[MelodyGal]

I've been taking Lexapro (10 mg) for about two years, and I wanted to quit because of weight gain. I have been reducing my dosage for at least three months. When I was down to 1/4 pill 4 times a week (10 mg a week compared to 70 mg a week), I figured I could quit completely. I had insomnia for about three days as well as loads of energy for the same time period. I have also been mildly dizzy and very hungry for sugary foods. I have been off the pill completely for one week and am still dizzy. My moods are fine. I would recommend a very slow withdrawal. The effects of withdrawal improve daily. Good luck. MelodyGal

[TrishCA]

I am so glad I found you guys! For me, this whole anxiety thing started in 2002 - I went from Zoloft to Lexapro - Since then, on June, 05, I started lowering my dosage of lexapro - from 20 mg to 10mg to 5mg - and now 5mg every Sunday. Why? because I feel is time for me to stop treating the symptoms and start treating the disease. Which is anxiety. I found that yoga is quite helpful. My problem is that wooziness that I feel in my head 3 or 4 days after not taking it. First, it starts slowly and then it gets worse by Saturday night. So Sunday first thing in the morning, I am swallowing that 5mg pill as fast as I can! How much longer do I have to endure this? I am ready to slooowly add an extra day to my Sunday until I don't needed any more. Please someone help me get rid of this wooziness!!

[MelodyGal]

Trish, I don't think the dizziness and other withdrawal symptoms stop until you stop Lexapro completely--and then not immediately. I would cut the 5 mg in half and take it a few times a week for a few weeks. Once you have adjusted, stop it completely and tough out the dizziness. I stopped completely a week ago (my dosage at that time was 2.5 mg Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday) and the withdrawal symptoms diminish daily with dizziness being the worst. I had insomnia, loads of energy, increased hunger for sweets, buzzing in my ears, and dizziness. The dizziness remains but lessens each day. I'm still working through it. Good luck.--MelodyGal

[anxiousbabe]

I am so happy that I have also found this forum. I thought I was going crazy with the symptoms I have been felling through this terrible withdrawel. I am very dizzy today and a little stomach sick. Then when that passes I get extremely hungry and can't satisfy my appetite. Then I get such a burst of energy and I wan't to talk someones ear off. It is so strange. I have been drinking a glass of red wine at night around 8 or so and it makes me sleep okay for now.

I am on my 9th day of withdrawel and I was on 5mg for almost 2 years and I know that seems like a very low dose, but I am highly sensitive to all medication even when I had my children the doctors in the hospital told me if I ever needed to go under general anestesia that I would need a dose of someone almost half my weight.

Well I am currently taking 2.5 at night and my doctor said to do that for 3 weeks all together and then cut it in half again for another 2 weeks. Does that sound right to any of you???? I just want to get this stuff out of my system so I can hopefully get this weight off. I go to the gym everynight which works out good because that is when my burst of high energy kicks in.

Does anyone know if the weight starts to come off after the lexapro is out of your system totally????

Thanks for reading,
Florence

[TrishCA]

quote:Originally posted by TrishCA

[MelodyGal]

Trish,

I have only been completely off Lexapro for 8 days. Each day the withdrawal symptoms have diminished. I experienced very little dizziness today, the high-energy level and insomnia lasted just three days, and my appetite is back to normal today. I did have a brief spell of nausea today, which makes the hunger worse, but I ignored it and it didn't last long. Once I ate lunch I was OK. I'd recommend high-protein foods, which seem to help my craving for sweets--as long as I don't give in and eat something gooey! I was a little irritable this morning, which was my first evidence of a mood change, but I feel fine now. I think it takes a long time to wean off this stuff. If anything weird happens, I'll post it. So far, so good. I'll be happy when the scale starts to go down.

Melody Gal

quote:Originally posted by TrishCA

[hmcbrien]

I'm glad I just found this message board! I was reading through the postings and those of you who have not experience mind/brain zaps are very lucky. I was on 10mg Lexapro for more than 21/2 years, then a few months ago, my doctor placed me on a higher dosage (20mg). This was after I asked if I could be weened off of it. About a week ago I completely stopped taking it. No weening, nothing. It has been horrible. Sleeplessness, high heart rate, brain zaps and whole body tremors have been the norm for the past week. My emotional state has been less than cheery and I cry at everything. I would have preferred to ween myself off the meds, but had no $$ at the time to get a refill, or go to the doctor. It has truly been a nightmare.

