[skyer]

Here is a link to some benzo withdrawal success stories. They are very similar to SSRI withdrawals, in my opinion. One person had the depersonalization 14 months! I hope it goes away for me sooner than that!!

http://www.benzo.org.uk/success.htm

[Hairyarmadillo]

Helloooooo, everybody! It is so tempting to go cold turkey, isn't it? I am on approximately 2.5 mgs for the past 3 days. Nothing major happening with it (because it won't kick in for a few mor days) so I keep looking at that itty bitty piece of pill, thinking "Oh, what will it hurt to just stop taking that little bit more?" I won't do it. I am still extremely tired and very foggy in my thinking. Sunday I had a burst of energy and got caught up on stuff so, when the fatigue hits again, there won't be so much to do. Amazing how much time it takes the body to recoup after decreasing the dose just a little. When you guys taper, how long are you staying on the lower dosage? Seems like the longer you stay on the tapered dosage, the more your body would be able to handle the next drop rather than turn right around and drop again.
Oh, Dr. Tavee, I obviously wasn't paying close attention, because I forgot about the need for natural supplements and I also didn't get magnesium with Calcium in it. I am taking the Omega 3 but sure didn't get the Carlson's. Am I screwed and just need to go buy new supplements? Probably so-sigh. Oh well, it is still less than what I spent on Lexapro

Patience, just curious-what happens if you take the Omega past 3 or 4 pm?
I might try the powdered magnesium. Anything that will help the muscular pain! I feel like an extremely old woman sometimes.


Samiprem, I am betting money that my depression will come back, but I am going to do my best to MAKE myself just endure it for a couple of years, to see if in fact there is a way to combat it without the antidepressants. I really miss "me" and looking back I have not been me for a long time. Even now at the much decreased dosage, I am not me. And the side effects that I was having give me the option of: 1. Going through life numb and apathetic about everything or 2.Possibly dealing with depression. The way I see it, if I can beat the withdrawals of Lexapro and any rebound depression, I can beat anything. Also, when I first started decreasing the Lexapro, I had all these feelings flood out that I did not realize were there. I thought the Lexapro had helped me deal with them. I now realize all the Lexapro did was numb me enough to where I did not deal with the feelings at the time. It didn't really solve anything. I had a conversation with a friend (who is also on antidepressants) and discussed in length whether it is better to be numb or depressed. At the time, I had no idea there was such a thing as rebound depression and thought I was a lost cause and needed the medication. I now see those thoughts were inaccurate and colored by the rebound depression. I do believe that we can fight this. And, look, if we are all smart enough to figure out what we need to do to beat the Lexapro effects, surely we can come up with some realistic natural ways to maintain healthy serotonin balance. Has anyone done any research on this? I know exercise, but what else helps?
Everyone, stay strong! we are all one day closer to freedom from Lexapro. YEY!!
Don't know if you all are reading, but lisabb and elizabethmarie, I am still praying for you!!

[newchick]

I cant believe I have stumbled on this forum.

I have been taking 20mg of Lexapro daily for over 5 years,
At this time, I have not taken the drug, for 10 days.
This is not the first time I have tried to do this.

As you may know, this is not working very well....

Reading the pages of this forum, have been like a huge light in the sky
for me. I now know, what I am feeling is normal, it probably is not a
good idea to quit cold turkey.
Also, wondering if this long term use of Lexapro has anything to
do with several medical issues that I have been thru in the last year
or so.
Fatigue, muscle aches, lack of energy, GI problems,
loss of enjoyment in things i like.........
I have a very stressful job and some issues going on at home
with teenagers, ya know, just the usual everyday stuff

It has been a very rough week, but I am thankful to have found this
forum. It is my intention to educate myself as much as I can about this
drug and all the things that go along with it. Thank you for providing
me the "wake up" call, and the information for me to do this.

