Stopped taking lexapro 1 week ago-I feel really sick-help!

[Robinlynn]

Hi-
I Was put on lexapro approx 4 months ago, by a psychiatrist, for deppression. I also started psychotherapy at that time. My side effects were sexual side effects and headaches at times.  I was able to handle those okay. Then, I had a severe sinus infection approx 1 1/2 months ago.  Started questioning my use of this drug- the benefits vs. the side effects.  Then about 3 weeks ago, this whooshing in my ears started. It sounds like a bunch of crickets are in my ears, constantly.  I told the psychiatrist this and  that I wanted to start weaning myself off of this medication.  He said okay and told me to decrease my dose from 10mg to 5mg. He instructed me to call him in 5 days.  I did- told him the whooshing was still present, but that otherwise I seemed okay.  He said to stop the lexapro all together.  I questioned that since I heard you are supposed to wean off slowly. He said that since  I was on a low dose(10mg)that that wasn't necessary. I have been off the lexapro completely for almost 2 weeks.  The whooshing sound in my ears has not subsided,in fact I believe its worse now.  I also have disturbed sleep,and have felt real sick with flu like sypmtoms for the past couple of days.  My question is this.  How long will this last?  Does anyone have any suggestions of what I can do to help feel better while this medicine is clearing from my system. I would appreciate any help in this matter, especially from people whom have been through this before.    Thank you

[goldiealg]

Maybe you have tapered too quickly.  Did you discuss this with your doctor?

[Terry132]

I am most concerned about how long after stopping lexapro, one feels like one's old 'normal' self.  My history:

1.  Started lexapro July 04 @ 5 mgms.  Built up to 20 mgs/day over long period.

2. At first I could not eat, couldn't stay awake, didn't really 'care' about things -- but much less phobic, not less depressed.

3.  By now, I have gained about 25 + pounds in less than a year.

4. Decided to slowly withdraw about 6 or 7 weeks ago.  Have not taken any lexapro for about a month.
.Still seem to be gaining weight;  
.problems with 'gait' (balance and walking);  
.can't turn my head suddenly because, hard to describe, 'feels like' my brain or my eyes will pop out of my head
. feelings of tearfulness but not real depression
. sexual feelings have returned

I still don't feel like myself and would like to know how long this takes. I start to fear it may be permanent.

Any similar experiences with amount of time to withdraw?

[goldiealg]

I have been withdrawing from Zoloft, Buspar and Klonipin since August and have experienced much of what every is talking about.  I am only taking .125mg of Klonipin at bedtime at this point.  It has been difficult to deal with the day to day stressors of life and the withdrawal.  I have had anger and agitation and crying jags.  One thing I know though is that I will get better as time goes on and I will learn how to deal with my feelings.  The meds numb.  That is it.  The issues will be there until YOU cope with them...when you come off of meds, I think some past hurts come back, too but again you must deal with these feelings and move on.  Exercise is one of the best tension relievers I know and it will help you lose the weight.  I am still having problems with my ears, strangely enough, I feel like there is water in there.  I dont know an answer for that one.

[julie85]

Just wanted to update my last entry.  It has been about 6 weeks since I began withdrawling from Lexapro and I can now say I'm over the terrible head feeling.  I really felt better after about 5 weeks, but rarely feel the shocks and dizziness anymore.  I have been very agitated.  Guess what I'm not a zombie anymore. I'm praying for strenth to get through this initial  period without Lexapro.  I told myself I wasn't going to let things bother me like while I was on Lexapro, but they do again.  I have to figure out how to deal with them another way.  Still trying to lose that 25 pounds.  Finally had to start Weight Watchers to get myself back in control.  I weigh in next Wednesday and I'll let you know if I lose. I just found on Lexapro that I couldn't stick to any kind of diet.  I craved carbs and it seemed like the Lexapro made me weak-minded.  I couldn't stay motivated one day to stick to a better eating plan.  Now I've been on weight watchers for 4 days and am still on track.  I feel in control again.  I just hope the medicine didn't screw my metabolism up too bad.

[vb4au]

I have taken Lexapro for over a year and Wellbutrin for 4 or more years.  I really have not had any side effects except for the lethargic feeling.  Three weeks ago my Dr. and I decided I wanted to get off of Lexapro.  He halved my dose for a week and then told me not to take the Lexapro again.  He made no mention of the many side effects I have had since getting off of the Lexapro.  Like many of you, I have had the zapping in the head, nausea, dizziness and flu like symptoms.  I have been off of the medicine totally for almost two weeks.  It almost seems that the side effects listed of Lexapro when taking the drug are the ones I'm having now.  Right now, the back of my scalp is numb.  Called the Dr. two days ago and he said I can have these symptoms for almost two weeks more.  I really wish he would have told me this would happen when I got off of the Lexapro.

I do feel better in the mornings when I get up.  I am totally awake and ready for the day.  I haven't felt like this in many years.  I am just hoping these symptoms leave my head soon!

[TXChristy]

I took Lexapro for 4 months for very mild depression. After the intial week of a few side effects, everything seemed to go well on the medication...except now, I am 35 pounds heavier and that disturbs me more than mild depression.

I stopped taking the Lexapro four days ago, cold turkey. Now I'm reading that's a bad idea, but I refuse to put another one of those pills in my body. I am hoping to start trying to get pregnant next month and the last thing I want in my body is medication.

Unfortunately, starting today really, I've been experiencing some very weird sensations. My brain feels fuzzy I feel funky.

There has to be a better way. Next time, I'll just go shopping!!!