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KayH1012: New to the site- Lexapro withdrawal issues


KayH1012

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Hi there-

 

I'm looking for some kind of reasoning as I go about this new journey while I hope it's a quick one!

 

I was on Lexapro in 2015 for 6 months prior to becoming pregnant. Weened off successfully. Got back on Lexapro (don't remember the dosage but probably 5/10mg) after my first child in October 2017. I was on Lexapro until my second pregnancy where I started Zoloft (as i was told it was safer for pregnancy) in January 2019. I got back on Lexapro October 2020 and was on until January 2023 after a successful taper (I tapered from 20mg). Through this time I don't recall having any issues or side effects. 

 

Here's where it gets tricky.....

 

July 28th 2023 I was put back on Lexapro.... but through a miscommunication with my doctor I started right back on 20MG's. This completely messed me up... I felt like I was high on a drug, what I believe to be derealization or depersonalization (not confirmed) and tapered off due to the adverse effects over 5 weeks. 

 

 

I still felt the negative (mostly mental) effects from the Lexapro but with a HUGE increase in anxiety. I was put in a small dose of 5mgx2 of Buspar September 22nd and got off of it 2 weeks later due to adverse effects, it seemed I was sensetive to the meds.

 

After a convo with my psyc I really wanted to give Lexapro a try again since I know it had worked for me for MANY years prior. I got back on them September 29th and again quickly experienced adverse mental reactions to the medicine and was taken off 2 weeks later. 

 

It's only been 5 days of being off the Lexapro completel but I can't help but to think I've done some permanent damage to myself with all this up and down the past year. I'm struggling with PTSD from the 20mg onset as it caused severe distress and I ended up with Seratonin Syndrome. 

 

Is there hope that i'll feel better soon? 

Edited by manymoretodays
name to topic title

5mg lexapro may 2015-Jan 2016 (successful taper for pregnancy)

5mg/10mg/20mg lexapro October 2017-January 2019

Direct switch to 75mg Zoloft January 2019-September 2020

Direct switch back to 20mg lexapro September 2020-January 2023 successful taper (all of the above with no issues)

 

July 28th 2023- started on 20mg Lexapro through miscommunication with doctor. Quick 5 week taper (only on it a total of 5 weeks here; terrible reaction from starting on high dose)

September 2023- 2 weeks of Buspar 5mg/twice a day (bad reaction)

September 2023- one week overlap with buspar and lexapro. Lexapro 5mg for two weeks before being off as of 10/13 (another bad reaction to include all mental side effects) 

 

October 2023-100mgs gabapentin for insomnia side effect and anxiety 

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  • manymoretodays changed the title to KayH1012: New to the site- Lexapro withdrawal issues

Long story short….

 

I was on lexapro for years (switched to Zoloft through a pregnancy) but was pretty consistent on it. No side effects. 

 

I weened off in January 2023 successfully with no issues. End of July 2023 I got back on Lexapro except, and unfortunately, through a big misunderstanding and lack of knowledge in my part I started back on 20mgs. I started to experience what I would describe as serotonin syndrome about 5 days after starting…. It was not confirmed because at the time my son had the flu and I too thought I had been put through the wringer due to catching the same flu. I was on 20mgs for 12 days before realizing what was going on. It felt like I was extremely high the whole time, vision was off, intense sweating, sleeping for most of the day, myocolonus. My doctor had me drop down to 10mgs for 2 weeks and 5mgs for a week. I feel this was the first mistake and should have come off immediately. This was a primary care doctor who I no longer see. 
 

I started seeing a psychiatrist I was then put in buspar 5mg twice a day for two weeks but it wasn’t sitting well with me. So got off. Severe anxiety with a new depression side effect (probably from going through the wringer from the 20mgs). 
 

lexapro had worked for me for so long (and I’m furious my psychiatrist agreed) that I was put back on 5mgs of Lexapro 4 weeks after stopping. Only to experience severe mental side effects (vision issues, not sure if it’s brain fog or derealization but working with a therapist). I got off the 5mgs after two weeks. That was 5 days ago…..