[MelodyGal]

It sounds horrible. If you explain to your doctor what is happening, maybe he/she would give you samples to use while weaning yourself off.

MelodyGal

quote:Originally posted by hmcbrien

I'm glad I just found this message board! I was reading through the postings and those of you who have not experience mind/brain zaps are very lucky. I was on 10mg Lexapro for more than 21/2 years, then a few months ago, my doctor placed me on a higher dosage (20mg). This was after I asked if I could be weened off of it. About a week ago I completely stopped taking it. No weening, nothing. It has been horrible. Sleeplessness, high heart rate, brain zaps and whole body tremors have been the norm for the past week. My emotional state has been less than cheery and I cry at everything. I would have preferred to ween myself off the meds, but had no $$ at the time to get a refill, or go to the doctor. It has truly been a nightmare.

[KidAgain]

quote:Originally posted by delicious_awishes

well I started on 10 mg and now currently on 20 mg. Hey what is tmj?

I never heard of anyone being prescribed an antidepressant for TMJ. There is an appliance that prevents teeth clenching. I've taken Lexapro (and been treated for TMJ) for almost two years, and it has fewer side effects than any SSRI I've tried - and after 25 years, I've tried them all. 20 mg. a day is not a huge dose- why do you think she has toxic levels? Who's idea was it for her to stop? Her family doctor or the shrink?

"Thy will, not my will"

[speechy]

KidAgain~
Lex is also used for anxiey. SOME professionals believe that teeth grinding (which can be a part of TMJ) can be caused by anxiety...thus the treatment. I actually know 2 other people that were prescribed these types of drugs for teeth grinding! Its crazy.
I also have been treated for TMJ as a child, with appliances. Its crazy how all of our bodies react differently to these meds!

I hope you are all doing well. I have not had any withdrawls in the past couple weeks, but I have been a bit moody!! I guess thats just life.

[brainzaps]

I am SO relieved to see this website - I have been having to deal with my withdrawal symptoms myself, not tell anyone [they would probably tell me to go back on it] and listen to my PNP who would tell me that there should be no side affects of coming off it. I knew I was feeling all of this - and the the "brain zaps" - I totally have been felling them - it's almost like a little noise that comes into my ears and tweeks for a second. It has now been over one week, nausea is gone, but definitely have vertigo when I walk to fast or move my head around. Here are my questions: 1. When is this all suppose to STOP? 2. Can someone tell me how they feel when they are completely free of the drug?

I love reading the posts of people describing their withdrawal symptoms - but would love to hear from a "success" story for encouragement and support to get me through the rest of this. My emotions are really on the surface of my skin right now and I am losing hope that I will ever be normal again without taking this stupid drug - I don't want to take any more drugs. Any words of encouragement out there? Thanks in advance!!

[TrishCA]

Hello again, Two days ago, I started to take the Costco brand of 'Daily Multi Vitamins & Minerals' and also Calcium 600 mg. and Fish oil - Omega 3. I have been slowly reducing my Lexapro. I am down to 5 mg on Sundays. Usually, Saturday night is when my head feels the worse. Today, is Sat night and the wooziness is not as bad as its been in the past. It is actually a very mild one. It could or it could not be the vitamins, however, is worth pointing it out. I am going to try not taking Lex. tomorrow (Sunday)and see what happens.

quote:Originally posted by MelodyGal

It sounds horrible. If you explain to your doctor what is happening, maybe he/she would give you samples to use while weaning yourself off.

MelodyGal

[auntybiotic]

Kid again,

Her dentist prescribed valium for the TMJ, it was so bad the joint would dislocate. I knew valium was addictive so I took her to her Primary Care Doctor who said Lexapro was a VERY SAFE antianxiety medication with very few if any side effects, she never saw a shrink because she was never depressed.The Lexapro did alleviate her TMJ problem.

