Lexapro

Irritability, shakes, heart palpitations and the reoccurence of symptoms you were having before taking the Lexapro. In order to stop taking an anti-depressant you need to gradually step down your dosage.

I stared taking of Lexapro about 2.5 years ago for "circumstantial" depression. I was also attending psycho-therapy sessions monthly, but when the symptoms of depression got very hard, i.e suicidal thoughts constantly, I increased these sessions to weekly.

The therapy helped me more than Lexapro ever could have. Now, with help from the Therapist, I've worked out what my demons are and am able to recognise their triggers.

• General malaise
• Chronic lethargy
• Crying spelll (just once thank God!)
• Dizziness accompanied with "electic brain zaps". (By far, the most persistant symptom for me)
• Irritability and unreasonable aggression
• Slight diarrhea

Like most people have stated, going off a potent drug like Lexapro cold turkey is not a good idea. I wouldn't do it again. My therapist recommended weaning off very slowly over a period of time that is half the amount of time that you've been taking the drug. So, if you've been taking Lexapro for 2 years, then you should decrease slowly to 0mgs over a 1 year period. My GP on the other hand, suggested weaning off over just a 2 month period!

I've been off Lexapro now for just over 2 weeks and the good news is that the symptoms, while not yet disappeared, have lessened significantly. So, in total disregard to the advise of my very helpful Therapist, I will continue fighting the withdrawals cold turkey ONLY because I want to try for a baby over the next few months.

I certainly would't recommend going Cold Turkey to anyone else.

This information is off a pharmacist's site and has no copyright laws. It appears that Lexapro and Depakote are fine to take together and if you don't feel well on them or you find any of the side effects listed below on either or both of these medications see your doctor right away! Note: Not all people get all these side effects. Generally most side effects disappear within four to six weeks. Never go off this medication without talking to your doctor. If you have any concerns about this medication please speak with your doctor and before taking any over the counter medication please check with a pharmacist first. The most common side effects when taking Lexapro include dizziness, constipation, decreased appetite, premature ejaculation in men, decreased sex drive, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, insomnia, sweating, fatigue, impotence, runny nose and sinusitis. Less common side effects that may be experienced can include abnormal dreams, allergic reactions, abdominal pain, hot flashes, joint pain, inability to reach orgasm, light-headedness, blurred vision, bronchitis, chest pains, coughing, earache, rash, ringing in the ears, sinus congestion, sinus headache, stomachache, increased appetite, heartburn, hypertension, toothache, changes in weight, yawn, vomiting, vertigo, tremor and problems with urination. In escitalopram trials, there were some reports of overdose, including overdoses of up to 600mg, with no associated fatalities. During post-marketing evaluation, Lexapro overdoses involving overdoses of over 1000mg have been reported. As with other SSRIs, fatality is rare. Symptoms often accompanying overdose by escitalopram, alone or in combination with other drugs/alcohol, may include dizziness, convulsions, coma, hypotension (low blood pressure), insomnia, vomiting, nausea, sinus tachycardia, somnolence, and ECG changes. Discontinuing antidepressants, especially suddenly, has been known to cause certain withdrawal symptoms. One possible symptom is a type of spontaneous nerve pulse, described by some patients as a feeling of small electric shocks, which may be accompanied by dizziness. These pulses may be short in duration, may affect any region of the body, and recur up to several times a minute in waking hours. Other symptoms of discontinuation include extreme sensitivity to loud noises and brilliant light, chills, hot flushes, cold sweats, reddening of the face, abdominal pain, weight gain and extreme mental fatigue.

Overall, escitalopram is rated as being "very well tolerated." Seek emergency medical attention if the person taking this medicine has nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Some of these symptoms may also be early signs of pancreatitis. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: * unexplained weakness with vomiting and confusion or fainting; * easy bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine; * fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; * fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; * urinating less than usual; * hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there); * extreme drowsiness, lack of coordination; or * double vision or back-and-forth movements of the eyes. Less serious side effects may include: * mild drowsiness or weakness; * diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach; * depression, anxiety, or other emotional changes; * changes in your menstrual periods; * enlarged breasts; * tremor (shaking); * hair loss; * weight changes; * vision changes; or * unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs: * topiramate (Topamax); * tolbutamide (Orinase); * a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); * aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol); * zidovudine (Retrovir); * clozapine (Clozaril, Fazaclo); * diazepam (Valium); * meropenem (Merrem); * rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater); * ethosuximide (Zarontin); or * another seizure medicine such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), felbamate (Felbatol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), or clonazepam (Klonopin).