Can you withdraw from Lexapro and Wellbutrin cold turkey?

Answer 1

I have been taking lexapro for about 4 years.I decided on my own to stop taking it all together. I instantly had more energy.I am on my second week and am still having "brain shocks" mainly when I make sudden adjustments with my eyes. Loud noizes or yelling triggers it also.Other than that no other side effects.

Answer 2

With all other medications similar to this, you should consult your doctor or medical provider what is best for you. Every patient has different cases and thus doses are not prescribed the same. Some patients have been on Lexapro for more than 2 years and shows significant positive effects on them. On the other hand, a majority of them are misdiagnosed and therefore taking this particular medication unnecessarily resulting to many different side effects that last longer than usual. If you believe that this medication is not giving you the progress you need but instead, it is making your life seem more miserable and worse, then you should talk to your doctor about gradually weaning you off this medication. I hope this helps you and goodluck! --Belle

Answer 3

No, there is a small withdrawal period of a week or so (it varies on how big of a dose you take). I was on Lexapro for a couple of years and during the first two I'd take it sporadically (which IS not good!!) and I'd experience irritation, anxiety levels through to roof, complete loss in appetite, paranoia, and self-destructive urges. It's very important to talk to your psychiatrist and figure out a weaning process and what to do after you're off of it. :)

Answer 4

Please do not go "cold turkey" - your brain has got used to this chemical and you will have to wean your brain and body off it carefully. Be patient - research this first and plan it carefully. Here's an extract from wiki answers:

http:/wiki.answers.com/Q/How_long_do_Lexapro_withdrawal_symptoms_last

"I tapered off over about 4 weeks: Week one: I reduced to 10 mg about 5-6 times a week. Week two: I reduced to 10 mg every other day. Week three: I reduced to 10 mg every third day. Week four: I reduced to 5 mg every third day. I didn't experience any brain zaps, dizziness, or other symptoms. And it's now been 2 weeks since my last dose,"

Please remember everyone is different but "cold turkey" is not to be recommended - you are going to need support and be patient with yourself. Before you to take this on, please inform yourself and prepare yourself for the best chance of success. Also, ask yourself why are you coming off it? weight gain, sex drive.. if Lexapro is working for your underlying condition, what are you gaining and losing by coming off it - will those original symptoms return and what will be the impact?

I am going through the same debate myself. I would like to come off it, it has helped me a lot but the side effects I could do without! Withdrawal sounds like quite a challenge and I fear the return of daily headache among other things. Good luck whatever you decide.

Answer 5

Yes you can. I stopped because I wanted to be able to drink and the two didn't mix. When I realized what a mistake I made several months had gone by so the Prozac was out of my system. There were a lot of side affects that I had when I stopped. Headache, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Fear, and just feeling uncomfortable, those are a few of the side affects that I felt. I'm taking it again now and glad that I am. Its hard for me to get used to at first (really hard) but if I stick it out it's worth it.