Catherine213: How long does this phase last?

[Catherine213]

I've been on 10mg Lexapro for about 5 years. I stopped, cold turkey, about 3 weeks ago. I ran out of medication, couldn't reach my doctor, and decided I no longer needed it anyway. At first I experienced awful brain fog, but thankfully that's gone now. But the last few days I find that I'm so angry all the time. I can't stand being around people, anyone at all. Every little thing makes me so mad! How long is this part supposed to last? I'm wondering if I should push through this phase, or go back on to taking Lexapro. (I really don't want to, though.)

[Songbird]

I would really recommend going back on Lexapro, and then planning a slow taper.  If you read around here you will find that cold turkey withdrawals can be extremely brutal and last a long time (I'm talking years of horrendous symptoms).  Some people feel fine or have only mild symptoms for several months after stopping and then get hit with the really nasty stuff later on.  If you've only been off 3 weeks, you are still in a good position to reinstate and get stable again.  In general, the longer you wait, the more difficult it is to reinstate successfully.  I know this probably isn't what you wanted to hear, but you need to be fully informed so that you can understand the potential consequences of the decisions you're making..

[Lincoln78]

I agree with songbird. I cold turkey'd Prozac, at first I felt fine then over the next few months became very irritated and and angry, I would smash plates because I couldn't find something or snap at people I love for no reason. I have never been a angry or aggression person so this was a huge shock not just to my family but to me too. Things got much worse after 5 months, I'm not saying this to scare you but it got much much worse and nearly two years on I'm still suffering everyday. This may not happen to you, you may well be fine but it's not really worth taking the risk as after a period of time has passed its hard to get back on the medication. If I could go back in time I would never have gone cold turkey. Take songbirds advice and good luck

[Fresh]

Hello Catherine , welcome to the site.    I'm glad you found us - there's lots of information and support here

about how to get off antidepressants safely.

 

Withdrawal after stopping abruptly can last for months or even years.  We know that - lots of members are

living it.

The safest way to move forward would be to reinstate lexapro at a smaller dose initially (1-2mg).  

Allow yourself a couple of months to stabilize , then taper off at the recommended 10% decrease maximum per month.

 

Please read the following links , and come back to your thread with any questions.

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

How to make a liquid from tablets or capsules

 

 

The following list shows the range of symptoms that may come during withdrawal:

 

PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS

That Mimic Depression

1. Crying spells

2. Worsened mood

3. Low energy (fatigue,lethargy, malaise)

4. Trouble concentrating

5. Insomnia or trouble sleeping

6. Change in appetite

7. Suicidal thoughts

8. Suicide attempts

 

That Mimic Anxiety Disorders

9. Anxious, nervous, tense

10. Panic attacks (racing heart, breathless)

11. Chest  pain

12. Trembling, jittery, or shaking

 

Irritability and Aggression

13. Irritability

14. Agitation (restlessness, hyperactivity)

15. Impulsive

16. Aggressiveness

17. Self-harm

18. Homicidal thoughts or urges

 

Confusion and Memory Problems

19. Confusion or cognitive difficulties

20. Memory problems or forgetfulness

 

Mood Swings

21. Elevated  mood (feeling high)

22. Mood swings

23. Manic-like reactions

 

Hallucinations

24. Auditory hallucinations

25. Visual hallucinations

 

Dissociation

26. Feeling detached or unreal

 

Other

27. Excessive or intense dreaming

28. Nightmares

 

MEDICAL SYMPTOMS

That Mimic the Flu

29. Flu -like aches and pains

30. Fever

31. Sweats

32. Chills

33. Runny nose

34. Sore eyes

 

That Mimic Gastroenteritis

35. Nausea

36. Vomiting

37. Diarrhea

38. Abdominal pain or cramps

39. Stomach bloating

 

Dizziness

40. Disequilibrium

41. Spinning, swaying, lightheaded

42. Hung over or waterlogged feeling

43. Unsteady gait, poor coordination

44. Motion  sickness

 

Headache

45. Headache

 

Tremor

46. Tremor

 

Sensory Abnormalities

47. Numbness, burning,or tingling

48. Electric zap-like sensations in the brain

49. Electric shock-like sensations in the body

50. Abnormal visual sensations

51. Ringing or other  noises in the ears

52. Abnormal smells or tastes

 

Other

53. Drooling or excessive saliva

54. Slurred speech

55. Blurred vision

56. Muscle cramps, stiffness, twitches

57. Feeling of restless legs

58. Uncontrollable twitching of mouth

 

 

Best wishes ,   Fresh