something bad happened - please help! scared and desperate

[lotus]

Hi Guys

I had been taking Cipralex since September, 15 mg per day. I wanted to stop taking it due to hair loss, so I did a taper - for 10 days I took 10 mg, and then for the next 10 days I took 5 mg. The doctor said to immediately switch to Seroxat, so when I took the last 5 mg Cipralex pill the next day I took a 10 mg Seroxat pill. Then I took it for 7 days total, at 10 mg - the lowest dose.

I was not feeling well on the Seroxat, had derealizations and wanted to stop it.

When I stopped taking the Seroxat, the next day I was fine. The day after that however, I started experiencing severe brain zaps, visual disturbances, dizziness, lightheadednedd and had a nervous breakdown /chopped off all my hair/. I think this is withdrawal, but from which drug? Could I be having withdrawals from the Seroxat after only 7 days of taking it at the lowest dose?

The doctor is clueless and wants me back on Cipralex. What should I do? I can't stand feeling this way all day long.

What do you think this is? If I go back to the Cipralex will it alleviate my symptoms?

[scott jenkins]

I have been on various medications for over 17 years, seroxat included. I experienced the head zaps also, they are quite common but very uncomfortable. I believe its is because you reduced your dose too much, too soon.
Escatalopram is probably the best out of the bunch in my experience with minimal side effects.

[sookt]

Scott,

Is the Escatalopram working for you ? I have been on it for 8 weeks and don't feel much better, should I give more time like 3 months ?

sookt

[lotus]

It was working for me but I started experiencing hair loss and thought it was because of the Escitalopram. That's why I wanted to stop taking it and now I'm in hell with withdrawals.

[sookt]

Lotus,

I have been losing a lot of hair also but it started long before I started Lexapro.
How long do you think I should give it ?

sookt

[lotus]

I honestly don't know, sookt.
It seemed to work right away for me. Maybe in a month there was significant improvement. I'd say - 2 to 3 months? How much are you taking? I was on 15 mg.

[sookt]

I am on 10mg and just feel awful.