[Hopeful 285]

Elizabethmaria,
I am so so glad you checked in. You will make it. You have started the worst part and you will recover. We are all praying for you. You know what the Bible says about when 2 or 3 come together agreeing. God is setting you up for a grrreat testimony. Going through this gives you a voice to speak up against this stuff. Experience gives us a voice.
I believe when I was falling (haven't did it in days now), that I was having mini seizures. They have gotten better. Yours will get better too.
God Bless You

Hi Skyer,
Thanks for the words of wisdom. You have been a blessing to me. You are one step ahead, and you know what you're talking about. I need to order Ann Blake Tracy's book today. That story you sent a link did help me. I read it over and over. I need to go back and read it again. Reading Dr Breggin's books just freaked me out. They made me feel so down.
I am going to have to get immune to the books because I want to take some of the information and put it into a small 12 page condensed booklet and put them out in my commmunity for starts. Any one wanting one can let me know and I will send them one. This is what helps me in fighting depression. I have to get my mind on others to get it off of myself. (right now I'm thinking, what mind).

[skyer]

Elizabethmaria: It's confusing. You ARE in month four...just haven't finished the month. Yes, 3.5 - 4 months off WAS THE WORST. You in are right in the thick of it...should not get worse. Thinking of you...

Hopeful: Breggin's books are freaky. Tracy's book is better, but I only read part of it because I'm not interested in the cases where people committed crimes or really went off the deep end. It does read a little strange at first, but then you get use to her writing style. I found that article I posted on this site http://www2.netdoor.com/~bill/prosurv/prosurv.html. The funny thing is, the site looks scary but it's actually very uplifting. The guy who made it had a bad reaction, but he survived and offers positive solutions to healing. He also praised Tracy's book but said not to read all of it because it will make you feel worse! We both know that's true. I'm not going to tell you to go and do something else, though, because I know how paralizing that depression is. Seriously...misery likes company. I never understood that statement till this happened. The worse I felt the more I would go read miserable things and have miserable thoughts! I've never been through anything like that before. My fiance would suggest going somewhere and I couldn't get a spark. I couldn't even look at my favorite magazine that I subscribe to. I'm so glad it's lifting...but I'm still really upset about this dreaming/depersonalization. I still can't drive or go out on my own becuase of it. It's hard to not be depressed about that. Guess we all have to be patient...don't you wish you could go back in time?!

[Patience]

Just an excerpt to help us remember what we are going through (it's a lot, but it's great info):

"In these first 3-18 months the cycles or the emotional rollercoasters (the tricks your brain is playing on you) can be extremely frightening. And it will seem like it never ends, especially when you find a bit of hope in the evening to be back at square one in the morning. Be firm! We all understand its the most frustrating experience right now for you. It's serotonin related and that's why you are experiencing delayed (withdrawal) side effects and flashbacks, but gradually it will get better. Evaluate your recovery by weeks and months, not days"

Me:I have had a kind of hard week. Nothing compared to some people, but at 6 months+ kind of disheartening. This week has been so up and down. I really think it has to do with a hard workout that pulls more of the drug out of storage in your fat cells. That is why they say to go in the sauna a lot, to get it out. This week I have had some minor flashbacks; sore muscles, dry eyes, sensitive skin, wierd bumps on my neck and skin that look like a pimple but there is nothing in them..(I had a lot of those in the beginning of withdrawal).

Azureblue: (you were talking about the euphoria at the beginning of SSRI)
Another excerpt--
"But why do I hear people talking about benefits from these SSRI-AntiDepressants?", you might want to ask in this stage. "They surely must work somehow don't they?" The answer is yes, they "work" somehow, but not in a very proper way. The mechanism of action on serotonergic neurons implies a lot of other neuro- endocrine responses. What actually happens when you increase serotonergic neuronal activity or elevate your serotonin levels is this: the stress hormones "Cortisol" & "Adrenaline" (Epinephrine) in the brain and body are triggered by increased serotonergic activity or elevated serotonin levels. It is a natural reaction from the body to combat the excessive serotonin levels. These released hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, are secreted from the "Adrenal Glands." They give the human personality a boost, producing a euphoric state, which can last for a prolonged period of time. In this manner SSRI-AntiDepressants initially produce the deceptive results the doctor and "patient" are both expecting.".......which then causes us all to have adrenal burnout.

