Lexapro… ever heard of it? It’s a SSRI, used to treat anxiety and other depressive disorders.
Yes.. I have been on it for over four years and as part of my get healthy journey I decided to get off of it.
Now I did what I was suppose to…. I tapered myself off. I haven’t taken any in the last 4 days. (let me re-phrase this… I consulted my doctor prior to getting off he taught me how to properly tapper off)
But Let me tell you something.. the withdrawal from Lexapro is HELL! There’s no other word for it. Sorry!
Please never get off of your medication unless you have consulted your doctor. 
Since then nice, calm, sweet… “Lexapro” Lesley has disappeared and her evil satanic twin sister, “Lesley Off her Meds Aka Lesley Off Her ROCKER” has arrived. Now you see why I had anxiety about going off my pills.
How can I explain what this feels like. Hmmm. I know….
Imagine all the nerve endings being brought to the surface. Anything and everything you smell, see, hear, or touch makes you jump or scream or get so aggravated you just can’t stand it… you can’t stand to be in your own body. Everything is so obnoxious that you just want to crawl out of your own skin.
Your eyes… yes both eyes constantly twitching because even the sound of your own voice gets on your nerves.
Oh and the shakes… I think those may almost be over… who knows.
That is what I am going through. Normal things… EVERYTHING is setting me off.
Yesterday I felt so bad I had to do something.. self medicating was the only option. I ran to the store and bought a pack of Almond Joys and a Dr Pepper.
I came home and gorged on the whole pack. And I felt better.
I had to run into the spare bedroom and call my husband for support. I have yelled at my kids so much in the past few days I am ashamed.
I asked him is this how I will be when I am off this stuff?
<<<<CRAZY>>>
If so I am taking another one now.
He reminded me of how long it was going to take to get this medicine out of my body. 21 days… ugh really!
Will I ever be myself again?
Will I be able to handle myself….???
My husband suggested that I might want to wait until my withdrawal was done before I cut out chocolate and caffeine.
I think he is right.
Please share your experience with SSRI’s.
What motivated you to get off?
What happened when you did get off of the meds?
How do you feel today?
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Hi, Lesley.
I’ve been on a combination of meds (Pristiq, Abilify, Lamictal) for bi-polar depression for four years, after 6 years of suffering with dibiltating symptoms, we were finally successful finding something that worked. I don’t know if these are SSRIs .
I was just wondering why it’s so important to you to get off your meds. My fear is that this combination will stop working, and going back to the way it was is just a nightmare to me. I’m thankful for every day the meds work. Is there a worse health issue I should be considering?
Lisa
I really should have explained more why I was on Lexapro to begin with. My Doctor had prescribe Topomax and Lexapro years ago for migraines. I think the theory was that if I was feeling anxious and an un-normal amount of stress due to anxiety then it was possibly causing the migraines. After being on both for 4 plus years I still get the same amount of migraines. Few at first and now I’m back to the original amount (about 15 a month). I feel less anxious but it’s not helping the condition that I was initially prescribed it for. I feel like I may be taking a medicine that I might not necessarily need. The fact is I’ve been on it so long I don’t really know if I need it for the anxiety. I want to try life without it to see if I can work on controlling the anxiety myself and not using the meds.
For you I would never suggest going off something that is working. You seem like you have been on the journey without having a working medication and that isn’t an option for you. My concern for me is that I have been taking this medication for well over 4 years and I just don’t want to be reliant on something because at one time years ago I was prescribed it for the hopes it would lower stress and therefore rid me of migraines.
Please understand though if I get back to the point where I feel like my anxiety/depression is overwhelming then I will be going back on.
I hope that makes some sense! 🙂 Lesley
A “get healthy journey” does not mean that you should stop taking prescribed medications, which were prescribed for a very good reason.
That would be like a diabetic saying, “I’m going to get healthy, so no more checking my sugar levels, no more insulin injections.”
As much as a diabetic may need insulin, you may need your prescribed medication. Being off your medication may bring you back to the condition you were in prior to seeing a doctor about the problems you were facing then. Brain chemistry can be “off” and your prescribed medication may be bringing your brain chemistry to its optimum levels.
I can imagine what you doctor would say if you told him/her you were “getting healthy” and didn’t need the medication he prescribed. He/she just might get upset with you!
Thanks for your input but I want o be very clear that this is a plan I am doing with my doctor. I want anyone reading this to understand that you must consult your doctor if you are considering going off your SSRIs.