Over the Christmas holiday she missed taking two tablets, I found them on her bedroom floor, she told me that the lexapro was "making her feel crazy". I then looked it up all over the internet and read how addictive it was. The pharmacy printout or her doctor never told us that it would have to be weaned off of.

My daugher is a poor metabolizer................. her enzymes in the P 450 system which metabolizes the SSRI's including Lexapro, do not rid her body of the drug as efficiently as others . She was also taking Biaxin (a antibiotic) that also uses the P 450 system to metabolize. When two drugs are taken that use the same pathways in the P 450 sytem, the Lexapro levels in this case were increased by being taken at the same time as Biaxin.

We were never warned of this drug to drug interaction by her doctor or pharmacist, possibly why she may have had toxic levels and why it is harder for her to wean off of lexapro. The Mayo clinic does the genic testing for the Cytochrome P450 Enzymes. This was all discovered "after my daughter had such a bad reaction". Her family doctor as well as the makers of Lexapro, Forest Labs, were not aware of the Biaxin and Lexapro interaction but it has since been reported to the FDA.

Many people do have a very difficult time weaning off of Lexapro. My daughter was started on 20 Mg of Lexapro. I have since found out that many are started on 5 or 10 Mg and then slowly worked up in dose if necessary. She was started at 20 Mg which is another reason it would be harder for her to wean.

Our EX FAMILY doctor was unaware of how and why to prescribe Lexapro as it had JUST come out on the market, he presented it as a safe antiaxiety medication. .......... that is why he is NO LONGER her doctor. I had to phone many physicians to find one who was familiar with Lexapro and the need to slowly taper off.

I am glad that you are not having many side effects from Lexapro, I hope you will also be lucky and be able to avoid terrible withdrawals if the day comes that you would like to stop taking Lexapro.

After reading about the terrible side effects of Lexapro and that it could cause depression and suicide in teens I was the one, as well as my daughter and her new physician, who thought it would be in her best interest to wean off of this addictive drug.

[bodyelectric]

New here -- hello! I've been tapering off Lexapro for over a month now...just quit about 4 days ago. Got the zaps and dizziness. Lethargy. Difficult to get anything done.

Was on Lexapro at varying levels for about 3 years -- up to 40mg daily at one point. Took with a mood stabilizer to prevent mania. Had a working bipolar II diagnosis when I came off alcohol and drugs nearly 5 years ago -- I was definitely nuts. And I have to say the Lexapro worked well while I went to therapy and AA all those years -- helped me through some major changes. Haven't had any mood swings in some time, so just testing to see if I'm actually bipolar or if the swings were due to alcohol and drug abuse. So far so good -- except for the Lexapro withdrawals.

Looks like Lexapro impedes seratonin production, at least indirectly -- the body stops making as much because Lexapro keeps it from being absorbed, thus you need less to stay in a better mood.

*But* it looks like there are foods that can help the body make more seratonin. Foods with tryptophan, like turkey and nuts. Fish and shellfish to some degree. So much for vegetarianism.

Also, B vitamins (esp. niacin) and magnesium seem to be important for seratonin regulation. And chocolate has seratonin, cause for celebration.

In other words, sounds like a healthy diet with cooked leafy greens, turkey and fish, whole grains and a multivitamin will be my route. Maybe actually use my gym membership. And relaxation -- sounds like withdrawal can last a few months.

But for now, I think I'll just sit here on the floor and eat chocolate.

[marhjhf]

quote:Originally posted by marhjhf

15 days withdrawing from Lexapro 10mg.
No more fever. Just dizziness, intermittent bouts with nausea, not as much of an appetite. I still have 100 mg of Bupropion going thru me. I am finding that I'm more anxious and that it doesn't take too much to get irritated. After visiting a psychiatrist to determine the next 3 months of treatment, I will be maintaing the 100 mg of Bupropion while I'm going thru these withdrawal issues.