"If a patient continues to ingest a particular SSRI-antidepressant over a prolonged period of time, eventually the bodies Adrenal Glands may lose their efficiency and "Adrenal Exhaustion Syndrome" will be the end result. Adrenal Exhaustion causes levels of adrenaline initially to fall and levels of cortisol to rise. Ultimately, also cortisol levels fall. When untreated, Adrenal Exhaustion will lead to seriously declining physical health. Many (former) SSRI-AntiDepressant users reported fatigue as a long term side-effect or were diagnosed with "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome." People suffering from stress are generally diagnosed with this disorder. Symptoms range from simple exhaustion to much more complex problems that are secondary to excessive output of adrenal hormones in the bloodstream, leading to Adrenal Exhaustion. Unlike the other hormones, it takes a long time before the Adrenal Glands have their adrenaline levels restored. Could we say that the SSRI-AntiDepressant "works" by slowly excavating the body's Adrenal Glands?" **

**http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/pinealstory.htm

Stay positive ladies: Skyer, Hopeful, Elizabethmarie, Tavee, Hairy, lisab, mrvernon...etc. We can do it!!

[Patience]

Elizabethmarie:
Notice seizures, number 30
http://www.drugawareness.org/Archive...reactions.html

[lisabb]

Elizabethmarie have you heard from any of your test results? I hope that they find the problem from these test. Did you have a seizer during the test? I know how you feel when you know there is something wrong, but they can't find it. Hang in there. I am so glad that you have someone there with you. I do believe that God does put us through things so we can help others. I had the wicked step mom growing up.....now I teach and I understand what some of these children go through. Some day someone will read back on what we wrote and will feel there is hope.

Stay strong
Lisa

[lisabb]

We all need to becareful and not blame everything on Lex. I was confidence that I was having my usual muscle pain but that it was in my shoulder and in my left breast. The pain in my breast is so bad (crying bad) that I can't sit up, lay down (no real sleep for two days), I am only taking shallow breaths, hurts to bad to breathe deeply, every movement hurts. This started Wednesday and has gotten worse through out the week.

Went to the urgent treatment center today, they did an Xray.
I have the early stages of pneumonia.
I am still in shock...

Take care everyone
Lisa

[Hairyarmadillo]

Elizabethmaria, I was so glad to see your post. I do believe this is going to be rectified. I am glad that you are aware of what has most likely caused this and maybe you can use your medically documented experience somehow to reach others and give people a wake-up call about these types of meds. I hate you have to suffer through the seizures-all the other side effects are bad enough. Any time you feel overwhelmed by it all, know that I am keeping you in my prayers.

Lisabb, It is so hard to tell when there is some ailment or Lexapro side effects going on, especially when there are so many. I would have thought the same thing. What a bummer to be fighting off pneumonia on top of everything else! (Hey, at least standardized tests are over!!)

Dr. Tavee, you did good! This morning I remembered to take my Omega 3(with lemon so I don't burp fish ) By the way, what exactly does the Omega 3 do? I am sure I read that somewhere but darned if I recall now.

Ok, now my last question that is going to sound really stupid, but I think I missed something. I thought the bad thing was withdrawaling from the Lexapro, so I have been tapering slowly. But now I read this part about month4 being the worst. Am I interpreting correctly that by month 4 means 4 months AFTER being off the Lexapro? Does this mean what I am going through now isn't the "big one"?

Tonight's my big night-I am cutting my 1/2 a pill in half. I am scared but I am going to do it. I am on 5 mg now, so that will be decreased by roughly 1/2. I wish I had the liquid but I refuse to go to the doctor who is going to give me some uninformed advice on how to quit quickly. So, I am going with my close to a half of a half. If you guys don't hear from me for a bit, you know what happened. I am probably sacked out in bed

[tavee]

Hey Everyone Who Is Tapering( I Cant Remember Evryone)- Can U Guys All Give Me The Mg U Are On And How U Are Tapering. Also, Tell Me What Type Of Symptoms U Are Experiencing Now (like This Week).
I Kinda Want To See Where Everyone Is At.

Take Care Guys!!