My doctor and I both feel that in order to zone in on things like excessive weight gain and exhaustion we have to get my body cleared of things that could be causing these things. Then by adding in the other elements of a healthy lifestyle we can address whether or not the medication is necessary. Getting healthy for me means getting completely cleansed of things that could be affecting my body/health. We can then access how I am feeling and what is working and add back any meds that are necessary. I feel that being on a medication that is so powerful and addicting is not healthy if I don’t necessarily need it anymore. If I find after I have fotten off of it that I am in need of it, my doctor and I will proceed with that. But please know that I personally haven’t ever given myself or my body the chance to be off of the medication other than when I was pregnant. So in reality I’ve really been on it for over 8 years, with a break when I was pregnant. I need to give myself and my body a chance to see what we can do without it. I hope that makes a little more sense.
Dearest Lesley,
I am so sorry to hear about your painful journey through withdrawals from Lexapro, Your post caught my eye because of your mention of both “anxiety” and “Lexapro” as I have my own experience with both, and have many friends going through the same. I’m so happy that people like yourself are starting to be so open about their situations regarding anxiety and the meds to treat them, because of the stigma that’s attached to them. You are helping by just being honest about your journey, and I thank you.
I’m curious too as the previous comments from Lisa, why you feel the need to go off your medication? I mean I know we would all like to be living a more healthy lifestyle, but I think it’s important to define “healthy.” As for me, I did not stay on Lexapro for long enough to feel those terrible withdrawals, and have since developed a healthier response to my stress, anxiety and depression as I have drawn closer to God and am learning to really meditate on his word, which has become my medicine as well as giving myself a break, realizing “I” cannot handle things by myself, I’m trying the best way I know how, to cast my cares on the Lord, because I’m relieved to know that’s exactly what he wants me to do. I haven’t conquered it all completely, but I can honestly say I am so much happier now that I’m finally letting go. Mind you I wouldn’t hesitate if I needed the meds too.
I have watched my own son and now daughter both benefit from the right meds and suffer from the ones that didn’t work for their specific chemical make-up (that’s been a journey of it’s own). I have also watched my best friend try to go off her long time dose of Paxil which got her to the point of such erratic, and unreasonable behavior that it just about ended her marriage and family life. I asked her the same question about defining “healthy” and she ended up going back and finding a better diagnosis and better meds that have helped her immensely. Believe me, I’m not trying to advocate for drugs, I just hope you’re getting good support and feedback from those that love and surround you.
I know it was the hardest decision I ever made allowing my kids to go on these medications, and I wondered for a long time if I did the right thing, I’m glad I have been able to be near to monitor them closely, but when I think of the alternative for the both of them, I’m glad that these medications exist that have actually helped saved their lives. I also know that, there is a season for everything and it is no sign of weakness, to be on medication to help one deal with those storms…knowing that they too, shall pass.
Blessings to you Lesley, I pray your difficulties will be minimal if you choose to ride out this storm! : )
Much Love,
Ronda
Ronda, Everything you say is exactly how I feel. I state that I have been on Lexapro for 4 years but that’s just the last round. 4 years ago I was pregnant with my son and not taking it but I was also on it 4 years prior to my pregnancy.
As you have stated in your journey I too want to give myself the chance of trying to learn ways of dealing with stress and anxiety without the reliance of a medication that does have many significant unhealthy (physical) side affects. I do worry about the long term side affects as well being that I’ve been on it for 4 consecutive years and 4 previously. But like you if being off this medication is not manageable I will be right back on it. I have my script filled and sitting in the cabinet:)
And I completely agree that it is no sign of weakness to be on prescriptions that help with these types of issues that we are discussing. And I would never suggest anyone to go off of their meds as a way to “get healthy”. Healthy in mind is just as important as physical health. Unfortunately, I do think some of my physical health issues are coming from the medication and my doctor agrees that it is a possibility.
For me the reason for getting on was two fold I explain it in the comment to Lisa below. I feel like if it’s not working for the migraines and I am having other adverse affects that may be directly related to Lexapro that it may be time to me to get off and re-evaluate.
I want to see if it is possible once I get off both meds and caffeine that I can actually employ some techniques that are not drug related. I feel like I owe myself and body that. The bottom line is all medications have side affects and possibly long term affects that can be damaging. If I can avoid those by doing as you have done then great but if I can’t I have no shame in going right back on them.
