Coming off Lexapro?

Question

Im a recovering anxiety sufferer, not having panic attacks anymore, finiished the in depth therapy, and am ready to come off lexapro. Spoken to the professionals on this, but am a bit scared of the side effect of coming "down".
Wondering if others out there ahve anyhelp for me
My biggest problem is im about to go it alone in life after a 6yr relationship, im a bit worried how it will all go, but im determined to come off the drugs,
Please help....

Answer 1

Research support groups & see if there's one you'd like to join.

Have a schedule for check ups w/ a professional as you come off the Lexapro. The professional can see how you are progressing & you can devise a plan in case you need additional help.

Develop strategies w/ a therapist for getting used to being a single person - i.e. activities to help you keep your mind of the sadness, making new friends, re-inforcing your social network.

Also - be sure to take care of yourself physically. Eat a well balanced diet, exercise & get adequate sleep.

Answer 2

I have a friend that came off Lexapro and did not notice any significant withdrawals. I have heard some people have anger and depression or anxiety. As long as you are not suicidal or homicidal or experiencing any dangerous withdrawal symptoms hang in there. Make sure your doctor knows you are coming off the medication. Tell some close friends too if it will help you know that people will be checking on you during the adjustment. I had panick attacks and post traumatic stress disorder and am finally off of all meds. It was very difficult for a time. Eventually things got better and better until I feel like I have my life back and am very content with that. I know how hard it is but if you stay focused and dedicated to being healthy and taking care of yourself you will do fine. Trust yourself. You've made it this far and you don't sound like a quitter. Keep in mind that you will adjust even if it is hard. I got off of Paxil after only a month and was sweating shaking and throwing up four four days. After two years of nearly constant panick attacks though, what's a little sweat and puke gonna do to me? Know what I mean. you can do it.

Answer 3

Having been on anti-depressants for nearly 9 years before FINALLY stopping this past January, I never have felt better.

Unfortunately, because I am no longer on anti-depressants (they fog your brain), I do not exactly recall the side effects of withdrawals, except that I seemed to remember having excessive night sweats. This may have been due in part because of all the other anti-depressants (err...should I say 'pro-depressants (?) :(( ) that I was prescribed at unreasonably high doses. Therefore I cannot say for sure if it was due to my stopping the Lexapro that caused the excessive night sweats, or the concomitant use of the other medications.

I am glad to hear that you are trying to get off of this medication. I truly admire your courage. I cannot tell you how much and how badly anti-depressants are to the human body, not to mention the brain. These meds are, more often than not, to blame for failed marriages and relationships.

When you do successfully get off Lexapro, please stay away from all the other anti-depressants. Having been on these poisons (sorry :(( ), resulted in my excessive narcotic drug addiction; and some example drugs were OxyCodone and Stadol (Stadol should be classified as a Schedule I narcotic by the DEA). I abused them just so that I could escape the psychological 'pain' these horrific psychotropic meds caused me to endure, and my husband had to suffer through it all, despite the face these were prescribed by my general practitioner.

Unfortunately, now, after 8 years of marriage, despite the fact that I am much better now, health-wise, the spouse just gave up. Hence the divorce.

Answer 4

Be very, very when coming off this medication. You must do it slowly or the side effects become overwhelming and often dangerous. I really wish you luck!