Dr. Tavee

[elizabethmaria]

Hi ,
just checking in here , am doing ok for now -- had a number of them today and a pretty bad one, but afterward feel better - i'm sorry that I was complaining, but just have been really scared, and my family too.. i just don't understand why they started now, not right away - that's what is strange and scary - but i get really clear headed afterward like fresh air, that is the best!!! so tired though, depersonalized all the time, it all fades together! but i can write, so its still working! have to go now, but love to all, thanks and all in my prayers too! love lots,
elizabethmarie

[Hairyarmadillo]

Elizabethmarie, thanks for giving us an update. I never had seizures, but when I was coming off the Paxil (and clueless about what was going on) I had the "brain zaps" and fully expected to fall into a seizure. I had no idea what was going on at the time, but had been taking some diet medication (phentermine) and backed off of that, thinking it was the culprit. I am now convinced the zaps and a lot of other symptoms I blamed on the phentermine can be attributed to the Paxil withdrawals. A lot of what has been described on this site fits my past symptoms to a tee. I do believe that your brain is going to heal from this and the seizures will be a thing of the past.

Ok, Doc, here's my status at the moment regarding my tapering dose. I must correct that I was on 10 mg to start with (I noticed reading back on my initial post that I had stated 20 mg, it was 10.) As of last night, after being down to 5 mg since the middle of Feb, I went down to approximately 2.5 mg. The main symptoms I have had this past week were the fatigue (not as bad as it could be); living in a fog; and having a hard time putting my thoughts together. I am used to forming flowing sentences but can't get them out. Sometimes i have to stop in the middle of what I was saying-maybe I can finish it, maybe not. It is embarrassing to say the least because I usually am helping other co-workers with some aspects of the paperwork and record keeping we must do and I can't even hold up the conversation. I am sure they think I am cracking up.
I thought it would be nice if we could somehow organize the data into a table with the amounts we were starting on, the various taper amounts, the side effects, as well as what we did that helped or made symptoms worse. Years ago I could have whipped it up, but don't know now. I know we are dealing with our own Lexapro withdrawal now, but I am thinking of all the future people who end up here looking for help. I know this has been a Godsend for me. Hey, Dr. Tavee, I was serious, though-how does this Omega 3 help? Is it just brain support? LOL. I need that. Just got the magnesium today and will take that also. Ah, to be normal.

[lisabb]

I started out at 10 mg, when I went to a new doctor they said that the normal dose is 20 mg. So I went up to 20 mg.

I cut back 1/2 to 10 mg. Then 1/2 to 5mg. I am now going cold Turkey from that because (Tavee, don't yell at me yet-I have good reasons)

1. can't take it with my meds for the pneumonia

2 and the BIG ONE: I am convinced that is why I am not growing new bone back and my broke leg is not getting better. I go back in six weeks for another X-ray to see if this helps.

Cutting down has not bothered me, the side-effects that I was having at 20mg I am still having with smaller doses.

I have not had any since Thursday night. I am doing OK right now, but I am taking pain meds too and sleeping a lot.
Wish me luck.

Hairyarmadillo - I had to get someone to give my test friday. I told them I would come in and give the test, but was leaving right after the test for the emergancy room. They sent me on my way when I got there. (which i was glad - don't think I could have done it)

Take care everyone.
Lisa

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by lisabb

I told them I would come in and give the test, but was leaving right after the test for the emergancy room.
Lisa

LOL. You are a dedicated teacher! Hope you feel better. Don't rush back-nothing worse than a class of students when you are sick. Rest, rest, rest.
Hey, I don't blame you about the cold turkey. The bone deal would have scared me into cold turkey too. Maybe with you sleeping, that will help. When I first did the Lexapro taper last year, I told my hubby and let him know that I would be sleeping a lot. On the first few weekends, I literally slept almost all day. I had cut by 5 mgs that time from ten and really the sleep seemed to help. I had some weird dreams and then had the worse time waking up when I did try to get up and do something. Maybe it won't be so bad. Again, rest, rest, rest. When do you guys get out for Spring Break?

[Hopeful 285]

Hi Elizabethmarie,
Please hold on Skyer. You will be better.
As Skyer said you are in the midst of the worse part of this. All of us that quit cold turkey get it the worst in the 4th month. You've had it worse than us but it has peaked. You should be doing alot better in the 5th month.
I was wondering why I was getting worse in month 4 and Skyer let me know that this is what happens to everyone that doesn't taper. She told me that I would start feeling better and I did. Of course I'm not completely better. When I look back, I can see that I am better than I was. You will be better too.
May God Bless You.



