Heath: Lexapro taper plan introduction

[Heath]

hello everyone I am happy to be here!

 I started Paxil 20 in sep 2000 for stress anxiety and chronic back pain . I do know that anxiety- pain - depression all feed off each other. After 11 years on Paxil became sleepy all the time and no interest. When I would drop to lower dose I would feel better more interest in things. Tried stopping Paxil the wrong way twice. And Every time that I’ve dropped to fast and had withdrawals for a period of time and started back it always takes me 4 to 6 months to stabilize. Anyway Ended up with a dr -try this try that - side effects then withdrawals y’all no the routine. Dr doesn’t have a clue. I did meet one dr in 2006 that new about slow taper up and down don’t know where he is now.  I am in process of tapering to 10 mg lexapro. I’m at 15 mg lexapro for 1 yr. I will see dr in one week to get 5 mg tablets to reduce by 1.25 mg every 2 months. I will end up dropping 11% when going from 11.25 mg to 10 mg which will be a little more than 10%. In 6 months I will go back to dr and ask for liquid lexapro. That’s my plan . I want to see how we do getting to 12.5 mg first ! My nerves are stable at this time. Reason for wanting to taper on down tired of side effects. At this time dry mouth, dry burning sinuses, dry eyes, little constipation, sleeping 12 hours on weekends. I’m working in a job I enjoy which has some little stresses. I still deal with come and go back pain and life stresses. Teens and college!! Over the years I have became sensitive to these drugs withdrawals and such. Obsessive worry type anxiety. I want to fill my tool box with all resources I need for this taper down. Changing thought patterns, letting feelings be there and not react to them, pain etc. I would love it to find cbt/support groups that is experienced in the areas of my needs in my location. After trying to withdraw a few times I am in no hurry If it takes 4 years that’s fine. I have learned a lot about these drugs in the past. I am glad to have found y’all and look forward to learning more!! I am so glad I found SA!!! My signature info should be on this post let me know if it don’t. I’m still learning my way around.

thanks

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Heath.

 

Your plan sounds good.  Do try to keep it no more than 10% of current dose every four weeks.  

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

For future reference, when you switch from tablets to liquid, we recommend a gradual crossover.

3/4 dose tablet, 1/4 dose liquid for 3 to 7 days or longer

1/2 tablet, 1/2 liquid for 3 to 7 days or longer 

1/4 tablet, 3/4 liquid for 3 to 7 days or longer

all liquid thereafter

 

Here's a link listing various tools for your toolbox.  Take a look and see which techniques sound like they would be helpful to you.

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

Here are some techniques for dealing with anxiety.

 

Audio:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)
 

Audio:  How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes
 

VIDEO:  Peace from Nervous Suffering - Claire Weekes (1 hour) (http://sendvid.com/vgquc1dg)
 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help …

 

10 minute Restorative Yoga for Relaxation | Up the wall

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium (magnesium glycinate is a good form) and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions, post updates and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here. 

 

 

[Heath]

Is it ok to past a link to a site that has a document listing equivalent doses of antidepressants?

i think it will be helpful for everyone!

Edited December 11, 2019 by manymoretodays
none

[Heath]

Need some encouragement here 

I will see pdr dec 6 2019 after 6 months little nervous in itself. He wanted me to drop from 15 to 10 6 months ago. I cut the 10 into 1/4s but the 2.5 mg was too much. So when I go see him I will tell him and ask for 5 mg tabs. He will understand. Maybe that last 11.25 mg I can cut the 5 mg into 1/8 s to get under that 10% . And then ask for liquid in 6 months when I am at 10 mg. But I was on the fence about asking for liquid this Thursday but he may not or think that is overkill. This dr knows nothing of withdrawals or he does and just only knows to add or change meds. He tried to tell me I was bipolar and it was withdrawal. He always has told me awe just drop or up dose no big deal. And the klonopin he always ask do you need more !!!! I’m like No!!  He is easy going and every time I see him I can ease  around him. I talk about things and then  I try to let him know I am glad you figured that out - if you know what I mean. But if I go in there in big withdrawals I m looking at new meds or adding meds.  sunk ship!! He is lost if you are upset no compassion just a robot!  Anyway if I go in there talking about withdrawals and liquid lexapro it may blow his mind. I have to ease him in a little. That’s why get 5s this time and liquid next time.

Mom little nervous about turning tablet into liquid myself. Will compounding pharmacy fill your tablet prescription in liquid form. What are y’all thoughts?

