Meggy: 4 months off Lexapro and relapse?

October 19, 2019

Hi there,

I've followed this site on and off for years but never posted. I've generally always taken the SSRIs and not questioned it. Four months ago I came off 10mg Lexapro, tapered slowly but not slowly enough I see after reading through the forum. I felt fine during the summer while working and enjoying life but now I've returned to finally finish my college degree and have lost it. Warped and intrusive thoughts, thoughts about harming myself, fearful of everything, panic attacks on the reg and deep depression. Could not stop crying and could see no hope. Appetite and sleep have decreased massively.

I was prescribed the Lexapro while in hospital two years ago when the anxiety was at its height and I was struggling to leave the house. I had been on Prozac when I was younger for low mood/anxious thoughts and had been okay for a year or two off all pills before it got bad again.

What I'm wondering is, could this be withdrawal I'm feeling or is it just me, now without the meds experiencing anxiety now because Im in a challenging environment and not knowing how to cope?

My doctor has prescribed me Lexapro again but I am very reluctant to go back. I can push through if I know it will end, it just feels very situational with college beginning. I am also returning to CBT.

Any advice would be massively appreciated.

Meg

October 21, 2019

Hello Meggy and welcome to SA.

This site is run entirely by volunteer Administrators and Moderators, all have been through or going through withdrawal.

There are no commercial interests or influences involved .

I am sorry you are having such a rough time but you are now in the right place.

To begin we need information regarding your drugs.

Can you remember exactly when you took your last Lexapro dose?

When did you begin the taper and what percentage did you taper?

Are you taking any supplements?

On 10/19/2019 at 5:20 PM, Meggy said:

What I'm wondering is, could this be withdrawal I'm feeling or is it just me, now without the meds experiencing anxiety now because Im in a challenging environment and not knowing how to cope?

The symptoms you describe would certainly suggest you are experiencing W/D withdrawal.

dr-joseph-glenmullens-withdrawal-symptom-checklist/

On 10/19/2019 at 5:20 PM, Meggy said:

My doctor has prescribed me Lexapro again but I am very reluctant to go back

Doctors and psychs know nothing about withdrawal from these drugs.

If he has suggested you reinstate at the original 10mg dose, do not do this under any circumstances, it is potentially dangerous and could cause Serotonin syndrome.

https://www.psycom.net/serotonin-syndrome

Please see the links below which will help you understand what is happening to you and the possible options.

why-taper-by-10-of-my-dosage/

the-rule-of-3kis-keep-it-simple-keep-it-slow-keep-it-stable/

the-windows-and-waves-pattern-of-stabilization/

brain-fog-blank-mind-comprehension-concentration-cognitive-and-memory-problems/

As soon as we recieve the drugs info. we can assess your situation.

In the meantime DO NOT MAKE ANY CHANGE TO YOUR CURRENT MEDS please.

Please feel free to browse the site, it is a wealth of info.

Other members threads will give you an insight and the opportunity to share experiences.

Again welcome.

Sassenach