Is neck stiffness/pain in the back of the neck a common SSRI discontinuation symptom?

Is it common to experience neck stiffness or neck pain (back of neck) when withdrawing from an SSRI? I didn't connect it to the fact that I am 1 week into coming off of Lexapro until now. Stretching and a heating pad helps, but it is still a pain in the neck (pun intended).

Has anyone else experienced this? Or is this not considered a symptom of withdrawal?

claireunderwood

I came off of Lexapro and there is a definite withdrawal syndrome that accompanies coming off of SSRI's. I did research on this discontinuation syndrome because my pdoc was of no help.

I remember getting these brain zaps and various other symptoms but not what you are describing. I wouldn't rule out the symptom that you are having as we are all different. Let your doc know if it gets worse.

Thanks sideblinded!

This is the second time I've come off of Lexapro, but the first time around I had zero side effects. This time I am weaning off of a higher dose, though, so I imagine that's contributing.

I'll definitely see how it goes and let my doctor know if it doesn't subside. I'm also pretty emotionally fragile right now and having dizziness on and off. Brutal. How long did your withdrawal last?

Withdrawal can be brutal! I tried to wean off Paxil and couldn't do it.

I was on 20 mg of Lexapro and I was also coming off maybe two other meds that affected the serotonin receptors so for me it was a good 2 months before I felt better but remember we are all different and I was coming off a lot.

I gotta be honest, there were a few moments yesterday where I took out a Lexapro and considered saying, 'Screw it' and just resuming taking it. It may not be doing anything for me anymore, but that seemed better than the stuff I've been going through right now.

I think what is bugging me the most is the dizziness and the CRYING SPELLS. I am so emotional right now that if I didn't keep reminding myself that I am weaning off of a medication I'd think I were falling into a depression (I originally went on Lex for anxiety). I think the side effects + the fact that I can't sleep lately aren't helping with the ability to manage things as well either. I picked a bad time to decide to do this, what with the holidays being around the corner.