[skyer]

Regarding adrenal fatigue/burnout:


A lot of our withdrawals are caused by the effects the drugs have directly on our brain and nervous system. Most of you have heard of the 'Fight or Flight' response, which is the body's reaction to any threat real or imaginary. This response can be turned on by too much stress, fear and, of course, drugs. A large part of withdrawal feelings are anxiety and panic sometimes to unbearable degrees. Always remember this is not you but the way our bodies and brains react to these chemicals and withdrawal from them. It has been scientifically proven that anxiety and therefore adrenaline levels in withdrawal can be up to 6 times higher than normal so its no surprise we feel terrified. These levels of adrenaline will return to normal but it takes time. The drugs knock out our own stress coping chemicals in the brain and so in withdrawal we have to wait not only for the drugs to leave our system but for our own chemicals to begin working properly once again and of course the speed at which this happens is different for everyone.

As soon as extra adrenaline and cortisol are released into the bloodstream several changes take place. Our breathing rate increases to give the brain and muscles more oxygen, the heart beats faster so you get palpitations, blood pressure rises, you sweat more, sugars and fats are released into the bloodstream to give extra energy, our muscles go tight and tense and our mouth goes dry. Originally this system was to keep us safe and we either fight the danger or run from it and therefore the excess adrenaline was soon used up and we returned to the normal relaxed state. This is more difficult in withdrawal due to the higher levels of chemicals and we often feel too tired or anxious to do anything. I know it's so difficult but we must try to get rid of some of this adrenaline. I don't mean running around the block but gentle exercise, even walking up and down the stairs a few times or gentle aerobics (if you can), anything sensible to use up the adrenaline, yes even sex, apparently that's one of the best ways!!!

Of course when we feel this way any extra stress even minor will cause our nervous system to react. This is normal in withdrawal, eventually you will be able to cope again. It is easy at this time to try to ease the dreadful feelings with excessive smoking or drinking or even the odd tranquilliser again, but PLEASE RESIST this as it will slow down your recovery and prolong withdrawal.

Another feeling you may have when you have excess adrenaline etc is anger (this can be frightening if you are normally a placid person) and you can also become very irritable and agitated, tearful and have obsessive thoughts and irrational fears and phobias.

Overbreathing can cause many symptoms also, so if you can find a good book or teacher so that you can learn to correct the breathing this will help a great deal as this will enable your body to relax and regain its equilibrium whilst calming your mind so that your anxiety and its related symptoms will disappear.

I know first hand how frustrating it is to be told to learn breathing and relaxation but please try – even if it's only 5 or 10 minutes a day to start with. It does work but not overnight. Visualisation helps too if you can do it. Remember not to get too frustrated if the effects are not as good as you hoped as these things will begin to work better the further you get from the drugs so stick at it. Keep telling yourself this is all caused by withdrawal and will leave but time is the main healer although you can help it along by learning as many self-help techniques as possible. I wish I could tell you a certain date that you will recover by but we are all different. Our body chemistry is individual to us and our circumstances are different but what I can tell you is that provided you stay away from any mood-altering substances, YOU WILL RECOVER from the side effects and withdrawal symptoms these drugs have caused.

Carol Packer (UK)

[azureblue]

Dr. Tavee- I got my FishOil Multi in the mail today! (Carloson's) I will begin taking it tomorrow morning! Haven't gotten the other stuff yet... will let you know when it comes!

[Hairyarmadillo]

Welcome, Newchick! I am relatively new here also and I can relate to your feeling about the huge light in the sky. I never thought I would be so happy to hear about other people having hair loss, fatigue, etc. I felt totally alone and never thought for a minute that the Lexapro was the biggest part of my problem. Now regarding your question "Also, wondering if this long term use of Lexapro has anything to
do with several medical issues that I have been thru in the last year
or so.
Fatigue, muscle aches, lack of energy, GI problems,
loss of enjoyment in things i like........."

I know from personal experience that these things can be attributed to the Lexapro. Once I read all the posts on here about people going through the same symptoms as I was, I realized I had to get off of it. The one thing I knew was a result of the antidepressant was the extreme feelings of apathy. I never was big into exercise but I became a true couch potato-hate tv but I will sit on the couch as if I am in a trance. I gained weight, cared but didn't care enough to do anything about it. House turned into chaos, cleaning got behind. I cared,but not enough to do it. Absolutely no energy. Once I started decreasing, I started remembering ME again. Have been shopping for fun-my wardrobe had not mattered to me forever and suddenly I realized I needed new clothes-lol. Had fun shopping. It really hit home when I went to buy lipstick and got excited-used to love doing stuff like that but haven't cared about it forever. Went to work, went home, sat on the couch, went to bed. It was all I could do. I knew I needed to exercise but couldn't make myself.
I was only on 10mg but am tapering slowly. Definitely suggest you do the same. There is so much to read here, but the thing that hit me was the rebound depression. I suffered through this the first time I tried to get off of Lexapro and it was bad-I thought I needed the meds and got back on them. I am hoping by tapering slowly it won't be as bad, along with all the other side effects. I want off of it but I want to also maintain my daily lifestyle. Cold turkey does not do this. Let us know how you are doing!

