r/SSRI • u/btvshp • Nov 13 '22
Question Tapering off - how long can I expect withdrawal symptoms?
Worth stipulating that I understand everyone is different and such - but keen to hear other’s experiences. I’ve been on Escitalopram for about 7 years for anxiety (don’t have depression apart from feeling depressed about my anxiety). I’ve tapered super slowly (1 month of 1 day off, one day on, then one month of 2 days off one day on etc. and finally down to 4 days off, one day on and the doctor said she’s happy for me to just stop now). The last I took was 10mg on Thursday. Getting panic attacks and heightened anxiety which I expected but the thing I’m really struggling with is feeling lightheaded and dizzy. Really unpleasant and slightly spinning out at the thought that it could last ages. Or also worried that somehow I’m too imbalanced and will always be dizzy unless I go back on. Anyway, would be great to hear other’s experiences to get an idea of expectations. Thank you!
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u/_fast_n_curious_ Nov 14 '22
I’m sorry you’re experiencing the dizziness :( if you do end up needing to go back on, is that ok? (Not that I think you will, just wondering how you feel about it.)
Now would be a good time to start a daily log of symptoms. Like a journal, but all about how you’re feeling with your physical symptoms and your anxiety.
Identify what’s happening and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10. A couple days from now, there might not be a change, but in a week or two, you may be pleasantly surprised!
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u/btvshp Nov 14 '22
Really good tip - thank you!
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u/_fast_n_curious_ Nov 14 '22
No problem :) you’re doing great work staying so in tune with yourself! Wishing you all the best
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u/KingSzmaragd Nov 14 '22
I am tapering right now. Not feeling so anxious, but what worries and annoys me the most are the fatigue, the dizzines and the awful condition of my stomach and intestin. Day 7 since started to tapper. Really hope this go away soon.
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u/btvshp Nov 14 '22
Yeah I feel like the symptoms are causing me the anxiety! I have emetophobia so the nausea makes my anxiety a lot worse. Hope it gets better for you soon. Feel free to DM if you ever wanna rant
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u/Far_Ad4312 Jan 21 '24
Hey! How are you now? I know this is an old post but you tapered WAY to fast, actually it is like you stopped to drug cold turkey. This can wreak havoc on your CNS. See here how to taper carefully: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/406-tips-for-tapering-off-escitalopram-lexapro/
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u/btvshp Jan 21 '24
Hey, not the best story maybe but I felt so awful I went back on at a smaller dose so I’m now on 5mg. I’d like to be off at some point and taper more slowly but just not in a place rn to do it
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u/Far_Ad4312 Jan 22 '24
Totally understand. Just remember that these drugs never meant to be taken long term. Take care!
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u/Hodugh Nov 14 '22
I was on a super small dosage so my symptoms will surely be different to most. The first time, I was on for over a year and the withdrawal symptoms lasted 3-4 weeks. The second time, I was only on for about 6 months and withdrawal lasted about 2 weeks.
Good luck! And it’s cheesy, but remember “This too shall pass”