Weaning off Lexapro....feel better

Reen38 · Post by **Reen38** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 8:37 pm

I am one day from my last quarter dose of lexapro. I had been feeling pretty bad about a month ago, and my doctor thought the lexapro had stopped working. So I was to wean off that and then start Effexor. Well, I feel better now than I have in years! Isnt that strange? My mind is clear and I dont feel super tired all the time anymore. I am actually FEELING emotions again. I am wondering if I even need any medication at all anymore.
Anyone else have a similar experience? Feeling better without the meds as opposed to with them?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:40 pm

You are feeling better because of the meds. Don't stop them without first talking with your physician. I have seen too many friends go off their meds because they were so good...and were back on them within a couple of weeks. You don't need to put yourself through that. Take your doctor's advice and check with him/her every couple of weeks to let him/her know how you are doing. The doc may decide to reduce the dosage after a time. Stick with it for a while. My very good friend stays on hers, she says it is the very best think that has helped.
Good Luck! ^j^

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 1:25 am

I was on Lexapro and have been off of it now for almost a year. I also had to wean myself off it. I noticed feeling kind of dizzy a few times when I was finally off of it, but am very glad to be off all meds. Nothing against those who take meds, but personally I'm not a big fan of them. I say if you can feel good without them, more power to you! Also, don't feel bad if you need to start back on though. Maybe just try something else since the Lexapro wasn't the best fit for you. I think the reason you are feeling emotions again is because you are off the meds for sure! I tend to go more towards herbal/homeopathic stuff if I need assistance in dealing with anxiety. That way there are no side effects and you can go on and off very easily.

Holly J · Post by **Holly J** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 1:35 am

I weaned off Lexapro last December and was amazed how much better I felt each time I switched to a lessor dose and then finally off. I felt emotions again and was very up for a while. Unfortunately I am now struggling with the anxiety/depression again and am considering St. Johns wort to see if that works, or buckling down with this program. The Lexapro was very effective but over time negative side effects made it not worth it: Yes, it took away the anxiety and depression but I was irritable, emotionless, and gaining weight. I truly think the best answer is overcoming this without meds but the stressors I am under make me wonder if it's possible. Good luck.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 1:52 am

I used to use xanax for panic attacks that seem to help. Its especially helpful for flying. I got the idea from this site called <A HREF="http://www.flyinganxiety.com" TARGET=_blank>http://www.flyinganxiety.com</A>

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 4:45 am

I am exactly the same place you are. I am down to 1/4 pill a day and will be stopping all together in a few days.
You are feeling better because you are getting off Lexapro. Yes, your normal feelings and emotions come back and you start to feel like a real person again. That’s exactly what happened to me! Just be sure to follow the program and use your new CBT skills every day and you will be fine.

Remember the top most basic steps to prevent a relapse:
Cut out all caffeine & sugar
Exercise daily (2 hours a day if possible, you may have to work up to it)
Catch yourself when you start having negative thoughts and change them to positive
Take time to relax and have fun - treat yourself good
Let go of worry and start enjoying life
Practice deep slow breathing

Keep doing all that and you won't need meds at all.

Oh, before you switch to another type of medication, you might want to try a 2hr/day exercise routine instead. That will accomplish the same thing, brain chemistry wise, as taking the meds and will have the added benefit of helping to lose weight.
Something to think about.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:01 pm

Thanks for responding everyone. And thank you for the encouragement Don. I thought I was going to have to be on medication my entire life...boy was I wrong ! LOL
I think I am going to ask for something that I can take on an as needed basis just incase I do have an attack at work or something.

YoyoyoMo,nica · Post by **YoyoyoMo,nica** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 9:17 am

My Doctor told me when I first started taking Lexapro that I'd probably have to be on it the rest of my life. That really got me to thinking and worrying, it was like he was telling me that my mind was broken and could never be fixed. BOY WAS HE WRONG!!!

I don't think most Doctors take time (or have the time) to research the drugs they prescribe.
I know mine didn't. You can and will take your life back and you will do just fine.

If you need something for emergencies, Xanax will work for that but only use it occasionally to put out fires, not on a regular or daily basis. Otherwise you can get addicted to it. And it can be very hard and very uncomfortable to get off of it. But it's safe to use as an occasional stop gap measure. Just be sure you go back to using your CBT skills so that you will continue to grow and get better. You will eventually not need any medication at all. You are going to be just fine.

God Bless and Peace be with you.