24 days since stopping 10mg of Lexapro -
the good news:

• Lost 5 lbs.
• no more stomach issues/nausea
• headaches have lessened

The not so good news:

• Daily dizziness - not as severe
• Still battling mood swings with anger, tension and frustration
• Bupropion effects (interacts with the previous bullet)
• Memory - forgetfullness
• Not sleeping well

Overall - I am physically feeling better even with the negatives I listed.

[Interested Girlfriend]

Hi,

I myself have never been on any type of medication, however, my boyfriend has. He is now coming off of lexapro and has gone from doing 10mg every other day to nothing this upcoming week. He has only been on it since June, but the side effects were extremely bothersome and he didn't feel as though the medicine were working. Now a question he and I both have is with the weight gain,is there a weight loss upon coming off of the pill. And also, how long on average does it take to come off of this pill completely? I look forward to your replies. THanks in advance.

[auntybiotic]

Interested Girlfriend,

How long was you boyfriend taking Lexapro? Was his dose always 10 Mg?
When did he start taking it every other day?

He may feel withdrawals begin about seven days after taking his last dose of the 10 Mg. Moodiness, stomach pain, dizziness and naseau and headaches. Some also get the brain zaps which are like electrical jolts to the brain or extremeties.Some also experience mania and sleeplessness.

These withdrawals can be made less intense if he tapered off more slowly from the lexapro, but they still occcur in most persons.

The weight gain issue varies. Many here have lost some of the weight after stopping. How much did your boyfriend gain?

He may also notice a craving for strarches and sweets after stopping lexapro which can also lead to more weight gain. Keeping blood sugar levels balanced is the key. Sometimes the naseau from withdrawal makes food less desirable. Good luck to your boyfriend. He is lucky to have a concerend partner.

[crazygal]

hey Kid

20 mg of lex is a high amount. it is the maximum recommended dose for lex.

[hmcbrien]

Thanks for the advice! Vitamins are a great idea for me and I really need to start taking them. The closest Costco is in Baltimore, though, but I bet the Sam's here has something similar. Now 10 days off the pill, my symptoms are lessening, but my emotions are up and down. I'm looking forward to losing some of the belly fat the Lexapro has done so well to keep on my body. I know going on small doses would help with the withdrawal, but believably I feel pretty good today. My nights are bad, I have a very hard time sleeping. And I know this sounds weird, but since I have been off the Lexapro, my dreams have become happier in a way. They were so doom-oriented before. It's strange.


[quote]Originally posted by TrishCA

Hello again, Two days ago, I started to take the Costco brand of 'Daily Multi Vitamins & Minerals' and also Calcium 600 mg. and Fish oil - Omega 3. I have been slowly reducing my Lexapro. I am down to 5 mg on Sundays. Usually, Saturday night is when my head feels the worse. Today, is Sat night and the wooziness is not as bad as its been in the past. It is actually a very mild one. It could or it could not be the vitamins, however, is worth pointing it out. I am going to try not taking Lex. tomorrow (Sunday)and see what happens. [quote]Originally posted by MelodyGal

It sounds horrible. If you explain to your doctor what is happening, maybe he/she would give you samples to use while weaning yourself off.

MelodyGal

[hmcbrien]

Wow! I am so glad I'm not going crazy! I have been so forgetful lately (10 days into withdrawal). Sleeping hasn't been a joy either. My moods are pretty unstable, but I'm going to try to get back into yoga and see if I can calm my mind with meditation, not medication. My appetite has been odd. A lot of people get sweet cravings, but I haven't been able to go near sweets. I haven't noticed any weight loss, but I'm looking forward to it. I have been less hungry, which is a plus. It's so weird what happens to your body when you're trying to rid your system of something.

quote:Originally posted by marhjhf

24 days since stopping 10mg of Lexapro -
the good news:

• Lost 5 lbs.
• no more stomach issues/nausea
• headaches have lessened

The not so good news:

• Daily dizziness - not as severe
• Still battling mood swings with anger, tension and frustration
• Bupropion effects (interacts with the previous bullet)
• Memory - forgetfullness
• Not sleeping well

Overall - I am physically feeling better even with the negatives I listed.

