Stress Center Peer Support

Hi Everyone,
I was just needing to get some support and information about weaning off Lexapro. What symptoms did you have and how did they last? How did you wean yourself off of it?
I started taking 10mg/day of Lexapro six months ago for GAD. I had no symptoms going on it and have felt great while taking it. I've been trying to wean off of it for a week now. I took my regular 10mg and every other day 5mg. Yesterday I was feeling fine, I just been having the occasional headache, and then out of no where I had this very dizziness spell. It felt like I just did a cartwheel and when we got up to live I felt sort of off balance, likr I just got off an amusement ride.
Any help will be so appreciated! I'm trying to get off of it b/c I've gain 15lbs and my husband and I are planning on trying to start our family. But I'm scared to have all of this effects while trying to finish up college, see I missed a whole semester last year b/c of GAD and agoraphobia.

Hi Jamanda,

Was on Lexapro 2o mgs per day for about 18 months....weaned myself offer (after checking with my MD)....just decreased bit by bit....took me a good 6 weeks to get it out of my system....did have some of the same stuff....a little dizziness....lighted headed....but it passed....and I feel much better off of it....just be patient with yourself....I gained a bunch of weight too....I have replaced the Lexapro with some good supplements...and feel like I have more energy than I used to.....sleeping better too...

Anyway....you hang in there..."This too shall pass."

JChick

Hi Jamanda527 -

I weaned off 10 mg Lexapro for the same reason you are. I consulted my doctor and she gave me a schedule of step downs, which I followed and it was very much a non-event.

I also felt mildly light headed, and had a few "brain-zaps". Basically, I'd be talking and would completely blank out for 2 or 3 seconds. I also tended to forget seemingly common words.

I also had good side effects too: I felt a sense of almost euphoria at times. The Lexapro worked very well on my depression and GAD, but took away my "happy" too. It was wonderful to feel my full range of emotions again. I was able to regain control over my eating and weight gain, which also was a relief.

I was very fearful about going off, imagining the worst. The truth is: For me, going on was far more difficult than going off. About 2 or 3 months later I was confronted with some of my old feelings and behaviors, which got me into trouble in the first place. I reworked the program, reread the books that helped me, and STAYED CONNECTED ON THIS WEBSITE. I put that in caps, because more than anything, I believe staying connected with those who share this condition and redigesting the healing information is paramount.

I treat this condition like diabetes now. I used to think that somehow I'd be cured. Now I know that there is no cure for me, just consistent daily maintence to keep me healthy and centered. Some days are easy, some aren't. But since I started the program, I have not repeated the patterns of my darkest days. Good luck to you.

Same for me; strange brain zaps lasted a few weeks for me, but you'll get through it. Just go slow and expect strange stuff, but know it's Ok.
All the best to you!

thank you all so much for your responses. It really helps to be able to talk with people that have experienced what you are dealing with. You are all in my prayers!

take extra omega 3!