Lexapro withdrawal ...help!

Febe00

I'm 7 weeks pregnant and doc advised I come off the 20 mg of lexapro I've been on since my daughter was born in 2008. I reduced from 20 to 0 mg in 8 days and coped quite well emotionally. Day 2 off all med I started getting brain zaps, These were only every now and then so I thought this was going very well. However, they have got progressively worse over the past two days.

I can only describe them as electric shock type sensations that start deep in the brain and zap outwards, they even travel through my tounge and lips, it is followed by a shape zap across my skin on face and outer arms. This all lasts about 5 seconds and is followed by a dizzy disoriented feeling for about 2/3 seconds. This is draining me physically. 

Yesterday this happened every time I moved my eyes at all, so literally all day long! So far today it's only when I move my head to other side or get up and walk, although as the day gets on they are becoming more regular. 

I know these are a side affect of withdrawal and doc says should not last more than two weeks, but I've read on the net that they last a lot longer. I'm afraid I will have to ring in to work sick on Monday as I can't function correctly with this happening. I was out sick the week before last week with nausea so don't want to ring in again this week. I'm afraid I'll lose my job. They don't know I'm pregnant but do know I'm on medication. In the last hour my mood has dropped so much it has shocked me, my husband has left to go to work cause I think I'm just annoying him so much. I just feel utterly useless, I'm always fighting something and I'm emotionally drained.  I feel like such a disappointment to everyone. I don't know how I can face work on Monday I'm a joke. I should be happy the brain zaps are not as bad today but oh no I'm a blubbering mess 

ancapailldorcha

OP, I would strongly suggest you consult a medical professional about this. I'm not too sure how much anyone here will be able to do for you.

Princess Peach

I tried to come off Lexapro before, went down 5mgs every month! You def cannot stop right away. Go to the doctor and work out a plan with them. And take a pill now if you have any on you.

I would also recommend you go to a different doctor since that one gave you some really bad advice. I can't be sure, but I heard before you can take anti-depressants while pregnant. Get a second opinion.

Febe00

My gp and my physiciatrist both told me I have to come off them ASAP they agreed a 9 day plan 20-0 reduce every 3 days. Lexapro is not safe during pregnancy but other older ones are but only after 15 weeks so another 8 weeks before I can take anything. Thanks for the reply

LegacyUser

Try to trust the advise of your doctor& pyschiatrist, and not Dr Google. Every patient is different, just because a couple of randomers had side-effects lasting longer than the average doesn't necessarily mean you will. Meantime, work on distracting yourself, even with something as simple as a book or film, or meeting a friend

dudara

The only person you should be consulting about this is your GP (not the internet, not Google).

dudara