THanks so much! Lesley
HI LESLEY, I am also on Lexapro going on about 10 years now. I Can’t give you much in site on the withdrawal issues, because I LOVE ALL MY MEDICATIONS! …HEHEHE. I can’t even fathom the reaction I would have over the “empty toilet paper” if I wasn’t taking lexapro! However, I would like to give you some information about your migraines. I’ve been a dental hygienist for the last 21 years and this is a common problem that we in counter. Have you ever discussed your migraines with your dentist? Many times stress and muscle spasm in your TMJ (temporal mandibular joint) or jaw muscle, can be a huge precursors to migraines. Stress is the main reason for clinching or grinding and can cause someone’s muscle to tighten and spasm. The result of this chronic spasm can lead to severe migraines. Having a custom night guard along with massage and sometimes physical therapy can have a great impact in controlling the issue. Using a muscle relaxers temporarily may also be suggested in order for the muscles to allow the therapy to work. Another successful treatment is the use of botox and cold lasers. Not sure if any of this is helpful but just thought I’d share how we approach migraines. Please update if you find a solution.
Angie
You’re so funny. Lexapro is awesome and I will be straight back on if my mental health doesn’t improve lol. So far on day 5 I am not seeing any benefits of being off but I want to give it a month and see how I feel physically then go from there. I haven’t really thought about TMJ. It could be worth asking about. I also need to check in to my eyes and possibly apnea. I am totally up for Botox in the future I have heard that it works really really well.
I was put on Effexor in 1996 for depression. It worked wonders, The depression was controlled, I lost over 150lbs, and it also controlled hot flashes during menopause. It was also very effective during chemo for breast cancer. But 15 years after all of this I have tried to taper off. The withdrawal symptoms are unbelievable. Ringing in my ears, lightheadedness, hearing my eyes moving in my head, hands shaking uncontrollably, and just being downright mean. Neither I or anyone around me could stand this. I found a few websites dealing with the side effects and withdrawal symptoms of Effexor and everyone on the site stated that once you are on Effexor you will always be on it. When it was prescribed, the doctors knew nothing of its extended effects. I can’t even be without for more than one day or the ringing in my head will start. I wish you well in your journey to be free of Lexapro and to be healthy in your life.
Arlene, I am so sorry that you were unable to get off the Effexor even though you really wanted to. That is my fear as well. I fear that one day I might really have to get off (maybe I’ll get pregnant) or another reason and I won’t be able to get off fast enough so I figure I should do it now. The symptoms are so strong it’s almost scary. Today has been a rough day. Everything is making me tear up.
Another help for migraines, which works for me, is taking a doctor-prescribed Beta Blocker called Propranolol. A Beta Blocker is a medication which calms the heart. However, Propranolol is also a prophylactic for migraines. It does not stop migraines, but it can make a noticeable difference in the number of migraines one gets. Two tablets, twice a day (40 mg), doesn’t significantly make a difference with my migraines, but two and one-half tablets, twice a day (60 mg), does cut my migraine frequency down significantly.
http://www.medicinenet.com
Learn about beta blockers, a drug that treats angina, heart failure, migraines, high blood pressure, anxiety, and tremors.
Hi Carol. Thanks so much. I have been on Propranolol in fact I was on that one for about 3 years and I don’t know if I build up a tolerance or what. It seems that all the drugs they’ve put me on work for a certain amount of time and then they stop. It may be worth it though to try it again if all else fails. Thanks so much for your info.
I have been on some type of SSRI for the last 13 years and have always felt that I should be able to “come off” them at sometime in my life. I have tried many times but always failed or so I thought. This last time was with a new doctor monitoring me through the proper withdrawal. He finally made me realize that not being able to come off of the SSRI was not a failure at all but an attempt to change something which was working to being broken again. Now who would ever do that? Apparently almost every person who is taking medication for mental health issues. This is the way my doctor explained it to me. Chemical imbalance is exactly that… an imbalance. You can seek out and be successful in finding social support and emotional coping methods that work but you still need to support the chemical imbalance. The only way to do this is with chemicals, so stop trying to remove a part of the solution to your mental health. There is no shame or weakness in taking medication as would anyone else for any other hormonal imbalance.
I understand where you are coming from but at the same time there are many associated risks with the particular SSRI that I am on. I was initially prescribed it for migraines not anxiety but do feel that I have anxiety and depression. I think it is unfair to myself to not at least try to live without the medication and use other methods if possible to cope and deal with these issues. I also feel that there is no shame in being on a prescription for these things but I also feel there is no shame in wanting to not have to rely on these chemicals and wanting to seek out alternative methods. I am not saying that I will be able to do this but I owe it my body to at least try. I feel it’s better to try to get off now then to “have” to get off down the road because I’m pregnant or for some other reason. I hope that makes sense. And I respect where you are coming from. And as I said I agree there is no “shame” either way and I have never felt shame for taking any SSRI’s. If anything I hope others don’t feel that way.
