Hello, I am 19 years old about 5 foot 6 / 195 lbs. and have been taking lexapro for about five months 10mg in the evening. This is for panic disorder and general anxiety disorder and some depression. Then was diagnosed with ADHD two months later. I have been perscribed methylphenidate 5 mg for a month, then 18mg concerta for a month, and now have instead 20 mg of methylphenidate a day. Even before the methylphenidate I was experiencing symptoms of seratonin syndrome yet they weren't bad enough for me to honestly notice. A thing here or there. Now I've been noticing my lexapro is causing me to feel worse and worse each day and only recently when taking my morning dosage of Methylphenidate I discovered that I felt nauseous, sweaty, headache, confusion, fever, lack of focus and depressed mood even worse than before. Again this is not because of the methylphenidate I'm certain because I felt this way on lexapro before I started the methylphenidate, it is just exasperated by it now and is causing concern. How do I stop taking my lexapro safely and not endure this horrible issue anymore? Because it wasn't like I was horribly I'll but looking back it sure seems like hemorrhagic fever (exaggeration I'm sure) none the less it is horrible and I do not want the lexapro anymore. Any ideas other than contacting my psychiatrist? Heard this already just an odd hour.
Lexapro and ADHD medication, how to quit lexapro while on them?
Question posted by Colorado1309 on 25 Aug 2016
Last updated on 26 August 2016
Answers
I too experienced the same thing but I was on Celexa 60mg. I tried weaning off it how the doctor said and I had major side effects. I did a lot of research and found a different way to wean off. It's a long process but it Truly worked. I started June 1 and my last beads were on July 20. I took out 7 beads each day. Ex. 7,14,21,28 and so forth until it was done. I found it easiest to wet my finger and remove the beads. I had Not One side effect from doing it this way. I told my doctor about this and he was amazed. I too and I feel great being off if it.
Thank you. I do understand I should just ween off but I was pretty sick the night I wrote this question and to me it was out of the question to take my nightly lexapro. So I think if I do it will be maybe in another day just because of how bad I was. Again thank you and good luck with everything.
Hi... I'm 71 and have taken Lexapro for several years. As you're no doubt aware we all react to medications differently. In fact it was stated by several scientists including psychiatrist and doctors that "the greatest discovery of the 1900s was that we are as different on the inside as we are on the outside. I have been on a number of different medication which help with my ADD, Narcolepsy, Bipolar Disorder (mild), anxiety attacks, Hypertension, and PTSD. I was adopted at birth so have no historical family information although I've seen some manifestations in my 5 children. They are however successful in their chosen fields. Initially I was on 20 mg of Dexedrine, 3X/day. I cannot begin to describe the 180 degree change in my life. I became a very successful senior database administrator and could write code faster than most with less mistakes.
Anyone who has programed in SQL Server or Oracle and the associated platform interactions with various other OS languages knows the "heads down" environment especially in the enterprise enviroment. Lexapro as well as a sleep medication and a CPAP were all part of my treatment. When we moved to another state, I could not find a Dr. who would prescribe the Dexedrine even though I had been on it successfully for 10 years. We tried a number of other meds with some success but nothing like the Dexedrine. For some reason, and it baffles the Doctors, I am able to start and stop medications including Dexedrine and others without negative impact. As jrcpitt80 stated, the most effective way is to gradually reduce the medication until you feel comfortable with your symptoms. There are a number of medications available on the market not which will replace not only the Lexapro but also include some of the other meds for which you are being treated. To me, the most important factor is your relationship with your Dr. Remember, he works for you and if he isn't doing a good job or you feel he isn't listening to your dialog and interacting in a way which is empathetic and not just another patient for billing, fire him. Talk to others who have similar conditions, in your area and get their opinion. There are resources online to help you find the most reputable physician in your area for your treatment. Read the patients opinion of the service. Depending on your insurance, your choices may be limited but try to find the best Dr. covered by your insurance. No one should have to suffer the debilitating effects of most problems associated with brain function or lack thereof just like no one should have to suffer with sever pain. Remember, he can't feel the way you feel but with experience and again, an empathetic mindset so that you can feel "he has your best interest at heart". That's the key. He should know based on your situation including how the withdrawal of medications can best be handled. One of the biggest problems in the medical field is non-compliance, period. Keep him informed even if it's through his nurse. There are not many psychiatrist who also have extensive education in medications, more so than many Md's and interactions for each of us. Search them out. Even a Nephrologist can be a tremendous resource because of their extensive training and experience between the medications and their effect on your kidneys and body in general. Probably one of the best fields with a working knowledge of what will work given some additional medications and their effect on your mind/body. He may make recommendations to your Dr. treating the brain function or lack thereof. Research the articles on-line, with a grain of salt, in particular the dialog between those with real life experience all the while, bearing in mind that it is also based on their experiential and physical makeup. Many will not be remotely applicable but some may have had your same problems and how they were resolved. Remember, no one can truly understand how you, personally, feel at any given point in time to include the withdrawal and what you are going through physically or mentally. Some may be close but we ARE all different. Find out what works for you and in conjunction with you employee, the Dr., monitor and keep a diary of each day, the dosage, time taken, and mindset before, during, and after any adjustment. This will also be very helpful to your Dr. You're young so it's especially important to find out what works as it can and probably will effect the remainder off your life. Hope It goes well with good results!! Life is to precious to squander time on what causes such pain and the ability to enjoy the opportunities, benefits, and blessing which can be yours. Best regards, BC
Again thank you for the input. That is amazing how you can just start and stop them. I know I do that with the methylphenidate and other ADHD medication easily. But ssri have notoriety for being harsh. However I did call the doctor today and he is calling me back ASAP regarding the seratonin syndrome. Gonna figure this mess out.
Related topics
lexapro, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), generalized anxiety disorder, medication, disorder
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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