[azureblue]

Dr. Tavee or anyone that can answer my question. The Fish Oil Multi from Carlson's says only to take ONE pill a day. Did I get the wrong kind? You all have mentioned taking 2+, but I am nervous. Please let me know what I should do. The bottle says Vitamins, Minerals, and Fish Oils. This is the one you suggested, right?

********************PY! I definitely know I got the wrong one! Here is mine:
http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/e...jsp?id=CL-7215
It says to only take one because it has all of that other junk in it! Guess I should send it back and get the right one.

FISH OIL CONSUMERS BEWARE: read the bottle to make sure you are getting the right thing (unlike this stupid English teacher just did)

[azureblue]

Well I have a happy ending to my sad Fish Oil story. I checked out the return policy, and they actually sell Carlson's in a store in the next town. Driving there tomorrow. Don't know if you all really care about this-but I thought I would let you in on my mini soap-opera.

Hairy: You mentioned something about lemon with fish oil. Is it like a shot? Do I put salt on my hand, take the vitamin, and then squeeze a lemon into my mouth? (or is that a lime?) No, seriously. Can you tell me more info about the lemon... like how much I need? Maybe it is a dumb question, but I want to get this right!

Hey all! Have been working out for an hour a day... and I feel AWESOME! Even after a bad day, I hit the gym before I bring my bad mood home... and it works. POOF! Gone! Just like that. I never thought I would say that (I loathe working out), but it really has helped me! Good luck all!

[tavee]

azureblue- i went to the link of ure fish oil but i cant see how many mg it is?

tell me the milligrams and ill tell u if it is ok. i think u are ok if u take 2, but please let me know the mg .

dr tavee



ps if u can exchange it at the store, get the one that says super omega 3. its about 1000 mg.
i think the one u bought has other vitamins in it.

[Patience]

Patience here!!!!!

Azureblue:

Unfortunately that fish oil has only the following of EPA and DHA:
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) 45 mg *
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) 65 mg *

It does have a lot of good vitamins, as in a regular multi. You could probably be okay taking this, but you're not going to get enough EPA/DHA as you need at least 1000mg. You could not possibly take that many of these!

Go to the store and get this brand:

Barlean's Fish Oil in orange flavor. Its only about 12.99 or 10.99 on line. It is quality fish oil that is cold processed (even better). It has 360 of EPA and 240 of DHA. I take about 6 a day. You will not burp it up as you will the brands that dont have an orange or lemon flavor

Yes you can get fish oil with lemon flavoring, those are the brand Nordic Naturals, which is a great brand, but expensive.

***Be careful with your fish oil. Don't buy just any old brand as they can be toxic instaed of beneficial

Welcome NewChick!! This forum is a godsend!!

[elizabethmaria]

Hello,
just checkin in here again -- I am surviving still, but yesterday was rough - had about 5 seizure episodes.. but people are being really helpful - now they can see what is going on so that is a good thing, but a heavy price to pay! oh well... I hope you are all doing ok! right now I'm feeling semi ok, and that is nice.. hopefully it will stay this way today! Today is my 4th month mark - how did you guys feel at 4 months? I can't remember.. only tell me good news right now though please Sorry that I'm not able to write much or check in, but the computer is hard.. Skyer, I have depersonalization all the time, but I sleep like a rock most of the time,, so I don't know what that means... ok all, you are in my prayers, thank you for yours, I hope we make it!!!!
love
Elizabethmarie

[skyer]

Elizabethmaria: So glad you can check in. The 4th month mark was AWFUL. I know you only want good news, but maybe that is the good news! To know this is the peak and should not get worse may give you some sense of relief. Although, you may have to tough out a few or more weeks. I'm just glad you have people to care for you. I could not do this alone. No way! Especially with the depersonalization. I sleep all night too, btw. Do you have vivid dreams? I still think the two symptoms are related...possibly. Hang in there! Hugs!!!

