Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Stopeed Lexapro. Have Anxiety, Panic Attacks. On Soloft. Had Seizures With Meningitis
Question: I have taken myself off lexapro...20 to 15 to 10 to 5 to 0 in 4 weeks...I get a zap feeling now and again, i went to er with a prob, they pumped me full of anitbiotics, pain killers etc, took a liver function test, which was not good, I don't drink and look after my diet, they told me lexapro is not good for my liver, I am a bit scared coz I get really bad anxiety, panic attacks, but I don't want to injure my liver anymore, I also want to smoke again, which I haven't done in 3 years (since taking lexapro), I was on zoloft but had seizures with meningitis, had to come off that, cymbalta worked great!!! but sent my blood pressure through roof...maybe a stiff scotch at end of day is not such a bad thing afterall?
Brief Answer:
Hello
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking from XXXXXXX
Lexapro is escitalopram and it is a SSRI drug. It helps in controlling depressive symptoms and anxiety attacks. You have reduced your doses from 20 mg per day to nil in just 4 weeks. This is one of the reason of your symptoms. The doses should be decreased over 6-8 weeks. Mild withdrawal symptoms are manifesting in you in form of anxiety, panic attacks etc. Although it is known to cause liver damage but in practical use evidence of liver damage is rare. Only less than 1% of individuals may show mild elevation in liver enzymes. XXXXXXX liver toxicity is rare. If the doses were providing good relief then there is not risk in taking it. You should have consulted your Psychiatrist for this side effects. You can consult again for evaluation of anxiety and panic attacks, whether these are due to withdrawal syndrome or due to rebound anxiety.
If you have apprehension about liver damage you can go for liver function tests every 3 months in order to assure you about the drug.
As you didnt respond to or developed side effects with cymbalta or zoloft, so best is to start with Lexapro again.
Apart from medicines try relaxation methods like Breathing Exercises, Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises, Yoga, Meditation for control of panic symptoms.
Hope this helps you, if you have more queries then you can ask again.
Thanks
Hello
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking from XXXXXXX
Lexapro is escitalopram and it is a SSRI drug. It helps in controlling depressive symptoms and anxiety attacks. You have reduced your doses from 20 mg per day to nil in just 4 weeks. This is one of the reason of your symptoms. The doses should be decreased over 6-8 weeks. Mild withdrawal symptoms are manifesting in you in form of anxiety, panic attacks etc. Although it is known to cause liver damage but in practical use evidence of liver damage is rare. Only less than 1% of individuals may show mild elevation in liver enzymes. XXXXXXX liver toxicity is rare. If the doses were providing good relief then there is not risk in taking it. You should have consulted your Psychiatrist for this side effects. You can consult again for evaluation of anxiety and panic attacks, whether these are due to withdrawal syndrome or due to rebound anxiety.
If you have apprehension about liver damage you can go for liver function tests every 3 months in order to assure you about the drug.
As you didnt respond to or developed side effects with cymbalta or zoloft, so best is to start with Lexapro again.
Apart from medicines try relaxation methods like Breathing Exercises, Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises, Yoga, Meditation for control of panic symptoms.
Hope this helps you, if you have more queries then you can ask again.
Thanks
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
