5th Lexapro Update - DRIVING becoming anxiety inducing...Feeling Okay otherwise

August 9, 2026··

Feeling okay. Been having bouts of anxiety and headache. Biggest thing to note is that DRIVING has become a trigger for anxiety and intrusive thoughts...this was NEVER an issue for me before. Now when I'm driving any significant distance I'm experiencing intrusive thoughts of accidents (really struggling on bridges), to calm these thoughts I have to intentionally commit to prayer or singing to music and changing my focus...I find that listening to podcasts while driving is harder than it used to be so I'm opting for music...

JAG’s taper progress

Dose (mg)

Mood (/10)

Lexapro — 10mg — 8 years — researching taper | without clinician

3 Replies

⭐

CatinaAug 9

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi JAG, I'm sorry to hear that driving has become difficult for you. It's a scary thing to deal with, but please know these thoughts aren't coming from you but are withdrawal effects of tapering a powerful psychiatric drug. It sounds like you're dealing with it the best you can and have found some helpful coping skills. In case you haven't seen this, here is some information about it: https://taper.community/thread/ffc48870-b1df-444f-a6a6-0e84d06d86a8 I hope it helps. 💐

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

PoppyAbbyAug 9

Community AnchorPaxil · active

I can relate to this! I drove to the airport today and felt a rush of anxiety on my way back. I made it home but I was exhausted and slept for 2 1/2 hours!! Praying you are feeling better! And good that you are using prayer and music to get you through! I have to drive even farther tomorrow and over a big bridge! I'll be thinking of you and praying and listening to music!

Paxil — 2.5mg — 7 months — actively tapering
Paxil- 0.00mg-08/14/26

LitaAug 9

LighthouseZoloft · active

Ask yourself, how likely is an accident really?

Zoloft — 112.5 — 20 years — actively tapering

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