All: Here's another link to benzo withdrawals and how to deal with recovery...it's soooo similar to SSRI withdrawals.

http://www.psychmedaware.org/recovery_tips.html

[Getting Better]

Patience and Hopeful, thank you so much for the encouragement and the kind words. I hate that you're both suffering too, but it helps to know that I'm not alone and not dying of some mysterious disease.

Skyer, thanks for posting all of that information on adrenal fatigue. It's so hard to stay focused and accept that this is STILL going on.

For the sake of other's who might want to know what to expect, I thought I'd share what I've experienced in the last two months.

Month Four:
* Extreme fear. Terrified of everything that could happen: car accidents, terrorist attacks, terminal diseases, being home alone. Physically I felt pretty good. I started a new job, and was doing really well with it, but the fear was horrid.
* Back soreness just above my kidneys
* Fatigue- but if what I feel in month five is an 8 on a scale of 1-10, this was a 4

Month Five:
* Anxiety is completely manageable.
* Exhaustion. I am sooo tired. I can sleep 27 out of 48 hours and still be tired.
* My back is tied in knots. I have stiff neck pretty much every morning.
* My head hurts deep inside my brain--where I would imagine my pineal is.
* This Tourniquet-like feeling on my shoulder, as though the circulation in my arm is being cut off.
* Shortness of breat.
* Racing heart.
(I'm 28, so I know it's not a stroke, but I would imagine that's what the beginning of one feels like.)
* I still can't lost weight.

On the bright side: doing great at work, feeling happier than ever, despite the fear, exhaustion and pain, and maintaining a very positive attitude.

Still, I'm frustrated and I want my energy levels and cute figure back. Ugh!

[Hairyarmadillo]

I cannot sleep-no fair since I am tapering! I thought I would miss out on the anxiety but the past two nights it hits. I stopped taking my 5 mgs last Friday, and went down to approximately 2.5 mg. No big problems until Tuesday night. I started feeling like I had ingested mega caffeine. Same thing last night. Now I am really pooped. This anxiety is what I felt the last time I went off the Lexapro. I was off it for awhile so when the anxiety hit followed by depression, I assumed it was me. Now I at least know what the deal is.
Am going to see about ordering correct supplements this weekend. I am so tired and can't think straight now. Right about now those lemon shots sound pretty good, azureblue!
Hope you all are doing well! Glad to hear from you elizabethmarie.

[skyer]

Getting Better: I forgot to say "hi", but I did notice that you were back on the boards. I'm sorry to hear you're still suffering, too. I can really relate to the fear. I'm really afraid of being in a car accident. I know my adrenals are not working correctly because I cannot handle even minor stress, so how would I handle a car accident or any other injury/illness? I just want to stay close to home during this. The fear is a real (but irrational) symptom. Although, I don't think completely irrational because of the malfunctioning adrenals.

[azureblue]

Dr. Tavee,

I decided just to go ahead and exchange what I have for the right thing. Because of all of the extra vitamins in it, I wouldn't want to take more than one. I will look for the super Omega 3. I will keep you posted- let you know when I get it!

Hairy- I wouldn't mind a lemon shot either. However, I guess I better go to work instead !

[janbanan]

I have been on Lexapro for only 7 days..a couple of nights ago I forgot to take my pill and the next day I was EXTREMELY exhausted..so exhausted in fact that I got on line to see what the causes of extreme exhaustion are..I came across this website and frankly I am scared to death. I am glad I came across this website only 7 days into taking my pills.

I really would like to stop taking it all together..can anyone tell me if I will still get the horrible withdrawls if I stop right now???

