Hi all

I’ve been on Escitalopram 20mg (?) since September. About 2 weeks ago I started running low and didn’t have any for a few days, then I found one last tablet so I had that. I’ve now not had any for about a week and a half.

I have the prescription with me but no $ to get it filled.

Have been having ‘brain zaps’ for the last week and a bit.

Just wondering if anyone would know approximately how long this will last for? I’m not planning on going back on them again, as the reason for being on them in the first place is no longer an issue and everything’s been really good recently.

JTQ said:

Hi all

I’ve been on Escitalopram 20mg (?) since September. About 2 weeks ago I started running low and didn’t have any for a few days, then I found one last tablet so I had that. I’ve now not had any for about a week and a half.

I have the prescription with me but no $ to get it filled.

Have been having ‘brain zaps’ for the last week and a bit.

Just wondering if anyone would know approximately how long this will last for? I’m not planning on going back on them again, as the reason for being on them in the first place is no longer an issue and everything’s been really good recently.

Ah, the brain zaps. I had those with various AD withdrawals. I missed them when they stopped.

You really should see the doctor as suddenly stopping ADs is not a good idea. Plus we are not doctors, well…Alex says she is. Sometimes the local chemist will be helpful with scripts and payments. Sometimes.

Just because the reason has gone away doesn’t always mean the depression has left…IME.

What does your doctor say?

Yeh I know I should go see a doc. I’ve had plenty of experience with AD use, and found that with most docs and shrinks I’ve seen, I’ve ended up teaching them things about how ADs work and which ones are available.

I’ve been keeping an eye on the depression thing and have been thinking of getting rid of the ADs for a while. Basically came along as a result of a nasty breakup quite a while ago, but with the new people I’m around at the moment, everything’s sorted out anyway. And supposed to be moving up north in a few weeks with my new ‘other half’ :)

Really just wondering if anyone knows how long the ‘zaps’ last for after the final dose? It’s a bit frustrating having my head feel like this.

Just drove to Cobram and back on the weekend and zaps make it a little more difficult to concentrate properly.

From memory mine lasted a few weeks with one AD and a bit longer with another. That was back in the 90s. I know of one other forumer who also experienced the zaps. Like I said, I missed them when they stopped.

Maybe Google the meds you are on and ask in a depression forum?

> I have the prescription with me but no $ to get it filled.

That’s an SSRI isn’t it?

I get my SSRI from the chemist at a cost of $6 a month. Are you really saying that you’re so poor that you can’t afford $6 a month?! I never knew anyone could be that poor.

mollwollfumble said:

> I have the prescription with me but no $ to get it filled.

That’s an SSRI isn’t it?

I get my SSRI from the chemist at a cost of $6 a month. Are you really saying that you’re so poor that you can’t afford $6 a month?! I never knew anyone could be that poor.

You’d be surprised.

But no, this one has been costing me about $21/mth. And that’s crossed the line on cost. So currently without them, and really not the best timing.

Still getting brain zaps, but nowhere near as bad as they were.

JTQ said:

mollwollfumble said:

> I have the prescription with me but no $ to get it filled.

That’s an SSRI isn’t it?

I get my SSRI from the chemist at a cost of $6 a month. Are you really saying that you’re so poor that you can’t afford $6 a month?! I never knew anyone could be that poor.

You’d be surprised.

But no, this one has been costing me about $21/mth. And that’s crossed the line on cost. So currently without them, and really not the best timing.

Still getting brain zaps, but nowhere near as bad as they were.

Ask for a better price, most SSRIs are quite cheap (not all).

Withdrawal effects last 2-4 weeks in most cases.