Hi Lisa,
This may not even be what is wrong with you, but it tells of the bone marrow being affected. You might want to ask for a blood count just to be on the safe side. Also if you run a fever, you should get to the doctor right away.

Dr Breggin's book 'Your Drug May Be Your Problem' says:
Most neuroleptics can also cause bone marrow suppression (agranulocytosis or aplastic anemia), involving immunological suppression and the risk of serious, intractable infections. Though seemingly rare, except in the case of Clozaril, these blood disorders are potentially lethal. Families need to be alert to early signs, such elevated temperature, and immediately seek medical evaluation, including a blood count.
Unfortunately many different kinds of psychiatric drugs can cause bone marrow suppression.

Bone marrow suppression compromises the immune system.

Take care of yourself.



Hi Dr. Tavee,
Here are the one's that quit cold turkey. I think the rest are tapering.
Skyer, Elizabethmaria, Hopeful, and now Lisa




Hi Hairyarmadillo,
The 4 month Big One is related to the ones who quit cold turkey. We seem to get worse at that time. If you see any postings talking about 18 months to get better, that is also for the ones that quit cold turkey. Just keep up the very slow tapering and you should do better than we did.



Hi Skyer,
I hope you are still getting better with the depression. My depressed feelings come and go suddenly. They are strange, nothing like I've ever experienced. I don't dwell on them. I try to keep my mind busy.

I'm up late and I can't sleep. I did housework today and took a hot bath. It feels like my brain got over-stimulated. It feels like I took step backwards. I started moving in what felt like slow motion. I think I've got Lexapro releasing from my cells or something. I hadn't fallen in about 2 weeks; and I fell twice today . I thought exercise was good right now.



I talked to a lawyer yesterday working on a Lexapro case. He said they were working on 'wrongful death' cases right now and once they win, they will start taking other cases. I want this stuff off the market.

I wonder if I wrote Oprah about Dr. Breggin and Dr. Tracy, if she would contact them and get them on her show.

A couple of weeks ago. There was a doctor on 'The View' discussing antidepressants. She said nothing bad about them. Nothing about withdrawals or side effects were mentioned. I thought, this is just beautiful. How many more people are going to get on these drugs?

[pbrite]

if you are on lexapro, don't stop cold turkey. it hurts to do that. I'm a 33 yr old man that thought I only needed the pills for a couple of weeks. after my strange side effects that I wrote about here I tried to stop taking them. I ended up one day sitting in a chair for 2 hours, all the blinds pulled down and just staring at a wall on the verge of crying. I told my doc about it and he said that you always have to ween off of those type of drugs. I used a lot of prayer and talk therapy and within 3 months i was good to go, no side effects withdrawing.

[elizabethmaria]

hi, just checking in,
still holding on, but not so well.. am ok sometimes, others not -- the computer is too hard to be on though now -- it is funny, sleep is usually ok, other night nice dream of going shopping for a shirt, then wake up an oh no... here goes again... have to go, love you all, prayers for all, take care,
Elizabethmarie

[Hairyarmadillo]

Elizabethmarie, I really think sleep is one of the best things for this. I do notice more of the side effects after I wake up, but I think if I could just sleep as much as I need, my body would recover quicker. I am doing the taper bit, so I am not sleeping anywhere as much as I did when I did my mega drop in dosage like I did the first time I went off Lexapro, but still find myself sleeping more than normal. I cut my dosage to approx. 2.5 mg Friday and am already sleeping more. But at least I can wake up when I have to.

