Experience stopping Lexapro

Hey, all. Just wanted to share my experience coming off of Lexapro. I was on 10mg for about 5 years. It completely stopped panic attacks and largely eliminated my anxiety. I was able to complete household projects because of the quieting of my mind. Overall, great experience. Side effects, however, were persistent weight gain and a reduced ability to have an orgasm during sex.

After 5 years, I decided to taper off. I’m in a pretty good place mentally. Started attending church last year after a lifetime of atheism and that has really helped me to cope with anxiety when it does crop up. My family is good and we’re all happy together.

My doc recommended one every other day for a couple weeks to taper, but aside from some brain zaps, I didn’t have any negative effects, so I took a half dose after a couple days and then just stopped.

I noticed a lot more energy almost immediately. Almost like microdosing cocaine lol. I’ve been going to the gym, physical therapy for some lingering aches and pains probably related to the weight gain from Lexapro. I’m considering taking up Muay Thai and bjj, which I just wouldn’t have been motivated to do before.

It’s been a couple weeks. Still getting brain zaps, but they are pretty mild. Some visual hallucinations, too, which is odd, but I am expecting them to subside with the brain zaps and I feel like that’s all part of the same package. Other than that, it’s gone well.

I wouldn’t do it if you’re not in a good place mentally, but if it’s opening the door to other long term issues like obesity and all that comes with that, I’d give some thought into it.