Went off lexapro one month ago -- suddenly having major anxiety: related?

Question

i began taking lexapro in december of 2007 for post partum depression (i also have a history of anxiety and am a recovered/recovering anorexic.) i took lexapro for about 6 1/2 months, and then tapered myself off. i had NO problem with the tapering -- even though i did it very quickly -- and felt fine for weeks. now, about a month later, i have started having major physiological anxiety. i have a constant nervous stomach and feel a little obsessive about some random things (none of them related to my baby). i am wondering if the nervousness is in response to going off the drug? has anyone had this experience?

Answer 1

It took a month because it was still in your system for that long.  I was on lexapro for quite a while and I know exactly what you are talking about.  Lexapro, like all anti depressants take at least three weeks to leave your system.  By the fourth week you are "lexapre free" and really feeling it.  BTW  very cute pic of Ruby!!

Answer 2

Of course this is why you are feeling this way. You went off the meds and they were keeping you from feeling this way. Lexapro worked great for me, but my body got used to it and it finally stopped working. Your best bet is to talk to the doc who prescribed the Lexapro in the first place.  

Answer 3

You should see a doctor.

Please take this into consideration. It worked for me, although I am not you.

I had overwhelming anxiety. It turned out to be my use of Splenda. Yup Splenda. How could something that taste so good, be so bad?



I like to say sucralose, not Splenda, because that is what Splenda is. And it is in a lot of stuff. Sadly, the package doesn't have to say Splenda or diet to have sucralose in it. You have to read labels. So, you might be using it and don't even know it!



Sucralose is poison. It ruined five years of my life. I had a laundry list of medical problems while taking it, including overwhelming anxiety, depression, mood swings, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues and more.

Go ahead, google: anxiety splenda or anxiety sucralose or insomnia splenda or insomnia sucralose



The slogan, "Made from sugar..." is very misleading. Splenda might be made from sugar, but it is far from sugar. The resulting chemical is an organochloride (chlorocarbon). Organochlorides are typically poisons.



carbon monoxide - made from oxygen so its like a breath of fresh air

Answer 4

No, the lexapro is long gone from your system.  Lexapro is prescribed for both depression and anxiety.  I suspect what has happened is that having gone off the lexapro you are once again having major anxiety episodes.

Talk to your doctor about going back on the medicine.  Sometimes, we have to stay on our medications for a bit longer so we can work through the issues that are causing out depression and anxiety and learn better methods of handling our anxiety and panic.

You know, I am facing doing the same thing...so you are not alone.