Pbrite, thanks for sharing. I went to the link you provided and enjoyed reading your story. Let me say that I do think antidepressants have their place. I have suffered extreme bouts of depression from early childhood on to adulthood. Since these were not cases of situational depression, I do believe it was a chemical imbalance for whatever reason. When I first went on Paxil, it was the first time I had had relief from the emotional rollercoaster that was my life. However, I do think that doctors who are prescribing these medications need to be well informed of all aspects of these drugs. I am sure there are many (hopefully the majority) that do make themselves aware of all the ins and outs of any medications they prescribe, however mine was not the case. I was given the possible side effects that are well known. No big warnings. After about a year, the Paxil stopped working or so I thought. I became strongly apathetic and was forcing myself to go through my daily routine. My doctor increased my dose from 20mg to 30 mg. When I later told him I wanted to go off, he told me something to the effect of skip a day, take one pill; skip two days and take one. It has been several years since that, so I don't remember the details, but I found out immediately, this was not the way to go. I tapered my way off. When the depression came back 4 months later, I consulted with my doctor and he told me that Lexapro was a clean drug unlike Paxil and not as many side effects. 9 months later I found myself getting apathetic and forcing myself to do aspects of my job, which I am usually on top of. i realized what it was and weaned off Lexapro, 5 mgs at a time. Was unaware that some people experience rebound depression and experienced the worst bout of depression I have ever had, so I went back on the Lexapro. 4 months later, I went back to apathy. I am tapering off-do agree this is the best method. I think doctors need to become aware that not everyone is able to taper as quickly as others. I also think doctors need to make patients aware of some of the possible side effects that will be encountered while tapering.
I believe that antidepressants can positively change some people's lives with no negative impact. I also think, in cases, they can save lives. But I do believe that anyone taking them should know the full ins and outs of what the medications can do with regard to negative side effects.

[azureblue]

Hey all! I just got back from a long weekend vacation to the beach! Nice, relaxing, exactly what I needed. I was originally told that I have seasonal depression, because the winter and cold weather is soooooo hard on me. Don't know if that is an actual diagnoses or just sounded good to the doc, but anyways, the beach and warm weather definitley put me in a great mood! I was even EXTREMELY patient with my husband when he went out with his friends from the beach, drank toooooooo much, and I had to take care of him as he threw up all night.

Dr. Tavee- You can yell at me now if you want, I know I deserve it! I have cut back to 16mg as of today. Didn't you say I could go faster until I get to 15? I had that one bad night, but that was the first night of my period... lately I have been very happy. Have been weening down for two weeks and one day. Can I drop down to 15 on Wed., then start doing the 7-10 day thing? Here is another reason you can yell at me. I have not gotten the vitamens. Listen, I am soooo worried about getting them because of this article: http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/reaction.htm. Read the "About taking Supplements" section, and tell me what you think. I read this when I the first day I went to get off of the meds, and it has stuck with me since. Would it be better for me just to eat those foods suggested and not take the supplements? You are the doc, and I trust your opinion . P.S. Please read my post to Patience and tell me what you think about that too. Gracias!

Hopeful: It would be soooo wonderful if you could talk to Oprah about this stuff! What about Dr. Phil, I wonder what his take on this stuff is. We could all go on the talk show together and tell about our "wonderful" experiences with the drug!

Patience: Thank you SOOOO much for that info! I was so excited when I read it, because ALL I have been doing lately is SLEEPING! When I went to the beach with my husband this weekend his friends kept teasing him about how much I slept while we were there. One of them said "are you sure she's okay, man. I mean, she is passed out on my couch, and we are being SOOO LOUD!" I didn't even here them... I was too tired to notice. I hadn't even been drinking! - I swear! My phsycologist thinks I have a sleeping disorder... he told me I need to go get it checked out. Haven't gone yet... do you think I should? I don't want ANY MORE MEDICINE!

Hairyarmadillo: I love your idea about the table! I would love to help, but I am sooo computer illiterate! Any ideas?

Lisabb- Get some rest! I can't believe you have pneumonia! How long will it take you to get over that?

Elizabethmaria- How's it going? Any test results yet? Let us know! We are all praying for you!

Someone mentioned dry eyes. I have been reading back through the post to figure out who, but the way my mind keeps wandering, I could be here all night. So forgive me for not figuring it out, but who was that? And what can I do about it? Does the fish oil help? I wear contacts, so I can't have anything that would affect those guys, but let me know what you do to relieve the dryness. Thanks!

Well ladies, tomorrow is the beginning of another week. I will keep in touch A LOT better this week, so please let me know how you all are doing, and please let me know if you have answers to any of my questions. Love ya!

[tavee]

Azureblue- Well Thats Nice That U Got To Go On Vacation!! U Needed That.
Listen, According To Ure Taper, Get To 15ml And Stay On That For About 12-14 Days. Then Go Down To 14ml. Now Later U Have To Slow Down And I Mean Really Slow. Thats When U Taper 5-10%. U Can Figure That Out On The Calculator Or I Can Help U.

