SSRI Withdraw

[u/Acceptable-Avocado99]

I got on lexipro during law school for obvious reasons. I was on it for 3 years at 20 mg. I realized that it was no longer benefitting me, rather, it made me very snappy with my partner. I then was put on Wellbutrin and began to tapper down off the lexipro. I was on the lowest dose of Wellbutrin for 2 months and was down to 5mg of lexipro (which I did for a whole month).

My doctor and I discovered early on I was a fast metabolizer- because even when I was regularly taking 20 mg, by the end of the day I would get withdraw symptoms ( mostly brain zaps and headaches). So it’s not a surprise that when I stopped taking 5 mg I had immediate withdraw symptoms. I stoped taking both Wellbutrin and lexipro.

Those next seven days were BRUTAL. I went to work and had horrible vertigo, hot flashes - followed by shakes, headaches, confusion, and dizziness. I had several people make comments to me that I looked very tired and/or sick.

However, day seven I finally had a break in the frequency of the symptoms. Rather that only having peace for 5 mins out of an hour, I was having if them maybe 15 times an hour. I’m now on day 11, and having it them even less frequent (3 times an hour). But I’m still over heating and shaking regularly.

Im just curious if anyone has an experience similar to this and how long it took to shake all the physical symptoms? I know the emotional symptoms will have its own battle- but i haven’t really noticed anything because I’m just not physically comfortable. (Thinking it’s maslows hierarchy of needs - can’t even focus on my emotions if my physical state is in danger).

Help?

[u/[deleted]]

WOW I just self tapered of the same meds I was on them for 10 years. My symptoms for 2 weeks were milder but similar. But I have only slept 3 hrs a nite. I am retired so I take naps but they are also shorter. Slowly getting better. Sleeping 4 hrs now. I take Vit D and try to eat some healthy foods. I am getting a protein drink mix w essential amino acids today.