Most likely you are only going to experience what you are already experiencing. That said, withdrawal effects can peak at onset for up to 14 days post cessation. The half-life of Lexapro is between 27-32 hours, approximately. This is relatively short. So the drug is not out of your system for 2-4 days completely,.. depending on metabolism, activity, dose, duration and other factors. Beyond that the down-regulation and general change in brain receptors that were effected by the medication can cause other delayed effects.
It is best to 'wean' yourself off this medication over a period of time to better tolerate any potential substantiated withdrawal effects. An example would be drop to 8 mg's for a week, 6 mg's for a week, 4mg's a week, 2 mg's a week.. 1mg a week, and then off. (This is generalized, and should be at the direction of your mental health professional) -- But allowing a titrated adjustment period while slowly discontinueing the drug is the best, proven, method for the best likely scenario.
With that said, some stop cold-turkey and experience only minor to no discomfort. Others experience absolute hell on earth for a very long time. It is very individualistic and there are no absolutes involved. There are simply general guidelines, such as dose titration downward instead of jumping cold turkey to prevent what 'could' occur.
Also to think about -- if the medication is working and you are stable, why stop? Many people take a medication become stable,.. then at that point (months to years down the road) decide they don't want to be dependent on a pill everyday. They then discontinue to medication only to have it disrupt their lives dramatically. When the best decision is to remain on the medication and continue with a normal , stable life. I find too many people discontinueing such AD's that were/are of great benefit for the smallest of reasons.
In many cases an AD is a lifelong thing. The stigma involved is lessened considerably with taking any AD these days and it continues to be more and more accepted among society. It is estimated 25% of the population takes some sort of AD, and you can double that figure for having taken some sort of AD at some point in their lives.
Just my thoughts on considering such medication (IF helpful), as a long term therapy - instead of something to get you out of a 'funk' to be discontinued.
Many will argue that most AD's are the devil, and that one should discontinue asap if on them. Most of this is due to horrible withdrawal effects that these people have experienced. This is undeniable, but doesn't happen to everyone. And will not occur if one does not discontinue the medication.
Yes, AD's are, imo, over prescribed. However, if they make a substantial difference in a persons life/mental status they should be treated like a diabetic with insulin, etc. Something needed because of a chemical imbalance whether genetic or environmentally produced.
Even after weaning off of Lexapro I am experiencing withdrawals. My doctor actually told me to try taking Sudafed. I did yesterday for the first time and it really did help the dizziness and numb feeling. so in my case the answer is yes.
I am on my fourth day of quitting Lexapro cold turkey. Yes, I am itching! I am hoping that this goes away, along with a nagging dizziness if I turn my head too fast or stand up abruptly
I have been taking lexapro for years and have gained a total of 20 lbs and my eating habits have never changed I blame the lexapro and now I will slowly stop taking it due to this fact.I've tried losing the weight just about starving myself ,walking nothing works I truly believe it is the lexapro>
I take synthroid for hypothyroidism. I stopped taking 20 mg lexapro suddenly about 5 weeks ago and am now having many symptoms of hypothyroidism even though i am still taking my synthroid as usual. Any correlation?
== == I suggest that you consult your doctor on this. I experienced similar side-effects and had to have my appendix removed.
Yes, I stopped taking Lexapro 6 days ago and I started feeling that way about 3 days later and it hasn't gotten better yet.
Lexapro is not a narcotic, it is an SSRI antidepressant. Like a narcotic though, you should not just stop taking Lexapro suddenly if you have been taking it for a while.
I have everyday, bad migraine headaches. Facial pain, neck pain too. I wonder if it is the Lexapro 30 mg I was taking for 5 years, then switching to Cymbalta 20 mg for 2 weeks. Is this normal, to still have headaches?
no
Oh, yeah, I am having it. I am even throwing things and having what I describe as an 'adult temper tantrum'. This is almost like the week before I start. I wish it would hurry up and go away - I am into week 4 of being lexapro-free.
I attempted to stop taking Lexapro a few months ago, after 6 days of the withdrawal symptoms I went right back on it. The symptoms stopped by the 2nd day and I felt like myself again. Lexapro works wonders with depression but wreaks havoc with it's discontinuation syndrom!
No.