A333: Lexapro withdrawal cold turkey 2 months later

[A333]

I quit Lexapro 20 mg cold turkey 2 months ago. I still take 1 mg klonopin daily. I feel hopeless, have severe pain in my hands and feet, anxiety and restlessness. Should I go back on it? My doctor says withdrawl shouldn't last this long 

[Frogie]

@A333

 

Welcome to SA. We are a volunteer ran site helping people taper off psychiatric medications or have tapered off and are now healing.

 

This is your introduction page where you will receive information, ask questions and meet other members. We ask that you only have one introduction page so we can keep all your information in one place.

 

 

Unfortunately, most Dr's don't know the side effects that these medications cause the body. And going cold-turkey is something we don't advise. We don't suggest more than 10% a month taper and some go much slower than that.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off escitalopram (Lexapro)

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

 

 

The FASTEST Way to Stop a Panic Attack - Dr. Berg

 

Sudden fear, terror, panic, anxiety, or sensory overload from withdrawal

 

Anhedonia, apathy, demotivation, emotional numbness

 

 

 

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications:

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

 

Stability is really important when we are tapering off psych meds.  Please read the link about stability:

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

 

You could try a reinstatement of 1 mg of Lexapro and see if that helps. It takes 7-10 days for it reach full stability in your system. Then you would hold for an extended amount of time and then do a slow taper. Do not stop taking the Klonopin as that can aid in your taper of the Lexapro. And we do not suggest tapering two medications at one time.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?
 
About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms
 
The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

We don't suggest supplements on here except 2 as they can be activating on the nervous system. If you would like to try one, try a small amount and wait a few days before introducing the other.

 

 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

After you have read the links provided, please reach out with any questions you may have.