brain Zaps/Dizziness, and the crying jags, the sweating and diarrhea, but I can't seem to find anyone else experiencing the muscle & joint pain thing.  I have headache so bad, it hurts to touch the OUTside of my head - just finger pressure hurts.  All I want is ONE other person to say they have experienced this and I won't feel so bad anymore (well, just maybe not so WEIRD anymore)  Thanks in Advance - hyacinth

[lyla24]

hey there i feel ya man.. im tapering off lexapro and i feel like dying. my neck muscles hurt so bad that it hurts to move my neck down.. i can barely talk.. i have pain in my back in the bones and muscles... i have severe pressure in my head.. i feel sick to my stomach .. cramping and naseau i dont know what to do! feel like i cant breathe pressure everywhere! it *****

[Hensley258]

First I must commend you doctor. He or she is wise utilizing the (every other day method) to taper you off Lexapro. This can be done with Lexapro due to it half life properties.

Most doctors are not wise enough to utilize this method.

Here is my advice:
(1.) before you panic, there is a really nasty flu bug going around right now, so you could have a touch of that mixed in with the obvious withdrawl symptoms.
(2.) Ask your doctor if he can call you in just a low dosage script of Xanax. I have found Xanax (in a low dosage) to be helpful just to get over the withdrawl hump. You can stop the Xanax after that. Just keep the dosage low and use it only in a temporary fashion.
(3.) Understand that if indeed (you really do have Clinical Depression) that as you get off your medication you will get crying spells again, along with all the other symptoms of Clinical Depresssion. It doesn't just go away.
(4.) Lastly, you will have to be tough. AD withdrawl ***** and it can hurt for a long time in some cases. It could be months before 100% of the withdrawl symptoms are gone.

You can get off the Lex if you really want to. I will not lie to you though, it's gonna be rough for awhile.

If it offeres you any comfort, I got off 5 years of Effexor XR at 300Mgs a day dosage.
Was it difficult? You bet it was and for a long time.

Keep us posted on your progress.

[mr.lucky66]

I went throught it but not quite as bad as you. It will pass in a few weeks or so.