Mental Health Tapered off lexapro, no sleep for 2 nights and totally alert but zombie-like

[beekr]

I'm getting pretty worried, I think I tapered off my lexapro too quickly. Three weeks to go from 10 mg to zero. Had been taking it for 12 years. Took last dose on Sunday and I didn't sleep at all Wednesday or Thursday nights, and I was really tired too, my brain just would not turn off. I kept trying to just read another half hour again and again but nope, in bed till the alarm buzzed and no sleep. I'm totally hyper aware and not sleepy at all but feeling like a zombie, can't really do anything, and I think it's dangerous for me to drive in this state so I didn't go to work today.

I don't have any benzos or ambiens or anything.

Should I be worried? What if I don't sleep tonight either? Tried to take a nap earlier, no chance. Will I start to hallucinate? Should I go to the ER or something?

ugh!!!

Thanks!

 

[herbavore]

Have you spoken to the doctor that prescribed it? Was someone overseeing the taper?

I'm really sorry that you are going through this--sounds horrible. Definitely speak to a medical person.

 

[beekr]

Yes I spoke to my psych about it and he was on board with my plan but now he happens to be on vacation and I can't get in to see him plus his policy is no phone prescriptions, even for refills.

Maybe tonight's the night! Time for a shower then a snooze attempt. Dammit brain turn off! (but turn back on at the appropriate hour!)

Thanks!

 

[beekr]

midway thru 4th night, not sleepy at all but exhausted. sigh. my brain doesn't know how to sleep on its own anymore :-(

 

[Jerry Atrick]

First of all, I would begin looking for a new doctor. IMO any doctor who lets someone taper over 3 weeks after having taking the med for 12 years is being irresponsible. Going on vacation and not leaving a plan B for his patients is icing on the cake. But right now you can't dwell on that.

Lack of sleep can be dangerous. If you feel you are losing your shit, don't be afraid to go to the local emergency room and tell them what's going on. Do you have medical benefits? The hospital may give you the option of checking into a psychiatric facility on a voluntary basis. Keep in mind that even though you are voluntary, they may keep you a minimum of 2 or 3 days for observation.

 

[beekr]

Thanks I appreciate the input, I did sleep a good 5 or 6 hours last night but I'm catatonic. At least I'm sleeping more each day now though. Gonna be a rough week. I hope it was worth it.

The bad part now...

I'm starting to feel the same terrible sensations & feelings that had led me to get on this crap so many years ago. I hope it's a psychosomatic thing. ugh. This dreadful tugging at my heart, this intolerable feeling of aimless longing.

Yea my shrink sucks!

Thanks!