How do I stop the anxiety and pain side effects when I come off of Lexapro?

Question

I love the way I tolerate EVERYTHING while taking this, but I have gained 40 lbs and could care less if I don't get up off the couch and exercise....I have low energy, libido, longevity at any task now. This will be my 2nd try at weaning off Lexapro. Last time I no tolerance to high stress situations, couldn't think straight, I hurt so bad I couldn't sleep.....Any advice?

Answer 1

First I hope that you are doing the weaning under a docs eye. Secondly I would consider talking to the doc about an alternative med. One that may not have all of the negative side effects. However If you are looking for a more homeopathic solution first get moving even if you just go for a walk. Exercise releases endorphins that naturally combat depression and anxiety. Also you will need to learn some new coping skills so that you are not so overwhelmed in those high stress moments. And consider trying some meditation, just get comfortable sit, lie down whatever works and breathe in deeply and slowly through your nose and out your mouth and try to stay focused on your breathing. Whenever you feel your mind start to wander bring it back to the breathing. Once you begin to relax and no longer need to focus your attention on the breathing give yourself some positive affirmations something like I am always calm and handle stress well or whatever. And keep in mind. Stay positive, if for no other reason it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.

Answer 2

I tried Lexapro for a while and the side effects were worse than the attacks because I had no libido and almost no energy and couldn't do anything productive and the point of taking drugs is to get you going with what you normally do.

So my psych gave me back my first drug which was Zoloft. So really really really, the reason why you should see your doctor is because they know and can answer these kinds of things.

Then I just stopped my meds cold turkey because I know I'd be better off in the future plus the meds are getting to be too expensive since we don't have insurance for psych problems in this country, so sad. But of course, my psych told me to lessen the meds little by little. Say, you're taking 40mg... take 30 the next week... 20 the next... 10 the next... then nothing.

Basically, just think of all the things that you can do and you can be if you stop the medicine which is a whole lot of things ! Really focus on that when you're feeling those anxiety attacks and all. Think of all the pounds you'd be losing (I lost 20lbs when I stop my meds). List it all down. When you can't tolerate what's happening to you because you're not on lexapro anymore do some deep breathing exercises or just sleep it off or watch tv at first. Find some activity that will get your mind off things (like the internet! haha so addictive). Avoid high stressed situations at first and warn everyone that you're weaning so that they can help and won't think that you're too bitchy. :P

Sometimes, when you can't wean it off, you're just not ready to be medicine-free. So just be patient. Always consult with the doc. ;) It took me years try before I stopped.

You can do it! Just needs a whole lot of persistence but the pay in the long run is sooo worth it. :D

Answer 3

Actually, I suggest you keep taking the Lexapro and add Wellbutrin. I had the same side effects and this fixed them. Now I feel great. Talk to your doctor about it.

Remember that deciding to come off your meds may be your depression trying to sabotage you! It will seem perfectly reasonable, because depression is a mental illness, affecting your thinking skills. Don't do it unless your doctor or family recommends it, okay?

Also, realize that you've got to wean off for about 1/6th of the time you've been taking it. That means if you've been taking it for six months, it'll take a month of weaning. Go slow.

Best of luck.

Answer 4

Well you are tapering off, right? Take St. John's wort or 5htp. That helped me. Meditation also helped me. Vitamin b complex in high dose helped too. I was able to get off for about a year or more doing this. The achy feeling went away after a couple of weeks but if it bothers you too much take tylenol or ibuprofen.
I know what you mean. I gained a bunch of weight on lexapro too, but I had to go back on it. My depression is chemical and persistant.

Answer 5

If you can do three things this will be more tolerable as you and your doctor lower your dosage to an acceptable quitting level. #1 Excercise moderately (I know this is going to be hard but it's only 30 min a day 5x a week) #2 eat a healthy low-glycemic diet #3 Supplement your diet with high quality nutritionals. The AMA (American Medical Association) does not endorse a particular company but they have given credit to the positive effects on the natural you. Go figure, its just supporting the Made in: Heaven body we all have. Contact me for more info if you would like support doing this

Answer 6

I am so sorry! That is no fun. I was on Paxil and I used Lexapro to ween off of paxil. Paxil was harsh! Maybe there is something lighter than Lexapro that you can take while weening off Lexapro?
Good luck! I know it sucks but you can do it! Good diet and exersise are very beneficial during this time, btw.

Answer 7

Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.

Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?

Answer 8

ummm...try looking up withdrawel side effects from lexapro....i have taken it before but had no withdrawel symptoms...however i did just come off paxil cr & boy is that rough....talk to your dr about a new med & try to take better care of yourself

Answer 9

Yup stop taking it and your main problem is you may have stopped taking it but it's still in your system. In your muscle fibers. Thats what knots are, just toxins in your body that crystallize and stay stuck in the fibbers of your muscles.
If you stop taking it try going and getting a deep tissue massage, that will break up any of the left over stuff and push it back in your blood stream and you will pee it out :-)

Answer 10

talk to your doctor.....they will know the best way to get you off and start you on something else. Make sure you tell them about all of your side effects so they can find something that is right for you. Good luck.