Lesley
There are many reasons anti- depressants are prescribe. As a nurse I have seen them prescribed for headaches, pain control, insomnia etc. Because you are working with your Doctor, I commend you for being courageous in your desire to make changes. I believe these medications are miraculous when used correctly by those who need them and there is No shame in needing them. However, If they no longer work for their intended purpose It is important to not keep using them. You are doing it just as you should, with your Doctor. Sometimes the only way to assess medication effectiveness is to be off of it and see what your real baseline actually is ( with your Doctor of course).
I wish you all the luck in making changes in your life responsibly and for sharing your personal experiences in such an authentic manner. As I have known you since you were a child, may I just say I am proud of you for the person you have become. You do a great job with your blog and business. So like both of your parents.
Aww. Thanks Ms.Leslie,
And you said exactly what I am trying to articulate. I need to know what my actual baseline is and then go from there. I have experience a lot of benefits from being on the SSRI. I just want people to know that for me.. right… now I want to try to be healthy without medication. And for those that are on or off of SSRI’s I commend all of you. THanks again.
I am wondering how you are doing and whether you have made a decision to stay of the meds or go back on? I am on day 5 of no Lexapro after weaning the dose for a few weeks. I did alot of research and consulted a doctor that was supportive. I am experiencing the nerves and “brain zaps” but at a very low level. I’ve also been yelling a bit more at my 4 kiddos, but much less than the first time I got off Lexapro (when I got pregnant.) I was prescibed for post-partum depression and anxiety but am now going on my own healthy living journey. I’ve gained at least 30 pounds this go round and though I am more calm, I also feel that I am living life in a fog. No response to anything. No negative response, no positive response. So, for me, it is time to find myself again. I’ve completely altered my diet to a whole food anti-inflammatory diet, cut out all alcohol and am taking the following supplements: Fish oil, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B-12 and magnesium. I made these choices based on research I did on depression and what is commonly lacking in people who are prescribed anti-depressants. I am also following the advice of an MD who specializes in natural medicine. I can not tell you the difference I am experiencing between my first “going of Lexapro” experience and this one. To be clear, I am still experience a little bit of side effects, but I feel sane and capable this time around. I wish you luck on your journey and commend you for taking the time to share your experience. Whatever you decide to do, know that you are doing it for the right reasons…to be healthy in the best way possible for yourself. That may mean meds, it may not, but either one is OK if it is what you need. 🙂
Hi Carrie,
I am doing ok I am pretty much all the way off but I have taken 10 mg here and there when I am physically feeling really bad. I think I may have weened too fast. At first I was snapping so quickly and like you the first time I went off it was way worse. This time I feel I know myself better and am making an extreme effort to keep calm. I felt the same way as you. Not until now did I realize I wasn’t feeling anything. I did realize that I was having those brain zaps, like my brain was searching for information and I couldn’t retrieve it. It’s amazing now that I the meds are almost all the way out of my system I am actually feeling happy and sad sometimes. Just to feel again is amazing. I laughed at my son’s jokes the other day and I was like “wow that’s the first time in forever that I have actually laughed and felt happy.” I know that sounds sad but it’s the honest truth. The side effects I think are almost over but we will see. I still had the “shakes” the other day pretty bad. I do feel like I will be able to live a healthy life (mentally and physically) without them but we will see. Thanks for asking and for all the info I am going to start taking the magnesium for sure, I’ve heard a lot of people have used that for the treatment of migraines.
Hey 🙂 I really like your blog! I have been off lexapro for six months now and I am really glad I decided to come off. I was on a low dose to help with depression and ptsd symptoms. I went through a period after coming off lexapro where I was very reactive. One day I was walking through town and I saw a man leering at two schoolgirls. I crossed the street and yelled at him because something in my brain just said ‘No’ to that kind of behaviour. Another week, at the grocery store some guy whistled at me behind my back and again I just started yelling at him! It was fun but I’m glad it passed before I picked a fight that I couldn’t handle. I wasn’t living in a great part of town as you can deduce from the above scenarios! I also had this other symptom where I felt crackling sensations in my brain when I moved my eyes – it was weird.
