After being on Lexapro for close to 2 years I’ve decided it’s time to start weaning off. As I mentioned in a previous post Lexapro has been a game changer for me and saved my life but I’m ready to see if I can stop taking it. The side effects of profuse sweating, weight gain, and low libido have taken it’s toll. And while I feel like my anxiety and depression are under control sometimes I feel like I’m a zombie.
From what I understand tapering off antidepressants can be difficult so I’m not doing this alone. I’ve been consulting with my psychiatrist and we’ve decided to do this slowly. My regular dosage has been 20mgs and for the last month I’ve gone down to 15mgs. I am now just starting at 10mgs and will see how I feel over the next several weeks. Symptoms from withdrawals can effect people differently but in general the common symptoms include:
- anxiety
- mood wings
- nightmares
- brain zaps (I’ve definitely been experiencing these)
- depression
- insomnia
- changes in appetite
So I’ll be taking it slow. I’ll also continue to exercise which always seems to help my anxiety. I’m hopeful that I can drop a few pounds, stop sweating so much and get my libido back. Also I have a very different perspective about work since I started taking Lexapro which was my primary reason for starting to take it in the first place. I’m confident I can handle work related stress in a much more productive and healthy way moving forward.
Wish me luck! The side effect have been a small price to pay to get my life back but I’m optimistic that I can stop taking Lexapro over time or at least lower my dosage permanently.