 

thanks

[Heath]

I have attached a link to science direct that has antidepressant dose equivalents of most brands . It list it under results. It appears that you can download it in pdf. It seems to be pretty close to accurate! It compares all brands to Prozac 40 mg. You can do the math to compare what dosage you want . Example 34mg Paxil is equal to 40 Prozac which is also equal to lexapro 18. so if I want to compare lexapro 15 to Paxil, divide 34/18= 1.88, then multiply my lexapro dose 15 mg x 1.88= 28.2. So lexapro 15 mg is equal to Paxil 28.2 mg. I wanted to share this with y’all because it is important to what we are dealing with and very few people in medical field can answer the equal dose question! The more you know!!!

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032715001512

Edited December 11, 2019 by manymoretodays
moved from Journals, we've got the article in at least 2 places already but thanks Heath

[Heath]

On 11/30/2019 at 8:54 AM, Gridley said:

Welcome to SA, Heath.

 

Your plan sounds good.  Do try to keep it no more than 10% of current dose every four weeks.  

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

For future reference, when you switch from tablets to liquid, we recommend a gradual crossover.

3/4 dose tablet, 1/4 dose liquid for 3 to 7 days or longer

1/2 tablet, 1/2 liquid for 3 to 7 days or longer 

1/4 tablet, 3/4 liquid for 3 to 7 days or longer

all liquid thereafter

 

Here's a link listing various tools for your toolbox.  Take a look and see which techniques sound like they would be helpful to you.

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

Here are some techniques for dealing with anxiety.

 

Audio:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)
 

Audio:  How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes
 

VIDEO:  Peace from Nervous Suffering - Claire Weekes (1 hour) (http://sendvid.com/vgquc1dg)
 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help …

 

10 minute Restorative Yoga for Relaxation | Up the wall

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium (magnesium glycinate is a good form) and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions, post updates and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here. 

 

 

 

On 11/30/2019 at 8:54 AM, Gridley said:

Welcome to SA, Heath.

 

Your plan sounds good.  Do try to keep it no more than 10% of current dose every four weeks.  

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

For future reference, when you switch from tablets to liquid, we recommend a gradual crossover.

3/4 dose tablet, 1/4 dose liquid for 3 to 7 days or longer

1/2 tablet, 1/2 liquid for 3 to 7 days or longer 

1/4 tablet, 3/4 liquid for 3 to 7 days or longer

all liquid thereafter

 

Here's a link listing various tools for your toolbox.  Take a look and see which techniques sound like they would be helpful to you.

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

Here are some techniques for dealing with anxiety.

 

Audio:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)
 

Audio:  How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes
 

VIDEO:  Peace from Nervous Suffering - Claire Weekes (1 hour) (http://sendvid.com/vgquc1dg)
 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help …

 

10 minute Restorative Yoga for Relaxation | Up the wall

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium (magnesium glycinate is a good form) and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions, post updates and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here. 

 

 

Thanks Gridley!! I am learning a lot here. I am still reading through all that info you sent. I wished I had this knowledge in 2006 when I first tried to stop paxil. Better yet before starting it! There are health issues and symptoms I’ve had over the years that I am learning were side effects or withdrawals. I’m still learning what windows- waves and sert  occupancy are. It’s a lot to understand! How all this works. I see that you are getting closer to the end of your lexapro doses. I’m learning and trying to understand going slower the lower you get. I hope you are feeling better now. Today I made my first drop to 13.75mg. Dr changed prescription to 5s and 10s no problem! I don’t foresee any problems but I will know in a week or so. One other thing I’ve noticed last few months is itching on chin cheeks area.its not bad just kinda like a fly or bug you know.every so often.  I kinda think this may be side effect of lexapro? Thanks again!

[Oliver1974]

Heath,

 

I would not recommend splitting pills that aren’t meant to be split. You cannot be sure if you’re getting the correct dose or not in the piece of pill you decide to take after the split. Making a liquid out of pills is viable but requires a lot of fiddling around in my opinion. If you can afford the option to do everything through a compounding pharmacy, I would most certainly do that. They are experts with the right equipment to measure and control control your formulations.

 

😊👍

[Heath]

Thanks Oliver I m looking for a compound pharmacy close by.  I did find a pharmacy that carries liquid lexapro. 

[Frogie]

Hi:

 

I saw you visited my page. Welcome, you have come to the right place. Unfortunately, we have to meet like this though.