[anxiousbabe]

Hi,
Does anyone have any success with taking some of the Lexapro weight gain off after withdrawing completely. I know what you mean about the belly fat, it is terrible. I am almost at the 2wk mark of cutting the dose in half so on Wed. I will cut it in half again and do that for another two weeks.
I hope that is a long enough withdrawel period before going off of it all together.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[bodyelectric]

5-HTP anyone?

Hey there -- I started taking 5-HTP a couple of days ago. Woke up this morning feeling pretty good. I read that 5-HTP and tyrosine had mitigating effects on withdrawal symptoms from cocaine (another drug that messes with serotonin levels). Thought I'd try it.

I have also read that if you are still taking an antidepressant like Lexapro, you definitely should not take 5-HTP. Be sure to read about it before you take it.

Some people take 5-HTP for weight control, also.

Of course, anorexia is a possible withdrawal symptom of Lexapro, so weight shouldn't be an issue for long...

[bodyelectric]

More Supplements That Might Help

Been doing quite a bit of research on vitamins, minerals, etc. that could help with withdrawal symptoms. Here's a rundown of what I've found, and the things I've tried seem to be working.

5-HTP (see previous post)
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupple...han5HTPcs.html

from the link above:
"5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid. The body makes 5-HTP from tryptophan (an essential amino acid) and converts it to an important brain chemical known as serotonin. Tryptophan and 5-HTP dietary supplements help raise serotonin levels in the brain, which may have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation."

Tyrosine
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupple...yrosinecs.html

from the link above:
"Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid that is synthesized in the body from phenylalanine. As a building block for several important brain chemicals, tyrosine is needed to make epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, all of which work to regulate mood. Deficiencies in tyrosine, therefore, have been associated with depression. Tyrosine also aids in the production of melanin (pigment responsible for hair and skin color) and in the function of organs in the body responsible for making and regulating hormones, including the adrenal, thryroid, and pituitary glands. Tyrosine is also involved in the synthesis of enkephalins, substances that have pain-relieving effects in the body."

SAMe
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupple...ineSAMecs.html

from the link above:
"S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring compound that is involved in many biochemical processes in the body. SAMe plays a role in the immune system, maintains cell membranes, and helps produce and break down brain chemicals such as serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine as well as vitamin B12. SAMe also participates in the making of genetic material, known as DNA, and cartilage. Low amounts of folate (vitamin B9) in the body may lead to reduced levels of SAMe."

Note that SAMe can worsen manic episodes for bipolar patients.

Omega-3
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupple...tyAcidscs.html

from the link above:
"Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids, which means that they are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. For this reason, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish and certain plant oils. It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in the diet as these two substances work together to promote health. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development."

Ginkgo Biloba
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/GinkgoBilobach.html

from the link above:
"Ginkgo is widely touted as a "brain herb" and is commonly added to nutrition bars and fruit smoothies to boost memory and enhance cognitive performance. Researchers recently reviewed all of the high-quality published studies on ginkgo and mild memory impairment (in other words, people without Alzheimer's or other form of dementia), and concluded that ginkgo was significantly more effective than placebo in enhancing memory and cognitive function."

Ginger helps with nausea.

Peppermint also helps with nausea and anxiety.

Magnesium and Calcium are important for healthy brain function. They're in a good daily supplement like Centrum or generic equivalent -- I've been taking the Walgreen's version.

B Vitamins, also in a good supplement, are important for healthy brain function, especially
* B9 (Folate or folic acid)
* B12 (Cobalamin)
* B6 (Pyridoxine)

Selenium also affects mood, and is particularly important for smokers, because smoking decreases selenium absorption.

My favorite by far is chocolate which has tryptophan (the stuff in turkey that makes you sleepy but is necessary to make serotonin) as well as chemicals that induce euphoria (phenylethylamine). Chocolate is also a good source of magnesium. Besides, a Harvard study showed that chocoholics tend to live longer. Go for the dark chocolate -- less sugar and more cocoa. I've been making smoothies with bananas, milk, soy protein, wheat germ, milled flaxseed and cocoa powder. Yum.

