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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Withdrawal Symptoms After Being Off Lexapro, Brain Zaps, Anxiety, Anger. How Long Will It Stay ?

I have been off Lexapro for 16 days now, and my withdrawal symptons seem to be getting worse. Trying to find a clue as to how long I should expect this. I have been on the drug for over 8 years and went from 10mg to 5mg for a month, then was told to stop altogether. My doctor told me to go back on the drugs a couple of days ago, if my withdrawal symptons continued, but I really don t want to if I am nearly at the end of this nightmare or sadness, brain zaps, anxiety , angry at the world and almost suicidal thoughts.
posted on Thu, 6 Dec 2012
Twitter Thu, 6 Dec 2012 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 6 Dec 2012 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
This is definitely a very big problem and is faced by almost all people,while withdrawing from anti depressants.
In fact you should have taken some more time in withdrawing,rather than stopping it abruptly.You could have kept on reducing the dose till one fourth of the 5 mg tablet.
Well in any case since you have stopped it  completely you may wait for 2 to 4 weeks more to be out of it completely.
Take the following measures
Take enough rest and sleep properly
Take plenty of water and fresh juices
Take fruits and green vegetables
Avoid alcohol and caffeine
May take some ADVIL if needed.
In case the symptoms are severe,you may ask your doctor to prescribe some XANAX to you for few days only.
Thanks
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Withdrawal Symptoms After Being Off Lexapro, Brain Zaps, Anxiety, Anger. How Long Will It Stay ?

Hello, This is definitely a very big problem and is faced by almost all people,while withdrawing from anti depressants. In fact you should have taken some more time in withdrawing,rather than stopping it abruptly.You could have kept on reducing the dose till one fourth of the 5 mg tablet. Well in any case since you have stopped it  completely you may wait for 2 to 4 weeks more to be out of it completely. Take the following measures Take enough rest and sleep properly Take plenty of water and fresh juices Take fruits and green vegetables Avoid alcohol and caffeine May take some ADVIL if needed. In case the symptoms are severe,you may ask your doctor to prescribe some XANAX to you for few days only. Thanks