cutting off Lexapro cold turkey?

Kelanne

I'm a little freaked out right now.  I currently take Lexapor, 10mg a day.  I have one pill left.  My insurance won't do a montly refill now, it must be 3 months at a time.  I don't enough money to cover that until the end of the month.  I called my doctor's office to see if they could give me some samples until I could get more.  Well, of course they don't sample them anymore and don't have any. 

So, I'm leaving tomorrow for vacation for a week.  I'm freaked out that I will start going nuts because I'm going to stop cold turkey.

Has anyone ever stopped Lexapro cold turkey?  If so, did you have withdrawal symptoms?

Thanks.

WinesNot Whines

Don't do it! I accidentally did something similar --  my Rx had run out and my doctor's office wouldn't refill until I came in for an appt., which I couldn't make until 5 days later. Those 5 days were miserable. I literally felt like my brain was getting zapped, I had headaches, insomnia, and I was incredibly irritable. You are not going to have fun on vacation if you do this.

Kelanne

WinesNot Whines:

Don't do it! I accidentally did something similar --  my Rx had run out and my doctor's office wouldn't refill until I came in for an appt., which I couldn't make until 5 days later. Those 5 days were miserable. I literally felt like my brain was getting zapped, I had headaches, insomnia, and I was incredibly irritable. You are not going to have fun on vacation if you do this.

this is exactly what I'm afraid of.  I just don't know how to get any more :-(  I hate being broke.  My mom is paying for my vacation that's the only way I am able to go.

EVA116

I stopped cold turkey for two days and my whole world changed. My sister could tell just from looking at me that I wasn't well. I got so depressed all over again and couldn't think straight. It was terrible.

Kelanne

vickycat:

I stopped cold turkey for two days and my whole world changed. My sister could tell just from looking at me that I wasn't well. I got so depressed all over again and couldn't think straight. It was terrible.

ugh, no fun :-(

Luckily my mom is going to help me pay.  Dang, I hate to rely on her to get my meds . . . but some things are worth it.

Thanks for your advise.  I've always been afraid of this.  I heard withdrawals from Lexapro can be pretty harsh.

Thank you.

jellybean529

I'm back on Lexapro now (on 10mg/day), but I tapered off of it earlier this year and it was okay. I had a week or two where I felt off and had some mild dizzy spells but it was tolerable. I was still able to work, exercise, play with my DD, etc. My doc had me taper off by taking a half pill for ten days and then just stop. Going cold turkey isn't something I'd recommend though because it can make the withdrawal symptoms a lot more intense. I just wanted to put a positive spin on the withdrawal from Lexapro out there in case anyone else is tapering off and nervous about it.

So glad your mom's helping you out!

Switzerland87

Don't stop Lexapro cold turkey!!! When I was on it, even taking a pill late would give me the headache of my life and make me sick. 

Even with proper weaning, it was still rough coming off it.

Lexapro offers (or at least they did offer) a discount card, so call your doctor and ask about that, it really helps cut the cost down. 

rachie1019

Ooooh be careful!! I've run out of my Lexapro before and didn't refill it for a week, and it was BAD! My Hubby begged me to get my refill. Constant headache, very, very irritable. And I hate feeling that way since I have a toddler. Now I am 6 weeks pregnant and HAD to stop it cold turkey. I was on my Lexapro and then found out I was pregnant. I only took it for a couple of weeks while preggie. SO I stopped it within decreasing the dosage. That mixed with my hormones made me feel crazy. I'm better now tho! But the doctor will even tell you to NOT stop that medicine cold turkey. Any way the pharmacy can give you a few pills off the shelf and you can pay for those individually? Do you have a Flex account or HSA through your insurance? That way you can put the med cost on there rather than on your debit card. Just a thought! Good luck to you!!