 

All I can say is go slow! I was told my a moderator on here that is very good and knowledgeable that Lexapro is like a tiger, mean. Don’t pull it’s tail or you’ll be in trouble. And I found out the hard way a few times.

 

 I was on the liquid Lexapro and did great. My insurance wouldn’t cover a compound pharmacy but covered the liquid. 
 

Now I’m fighting with my Xanax taper, my last drug. But I’m going to make it through the horrible anxiety. And then I’m done.

 

You’re going to do fine as long as you do a nice slow taper and listen to everyone on here (like I didn’t do in the beginning).

 

 I wish you tons of luck!

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I’ll answer the best I can without giving advice because I’m not a mod, just someone with experience. Except go slow once again.😊

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Heath]

Thanks Frogie 

as you can see ive tried a few different times to stop these meds. I have always been on my own  withdrawing. No info out there. I didn’t know it was withdrawal myself!  Iam happy to found SA and I feel very comfortable and support this time.

thanks for your support! 

[Heath]

Hello everyone just thought I would post my  dr visit today. It went well. I know a lot of people struggle with how to talk to drs because most drs goal is not same as our ultimate goal because they don’t understand. I would like to let y’all know what I’ve learned over the years about how to talk to them. Here’s how it went. We short talked for a few minutes then he popped the question how you been doing. I told him  pretty good rt now that you got me taking a 5 mg and 10 mg tablets that is working great since I can come down slow. Great idea. I said before when I came down to 12.5 mgs I had problems and went back up but when you got me a 5 and a 10 tablet and I cut down to 13.75mgs it works great. I told him the only thing I noticed was a little anger, no talking, no emotions for about a week or so after lowering dose. I told him that I’ve learned a lot and I have to go slow my nerves  can’t take big jumps and I know 5 mgs lexapro is a lot.  ( he told me to come down to 10 mgs 6 months ago). I told him I’m having dry sinus, dry mouth, dry eyes , constipation and would like to get as low as I could to stop these side effects maybe 5 mg or so and he said whoa let’s not overthink it yet! He was grinning! 😁 i said I know and played it off. I got my new script 10 and 5 ! See ya in 6 months. So I almost went a little to far in the conversation. But I went as far as could in a respectful way without upsetting his status quo. If I told him I was doing real good he would have no reason to lower dose. You just have to get them to lower your dose without coming rt out and telling them your goal.  I think it went well I m getting better and better at talking to dr still learning!  I’m not totally against them most have good intentions BUT they don’t know what really goes on with these meds unless they been through it and meds are the only thing in their tool box ( for most ).  In one one more week I will drop from 13.75 to 12.5 so far so good.  My back is hurting a little more slacked off Celebrex due to stomach irritation. Looking for something else to take in place of Celebrex for inflammation ? So now I have 6 months to decide and plan my next conversation for liquid lexapro and how I’m gonna get that script from him and if I can or if I have to go another route! 
hang on everyone we gonna make it! Happy New Year !

[Heath]

@Frogie, @Gridley

my reduction date is coming up in a few days. I have a lot of stress on me one child graduating high school signing up for college, Eagle Scout ceremony, baseball, my adult child getting some tests done, I can tell Anxiety creeping up due to lack of sleep. Also my boss is a micromanager and constantly complains about what you do and if you do it the way he wanted you to do it the previous job on the next job well he will complain about that. He ask me today was everything good I said I guess then he commenced to telling me what I did wrong. So I told him that I can’t please him either way and that he was micromanaging me. He said that I ask to many questions and need to just do my job. This sent anger and anxiety into overdrive.  He later came to me with hand on my shoulder telling me if he is micromanaging then he just needs to quit. He said he doesn’t need me mad at him.   I could not talk emotions high . I told him later.  It’s a long story. Rt now I want to tell him some things but I can’t. I m a little concerned about reducing again in a few days? Thanks

[Gridley]

22 minutes ago, Heath said:

I m a little concerned about reducing again in a few days? Thanks

 

You doing a nice slow 10% per month taper, which is very good 

 

How are you feeling, aside from the stressor of your recent encounter on the job.  Have those symptoms slacked off.  Are you feeling stable, which means more or less the same symptoms every day without any big swings?

 

When deciding whether to taper in a few days or hold a little longer, it's best to listen to your body rather than hold to a schedule.