 

I feel like I’m in for a long haul as my brain is probably traumatized. I’m so mad and frustrated at the whole situation……….. I have two little boys and this just isn’t fair to them…..experiencing a lot of mental side effects (spacey, not “there” although my anxiety isn’t too bad right now). 

5mg lexapro may 2015-Jan 2016 (successful taper for pregnancy)

5mg/10mg/20mg lexapro October 2017-January 2019

Direct switch to 75mg Zoloft January 2019-September 2020

Direct switch back to 20mg lexapro September 2020-January 2023 successful taper (all of the above with no issues)

 

July 28th 2023- started on 20mg Lexapro through miscommunication with doctor. Quick 5 week taper (only on it a total of 5 weeks here; terrible reaction from starting on high dose)

September 2023- 2 weeks of Buspar 5mg/twice a day (bad reaction)

September 2023- one week overlap with buspar and lexapro. Lexapro 5mg for two weeks before being off as of 10/13 (another bad reaction to include all mental side effects) 

 

October 2023-100mgs gabapentin for insomnia side effect and anxiety 

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  • Moderator

Hi KayH1012,

 

Welcome to SA. Thank you for summarizing your drug history in your signature.

 

18 hours ago, KayH1012 said:

I started seeing a psychiatrist I was then put in buspar 5mg twice a day for two weeks but it wasn’t sitting well with me. So got off. Severe anxiety with a new depression side effect (probably from going through the wringer from the 20mgs). 
 

lexapro had worked for me for so long (and I’m furious my psychiatrist agreed) that I was put back on 5mgs of Lexapro 4 weeks after stopping. Only to experience severe mental side effects (vision issues, not sure if it’s brain fog or derealization but working with a therapist). I got off the 5mgs after two weeks. That was 5 days ago…..

 

With all of these changes, it sounds like you may have experienced kindling which you can read more about at Hypersensitivity and Kindling. The 5mg of Lexapro might have been too high of a dose for your system and generated a negative reaction.

 

18 hours ago, KayH1012 said:

I feel like I’m in for a long haul as my brain is probably traumatized. I’m so mad and frustrated at the whole situation……….. I have two little boys and this just isn’t fair to them…..experiencing a lot of mental side effects (spacey, not “there” although my anxiety isn’t too bad right now). 

 

We cannot predict how long withdrawals and/or kindling effects will last as it is unique to each individual. We do encourage the following supplements though -

We also encourage people to keep stress as low as possible, avoid alcohol, and try gentle exercise such as walks outside or yoga.

 

Please let us know if we can be of help further.

 

Thanks,

 

Firefly

 

Pre- October 2022: Wellbutrin, Escitalopram, CitalopramSertraline, Adderall IR, Vyvanse, Propranolol, Buspar, Ativan, and Latuda

Oct 13, 2022 - Oct 24, 2022 and Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Zyprexa (2.5 mg). Jan 14, 2023 -> Began transition to liquid suspension. Jan 29, 2023 = 2.375mg -> Feb 12, 2023 = 2.25mg -> Feb 27, 2023 = 2.14mg -> Mar 12, 2023 = 2.025mg -> Mar 27, 2023 = 1.93mg -> Apr 10, 2023 = 1.82mg -> Apr 23, 2023 = 1.74mg -> May 7, 2023 = 1.64mg -> May 21, 2023 = 1.56mg -> June 4, 2023 = 1.48mg -> June 19, 2023 = 1.4mg -> July 2, 2023 = 1.33mg -> July 16, 2023 = 1.26mg -> July 31, 2023 = 1.2mg -> Aug 13, 2023 = 1.14mg -> Aug 27, 2023 = 1.08mg -> Sep 13, 2023 = 1.02mg -> Jan 22, 2024 = 0.97mg -> Feb 4, 2024 = 0.92mg -> Feb 19, 2024 = 0.87mg -> Mar 3, 2024 = 0.83mg -> Mar 17, 2024 = 0.78mg -> Mar 31, 2024 = 0.74mg -> Apr 14, 2024 = 0.7mg -> Apr 28, 2024 = 0.66mg -> May 12, 2024 = 0.63mg -> May 27, 2024 = 0.6mg -> June 9, 2024 = 0.57mg -> June 24, 2024 = 0.54mg -> July 6, 2024 = 0.51mg -> July 21, 2024 = 0.48mg -> Aug 6, 2024 = 0.455mg -> Aug 20, 2024 = 0.43mg -> Sep 3, 2024 = 0.41mg -> Sep 17, 2024 = 0.39mg -> Oct 1, 2024 = 0.37mg -> Oct 16, 2024 = 0.35mg -> Oct 29, 2024 = 0.33mg