Now Regarding The Supplements. I Saw That Article A Long Time Ago And I Have Spoken To Aunty Who Is Very Experienced And Has Given Everyone On This Forum Advice. Things U Need To Avoid When U Are Tapering Are Sam- E, St. Johns Wort, Ginseng, Before U Even Attempt To Take Anything U Need To Ask Me Or Aunty. She Knows What U Can And Cant Take. Now According To That Article There Was A Post From Aunty Who Said That All Of Us Who Are In This Situation Need To Take Omega 3 And Definitely A Multivitamin And Magnesium Cuz Our Bodies Have Been Depleted.
U Want To Make Sure That These Are Natural Supplements. Thats What That Article Says. If It Wasnt For My Omega 3's I Think I Would Have A Hard Time. These Help With Brain Function And Repairing, Mood Swings Etc.. So Please Go Out There And Get Those.

Remember To Go To A Health Store And Ask For Natural Supplements!!!!!!

I Have Been On Them Since October.


Let Me Know
Dr. Tavee

Ps U Also Want To Avoid Taking Motrin Or Any Ibuprofen And Any Cough Medicines. Stick With Tylenol For Anything.


PS EATING THOSE FOODS IS AN EXCELLENT IDEA!!! STAY AWAY FROM BAD THINGS. I AM ON A LOW GLYCEMIC DIET AND I FEEL GREAT. IM EATING LOTS OF VEGGIES AND ONE FRUIT A DAY AND LOTS OF PROTEIN.

[skyer]

Hopeful: I'm sorry you're going through the depression. Hang on, it gets better. I've been getting better everyday. I had a decent weekend and that was nice. Still, I have a lot of healing left and expect set backs, but it's nice to be better. I'm starting to feel like me again. I remember that comment you made some time ago where you wrote "I miss...me" and that's how I've felt for six months. I still miss me, but I'm slowly becoming me again. Five months and three weeks seems to be a turning point. Miss Lee and Redbled from last year reported feeling a little better at during that exact time, too.

Hairy: The 4th month mark is usually just bad for those who cold-turkeyed, BUT that point can also have an emotional impact on those who tapered in the form of some depression/anxiety. This is the vicious cycle that Dr. Breggin talks about in his books. Patients quit or taper off their drugs and then run back to the doctor around four months off the drug and ask for more because they think their depression/anxiety is returning when in fact it's often withdrawals. The theory is that the drug is out or almost out from the body around that time and the neuro-transmitters that died off because of the drug have not regenerated yet, therefore one feels low and anxious. I just went through this (but it was extreme since I cold-turkeyed). If you wait it out, the feelings should pass within a few months. They did for me and I'm feeling better now! It took just about three months. I noticed in your earlier post that you went back to the doctor for meds after four months off...

All: Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but I don't think Oprah or Dr. Phil will take on this subject (although, I know Dr. Phil does not like these drugs). Remember, drug companies are BIG advertisers and Oprah and Dr. Phil are on commercial networks. My familly and I are in the media business and I know how this stuff works. Our best bet is the NOW program on PBS. Write to them about this by going to the NOW website. Also, despite your politics and what you think about Michael Moore, he is coming out with the movie "Sicko" this summer and he exposes the drug companies, FDA and doctors that play along. I really hope it helps wake people up!

Patience...sending you an email soon...

[skyer]

Hopeful: btw, I saw "The View" that day, too. It made me so mad! Rosie swears by these drugs and encouraged people to go to their doctor that day and get a prescription. They only let the natural doctor talk for about 3 minutes regarding alternatives.

Tom Cruise is publicly against the use of these drugs but instead of educating people, he attacks people...that's no way to get the massage across. Hey, that's ironic, doesn't Rosie love Tom Cruise...hmm...

Someone talked about NOT being against these drugs if the depression is really bad. I actually agree, but ONLY if the person is watched for the first days/weeks of use. And then if it works they should exercise and eat well in order to get off the drug soon after. Still, I think it should be a last resort. From what I have read, if you are so depressed and you take these drugs but they go bad on you...suicide becomes a real option. You just can't predict how these drugs will work for each individual. It's not like Tylenol. Naturopath doctors have some great treatments for depression and anxiety.

[tavee]

hey guys!!

CAN I GET THE NAMES OF THE 2 BOOKS OF DR. TRACY AND PETER BREGGIN PLEASE.

WHICH BOOK DO U THINK WOULD HELP ME WITH MY SITUATION SINCE I AM TAPERING SLOW???