[elizabethmaria]

hi everyone,
Just checkin in again.. I had a good day yesterday, the first day with no seizures!!!!!!!!!!! not yet today either, but will have to see.. I know it will come back, I can feel it in my head still, but at least it helps to be really quiet and restful, so that is good... I think like all of us that my adrenals are burned out, so quiet and rest is good - it's so nice to type again here ... I just was reading the posts before, (I can read ok today a bit!!!!) and I know everyone has anxiety/panic etc... but I haven't had any since off the drug at all (4months),, when I was on it, it gave panic attacks, but maybe because I didn't have any in the first place, and it was for sleep improvement only (yeah, right, like that helped!) that's why I don't have any?? or really it was such a short time... I ;m just scared, the panic everyone talks about sounds horrible!! I hope not to get it, I feel I have enough to deal with... don't really have depression either, except after my period when hormones change it gets bad... I don;t know, but everyone is soo different -- it's amazing kind of.. I don't know what is worse, seizures, or anxiety?? both are no fun...
ok, I had better go, that is enough for now! Skyer, I don't have vivid dreams either... just dream quietly really... fuzzy all day, fuzzy all night!
I hope all are doing ok, sorry i can't respond at this time, but maybe in a few weeks or so --- take care,
Elizabethmarie

[7yearitch]

Hi everyone. I started off reading this at the beginning and then after a while jumped to the end. I have found a lot of helpful information.

I have been on SSRIs for about 7 years, Lexapro for the past 4 years - 15 mg per day. When I originally started taking anti-depressants it was to combat a bad marriage. It allowed me the temperment to stay. I eventually realized I wasn't doing myself any favors and I have since left (it will be two years in July) and am now divorced.

I had been thinking about stopping the Lexapro for some time, but was afraid. Years ago I attemped stopping (cold turkey - and I know now what a mistake that was). I was so sick and had so many typical awful symptoms of withdrawal that I couldn't stand it and so started taking the meds again.

I am now on day 5 of 10 mgs and am starting to feel the effects. I am getting very dizzy and have no concentration. I catch myself staring off into space and forgetting to blink. LOL I have a dull headache and my muscles around my neck and shoulders are starting to ache.

I've read you all posting about Omega 3. What exactly are the benefits of it? I have read elsewhere that Lechithin and B Complex are very good at fighting off some side effects too. Anyone have any firsthand experience with those?

I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday to discuss all of this with her and hopefully make a game plan. I don't know how long to stay on 10 mg before going down to 5 mg, etc. I wanted to be through with all of this before summer, but that doesn't look to be the case, huh?

If it helps or makes a difference, I'm a 39 year old female.

OH, and the weight gain BITES! That needs to go away too!!

[Hairyarmadillo]

Once more I find a poster that sounds like me! 7yearitch, I got BACK on the Lexapro, convinced I could not stay married without it. Luckily, I know now the aggravation(well, most of it ) and the depression I blamed on my marriage at my time was effects of Lexapro withdrawal. I had been on Paxil for about 7 years, got off it for approximately 9 months, went on Lexapro for about a year, off that for approximately 4 months and decided I was a lost cause, so went back on it. BAAAAAAAAD idea. I was exhausted all the time and didn't care what happened. I realized it was the same apathy that came with the Paxil over time so I am getting off it for good. Down from 10 mgs to 2.5 (and still holding, guys!). My advice is taper taper taper slowly slowly slowly. I know the doctor is a doctor, but if you are told anything other than decrease slowly in small dosage reduction, run like hell. My doctor gave me some asinine advice like skip a day, take a pill, skip 2 days, take a pill. Then, after about a week, it seems like I was supposed to be weaned totally. Been awhile since that conversation, so I am not quoting verbatim, but the technique sent me though hell.
These people on here are so knowledgeable and will not steer you wrong. And good luck-keep us informed of how it is going. I swear these people here are a Godsend.
janbanan-isn't it amazing how quickly that stuff gets into your system?! I don't think you are going to suffer as much as anyone on this page, since it has not been in your system that long. After that dose you didn't take, did you start back taking it? If so, what dose are you on? Just curious about that. Ok, I know I say to avoid the cold turkey, , but I don't know if you wouldn't do bettter to cold turkey it. It hasn't been in your system that long and really, it is just starting to get into your system. Seems if you do the slow taper, you would allow your body to get used to it more.
Any thoughts, you more knowledgeable people out there??
Dr.Tavee, this is lazy, but I am really dragged out and can't focus. I know you said Carlson's Omega 3, did you recommend a magnesium? I swear, everyone, when my brain gets back to normal, I am going to do a big dance on my rooftop. This sucks. I have come up with a way to explain my spaciness to people around me-I am blaming it all on my allergies.

