Maf247: Did Lexapro damage my CNS?

[Maf247]

Hi everyone, this is my story….

In August of 2022 I began taking 10mg of Escitalopram aka Lexapro. Beginning in about March of that year I began having trouble sleeping. That then led to me getting anxiety about even going to sleep which then led me to eventually trying Lexapro.
By the end of October/beginning of November, it started to work and I was sleeping. That was also the time that I started experiencing other weird symptoms. It was like overnight everything changed. I basically woke up one morning and I was depressed, emotionally numb, mentally foggy, and exhausted. I know those things aren’t that abnormal, but the strange part was my arms and legs were extremely weak/ fatigued and numb/tingling. I stayed on the antidepressants bc I was sleeping and I honestly didn’t care about anything, I was just existing. Then I got my last dose in August of 2023 and did not refill it, mainly bc I needed to see my doctor and I didn’t care enough to do that. I didn’t know anything about the “right” way to taper and I honestly didn’t care enough to do it correctly at the time anyway. My only new symptom from withdrawal was some pretty rough irritability/mood swings that lasted about 6 months. 
It is now over a year since I quit taking antidepressants, and I am still experiencing all of the same symptoms for the most part. The disassociation and not caring has gone away to an extent luckily, which is what led me here looking for help. I am still extremely tired and fatigued with weakness in my arms and legs. I haven’t lost muscle mass and can still physically use my muscles, it just takes extreme effort. I feel like I’m not getting circulation to my hands and feet and they are often numb/cold. Bending down makes my legs go to sleep. My muscles get sore for no reason at all. Even mild exercise about cripples me. I can’t think of things quickly and my short term memory is basically nonexistent. My brain is completely foggy. I am also still pretty emotionally numb and can’t make myself care about the things I used to. It’s hard for me to find the willpower to do anything, even hobbies I used to enjoy. My question is, could this be caused by Lexapro messing with my nervous system? Taking Lexapro is literally the only thing that changed in my life that I could think would bring on all of this. 
What I’ve tried…

I take fish oil with high EPA/DHA, high dose of vitamin D, and I take Creatine for brain health. I’ve tried acupuncture, cupping, and massage. I’ve changed my diet to keto. I did notice cutting carbs/sugar has helped my muscle aches and stiffness. But I fell off the wagon and need to get started again. I’ve had an EMG on my legs and my nerves are all totally fine. I’ve had extensive bloodwork done, including a naturopathic doctor ordering additional bloodwork on my thyroid. Everything is fine. On paper I am completely healthy. My doctor wants me to get an MRI of my brain and I’m scheduled to see a neurologist in April. I’m going to bring up Lexapro to him and see what he says, but I’m not optimistic he will connect it to my issues. At this point I’m even considering trying another antidepressant, but I’m very hesitant because I think thats what got me here in the first place. Does anyone have any insight? Suggestions? Ideas? There isn’t much wont try/look into at this point. 
 

Thank you for reading my novel

Edited January 3 by Emonda
Name to title

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  I'm glad you found us.  I'm assuming Lexapro is the only psych drug you've ever been on?  It sounds like you may have developed an adverse reaction to it.  

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications, and why it's so important to taper slowly.  

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

Because you cold turkeyed the drug, it was hard on your nervous system, and it can take a very long time for your nervous system to heal completely.  By the way, I can very much relate to all your symptoms - I've had and still have some of these symptoms myself.  Lexapro is an extremely powerful drug - stronger by 2x to 4x than the other SSRI drugs.  The only thing that will cure you now is lots and lots of time.  The nervous system is super complex, and tied to everything in our body, so it takes a really long time to adjust back to its predrug state. 

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

Here is a link with checklists of common WD symptoms: 

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen Withdrawal Symptom Checklists

 

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

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

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

On 1/3/2025 at 9:29 AM, Maf247 said:

At this point I’m even considering trying another antidepressant, but I’m very hesitant because I think thats what got me here in the first place.

Going on another psych drug is quite likely to further confuse your nervous system, and make your problems worse.  Trying a psych drug to fix withdrawal is quite honestly like throwing gasoline onto a fire to try to put the fire out.  It doesn't work, and just makes the problem much worse.  I'm glad you are hesitant to do this.  