Oct 14, 2022 - Present: Prozac (40mg) upped from 20mg on Nov 1, 2022.

Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Gabapentin (300mg 3x day) -> May 3, 2023 = 300mg 2x day -> Oct 1, 2023 = 570mg -> Oct 15, 2023 = 540mg -> Oct 29, 2023 = 510mg -> Nov 13, 2023 = 484mg -> Nov 27, 2023 = 460mg -> Dec 9, 2023 = 436mg -> Dec 24, 2023 = 414mg -> Jan 7, 2024 = 400mg

 

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Thank you. I can’t say that the 5mgs caused severe (or more severe) reactions than previously and while it’s only been 6 days off 5mg (and I know withdrawal can get worse) I’m not having severe withdrawal as of yet. Is there a chance I could avoid kindling? It sounds like I would have had to have had more severe reaction to the 5mgs as I did. 

5mg lexapro may 2015-Jan 2016 (successful taper for pregnancy)

5mg/10mg/20mg lexapro October 2017-January 2019

Direct switch to 75mg Zoloft January 2019-September 2020

Direct switch back to 20mg lexapro September 2020-January 2023 successful taper (all of the above with no issues)

 

July 28th 2023- started on 20mg Lexapro through miscommunication with doctor. Quick 5 week taper (only on it a total of 5 weeks here; terrible reaction from starting on high dose)

September 2023- 2 weeks of Buspar 5mg/twice a day (bad reaction)

September 2023- one week overlap with buspar and lexapro. Lexapro 5mg for two weeks before being off as of 10/13 (another bad reaction to include all mental side effects) 

 

October 2023-100mgs gabapentin for insomnia side effect and anxiety 

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  • Moderator

You stated the following about taking the 5mg -

 

20 hours ago, KayH1012 said:

I was put back on 5mgs of Lexapro 4 weeks after stopping. Only to experience severe mental side effects (vision issues, not sure if it’s brain fog or derealization but working with a therapist).

 

Are you saying the severe symptoms you felt at 5mg were no better or worse than when you were off of the Lexapro?

 

1 hour ago, KayH1012 said:

Is there a chance I could avoid kindling?

 

For now, I would avoid making any drug changes and allowing your system to settle. If withdrawals increase, you may want to reconsider a re-instatement of a very, very small amount of Lexapro.

 

Pre- October 2022: Wellbutrin, Escitalopram, CitalopramSertraline, Adderall IR, Vyvanse, Propranolol, Buspar, Ativan, and Latuda