ANYONE?? ANYONE??

THANKS
DR. TAVEE

[Getting Better]

Hi everyone-

I haven't posted in a really long time because I was feeling so much better. As much as reading the board helps, on a lot of days it's just easier not to focus on everything that's wrong and just push through the minor problems with the waithdrawals and return to life. Everything was going great. I finished my novel, started a new career as an adjunct professor of literature and began going out to see friends again.

But since month five, I've been SOOOOOO exhausted it feels like I have chronic fatigue syndrome again. The muscles in my back are tied in knots and they hurt so badly. I've been catching up on the forum in the last few days, so I know to expect this, it's just so frustrating to feel so incapacitated again. Also, from what everyone said, month four was supposed to be the worst. I'm at month five, so I thought I was almost done--month six being a big turning point for many people--so this is just extra disappointing.

I was on Lex for just under a year. For most of the time I was on 5 mg. I did a very fast taper on my doctor's advice: so essentially I went cold turkey. It's been 5 months and two weeks since my last dose.

Skyer, Patience, Tavee and Hopeful, I'm both happy and sad to see you all still here. Hello to everyone I haven't "met" yet.

I know we'll all be better, but it seems like there are few of us who have been off this long who are still on the forum, so I figured I'd share my ********************py experience too.

All the best to all of us,
GB

[Patience]

Hi Getting Better!

I was thinking about you last week, wondering how you were doing. Until Hairyarmadillo and Hopeful came on, you and I were the only ones with muscle pain. Its pretty ********************py. I am so sorry that you are hitting a rough patch. It does that. I remember articles saying to judge your improvement by weeks and months because sometimes things resurface, that did happen to me lately. I still have some muscle pain, my eyes are a little dry again lately and whenever I eat, my stomach and skin feel weird, a little achy?? Does anyone else get that?

Someone asked about dry eyes...I would use Allergan Refresh eye drops, I was told they are the most "natural". Dont use anti redness drops!!

[Patience]

Oh yeah...get the BLUE box of Allergen eye drops...

[azureblue]

Dr. Tavee,

You don't have to be mad at me any longer, because I went online and purchased ALL of the supplements you told me to. One question. Are fish oil and Omega 3 the same thing? Because I definatley got the fish oil that you reccomended online- Carlson's, I think. Also, I went to GNC online and ordered the Women's Ultra Mega Vitamin- you said to get the Women's Ultra Vitamin, but the Ultra Mega was all I could find. Is it the right one? I also ordered Magnesium, but I wasn't sure what dosage to get- so I got the lowest one of the two from GNC. Does all of this sound right? I plan on going down to 15 on Wednesday. Then, I will go SUPER slow from there. Does that sound like a plan? I will definitley need your help! Thanks a lot!

[Patience]

Azureblue: I will answer as well...omegas are fish oil, so you are okay there! You need the high amounts of EPA and the DPA can be a little lower. You should try to take 1000-2000 mg of the 2. It will feel like a lot, but some brands have high amounts thta require you to only take around 4 pills at a time. Do not tak ethem past 3-4pm and split them up between morning and afternoon.
Magnesium: Make sure that you take Calcium with it. The Calcium needs the magnesium in order to work and the calcium is needed as well. When it comes to magnesium the most important "part" is elemental. Some brands break it down, you should take 400-1000mg in divided doses throughout the day. Look for these types:
chelated magnesium, magnesium glycinate and magnesium aspartate or magnesium taurate as they are the most absorbable.
I use a powdered magnesium that I drink like tea at night. This is good if you have muscle aches, its called Dr. Peter Gillham's Natural Calm with sweet lemon flavor.

If your nervous system starts to feel frayed, (sensitivity to sound, light, touch etc.) make sure that the mega vitamin does not have too much of the B's, especially niacin. No more than 20-50 mg.

Take a good quality probiotic (one that is refridgerated) formula as well. SSRI's really affect your digestion.

Drink a lot of water!! Good Luck!

[tavee]

Azureblue!!

Good Girl!! Im Proud Of U Now. Yes Carlsons Is Perfect And It Is Low In Mercury Levels.
And Yes The Womens Multi Is Also The Right One. Take About 2-3 Omega 3 In The Morning. Im Not Sure What The Epa Levels Are In Those. Let Me Know And Ill Tell U How Many To Take.
U Will See A Difference. Im Telling U. Especially With Brain Zaps. Those Help With The Zaps. I Had Those When I Went Off Cold Turkey A Year Ago And I Didnt Know.