So...I've been taking quite a cocktail of supplements. Read the directions for doses, etc., but try to take them as early in the day as possible. I took a fistful a few nights ago and had too much energy to sleep. (Melatonin can help with sleep, by the way.)

The supplements have also turned my pee bright yellow, so I've been drinking plenty of water.

I think it's the chocolate that's helping, though.

[hmcbrien]

AnxiousBabe,
I am not taking Lexapro at all right now (been 11 days) and I have yet to see weight come off. But, one of the other posts mentioned anorexia is a possible symptom of Lexapro withdrawal and that doesn't surprise me. I haven't really been hungry since coming off the pill, and when I do eat it makes me ill. I have a feeling weight loss may be inevitable. But some people have different withdrawal symptoms. Some crave sweets, some get more attached to food. Many people I know that have been on Lexapro for a significant amount of time have definitely said weight gain from Lexapro does culminate in the belly area. I had taken the pill for 3 years and have never weighed this much in my entire life, which is one of the reasons I am quitting.

[hmcbrien]

Great advice on all the vitamin suppliments! I am going to the store tonight. And, you know...chocolate is a girl's best friend.

[anxiousbabe]

Hey bodyelectric,

Thanks for all of that info. I have been trying to read up on this stuff everynight. I just started going to a natural doctor two weeks ago when I started weaning off the lexapro.

I am interested in the 5-htp - Is it safe? Does any of this stuff that you take have side effects? I am always worried about that.

Did you say you were on an SSRI? and did you gain weight from it. I can't wait to get this stuff out of my system so I can hopefully go back down to my normal size.

[bodyelectric]

Me again.

Quick answer to your 5-HTP question:
If you are still taking Lexapro or any SSRI at [u]any</u> dose, 5-HTP is [u]NOT</u> safe!

5-HTP helps make more serotonin. SSRIs like Lexapro prevent serotonin from being reabsorbed by your system as quickly. Also, if you've been on SSRIs for any period of time, your brain will have fewer serotonin receptors. (SAMe, coincidentally, may help the brain build more serotonin receptor sites.)

Basically what that means is, adding 5-HTP while still taking an SSRI puts a lot of seratonin in your system with no place to go and can lead to toxic build-up. Serotonin syndrome can end in death. The good news is, there are tell-tale symptoms (like wobbly ankles and unexplained foot movements) and if you catch it, all you have to do is discontinue serotonin inducers (like 5-HTP) and you'll probably live.

I have been totally off Lexapro for a little bit now, and the brain zaps, the dizziness, and total lack of energy were really getting to me, so I decided to try 5-HTP. I run my own business, and in a few short weeks without my usual level of motivation I have managed to run the business into the ground. Lost a few clients. But I'm alive, healthy, and getting more energy, so all is not lost. Just a growing pain.

I came down from 40mg daily to zero over a 10-day period. Doc told me I could quit cold-turkey if I wanted, but I knew that wasn't for me, given how I felt if I forgot my meds for the weekend or whatever.

I wouldn't recommend the 10-day detox plan to anyone because I felt horrible. However, that said, it might be kinda like quitting smoking. If you try to get over nicotine withdrawals by smoking a cigarette, you're perpetuating the problem. Benzos or alcohol are another thing -- you could actually die if you come off too fast. Lexapro withdrawal is more like coming off heroin or pain pills -- you won't die, but you might feel like you are.

My suggestion to anyone coming off Lexapro would be to come off as quickly as possible. Not as fast as I did, but do it in a period of weeks instead of months. Of course, no one asked my opinion. And that is based only on my experience. I have a very fast metabolism, and everyone is different.

Side effects: The website I quoted from has really good info on side effects as well as what medications might conflict with the supplements. Even B vitamins can interfere with some medications. Take a look. I've not had any side effects aside from flourescent yellow pee and feeling better.

Now about the weight. I've lost some weight, I don't know how much, probably 5-7 pounds. I didn't gain too much weight on Lexapro. At 5'11" a healthy weight for me is 170-175, I don't think I got much bigger than 180 or so. I eat really well, I'm active (except recently)...and come to think of it the mood stabilizer/anti-seizure med I was on (Depakote) supposedly causes weight loss. That's probably the best explanation.