[janbanan]

hairyarmadillo- IT IS absolutely astounding how quickly it gets a hold of you!
I did take another pill last night and it is 10 mg, after reading everyones posts my thinking is right on track with yours. It will be hard to go cold turkey, but it seems the more you take it (even if you're tapering the dose) the harder and more painful the withdrawls might be.
Since I have only been on it for 7 days so far it might be easier than if I were to try to wean off of it.
I will keep you posted as to how the cold turkey thing works out..Thank you so much for your encouragement!!

[elizabethmaria]

Hi,
be careful Janbanan, I was only on 3 days, and at 4 months off am having seizures, and more.. so be very careful-- though I had a horrific reaction while on the drug, that makes a difference probably...
take care and talk with Auntybiotic here, she knows so much too..
prayers,
Elizabethmarie

[Hairyarmadillo]

Elizabethmarie, I didn't realize you had only been on the Lexapro for 3 days. That makes your situation even worse! What dose were you on?

[skyer]

I read in Dr. Breggin's book that it only takes three days of use to change brain chemistry. JanBan, since you didn't have a real bad reaction, you'll probably be OK. It's those, like myself, that are having a bad withdrawal because the drug went "bad" on us. I gave it six weeks even through it was making me worse! My doctor kept telling me it would get better. Anyway, anyone can have withdrawals...even if you liked how the drug made you feel. I know it's only been 8 days for you, but I would still taper. How much? I don't know. The general rule of thumb is to taper 5-10% every three weeks by shaving the pill. You might be able to get away with a faster taper, but that's up to you. Still, I would taper. Good luck!

[7yearitch]

The flu-like symptoms are now kicking in. I awoke this morning to the sound of my stomach and suffice it to say that I haven't been able to leave the house today. I thought for a while that maybe it actually WAS a stomach virus, but I really doubt it. I think it's the withdrawal. This is getting bad. My whole body aches.

[Hairyarmadillo]

Skyer, that is scary! If brain chemistry can be changed in 3 days, what have all these years done to mine!! Gee, janbanan, I am afraid to advise you now either way. Seems it would do more damage to keep the higher dose in your system for a longer time period. But I hate to say that and then you have bad effects like poor Elizabethmarie. It really sucks that this drug is so darn insidious. Please keep us posted on how things are going.

7yearitch, it does seem to take forever to taper off of it, but I have found this is the only way to go after being on it for years. I wanted to be finished with all of this by my spring break (in two weeks) and have had that goal since February. But after making it down gradually from 10 mgs to 5, I stayed on my 5 dose awhile longer because I didn't feel ready. The first few days of taper are so misleading, as it takes longer for the effects to kick in. I did cut down to 2.5 last Friday and it only started hitting me around Thursday. Today I have done nothing but sleep. I feel guilty but just keep reminding myself to go slow. Had hoped to bump down again but have a feeling I am going to be on this dose awhile. It really does seem like about 3 weeks before I start feeling like I am ready to withstand that ordeal again.
Oh, I also skipped my B vitamins this week for several days and I feel like this contributed to my feeling more sluggish. Got to order that fish oil. Am afraid the natrol brand I got is not that good, even if it does have the lemon in it to prevent fish breath.
I have started having MAJOR anxiety at night, around the time I used to take the lexapro. Mind you, there are no thoughts associated with this anxiety, just my heart pounding out of my chest. Like I took took much caffeine. Was really thinking of just skipping the last taper down but after this, no way. Have to keep taking that stupid 2.5 sliver of pill.
Where is Dr.Tavee I know you would have some words of wisdom

[janbanan]

Thank you all so much for all of the good advice.
I am on my second night of not taking the pill....I didn't take last night.
So far I feel okay. I read throught the previous posts talking about Omega 3.
I started taking that and also a potent multivitamen today and I think that could be why I am feeling okay so far. We'll see about tomorrow though.
Skyler-did you have the same effects that Elizabethmarie has had?
take care everyone...I will keep you all posted.

