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Just tapered off lexapro-some questions

Posted , 3 users are following.

mere03725
mere03725

Hi-I’m on my second day of no lexapro. I went down slowly and started Cymbalta and cross tapered. I started on 20 mg for a week and now 30 mg since Wednesday. Ugh-I feel terrible, anxiety, jitters, headache. I’m wondering if it’s lexapro withdrawal or starting up a new med. any thoughts? Thanks! 

0 likes, 24 replies

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  • lynn67615
    lynn67615 mere03725

    Posted

    30 mgs of cymbalta is like 10mgs of Lexapro in a cross taper. It could be either one but most likely side effects from the new drug. It takes 3 days for a new drugs side effects kick in. Do you have an anti-anxiety drug to help you initially.
    • mere03725
      mere03725 lynn67615

      Posted

      Thanks for the response! 

      So, you’re thinking it’s the Cymbalta? I just feel crappy. Jittery, anxious, upset stomach and down in the dumps. It will be two weeks tomorrow. Three days totally off lexapro. I’m starting to regret getting off of lex. I have Ativan and fair .5 mg at night, I might take some during the day but scared. How long do you think it will take side effects to settle! 

    • lynn67615
      lynn67615 mere03725

      Posted

      Why did you go off the Lexapro. I am on day 18 of 10mg for anxiety. How long does it take to kick in. I hope the cymbalta works well for you. I take a .25 of Klonopin in the am. And vistaril (non addictive) if I need more during the day. Did you start to feel better gradually Yesterday was better all day, and today anxious.
    • mere03725
      mere03725 lynn67615

      Posted

      i thought it was making me dizzy, so i tapered off. i also couldn't handle the higher doses (which i needed) without side effects. i am starting to think i should have stayed on it bc i am feeling pretty crappy right now. i think it took 5-6 weeks for me with the lex. def took me a while, but hopefully it wont take you that long. 

    • mere03725
      mere03725 lynn67615

      Posted

      yep, it did, that is what i have too. sadly, it just takes a while to "get into your system" if that makes sense? 

    • lynn67615
      lynn67615 mere03725

      Posted

      If it’s the cymbalta it could be like starting up on new AD’s like it was getting on Lexapro. It is an SNRI don’t know if they work quicker. I tried venlafaxine at a low dose but side effects were worse than Lexapro has been. We are all so different, and this is so frustrating
    • mere03725
      mere03725 lynn67615

      Posted

      So frustrating!!! Yah, I heard Effexor can be harsh but works well. I’m hoping the lexapro kicks in for you soon!! I hate this wait period. 
    • lynn67615
      lynn67615 mere03725

      Posted

      Seems like every other day is a little better. This morning my anxiety is pretty bad. How are you today?
    • mere03725
      mere03725 lynn67615

      Posted

      eh. i didnt sleep well last night,so my anxiety is up and i am tired. fun stuff. the mornings always seem worse for whatever reason. prob doesn't help that i have a three month old and a three year old. 

    • lynn67615
      lynn67615 mere03725

      Posted

      Having young children and bad anxiety is such a stress. You are amazing. Can you take anything other than the antidepressant for it. Hope your side effects are easing. I guess we have to believe better calm days are ahead.
    • mere03725
      mere03725 lynn67615

      Posted

      I hope so!! Sleep has always been an issue for me, hoping it levels out here. Feeling any better today? 
    • lynn67615
      lynn67615 mere03725

      Posted

      Sunday and Tuesday I had much less anxiety but it was back today. I hope it’s slowly starting to work
    • mere03725
      mere03725 lynn67615

      Posted

      yah, i hear ya! i was feeling better on tuesday and now crappy again. it's so hard to get through this "wait" period. how are you today? 

    • lynn67615
      lynn67615 mere03725

      Posted

      Better with anxiety but stomach ache. It’s one or the other. Are you still getting stomach issues
    • lynn67615
      lynn67615

      Posted

      Did you have side effects with Lexapro for a while
    • mere03725
      mere03725 lynn67615

      Posted

      I honestly don’t remember. I’m having some now starting a new med!! 
    • susan10221954
      susan10221954 lynn67615

      Posted

      Lynn, this process takes a while, it took me 2 months, then gradually started having more good days then bad.  Still have times when I feel weird, but mostly good.  This whole thing takes time.
    • lynn67615
      lynn67615 susan10221954

      Posted

      Thank you so much Susan, I hit 3 weeks on 10mg today. Mostly I have anxiety and ptsd. I just read statements from people who recovered in 2 weeks and get afraid. Had three days this week with less anxiety,. So relieved to hear your take.
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