 

 

[Heath]

I am feeling stable. No big swings. I don’t feel any withdrawals or any of those type of symptoms rt now.  Each month when I reduce starting the second week I have some small anger, no talking, wake early, tensing neck, tensing muscles, getting hot sometimes. The last drop I had a little emotional feeling for a day.These are very minor . Only few a few days in second week. Today the anxiety symptoms lowered after that happened. Still on a little alert. I still don’t feel like I can tell him what my concerns are. he knows he has this negative micromanaging style. I wished I could just let his comments fly by without hearing them . 
Tks Gridley 

[Frogie]

On 12/22/2019 at 9:52 AM, Heath said:

Thanks Frogie 

as you can see ive tried a few different times to stop these meds. I have always been on my own  withdrawing. No info out there. I didn’t know it was withdrawal myself!  Iam happy to found SA and I feel very comfortable and support this time.

thanks for your support! 

You are welcome. Like Gridley said, you have to listen to your own body. He’s very good at this and knows what he’s talking about.  In my experience, I should have held a few times and didn’t. I ended up having to go up in dosage a couple of times because of that. If you feel you have some stressors, you might hold a few extra days and see if that helps. But, like I said that’s based on my experience, I’m not a mod. You found the right place here on SA. The mods are very knowledgeable and wonderful. You’re going to make it!  I wish you the best of luck😊

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Heath]

Thanks @Gridley and @Frogie

[Frogie]

10 hours ago, Heath said:

Thanks @Gridley and @Frogie

You are very welcome! Good luck with everything. Keep us posted 😊

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Heath]

Reduced to 11.25 mgs on 02/08/2020. Had a pretty good up beat week. Other than a lot of home stress. Had a few times where I noticed a little over sensitive or emotions not big at all. 
Work stress has been addressed and reduced good so far! I’m getting better at knowing what withdrawal symptoms are!

thanks !

[Gridley]

7 minutes ago, Heath said:

Had a pretty good up beat wee

Sounds good, Heath.  You're doing fine.

[Heath]

Tapered to 10 mg 03-07-2020. It was a 11% drop . I don’t have liquid yet but will get some at next dr visit.  So far smooth taper stomach heartburn is better. Have more energy. Have a little itchy ness on head and face but no big deal. Getting better and better at knowing what withdrawal symptoms are ! !!!

[Heath]

@GridleyThis last week started feeling tired and sleepy more and not wanting to do anything no get up and go.  Not talking much and forgetfulness. Also the last two days sugar cravings and dry sinuses and mouth more. I have noticed all of these being side effects or wd or start up side effects of these ssris over the years. So I believe these are from body adjusting to dose change from 03/07/2020 ?  I wished I felt more energy like on the week of the 18th but I know it’s only temporary with these meds. It’s gonna be a couple of months till I go back to dr so I may hold at 10 until then we’ll see. Thanks 

[Gridley]

1 hour ago, Heath said:

from body adjusting to dose change from 03/07/202

Thanks for the update, Heath.  Even with a 10% taper there are going to be some withdrawal symptoms.  As you said, they are temporary as your body adjusts to the new dose.  It's fine to hold until your appointment.  

 

We recommend a gradual crossover from tablet to liquid to allow your system to adjust.  Absorption rates are often different with liquid.

3/4 of your dose tablet, 1/4 liquid for 3 to 7 days

1/2, 1/2 for 3 to 7 days

1/4 tablet, 3/4 liquid for 3 to 7 days

all liquid thereafter

 

Do not taper further until you've made the crossover--our old rule of making only one change at a time.    Then, if you're feeling stable, you can continue with a 10% taper.

[Heath]

@Gridley hope you are doing well!

i have a few question about Allegra and lexapro and seasonal allergies. Last year during summer had foggy brain , tired, weak and about to pass out sometimes and bad allergy symptoms. Found out I had a bad infection from teeth implants. Took care of that in September  and felt better in October . I have always had bad allergies trees grass weeds. That means spring summer fall. I take Allegra 180, lexapro 10, Celebrex 200, Prilosec 40, sometimes Prevacid and pravastatin. Started Allegra in April. Right now I feel tired, no energy, just don’t feel good , allergy symptoms ears eyes nose. I know allergies can make you feel bad. Up until 2019 spring I’ve never felt as bad during allergy season. Lexapro causes me dry eyes dry mouth and dry sinuses and Allegra enhances this. Maybe infection wasn’t the cause? Is there an interaction between lexapro and Allegra? Could lexapro make allergies worse? Could also be not enough sleep allergies snore more? Getting older?  Last year was my first summer with lexapro. And allergies are worse this summer and last summer. So much that ears hurt and click. My gut feeling is something to do with lexapro that’s the only medicine I have changed since 2019.What do y’all think? 

