Posted by g_g_g_unit on December 12, 2011, at 5:16:04
In reply to Re: increased lexapro, akathisia ensues, posted by ed_uk2010 on December 11, 2011, at 8:31:58
Sorry for the late reply, Ed. I posted right before bed time. I did take an extra valium dose along with an OTC anti-histamine, which fixed me up nicely.
Today, I'm still noticing a lot of stuff like muscle clenching, toe-curling, leg jiggling etc., though it's not nearly as bad as during the nicotine withdrawal. I also feel anxious and agitated, though could that just be due to the recent Lexapro dose increase?
My suspicion is that a lot of the EPS/akathisia stuff is lurking under the surface but that the valium is partially masking it. This (20mg) is the highest SSRI dose I've been on, though I'm not sure how that compares to the 75mg of Clomipramine I trialled last year which was really nasty as far as EPS and akathisia went.
> OK well...
>
> Contact your pdoc.
>
> Take an extra dose of diazepam.
>
> Stop Lexapro, only to be restarted at a reduced dose once akathisia has completely disappeared. Under your doctor's advice, you could then either taper off Lexapro or maintain treatment at a low dose.
>
> A 25mg dose of diphenhydramine is sometimes useful in acute akathisia. It is available in certain OTC antihistamines and sleep aids. Avoid all of the combination 'cold/flu products' because some contain dextromethorpan which interacts with SSRIs. Read the package insert before taking because there are some people who can't take diphenhydramine.
>
> You will feel better really soon, although it may feel like forever.
poster:g_g_g_unit
thread:1004638
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20111208/msgs/1004777.html