h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I would like to go off Lexapro and Wellbutrin. I tried to cold turkey the Lexapro and thought I was going to die. I didn't realize how dependant my body has become. I exercise on a regular basis and don't feel depressed. I have to admit that I seem to be able to roll with the punches better. However, I don't achieve any real highs either and my sex drive has diminished. Not sure if the better living through chemistry approach is working. Race11

Hiya, welcome to h2g2, an Ace's Welcome to help show you around the site will be along shortly.

Meanwhile, from my own experience with anti-depressant/anti-anxiety meds; i would say: please don't attempt to go "cold turkey" without talking to your doctor; it's extremely difficult & yes, makes you feel like hell & can actually be dangerous for your body to have such a shock.

It *can* be done; i've done it & know several others who have, but only with support from very close friends who understand & can support you emotionally & maybe physically through the initial stages. A lot depends on how long you have been on the things & why you started taking them in the first place. Are the problems that led to this better now? If so & if you are strong & have support, it is a great positive move to consider cutting down/stopping; but please do take medical advice & probably counselling type stuff too.

This site will give you loads of support, it's a great community.



zdt (zendevilterri)

Hi Race11! Let me reiterate the kudos for wanting to do better with less medication.

Because of the type of cancer I have, even though I've been cancer-free for a bit now I still have to take anti-depressants. I too had issues with the side-effects of Lexapro and Paxil. My doctor recently put me on Cymbalta and we found I needed a much lower dosage, allowing for less side-effects.

I do know that with Lexapro you can't go cold turkey. You have to speak with your doctor and go off slowly, cutting down the dosage over time like you increased it when you started. They have to monitor you while you do that to ensure nothing bad happens.

If going off isn't an option you can also ask about the Cymbalta. Since it's likely I'll have to continue taking anti-depressants because of my condition I like it much better since I don't feel medicated or fight the side-effects. I just feel like I did before I got sick. It may or may not work for you, as different meds fit different people.