[Hopeful 285]

Hi everyone,
It has been a few days since I posted. I have gotten worse again. I don't know why. My head hurts my back hurts. I have a difficult time communicating with others. I have been falling again. I can't go anywhere or do anything. My eyes even ache. I just want to sleep. I don't know if I ate something or did something to bring this on.
I got Ann Blake Tracy's book today and I skipped to the solutions part. Skyer is right, she is more optimistic than Dr. Breggin. I really needed this book for some hope. She talks about the bodies ability to heal with proper nutrition.
We are encouraged to not eat a lot of meat. High protein diets are not good for our brains, especially when it comes to serotonin production. She says to eat fruit, vegetables, whole grains and less fat. This diet will also help cut our risk of heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol, etc. Rest and exercise are also musts but be careful with over exertion.
Great book, I recommend it to everyone.

I was on Lexapro for 2 years. April 9th will be 5 months since I quit taking it. I quit cold turkey. For all of you who are new, please don't do this. There's a few of us that have suffered alot from doing this. My doctor told me I would just be sick for a few days.
My problems from this medication that exist right now are:
high blood pressure
thyroid
falling
clumsiness
vertigo
dizziness
head jerks to left or shakes back an forth
when I lay on my right side my body jerks
headaches
neck pain
back pain
lethargy
problems with concentrating
restless legs
anxiety
fatigue
insomnia or long hours of sleep
feeling disconnected
ear aches
gurgling sounds in my head
strange sensations in my head, feels like something dissolving
bloating
weight gain
strange pulsing under my left breast (I don't think it's my heart)
pain in my left arm pit
muscle aches
joint pain (especially between the eyes) cortisone cream keeps it under control
dry skin
very sensitive to noise and bright lights
unable to handle any stress

I thought I would post these in case anyone out there can relate to these any of these symptoms.

Elizabethmaria,
I am so glad you had a whole day without the seizures. You will get better. It just takes time. It is really good you're sleeping alot. Make sure you are eating right and drinking plenty of water.

Skyer,
Thank you. Thank you. This book does give more hope. I hope you are doing well. I see you are still educating people. We appreciate everything.

[tavee]

Hairyarm- I Think U Better Stay On That Dose For Another Week Or 2. Remember Not To Rush Just Because U Are Feeling Ok Like The 3rd Day. Remember This ******************** Kicks In Like 9 Or 10 Days. My Stomach Was Irritating Me When I Went To 2.2 Around The Ninth Day. Im Pmsing This Week So I Am Definitely Waiting Till I Get MY Period To Go Down Again. Just Stick It Out. U Have To Do This Right Cuz If We Rush, When We Get Off This Completely We Will Have More Problems. Look At The Ones Who Went Cold Turkey.

We Are Almost There. Just Be Patient. Im Going To Wait And Then Im Going Down To 2ml In About A Week Or So.


Take Care And Dont Rush!!! We Have A Lot Of Time(well Thats What I Tell Myself To Feel Better, But I Really Dont Cuz Im 37 And I Want To Get Pregnant Again In August If All Goes Well With This Drug).

Dr Tavee

[elizabethmaria]

Hi all,
I'm sorry Janbanan, I didn't mean to scare you or anything, that is just what happened for me.. I couldn't taper b/c had a terrible reaction - if I'd been on one more day I may have died/had severe brain damage or something - so it wasn't an option! I was on 3 things, for sleep, for only 3 days... xanax, trazodone (ssri) and celexa ... very low doses (celexa is cousin just like lex).. but I don't have any tolerance at all to those drugs... zero.. so it was bad - paralyzed practically, horrible, in emergency, etc.... so no matter what is happening now, i feel like a million bucks compared to that!!!!!!!!!!!!! i just want you to be careful, that's all - but i'm sure you'll be fine as you were 'handling' them ok... that is a very good sign I think... you might still have trouble at 3 months a bit, but not bad I would be sure!.. I hope it goes easier for you -- this is no fun for anyone! take care now..

I did better today too!!!! I had 2 seizures, but more mild.. and the rest of the day was able to do some things around the house..... so that was a treat ..
I can tell some is better as I'm able to type and think a little clearer... I hope it lasts a while!
Hopeful, you are in my prayers, I hope that this step back soon goes away... i just read somewhere about how our bodies are healing, even at the time we feel the setbacks happening, so not to be discouraged... it is so hard, i know,

Skyer, how are you feeling? everyone else, Hairy, Patience, Tavee, ok, my brain is giving out... i hope you are all hanging in there...
Blessings,
Elizabethmarie