lexapro withdrawl

[Martha52]

I have been off of lexapro for about 8 days and would like to know if anyone can tell me the true withdrawl symptoms>  

[beardflames]

lexapro w/d was really rough for me as well. i have failed 2x trying to get off of it. the first time was cold turkey (going from 20mg per day). i had no idea that it was possible to w/d from this medication. i had bad motion sickness, zaps (which scared the hell out of me because i had no idea what they were) and epic mood swings. i am currently in the process of a very slow taper, down to 10mg per day. going to down to 5mg in a couple of weeks. the mood swings were what made me always go back on the meds. shouldnt have to punch holes in the wall and cry if i mess up screwing in a curtain rod....true story.

[birdie0907]

Maybe your doc can find a med that doesn't affect your sex drive. I think Wellbutrin has less side effects than others, based purely on their advertisement.
I am not sure you would have back pains associated with anti-depressant withdrawal though.

[Dujymmel]

Hey I am going through the same thing. I have been happy enough on the medication but have been in a new relationship for 18 months and because of what is does to my sex drive I had decided to go off it. I am now experiencing anxiety, back pain, being very grumpy and being so tired. My energy levels are at an all time low and I am use to excerising daily so i understand the lack of motivation as i can hardly get through a gym class either. I feel like I am stuck between a rock and a hard place I want to be this happy person but I want to be able to enjoy sex again................

So basically it comes down to Personality being good or body functioning sexually again.   Any help

[birdie0907]

Why did you stop taking it?
The anxiety increase may mean you need a med to function without anxiety or it could be some of the severe withdrawal symptoms that your cold turkey method has subjected your body to. Perhaps you should go back on 10s or at least 5s to see if your body can stabilize, while you make the decision about whether to go back

[KBlex]

I have been taking lexapro (20 mg) for 2 plus yrs.
I stopped cold turkey abt 4 weeks ago. It's been awful. I can cry just thinking about what I'm going through. Brain zapping finally stopped this week. Anxiety has increased and my tolerance for anything decreased. I am hating myself, my life and my need for lexapro. Im considering going back on this weekend.

[aprilbob200]

I have been on Lexapro for almost 4 years for anxiety. I have stopped the medicine cold turkey 1 week ago. The main reason is that it is so very expensive and I do not want to be dependant on medicine. Plus, the weight gain and the loss of sex drive. I feel like I am in hell. Wow, Im so scared of the things that are happening to me. Should I go back on the medicine? Please help