From where I am now I’m glad that I persisted in staying off it. I hadn’t cried and I felt it was time for me to be in touch with my emotions again and that was the original reason why I came off. Looking back at how I did it though I think it would have been a good idea for me to stay in contact with my doctor more, I didn’t trust her and I think I might not have been in a very healthy place. I came through ok but looking back I think it could have gone wrong for me…
So great to hear your story. Yes coming off is very scary! I remember the first time I came off I snapped at my neighbor for playing their music too loud. That wasn’t a typical behavior for me. I have also heard of the crackling you experienced in your head. I haven’t had that but have heard of it from others. I also am now able to cry but even more exciting I can laugh now and find things to be really funny again! Congrats on being able to go off but yes I also agree without Dr.s assistance it could have been dangerous. Thanks again for your input.
Hi, I was actually just put on Lexapro today and now I’m a bit worried after reading everyone’s responses. I asked my doctor about a million questions before agreeing to be medicated and she assured me that it is not addictive and I could stop whenever I need and easily come off it, but now I am doubting her a bit. Would you disagree with this? She put me on 5mg for a week and plans on raising it to 10mg(What was your dosage?). I am just worried because I am going on it for depression and anxiety so I am not feeling great but I would consider my symptoms relatively manageable and now don’t know if its worth it if this is what I have to look forward to… I am in college now and hope not to stay on it for too long and want kids and everything eventually. Since depression and anxiety are not a black and white issue I guess now I’m just doubting weather I should just ‘suck it up’ and just wanted to get an opinion from you, I know your not a doctor, but after your experiences both on it and getting off what would you have done in hindsight?
Ok boy I could write a book. First off addictive is a term I wouldn’t use. It’s not like oxycotin or other narcotics in that way. You don’t like wake up trying to get that “high”. But if you don’t take it you feel absolutely horrible. Dependent instead of addictive is how I would describe it. Your doctor is absolutely incorrect when stating that it is easy to come off of. (not saying that some people may have an easier time than others) but generally speaking it is extremely hard to come off of and the withdrawal symptoms are horrible. The withdrawal is so bad because you go from having a drug deliver your serotonin to then having zero until your body produces it again. I was on 2 different dosages at 2 different periods in my like once it was 10mg and the last time was 20mg. I was 23 the first time on it and in my 30s the second time. So, here’s some things that I will tell you… Will it help ease your anxiety and depression… Absolutely. Does that come at a cost… yes. Lexapro is like all other SSRI’s the drug gives your body the serotonin and exchange you stop making it or your body makes a low dose. One thing I noticed was that I had a huge decrease in energy, I was sleepy 90% of the time and was completely emotionless. Now , I made the decision to get off and to try to adapt my lifestyle and eating habits to see if I needed it anymore. I have now been on a journey to get healthy and since I have cut out refined sugars, caffeine and fatty foods my anxiety went from high (meaning I could go in to stores) to zero. So you have to ask yourself is there anything you can change first to make your anxiety and depression manageable. you also need to decide is it manageable.. If the answer is no then you may need to be on the Lexapro. I would personally suggest working with a trained therapist and work on trying to find out some none drug related therapy to manage your anxiety. But always keep in mind there are some people that must be on anti-depressants and there is no amount of therapy or lifestyle change they can make that will change that. I don’t want to advocate for or against because they are necessary in many cases. You have to figure that out for yourself and possibly with a trained mental health expert. Remember not all MD’s are trained in mental health. I hope this helps you in your journey to read about my health journey click here http://chaoticallycreative.com/2014/07/food-addiction/ Please feel free to ask any other questions.
Hi,
I have been on Lexipro, Lamictal and Welbutrin for 11 years. It changed my life dramatically! It took 15 years of psychotherapy, an ultimatum from my then boyfriend, now husband, and giving up my profession as an airline pilot to make that decision, but still, it was the best decision I have ever made.
For the past few years, however, I have noticed a huge decline in my physical health. Although there are many factors that could explaine this, e.g., my increasing lack of discipline for diet and excercise, sleep apnea, and being in the early stages of menopause, I think that the meds may be the biggest. Here is why…
About 5 weeks ago I started waking up early in the morning, feeling fully rested…not normal for me in any way shape or form. In fact, I didn’t feel tired or sleepy at all, for days! I had a bad cold/flu which prevented me from using my CPAP, so it wasn’t that. I finally noticed one night, when taking an antibiotic and my nightly supplements, that the Lexipro was missing. I then realized I had not taken any for about a week!
I refill my daily pill organizer every 2 weeks and apparently missed adding the Lexepro. I usually know by 3pm the next day if I have forgotten any of the 3 meds because I feel like a hangover, with brain zaps.
