[Shine86]

Hello everyone. It's been a while since I've visited this site. I've now been completely off Lexapro for about 3 months after 4 months of weaning down. Things are going much better. The doctor wanted to put me on another antidepressant, but I told him no way. SO, we decided to try Buspar for my anxiety. It is wonderful. I am now only taking 1/2 pill at night. No problems that I can see and I've been on them for about 2 1/2 months. I also take Usanas Biomega 3 and their PhytoEstrin. Things are MUCH BETTER. I still have a little sadness at times, but NOTHING like I did during the withdrawals. And for all the Doctors that might be looking at this site, here are the problems I had when getting off Lexapro:

Anxiety
Insomnia
Being terrified for no reason
Dizziness
Extreme sensitivity to sound and smell (still have this)
Nausea
Anger
Feeling Hopeless
Wanting to die
Fatigue
Not caring about anything
Rapid weight gain (22lbs in 3 months!)
Red facial blotches
Swelling in Abdomen and Hands


This is to name a few. This drug needs to be taken off the shelf!

[7yearitch]

It's amazing that this drug (or these class of drugs) take hold of people so fast!! I was prescribed Lexapro and the ones that came before it, by my primary physician. I'm getting the feeling that they may not be so informed as to the effects during, and especially after, with the drugs.

I'm still confused about yesterday. I don't know if I have/had some 24 hour stomach virus, which is doing around, or if I had effects from tapering. I couldn't hold anything down, or in. My stomach feels better today, so far, but my head is pounding. I can't believe this is going to take months!!! I shouldn't be so surprised I guess since I was on it for years.

This totally sucks. I feel so duped by the doctors who so nonchalantly prescribe this. It's fine while you're on it. I guess that's why so many people just say screw it and start again. Being on it, isn't as bad as being off it.

[janbanan]

Elizabethmaria- How terrifying that must have been for you and to be having seizures fours months after still!! I am so sorry, that's awful. You will get better, from the sound of the other posts it just takes some time. you are a very strong person for having to deal with such things.

I am on my 3rd day and still I have been feeling okay...slight headache but nothing more than that really. does anyone know if the withdrawls don't start for a while after you stop?
I have had the dizzi spells that eveyone has been talking about...nothing earthshattering but you can definately feel a shift in the room for a few seconds....which is a little wierd.

Hairyarmadillo-I am so sorry that you are having to go through such pain as well....this pill is the devil!! Doctors really need to be researching these more before they're prescribing it to thier trusting patients. the drug companies that sell it aren't going to tell you (they may not even know) of the horrible side effects and withdrawl symptoms.
Skyler-Thank you for the advice..it's amazing that it only takes 3 days for the chemistry in the brain to change....that's a really scary thought!
It sure makes you want to very carefully consider any other meds before ever popping them into your mouth...but like I said we trusted our doctors decision to put us on these meds and now it seems it causes more pain than good.
I will keep continue to keep you all posted

[wherethehellami?]

hey everyone just wanted to share a little bit of my experience with Lexapro and see if anyone has any advice.
I was diagnosed with OCD/GAD my sophmore year of college. The summer before my sophmore year, I was stressed out from working a full-time job during the week, working on the weekends at another job, and training for fall cross country (running). I experienced chest pains and had an anxiety attack while running. In the fall I fell into a depression where I was obsessing about things, had social anxiety/fear. My brother actually went through a similar thing (OCD tends to run in the family) and went on Lexapro before I did although I am 2 years 8 months older. I went to a psychiatrist and I've been on Lexapro for over 2 years now. The highest dose I was taking was 20mg.
Not too long ago I took my usual dosage during the day. On the second day I took it after eating pesto and I had serotonin poisoning or something. I went to see my psychiatrist and I guess there was some miscommunication or another (I might have been to eager to get off) and he told me to take 10mg for one night and stop. Let's just say that was a terrible experience.
I went about six days without taking Lexapro and experienced tingling in my hands, slight brain shocks, depression, anger, and I think derealization. I went back to 10mg then 20 and felt much better.
Time passed and I wanted to cut back down because I was curious if the drug was slowing me down. I cut down to 10mg and experienced withdrawal symptoms again such as depression, anxiety, fear, paranoia. It was not fun especially since I was away in Arizona. Now I have been consistently taking 10mg of Lexapro for about a couple weeks now. Earlier last week I took it in the morning twice and that bothered me. That was six days ago and I am taking it at night like I usually do. The only thing is that I feel like I am experiencing this depersonalization/derealization thing. What the hell is going on? I was also experiencing pressure at the top of my head which has gone and muscle tension which has subsided as well. For me, and also I'm sure for many of you, its hard to distinguish if what is occuring is due to the medicine or something else (poor diet, stress, overtraining, etc) Appreciate any advice.

