Discontinuing Lexapro after 1 day

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Ted - 04 Mar 2004 21:57 GMT

I started my first SSRI Lexapro at 5mg. I made a mistake of starting
it before an important trip and now I want to quit. My psychiatrist
said quitting after 1 day will not cause any withdrawl symptons and my
side effects should disappear after a couple of days. Anyone ever know
this not to be the case? He gave me two choices: start 2.5mg for 4
days and then go up in 2.5mg increments or just stop and regroup when
I come back.

Also I am curious if there is any truth to the rumors regarding SSRI's
causing permanant brain damage??

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Absolut_B - 06 Mar 2004 02:32 GMT

> I started my first SSRI Lexapro at 5mg. I made a mistake of starting
> it before an important trip and now I want to quit. My psychiatrist
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> days and then go up in 2.5mg increments or just stop and regroup when
> I come back.

I don't have a degree, but can talk from personal observation and
experience. Lexapro is very fast acting compared to other SSRIs. I
noticed the first effects in a few days, and other people I have
talked to stated they noticed something after the first day. How much
is real and what is placebo, I don't know. As far as I know,
withdrawl shouldn't be a problem after even several days, but I am not
a dr so take my opinion with that in mind.

> Also I am curious if there is any truth to the rumors regarding SSRI's
> causing permanant brain damage??

This seems to matter on who you ask. The only honest answer is that
nobody knows for sure. Longterm studies have not been done, as the
drugs are just too new. I don't use SSRIs because of several reasons,
one being the unknown result of longterm use. If it is for bad
depression, and it works, the risks don't seem as important. However,
if it is not chronic depression, it's up to you if you want to take
the gamble.

Everything said is just my opinion, and not a professional one at
that.

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