So, I thought, maybe I will ride this out and see if I am not sleepy and/or tired 24 hours a day. Seriously, I forced myself to stay awake 4-6 hours or so a day.Otherwise I would be in bed asleep, if I had no obligations. It’s been a almost 6 weeks. The cold/flu is gone, the energy is still here but so are the brain zaps and nausea. My moods are swinging regardless of the Lamictal and Welbutrin that I am still on. I am hypocritically doing this without my Dr.s knowledge. Something I have scolded so many others for. I’m reluctant to tell her until I have given it enough time to settle down. I was taking 20mg and am tempted to fess up to my Dr. and suggest that I try 5mg. I’m trying to build my serotonin in other ways.
I mainly wanted to thank all of you for sharing your stories! I had no idea that “Brain Zaps” was actually a term. I also had no idea that other people got them.
Thank you Lesley and all who have contributed to your blog.
Joanne
Thanks so much for telling us your story. Yes, the brain zaps are horrible. Please be careful as you withdrawal and at any point if you feel the need.. go consult your dr.
Jo, sorry just realized this was a two part comment. But yes isn’t it amazing the difference between being on and off as far as your level of tiredness.
Hi Lesley,
Somehow, my message was divided.
I’m not sure how, but suddenly my withdrawal symptoms are gone! Sunday night after getting home from a week in Chicago, I decided that I would commit to trying to detox the Lexapro out of my system, and at the same time manufacture serotonin my self with intense exercise, infra red saunas and diet. I am not drinking any form of alcohol, minimal grains, dairy and sugar. I started Sun. after dinner, which is not like me t all. I felt better already that night after 20 minutes of intense pedaling on the bike then straight into the infra red sauna for an hour. So, I did the same thing Mon. And today I had the best Bikram Yoga class that I have ever had. I am so focused its amazing❗️I have not had a brain zap since Sun., and only one small, very small, negative episode over a lazy contractor. (Nothing out of line.) now I am only feeling the benefits. I am sleeping great even without my CPAP, I read that Lexapro makes apnea worse. I have so much energy all day. I’m even on a regular sleep schedule which I never have been before…ever. I feel like it’s all falling into place. I’m also meditating during some of these things.
The transformation that I feel is amazing! I hope some of you out there experience this soon too.
Thank you all for your helpful advice and support!
Jo 🙂
Lesley,
So glad I found this blog through Pinterest. I just stopped taking lexapro last week after tapering off slowly. Let’s be honest—it’s absolutely hands down the most miserable feeling ever. Like I have the flu without knowing that it’ll heal and I’ll feel better. Please please tell me it gets better. Lexapro was a great great drug except for the weight gain and now obviously the withdrawal!
It really does get better. Just hang in there.
If I had known beforehand how bad the withdrawal from Lexapro would be, I never would have started taking them in the first place. I’ve been taking 20mgs for 2 years. My psych said “Oh, that’s not a very high dose, just go off it cold turkey, you’ll be fine”. Famous last words. Day two and I am shaking, shivering, getting shocks to the brain and all over my body, suffering terrible palpitations. I am so scared.
Please call your dr or pharmacist they should be tapering you off of 20mg . I would cut one in half and take one but check with your pharmacist first
I have been on Lexapro for around 10 years for anxiety. I have been seeing a Alternative Medicine Doctor for the past year. I started going to her because of my exhaustion, lack of memory, just felt down right terrible all the time. I had a hysterectomy 10 years ago and my thyroid gave out right after.I had told my regular doctor time after time something wasn’t right. They would do blood work on my thyroid levels and my hormones. My levels were fine according to lab values. I also go to the Chiropractor every 2 weeks for preventative back problems from an old injury. My chiropractor suggested this alternative med doctor! She has changed my life! I told her how I felt and how I wanted to feel. She did her own lab work and although your levels are at good lab values doesn’t mean that they are right for you! She is working on weeing ,e off of the Lexapro. Only by watching my lab work. The only side effects I had were when my prescription from mail order was delayed. I missed 3 days, and thank goodness she called me in a prescription in. The brain storms are terrible. I was on a extremely high dose a 150 tablet and a 37.5 tablet. I am now off of the 37.5 and it has been several months. These SSri meds inhibit the brains natural ability to produce Serotonin, therefore the pill tells it what to produce. I really think that blood work needs to be evaluated before putting someone on these meds. If their Serotonin is producing itself sufficiently then another avenue should be looked at. After researching the side effects, I would have NEVER started this med!
Very good points Ann. Good luck on your journey