U Are On The Right Track Now Girl.
Now Once U Get To 15ml You Will Go Very Slow. How Are U Feeling By The Way?? Remember That The Withdrawals Dont Hit Till The 9th Or 10 Th Day Or Sometimes Earlier In The Taper.so U Will Have To See How U Feel And Then We Will Take It From There.

Sound Like A Plan???

Dr. Tavee

[Hopeful 285]

Tavee,
Your Drug May Be Your Problem - Dr. Peter Breggin
The Anti-depressant Fact Book - Dr. Peter Breggin
Prozac: Panacea or Pandora? Dr. Ann Blake Tracy

The first book has a little more information on tapering than the 2nd book of Dr. Breggin's. Both books are useful and scary. He has several other books out there that I am not familiar with.
I have not read the book by Dr. Tracy yet.

I got both of Dr. Breggin's books on amazon.com really cheap. I can't remember exactly, may $4 - $5 each.

I ordered Dr. Tracy's book from ebay for around $6. When I first looked for it, there were no books. I was patient and about a week later I checked and found one. There is one on there right now for $19. I think it is usually $23 - $24. If you wait, you may be able to get one cheaper.


Getting Better,
I thought I had the chronic fatigue. I think muscle aches, lethargy, and fatigue are especially bad in month 5. My muscles and back hurt really badly a couple of weeks ago. They still hurt, but not as bad.
I'm sure we have adrenal burnout. You should start feeling a little better once you get through this month.
If you have chronic fatigue, your blood pressure will be low is what I've read.
Hope you start feeling better soon.


Hi Skyer,
Well so far my progress has been right on cue with yours. I am looking forward to more improvement. I know we have a ways to go before we are completely better. I look back to where I was and that also gives me hope.

Today I carried my grandbaby all over the store. (my daughter was with me) She is 18 months. I was amazed I could do it. Then it caught up with me and I got into like a drunken stuper. I was moving in slow motion. I couldn't walk straight. I got the drop foot walk. (walking flat footed instead of toe-heel) It is so weird how this comes and goes. Even on good days, my brain feels numb and tingles (alot better than the headaches I was having).

I thought of Tom Cruise when I was watching Rosie talk about her anti-depressants. I couldn't believe that they think the shock treatments are ok. This is crazy.
Innocent people get sucked in when they see what they consider a positive program on anti-depressants.

When my brain is feeling a little better than today, I'll write the Now show on PBS.

Take care,

[samiprem]

I have not posted or visited this forum for a long time. I tapered off from lexapro from 10 mg to 5 and then a very slow taper to quitting in late Dec. I did the whole omega-3 and cherry extract thing mentioned in roadback program..and for the most part my taper off went smoothly.

My digestive system got back to normal but my cravings for sugar and carbs just skyrocketed. It is finally getting better.

I thought i was done with all the withdrawl effects and when I looked back i could not beleieve that i went through all that hell. Then suddenly about three weeks ago my the depression and anxiety started to creep back again for no apparent reason. Now I am at the point where it feels like i am back at square one. I was afraid that i might have to go baxk and see my doctor again but decided to visit this forum again.

After reading the posts here by Hairy I know now that it is not uncommon. This forum has provided much needed support to me and I want to thank everybody for that. I hope I can make it through this rough patch

[Hopeful 285]

Well my doctor thought I had hypothyrodism. My tests for this came back normal. My thyroid antibodies are not normal and I have to have an ultrasound on my thyroid.
I don't know if Lexapro caused my problem or not but I know it causes hypothyroidism and it can suppress your immune system. I never had any problems before, so I'm blaming the Lexapro. I am just glad I switched doctors. This doctor is finding things out on the 1st visit.
They just announced yesterday that Anna Nicole had chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease).
Hashimoto's disease can occur with adrenal insufficiency.
I don't know if this is what I have but hypothyroidism is ruled out. Graves disease makes you lose weight; so I've ruled that out; and with cancer you often have a lump on the front of your neck right below where the Adam's apple would be on a man; and I don't have that.
This is terrible, I have started diagnosing myself because I have lost faith in doctors. I'm hoping this doctor will change my opinion.