Pickamew: Just Plain Terrified Right Now

[Pickamew]

Been off Lexapro for about two weeks now after being on it for about 6.5 weeks. This was my second time trying an SSRI. I started it because I suddenly was slammed with a nonstop earworm (never had one prior) that I couldn’t get rid of for months which severely distressed me to suicidal thoughts because I thought I lost my mind. 

 

I stopped Lexapro because the side effects on it were too much and never abated. I never slept well, dropped 12 lbs, always felt high, and was too energized. And the earworm never stopped. I did some tapering at end but was told I could just stop. 

 

Now I am here because I am worse than ever post-SSRI. I haven’t felt tired in weeks. Had infrequent insomnia prior but now am going days with little or no sleep and bolting awake at 5 AM every morning with a panic attack. Daily, I have a constant feeling of lingering anxiety/hyperaware/restless that I can’t shake. Hard to explain it but hate it. I can’t relax anymore but always on edge. And I’m still struggling to eat. 

I told my psych but her response was this was my prior anxiety. Huh? No, it’s not. I was prescribed Pristiq but really don’t want to take it as I wish I never took Lexapro.

Is this withdrawal? Anyone else have these symptoms and did they eventually subside?
 

I want to sleep somewhat peacefully and be hungry again and try to find another way to address my mental health issues. But I am miserable, terrified and getting more and more depressed.

 

 

[FireflyFyte]

Hi Pickamew,

 

Welcome to SA. Please summarize your drug history in your signature by following the instructions at How to Summarize Your Drug History in Your Signature.

 

On 9/29/2024 at 9:08 AM, Pickamew said:

Now I am here because I am worse than ever post-SSRI. I haven’t felt tired in weeks. Had infrequent insomnia prior but now am going days with little or no sleep and bolting awake at 5 AM every morning with a panic attack. Daily, I have a constant feeling of lingering anxiety/hyperaware/restless that I can’t shake. Hard to explain it but hate it. I can’t relax anymore but always on edge. And I’m still struggling to eat. 

 

These are common symptoms of withdrawals. You can read more at Tips to help sleep: so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia and Sudden fear, terror, panic, anxiety, or sensory overload from withdrawal.

 

Thanks,

 

Firefly