[Gridley]

@Heath

 

I didn't come up with any interactions between Allegra and Lexapro, though there may be some as yet udiscovered. The drowsiness you complain of is a side effect of Allegra.  I did find two interactions between your drugs:

Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

Talk to your doctor before using escitalopram together with omeprazole. Combining these medications may increase the blood levels and effects of escitalopram. You may have an increased risk of developing side effects, including irregular heart rhythm and a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitaminsand herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

 

(Lansoprazole is prevacid)

Talk to your doctor before using escitalopram together with lansoprazole. Combining these medications may increase the blood levels and effects of escitalopram. You may have an increased risk of developing side effects, including irregular heart rhythm and a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitaminsand herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

 I found one study indicating Escitalopram is helpful with allergies.  As to whether it can make allergies worse, I don't know.  The fact that Lexapro is the only drug you added after 2019 raises that possibility.

Effects of escitalopram on symptoms and quality of life in ...

The following conditions are contraindicated with Allegra. Check with your physician if you have any of the following:

Conditions:

• overactive thyroid gland
• diabetes
• closed angle glaucoma
• high blood pressure
• significant uncontrolled high blood pressure
• severe disease of the arteries of the heart
• enlarged prostate
• an inability to completely empty the bladder
• decreased kidney function

 

 

 

Allegra side effects

• nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach;
• menstrual cramps;
• drowsiness, tired feeling;
• headache; or.
• muscle or back pain.

 

[Heath]

Thanks @Gridley! I’ve taken Prilosec, Allegra, as needed for several years. And Celebrex for several years. Lexapro started 2019.  The stronger allergy symptoms may stem from lexapro dryness side effects. Causing little good sleep from snoring. I noticed snoring worse in the past two allergy seasons.  Used Paxil many years and it had the same dryness effect but not as bad.i think I will only use Allegra as needed instead of everyday and see what happens.  I don’t think I’ve had any symptoms listed about Prilosec and lexapro interactions. If I can eat rt maybe get off Prilosec. I take it because I have to take Celebrex. I dropped Celebrex by 1/2   2 months ago so that will help. And yes I have read about ssris May have an antihistamine effect on some folks. One other thing I thought of is I’ve taken Allegra for years because it didn’t cause me drowsy. So if I’m drowsy it could be an effect of the to drugs together. Thanks

[Heath]

@Gridley  I’ve found a little time for reading . on drugs com- it says

These were common Sinusitis and rhinitis, dry mouth, gasy stomach, indigestion, fatigue . There were also others labeled very common and uncommon on there.
Side effects i have or had are fatigue, muscle stiff soreness, tired, sleep late weekends, dry mouth , dry sinuses, Dry eyes, can’t remember things sometimes, Dizzy, gassy stomach, constipation, itchy face, not talking and no emotion  . There have been others come and go can’t remember them all at moment.  Im grouping fatigue, Give out, muscle stiff soreness, tired, and more intense allergies together since they have happen in spring/summer since starting lexapro. The intensified allergies I understand now that it is most likely due to lexapro causing sinusitis and rhinitis and dry sinuses. The fatigue stuff happening in spring/summer not understanding timeline just yet? The fatigue is not so fun rt now. I believe these side effects change more or less every time you change dose. What do you think? And I agree nobody knows what all side effects these drugs cause! 

[Gridley]

13 hours ago, Heath said:

I believe these side effects change more or less every time you change dose.

It's more common for withdrawal symptoms (as opposed to side effects) to ramp up and change as you change doses.  Even though you're tapering slowly, there are going to be some withdrawal symptoms.  I have had symptoms come and go as I tapered.  Likely what you're experiencing is a combination of side effects and withdrawal.

[tsranga]

On 5/27/2020 at 7:12 PM, Heath said:

@Gridley  I’ve found a little time for reading . on drugs com- it says

These were common Sinusitis and rhinitis, dry mouth, gasy stomach, indigestion, fatigue . There were also others labeled very common and uncommon on there.
Side effects i have or had are fatigue, muscle stiff soreness, tired, sleep late weekends, dry mouth , dry sinuses, Dry eyes, can’t remember things sometimes, Dizzy, gassy stomach, constipation, itchy face, not talking and no emotion  . There have been others come and go can’t remember them all at moment.  Im grouping fatigue, Give out, muscle stiff soreness, tired, and more intense allergies together since they have happen in spring/summer since starting lexapro. The intensified allergies I understand now that it is most likely due to lexapro causing sinusitis and rhinitis and dry sinuses. The fatigue stuff happening in spring/summer not understanding timeline just yet? The fatigue is not so fun rt now. I believe these side effects change more or less every time you change dose. What do you think? And I agree nobody knows what all side effects these drugs cause! 