[skyer]

Whatthe: You are tapering WAY too fast. You still have time to go back to the dose you were on. Tapering -- if you don't want serious withdrawal symptoms -- takes a long time. Many months, really. You will only want to shave the pill about 5-10% every three weeks and work your way down from there. I stopped 10mg cold-turkey after only six weeks of use and it's been hell for the past six months. I just got better about three weeks ago but still deal with lingering derealization, apathy, fear, eye pain, adrenal fatigue, and stomach issues...even the tingling you mentioned has gone on this long (almost gone now, though). If you want more info, read through this forum...especially posts from Auntybiotic. She started this forum and became a real expert. Most doctors are totally unaware of withdrawals, and therefore, how to safely get off these drugs.

Hopeful: I can totally relate to your inability to deal with stress! My brain feels so much better these days, but I know I'm dealing with adrenal burnout. My adrenal glands actually hurt now. I can feel it above my kidneys. One good thing...my energy level is getting really good now...so don't worry about being tired at the stage your at right now. I had major exhaustion and slept so much the last couple of months or so. Now I;m waking earlier and have decent energy much of the day. Still, I'm staying close to home until my adrenals heal. I also think I had a break in my depersonalization/derealization. It's still there, but when I went out to a few places this weekend I noticed it seemed a lot better. Hope I didn't jinx it!

ElizabethMaria: Glad you're able to post...and yes, that is a really good sign. Remember (and Hopeful too) month 4 and most of 5 is really bad. I never thought it would get better. Still got a long way to go yet...

[skyer]

I meant Wherethe...not Whatthe

[aliciamsw]

i have been tapering off of lex...went from 20 to 10 over 7 days and now from 10 to 0 in 5 days. my nausea has been EXTREME. like pregnancy type extreme. keep thinking im pregs b/c ive gone off of lex before and experienced dizziness but nothing like this nausea, it is absolutely the worst ive ever had in my life. also having the brain/body shocks, dizziness, moodiness, etc. which i had before but it is so overshadowed by the sickness. anyone else?

[Hairyarmadillo]

Guys, I am REALLY dragging today. I know that pill is not evenly cut, so I feel like I am going up mgs one day then down a few mgs the next. Definitely should have gotten the liquid to do this. Came across this article on the web discussing tapering techniques and it suggested using liquid Prozac to taper. I SWEAR I do read posts on here, but couldn't remember seeing this, so I am posting the link. If someone else posted it, sorry for the repeat. I had no memory before the Lexapro and now it is shot. http://www.benzo.org.uk/healy.htm

WherethehellamI and aliciamsw My advice is taper, taper, taper! Guess you probably saw that theme on this thread by now. Trust me, slow taper is the only way to go. I was on 10 mgs and have decreased that by 2.5mgs approximately every 3 weeks. And, when my body has not felt like it is ready for another set of withdrawal effects, i stay on longer. I also have had to time my decreases to coincide with less stressful or demanding times. No way would I recommend that anyone cut back 10 mgs after having been on this medication. Of course, a doctor might say differently, but if you read back on the experiences of those on this forum, you will find that there have been worse withdrawal effects when people go "cold turkey" or try to rush off the medicine. I was on Paxil once and thought it was like any other medicine-get it out of your system and it is gone. WRONG!! Please trust me on this, the tapering will pay off in the long run, although it does seem like a pain at the time.

