What are the side effects after you stop taking Lexapro?

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Irritability, shakes, heart palpitations and the reoccurence of symptoms you were having before taking the Lexapro. In order to stop taking an anti-depressant you need to gradually step down your dosage.  

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lexapro withdrawl is no joke. I wish I had been informed of it before I started taking it. I became incredably disoriented, had vision problems (flutters), breathing problems, even stepping down my dosage did not help. It is scary and It took me almost 3 weeks before I stoped feeling these effects.  

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The biggest mistake many can make is coming off the drug (or any drug) on their own. They feel because it's not addictive they can do so, but it's important that one works well with their doctor to decrease the dose very slowly. Your brain has been use to this drug altering brain chemistry!
I stared taking of Lexapro about 2.5 years ago for "circumstantial" depression. I was also attending psycho-therapy sessions monthly, but when the symptoms of depression got very hard, i.e suicidal thoughts constantly, I increased these sessions to weekly.
The therapy helped me more than Lexapro ever could have. Now, with help from the Therapist, I've worked out what my demons are and am able to recognise their triggers.

 

Answer

I stopped taking Lexapro (cold turkey) over 2 weeks ago. Initially I stopped accidentally. I started a new job that changed my daily routine. At day 5 of not taking Lexapro, I decided to continue cold-turkey as I hadn't experienced any recognisable symptoms of withdrawal. However, within a few days the symptoms began in earnest and continue still. My symptoms were as follows:-

• General malaise
• Chronic lethargy
• Crying spelll (just once thank God!)
• Dizziness accompanied with "electic brain zaps". (By far, the most persistant symptom for me)
• Irritability and unreasonable aggression
• Slight diarrhea

Like most people have stated, going off a potent drug like Lexapro cold turkey is not a good idea. I wouldn't do it again. My therapist recommended weaning off very slowly over a period of time that is half the amount of time that you've been taking the drug. So, if you've been taking Lexapro for 2 years, then you should decrease slowly to 0mgs over a 1 year period. My GP on the other hand, suggested weaning off over just a 2 month period!
I've been off Lexapro now for just over 2 weeks and the good news is that the symptoms, while not yet disappeared, have lessened significantly. So, in total disregard to the advise of my very helpful Therapist, I will continue fighting the withdrawals cold turkey ONLY because I want to try for a baby over the next few months.
I certainly would't recommend going Cold Turkey to anyone else.