SueB: Lexapro withdrawal, shakes and weakness

[SueB]

Hi, 

 

New here. Have been reading so much here that both worries me but also gives me hope. I was put on Lexapro 12 years ago and was never advised to stop taking it. So, would be on indefinitely if I didn't research it. I was tired of the apathy, the sleepiness, the weight gain (50 pounds within the first two years!). Trying to begin a healthier, fresh start with better diet and exercise, meditation, yoga to feel good but wanted rid of the SSRI effects. Was on 5mg and have weaned down to 2.5mg over a month with plans to now taper even more slowly for the rest. Have had lots of side effects but have mostly been able to function until today. Hoping for feedback as to whether this is anything anyone else experienced but I have all over shakiness and a sensation of all over muscle weakness (I mean typing this is even tough). Feel sleepy but the sensation of muscle weakness is worrying me. It's not one sided and I can get up and function (I'm also an RN so if severe I'd go seek treatment) but it's all over, sort of like a low blood sugar effect but I have eaten. Anyone else? Not finding much listed about this effect. 

 

Thank you!

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, SueB.

 

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.  A list format is best.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

You are experiencing withdrawal (not side effects) from your 50% decrease from 5mg to 2.5mg.  This is not a slow taper.   We recommend tapering by no more than 10% of current dose every 4 weeks.  Lexapro is the strongest SSRI on the market, and the lower doses (from 10mg down) are the most potent.  

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Shakiness and weakness are known withdrawal symptoms.  What other symptoms have you been experiencing prior to today?

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

 I would not taper at all at this point.  Your system has been destabilized by the fast taper and needs to stabilize.  There are  two options that I would recommend at this point.  You could hold where you are at 2.5mg and wait to stabilize.  This could take a good bit of time, from weeks to months.  Or you could updose 0.5mg to a dose of 3mg and wait to stabilize there.  This will also likely take a good bit of time.

 

If you choose the latter, the following link is specifically about tapering Lexapro, which explains how to get the small nonstandard doses of Lexapro you would need for an updose (and also for a taper, but this is in the future).  If you can get liquid Lexapro, this is the easiest and most accurate method of getting small doses.  You can also make your own liquid.  Other methods of getting small doses are also explained in the link. 

 

Tips for tapering off escitalopram (Lexapro)

 

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 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) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems. Get supplements that ae single ingredient (not mixed with other types of supplements).

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SueB]

Thanks so much Gridley. Great info I'll have a read through. I've added a signature as well. I think I will try holding at the 2.5mg and see how it goes. Have had windows where I feel okay but then episodes of nausea, cramping, sweats, severe irritability, dizziness/lightheaded, ataxia (walls just jump out at me!) and now the severe leg and arm weakness with tremors as well as lethargy. I am going to try the two supplements you mention. I will be tapering much slower - once this (hopefully) stabilises. I'll have a look at making a liquid from the tablets in future. If I didn't feel so awful I'm sure I'd feel really angry I was ever put on this medication but right now I just want to see the light at the end of the withdrawal. Appreciate your time and info. 

 

[Gridley]

@SueB

 

Sounds like a good plan.  All the symptoms you mention are typical withdrawal symptoms.