Oct 13, 2022 - Oct 24, 2022 and Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Zyprexa (2.5 mg). Jan 14, 2023 -> Began transition to liquid suspension. Jan 29, 2023 = 2.375mg -> Feb 12, 2023 = 2.25mg -> Feb 27, 2023 = 2.14mg -> Mar 12, 2023 = 2.025mg -> Mar 27, 2023 = 1.93mg -> Apr 10, 2023 = 1.82mg -> Apr 23, 2023 = 1.74mg -> May 7, 2023 = 1.64mg -> May 21, 2023 = 1.56mg -> June 4, 2023 = 1.48mg -> June 19, 2023 = 1.4mg -> July 2, 2023 = 1.33mg -> July 16, 2023 = 1.26mg -> July 31, 2023 = 1.2mg -> Aug 13, 2023 = 1.14mg -> Aug 27, 2023 = 1.08mg -> Sep 13, 2023 = 1.02mg -> Jan 22, 2024 = 0.97mg -> Feb 4, 2024 = 0.92mg -> Feb 19, 2024 = 0.87mg -> Mar 3, 2024 = 0.83mg -> Mar 17, 2024 = 0.78mg -> Mar 31, 2024 = 0.74mg -> Apr 14, 2024 = 0.7mg -> Apr 28, 2024 = 0.66mg -> May 12, 2024 = 0.63mg -> May 27, 2024 = 0.6mg -> June 9, 2024 = 0.57mg -> June 24, 2024 = 0.54mg -> July 6, 2024 = 0.51mg -> July 21, 2024 = 0.48mg -> Aug 6, 2024 = 0.455mg -> Aug 20, 2024 = 0.43mg -> Sep 3, 2024 = 0.41mg -> Sep 17, 2024 = 0.39mg -> Oct 1, 2024 = 0.37mg -> Oct 16, 2024 = 0.35mg -> Oct 29, 2024 = 0.33mg

Oct 14, 2022 - Present: Prozac (40mg) upped from 20mg on Nov 1, 2022.

Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Gabapentin (300mg 3x day) -> May 3, 2023 = 300mg 2x day -> Oct 1, 2023 = 570mg -> Oct 15, 2023 = 540mg -> Oct 29, 2023 = 510mg -> Nov 13, 2023 = 484mg -> Nov 27, 2023 = 460mg -> Dec 9, 2023 = 436mg -> Dec 24, 2023 = 414mg -> Jan 7, 2024 = 400mg

 

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Being on the 5mg I felt better with anxiety but the side effects were a bit much for me. They were triggering PTSD that I got when I was on the 20mgs (I had a really hard time with that large dose). 
 

it’s hard to say right now if the withdrawals are worse than the 5mg dose. Today I’m feeling super spacey and brain fog, migraine and increased anxiety. 

5mg lexapro may 2015-Jan 2016 (successful taper for pregnancy)

5mg/10mg/20mg lexapro October 2017-January 2019

Direct switch to 75mg Zoloft January 2019-September 2020

Direct switch back to 20mg lexapro September 2020-January 2023 successful taper (all of the above with no issues)

 

July 28th 2023- started on 20mg Lexapro through miscommunication with doctor. Quick 5 week taper (only on it a total of 5 weeks here; terrible reaction from starting on high dose)

September 2023- 2 weeks of Buspar 5mg/twice a day (bad reaction)

September 2023- one week overlap with buspar and lexapro. Lexapro 5mg for two weeks before being off as of 10/13 (another bad reaction to include all mental side effects) 

 

October 2023-100mgs gabapentin for insomnia side effect and anxiety 

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Hi— if I decided to reinstate at a small dose what would be your suggestion? 
 

Im not having terrible withdrawals but I’m having disassociation which is making me very uncomfortable. I know it can be a withdrawal side effect….. and I know it’s only been 10 days but this is frustrating…. 

5mg lexapro may 2015-Jan 2016 (successful taper for pregnancy)

5mg/10mg/20mg lexapro October 2017-January 2019

Direct switch to 75mg Zoloft January 2019-September 2020

Direct switch back to 20mg lexapro September 2020-January 2023 successful taper (all of the above with no issues)

 

July 28th 2023- started on 20mg Lexapro through miscommunication with doctor. Quick 5 week taper (only on it a total of 5 weeks here; terrible reaction from starting on high dose)

September 2023- 2 weeks of Buspar 5mg/twice a day (bad reaction)

September 2023- one week overlap with buspar and lexapro. Lexapro 5mg for two weeks before being off as of 10/13 (another bad reaction to include all mental side effects) 

 

October 2023-100mgs gabapentin for insomnia side effect and anxiety 

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