 

I am going through something similar. Have been off 18 months, and this is my second spring/summer that I am dealing with symptoms similar to yours. It was horrible last year, but much better this year.  I have never had allergies before I started tapering/stopped mirtazapine, although I was diagnosed with grass allergy in 2018 when I had lowered from 7.5 to 3.75mg.  

 

The last three weeks were good without many symptoms (I was mainly indoors during the day) but the last two days, I have been having some facial/head pressure, and today after spending the afternoon out, I am unable to sleep as I get these almost adrenaline like rushes as I am falling asleep with burping and GI activity. This is usually accompanied by muscle soreness/numbness in my hand/feet. 

 

So it's definitely some environmental allergy post withdrawal or/and overnight oats with banana the last two days that I haven't had in a couple of months.  

 

[Heath]

Headed to dr tomorrow to ask for liquid lexapro for taper. 

[Heath]

@Gridley and everyone I have update from dr visit today . Explained to dr feeling pretty good No anxiety other than Side effects all the time —forgetting things, comprehension figuring things out, dry sinuses, dry mouth. Sometimes side effects—tired no energy , not want to do anything, sleep till 11 am some weekends, no talking. I explain that when we went from 15 to 12.5 I had anxiety and went back to 15 in August of 2019. But this time I went slow from December to March 15 to 10 with very very little problems. He asks why are you not talking sometimes I said I not sure but I know it’s side effect because it has happened with Paxil in past. My wife don’t like it. He ask me what is the end goal I said to get off the medication. He asked after I’m off the meds 6 months and anxiety comes back what will I do . I said well I will do what I been learning and researching on how to cope without meds. Or maybe go back on a tiny dose. I don’t know future. I told him I’ve been learning how to recognize symptoms of med change and what my body is telling me. He said I was very sensitive to these meds which is rare. I had to hold my tongue. I had to get that prescription! He said I have to be very careful because most people that has been on for years don’t do good without it and usually have to be on some kinda dose. I told him I don’t want to keep being in this position where in 10 years I just start laying around sleeping then chasing another one and dealing with side effects. I told him Paxil did that to me first few years great and then blah dead beat. I told him I have to have liquid to go this slow he said insurance may not cover and he doesn’t know if he can convince them. I said well we gonna try. So I got Liquid script. Going to drug store now to find out.  I have shoulder surgery on Monday and off work for 6 weeks. I will wait maybe week after surgery to transfer over to liquid gradually! Thanks 

[Gridley]

23 minutes ago, Heath said:

I will wait maybe week after surgery to transfer over to liquid gradually!

See how you feel a week after surgery.  You may want to wait a little longer.

 

You may already know this, but in case you don't, here's our crossover recommendation:

 

3/4 dose tablet, 1/4 dose liquid for 3 to 7 days

1/2 dose tablet, 1/2 dose liquid for 3 to 7 days

1/4 dose tablet, 3/4 dose tablet for 3 to 7 days

all liquid thereafter

[Heath]

Thanks @Gridley

I want to tell you one more experience I had 2 weeks ago I had to go to different pharmacy cause they were out at mine. Got a different brand generic lexapro I had dreams and kicking in my sleep and muscles tending and releasing. Second week I went from low energy to more energy and doing more. 

[Gridley]

11 minutes ago, Heath said:

Got a different brand

It is common to experience symptoms when switching from one brand to another.  Do you have any of your old brand left.  What do you mean, "I went from low energy to high energy"?  Is that a good thing or a bad thing?  Do you seem to be adapting to the new brand?

[Heath]

Well I have some tired low energy feeling In past months side effect and now I have little more get up and go want to do things with new generic - Good thing ! And yes I am adjusted to it. I have a total enough for 40 days . I have 16 new generic 10 mg and 46 old generic 5 mg. Surgery is in 6 days so let’s pray that I can get to liquid with in a month after surgery! I may run up to my pharmacy and see if I can get refill for the 5 s . I still have refills on 5s.  I had to get liquid at a different pharmacy 

[street129]

Good luck on your surgery

[Heath]

Thanks @street129