I Have recently stopped taking lexapro 20 mg after taking for 8 years has anyone complained of electric shock feeling?

Answer 1

It's always good to go off your anti-depressant/anxiety meds after a while as they are intended as a short-term crutch and not a life tool for coping with our problems. HOWEVER, you MUST NOT quit taking Lexapro (from the SSRI family) or any other antidepressants "cold turkey" because undesired abstinence symptoms may set in; such as what you're describing. This, and other side effects from going off your meds are reported by many people in your situation, but these abstinence side effects wear off and are better tolerated when you go off your meds GRADUALLY. Before you quit completely, your doctor will set up a decreasing dosage plan with you so that you can wean off your Lexapro gradually, decreasing your dosage over the period of a few weeks until you quit taking them alltogether. It takes a while for your brain to get used to not having them but be patient.. you'll feel better soon. The key is not qo quit abruptly and to have a balanced diet, drink lots of water to flush them out of your system quicker, and excercise a lot. The latter sounds like a cliche, but exercise helps with your serotonin levels, thus relieving your anxiety (which is what lexapro used to do) and exercise will help you replace the pill for the natural release of this and other neurotransmitters. Always see doctor before starting or stopping this or any other psychotropics. I'm glad you are doing this and I wish you the best. Sincerely, Kian Novara Mental Health Counselor

Answer 2

I haven't experienced this first hand, but from what I've read, this is quite common. Maybe slowly reduce your dosage, or go to taking it every other day.