Also, I have to say, I don't know if any of the supplements actually do anything. Could be that I feel better due to passage of time. Could be totally psychological, but who cares? I will say, though, it feels good to take an active part in my recovery and to spend time finding a (possible) solution rather than languishing in the problem. Whining is bad karma.

So the chocolate cure, I'm convinced, is the panacea to all our woes!

But seriously, I've read a lot on here that is real cause for concern. Some of the "side effects" people have mentioned sound like symptoms of a pre-Lexapro problem. Just remember there's help out there so use it...

...and if no one's told you they love you today...better luck tomorrow!

[anxiousbabe]

You are too funny! I know what you mean about the brain zaps and lack of motivation etc... I wish I never started this med and just dealt with the panic attacks as I was dealing with them since I was 17 anyway now 34. This medication is the worst. The weight gain alone for me was enough to get depressed and that was something I didn't have before the lexapro. I have gained 32 pounds from this medication and that is alot for a petite 5'4" frame. I went from 127 to 159 and that is just too much. I eat right and excercise at least 4 to 5 times a week and chase 3 kids around.

I have had my thyroid checked at least 3 times since being on this med. I have been on it since March of 04 and only 5mg, I have a low tolerance for medications even though I know it seems like such a small dose to everyone. I am currently on 2.5 and tomorrow will be two weeks and then I plan on cutting in half again for another 2 weeks I guess. I can't wait to get off of this stuff.

I have much more energy lately just in cutting the dose in half. Who knows if it's in my mind, but I have been seeing a Natural doctor and getting accupunture for the last two weeks so maybe it's working. Well at least my mind is making me think that it is working. Who the heck knows, but whatever works right?

Do you know of any other foods that produce serontonin besides dark chocolate which is probably the best one.

[anxiousbabe]

Thank you for your reply and all of you information. NO I don't want a wobbly ankle death and YES I have plenty of junk in my truck from the Lexapro - Thank you very much! However I will be getting rid of all the weight I have gained as soon as I get the Lexapro out of my system in about another two weeks.

Have a great day!

[bodyelectric]

Last post for today, I promise. College nutrition and physiology is finally coming to some good use...

Serotonin foods
here's a good list: http://healthyherbs.about.com/od/dep...ionstep2_2.htm

Serotonin is released when you eat carbohydrates, whether simple or complex. Eating sweets, for instance, can cause the release of serotonin.

Keep in mind that simple sugars (glucose, sucrose, etc. - the stuff that sweets are made of) can strip other nutrients, namely B vitamins. Not to mention make you fat, if you don't have junk in your trunk already...and then there's the sugar crash.

Complex carbohydrates are a better choice, excepting chocolate of course, though they do not trigger the release of as much serotonin. Whole grains, pastas, potatoes, are all good choices. If you go with white bread or pasta, make sure it's been fortified. Most everything is these days.

Too much bread will make you fat(ter), too. Complex carb sources readily available at a decent grocery store that you might not know about that are good and easy to cook are:
*roasted buckwheat (look for Kashi -- you'll need an egg and a bouillon cube to follow the recipe on the box)
*soba noodles (buckwheat)
*udon noodles (wholewheat)
*oats
*brown and wild rice
*quinoa
*millet (not quite as good as quinoa but much cheaper)
*spelt pasta
*wholewheat pasta

Vegetables and fruits good for serotonin boosts:
*Spinach, beets, asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli, legumes, beans, avocado, banana, orange, kiwi, pineapple, plum, tomato, pecans and walnuts

Meats:
Turkey
Crab
Octopus
Fatty fish (the "fishy" tasting fish - high in omega-3)

Soy is really good for you, too, whether you cook the actual beans or go with tofu.

Protein can decrease serotonin production. Americans eat too much protein, anyway. Our bodies make most of what we need. All the hamburgers we eat keep the kidneys busy peeing excess protein.

Again, I'd be wary of mass serotonin boosts until you're off your SSRI totally. You don't want a wobbly ankled death.