 

What are your current withdrawal symptoms besides low mood and irritability?  

 

Your best bet at this time is lots and lots of natural self care, and learn coping techniques for dealing with the withdrawal symptoms.  To be honest, it is very likely seeking help from a doctor will just get you a prescription for more drugs.  Doctors are trained to use drugs to treat patients in medical school.  They usually tell people that their symptoms are just their original mental health issue coming back.  This is how many people get stuck on a drug carousel for many years, and often for life.  And the more one stays on the drug carousel, or jumps on and off and on it, the harder it is to get off.  Try a very natural healthy diet, lots of healthy fluids, completely avoid alcohol and mind altering substances, avoid caffeine, sugar, chemicals, etc.  Going on a gentle walk daily can help a lot.  Avoid unnecessary stress and drama, stay away from toxic people if possible, stay away from horror movies and shows, etc..  Do things that calm and soothe your nervous system - arts and crafts are really good for this.  You get the idea. Take care, and let us know how you are doing. 

 

 

 

Edited January 4 by getofflex

[Maf247]

2 hours ago, getofflex said:

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  I'm glad you found us.  I'm assuming Lexapro is the only psych drug you've ever been on?  It sounds like you may have developed an adverse reaction to it.  

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications, and why it's so important to taper slowly.  

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

Because you cold turkeyed the drug, it was hard on your nervous system, and it can take a very long time for your nervous system to heal completely.  By the way, I can very much relate to all your symptoms - I've had and still have some of these symptoms myself.  Lexapro is an extremely powerful drug - stronger by 2x to 4x than the other SSRI drugs.  The only thing that will cure you now is lots and lots of time.  The nervous system is super complex, and tied to everything in our body, so it takes a really long time to adjust back to its predrug state. 

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

Here is a link with checklists of common WD symptoms: 

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen Withdrawal Symptom Checklists

 

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

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

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

Going on another psych drug is quite likely to further confuse your nervous system, and make your problems worse.  Trying a psych drug to fix withdrawal is quite honestly like throwing gasoline onto a fire to try to put the fire out.  It doesn't work, and just makes the problem much worse.  I'm glad you are hesitant to do this.  

 

What are your current withdrawal symptoms besides low mood and irritability?  

 

Your best bet at this time is lots and lots of natural self care, and learn coping techniques for dealing with the withdrawal symptoms.  To be honest, it is very likely seeking help from a doctor will just get you a prescription for more drugs.  Doctors are trained to use drugs to treat patients in medical school.  They usually tell people that their symptoms are just their original mental health issue coming back.  This is how many people get stuck on a drug carousel for many years, and often for life.  And the more one stays on the drug carousel, or jumps on and off and on it, the harder it is to get off.  Try a very natural healthy diet, lots of healthy fluids, completely avoid alcohol and mind altering substances, avoid caffeine, sugar, chemicals, etc.  Going on a gentle walk daily can help a lot.  Avoid unnecessary stress and drama, stay away from toxic people if possible, stay away from horror movies and shows, etc..  Do things that calm and soothe your nervous system - arts and crafts are really good for this.  You get the idea. Take care, and let us know how you are doing. 

 

 

 

 

[Maf247]

Thank you for the reply. I am no longer dealing with any withdrawal symptoms. My only true withdrawal symptom was irritability. The problems with my nervous system (numbness, tingling, weakness) started as soon as the antidepressant kicked in, it seems. The symptoms all occurred while on the drug. The symptoms didn’t get better or worse once going off the medication. 

[getofflex]

Please be aware arm and leg tingling and numbness could have also been caused by the Lexapro, or withdrawal from it.  This is called paresthesia, and is not uncommon in those of us in withdrawal. Here is our topic on that: 

 

Paresthesia, Numbness, Tingling, etc.

 

Fatigue and weakness may also have been caused by the Lexapro/withdrawal, as does brain fog and emotional numbness.  These will go away very gradually with time, as long as you don't go back on psych meds, and take good natural care of yourself.  I would continue to use omega-3 supplements, and possibly a magnesium supplement if you get anxious or panicky.  

Edited January 5 by getofflex