Hi, I'm MJ

Hi @MJ and welcome to Taper Community. I'm so sorry you're going through this. Akathisia is one of the most distressing symptoms people can experience, and it makes complete sense that you feel frightened about making another medication change while you are still dealing with these symptoms. Many members here have found that after a difficult SSRI withdrawal experience, the nervous system can become very sensitive, and a slower, more gradual taper is often easier to tolerate than the faster schedules commonly recommended. The goal is not just to get off the medication, but to give your brain and nervous system time to adjust along the way. Before starting your Lexapro taper, it may be worth discussing a very gradual approach with your doctor. Many people in the withdrawal community use small percentage reductions with pauses as needed, rather than dropping by large fixed amounts. How fast someone can taper varies greatly depending on their history and symptoms. Since you mentioned suicidal thoughts, please make sure you have support in place while making any medication changes. If those thoughts become stronger, feel urgent, or you feel you may act on them, seek immediate help or contact a crisis service/emergency support in your area. It’s also encouraging that you have a therapist who is validating your experience. Having someone supportive alongside you can be very helpful. If you’re comfortable sharing, it would help to know:

• How long were you on Prozac before tapering?
• How quickly did you taper off the 20 mg?
• How long had you been off the Prozac before your TBI? SSRI withdrawal symptoms and TBI symptoms can look similar.
• How long were you off Prozac before starting Lexapro?
• Are the akathisia and suicidal thoughts constant, or do they fluctuate?

Here is some information to help you discuss a slow Hyperbolic taper with your doctor: https://taper.community/thread/dbb2cdbb-bb3d-4bb9-93ab-b33de4a3fd0b https://taper.community/resources/blog/how-to-talk-to-your-doctor-about-tapering Some other links for you: https://taper.community/thread/a80813cd-5a59-4f2c-8765-693fe877aa41 https://taper.community/resources/blog/akathisia-from-antidepressant-withdrawal https://taper.community/thread/a42c21cc-01a1-4189-a989-9e6333a428ab https://taper.community/drugs/lexapro https://taper.community/resources/blog/how-to-taper-off-lexapro A slow Hyperbolic taper is going to be the best way for you to taper off at the rate your own nervous system can handle. Since you're already experiencing some distressing symptoms, this would have to be done with great care. Since you're extremely sensitive, it would probably be best to reduce by a small amount first to see how you react (i.e. 5% or even 2.5%). We're happy to help in any way that we can. Catina 🩷

Do you still have the symptoms for which you were originally treated, such as anxiety?