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 Orlando, FL Member Since: 02/07/01 [Latest Posts] | Post Date: 8/25/07 7:31 pm For the last four weeks, I have been weaning off of Lexapro (under my PCPs supervision.) I am hoping that discontinuing it will ultimately affect my tinnitus and a few other side effects. Anyway, the detox is the pits. I am experiencing a rare SSRI side effect, which feels like electric shocks in my brain. Also, dizziness, headaches and fatigue. When I was on Lexapro, I felt so wonderful. It is still hard for me to believe that I feel this crappy, like a cattle prod is in my brain! Anyone else detox from Lexapro? I know that the drug has a short half life, but I am wondering how long this will last. Thanks much. Kristen |
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 horseheads, NY Member Since: 07/08/01 [Latest Posts] | Post Date: 8/25/07 8:12 pm Kristen, I know exactly what you are talking about. I have tried to get off Paxil for a long time (I've been on it over 10 years). The zingers that you are talking about feel like the sizzling of a lightbulb when it's just about to burn out. I can actually hear the sizzling....my Dr. calls this zingers. They are enough to stop you in your tracks. The other thing that affects me with the withdrawal is flu like symptoms. I ache all over & I feel like I need to vomit. Needless to say, I am still on Paxil. It's just too hard to get off it. Of course, it helps me with depression & anxiety, but I just hate taking it. Hopefully you will be able to get off your SSRI much easier than I. Good luck & keep us posted. Kathy in Horseheads NY |
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 Avis, PA Member Since: 03/02/06 [Latest Posts] | Post Date: 8/25/07 8:14 pm Kristen~
Sorry that you are having this kind of problem.
I was on 20 mg of lexapro a day, then went to 10mg, until I quit taking it. I had no problems at all, I truly feel for you, it has to be horrible.
I am currently taking Effexor, and I have heard that what you are going through is what happens when you go off of this med.
I hope that things get better for you real soon.
~hugs~ |
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 NJ Member Since: 03/03/07 [Latest Posts] | Post Date: 8/25/07 8:52 pm Hi Kristen,
Welcome to my world!!! I am off of my lexapro 20mg. for about a week and I know what you mean by "electric shocks" in my brain! I have also been feeling a little lightheaded, thankfully no headaches... but sometimes I do feel a little fatigued.
I really can't answer your question about how long this will last, but at least we know we are not going through this alone.
PM me if you need to talk.
Doris 
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Pre~op / Current / Goal | Post Date: 8/25/07 11:02 pm Hi Sweetheart. I am so sorry you're experiencing this. Your experience is NOT uncommon (see: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/After_stopping_Lexapro_how_long_do _the_withdrawal_symptoms_last), however, the prominence of withdrawal symptoms depends on: (1) how long you were taking the medication, (2) the doasge you were taking, (3) the rate at which you stoped taking the medication (fast stop = more side effects) and (4) other personal variables. Please review these symptoms with your PCP and I'd encourage you to ask for a consult with a psychiatrist - they're the experts with these medications. If the symptoms intensify or you keep feeling this way and can't get to see your PCP, I'd encourage you to go to an urgent care facility for immediate help.
Hope this helps! |
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 none of your bee's wax, CA Member Since: 07/15/07 [Latest Posts] | Post Date: 8/25/07 11:40 pm Rare side effects? I know how you feel, the same thing happened to me. Zapping at the back of my head, feeling goofey, eyesight shifting, oh yeah, how can they say rare when on this thread there are several of us who have experienced it? Time frame? Sorry, I think I switched to another med before the symptoms ended. Why are you stopping? Drink your water, hang tough...kkp Grow some and use 'um! |
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Orlando, FL Member Since: 02/07/01 [Latest Posts] | Post Date: 8/26/07 6:44 am Thank you to everyone *****sponded, I really appreciate knowing that this isn't so rare after all (but I regret your having to go through it as well!) I am concurrently going on Wellbutrin, which I take at night because it makes me sleepy. My detox symptoms lessen wen I take the Wellbutrin, so at least I get relief at night through about Noon the next day. Thanks again! Kristen Lap RNY 10-25-04 310/135/@ Goal! |
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 Lancaster, PA Member Since: 08/26/03 [Latest Posts] | Post Date: 8/26/07 7:25 am god i am so sorry you are going through this, but I am glad to hear it too. I tried discontinuing 10 mg of lexapro and I thought i was dying same symptoms and everything. I ended up going back on it because i could not take it |
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