Dr Tavee I was SOOOOOOO tempted to give up that 2.5 mg and make a break for freedom from Lexapro. Sigh, can't do it, because my head hurts like the devil and I can't sleep well. Don't even want to think about what it is going to be like when I am off that. I was hoping to get it out of my system so if the 4th month was going to hit me hard, at least it would still be summer break. No way can I handle bad side effects when the students first come back in August. But gonna stick with this dose. Thanks for the encouragement. This just sucks!

janbanan-glad to see you are still hanging in there! I have found that it usually takes around 7 days before I start feeling anything negative. Although when I tried to cut that much before I had some VERY VIVID horrific nightmares after the first night after skipping a dose. I actually woke up screaming. I am so cautious about telling everyone to taper slowly and warn everyone about potential side effects. But I also have to throw out that evidently not everyone has these terrible side effects. According to the article linked to above, only 20% to 50% of the people do. I am a little skeptical about those low numbers, can't help wondering how many people go to their doctor with, say for instance, the rebound depression and the doc tells them they need the medication or up it because they don't think it is working at the lower dose. But, honesty, just my opinion, I know if I was in your shoes, had only been on it a few days I would be tempted not to let it remain in my system longer than necessary. After all, there is a chance that you are in the percentage that won't be affected. I was tempted to give up my petty 2.5 mgs dose and cold turkey from there, but I have been on the Lexapro for awhile and then Paxil before that. Am trying to get off this stuff for good without going into high anxiety (that I NEVER had before) or the major depression bouts. Thanks for keeping us posted. I want to hear a happy Lexapro free story!


Glad you were able to post, Elizabethmarie. I do think your brain will totally heal itself and you will be totally seizure free. I am sure I mentioned this tale before, but years ago I had a reaction to diet pills and went into full blown psychosis. I was chatting with Einstein on my couch and serving him tea. This had been developing over months and when it became full blown, I was hospitalized with sky high blood pressure and talking out of my head for at least 3 days. I started turning "normal" after that, but it took forever for me to do basic things, even though I had not had a stroke or anything that usually causes similar types of debilitation. Reading and processing took forever as did any activity requiring thought and action. But I recovered within months, even though I feared it would "come back". I strongly feel that you are going to have the same improvement from this. It is amazing what damage medicines can to to us, but just as amazing how our bodies are designed to heal.

Skyer, had to laugh at your slip with "Wherethehell"'s name. If you are feeling like the rest of us, there will probably be days when you feel more like What the hell am I! I love your name by the way. I can so relate to that

Lisabb, not being a nag, but where are you? Are you feeling better? I worry about you guys when you don't post. You all are the only reason for me maintaining my sanity!!

Hey, how can I tell if my agitation is from the lexapro decrease or my husband forgetting my birthday

[tavee]

hey everyone- i just noticed that that this damn sensitivity to noise and loud sOUNDS is definitely worse around pms time. i just wanted to scream today. my 3 yr old was loud and i was sooooooooooo irritated. the sound was just piercing, man!!

i just hope that this is only the hard part around pms time.
other than that im going to 2ml as soon as i get my period.


ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCE THE SENSITIVITY AROUND PMS BEING WORSE???

HAVE A GOOD WEEK GUYS!!

DR TAVEE

[AriannaPJ]

Hi all, I am sorta new to this forum and have been weaning off Lexapro for a couple of weeks so far. I was taking 10mg, but it caused me such bad insomnia, I had to get off it. My question is... Since Ive been tapering, I am sleeping less and less. I thought as the drug got out of my system, I would be able to sleep better. Here it is.. 2am , and I cant sleep again. Is this something others have experienced?

Sleepless in Michigan
Ari

[skyer]

Ariana: Glad you found this forum. Sorry I got into it with the other poster on the forum you started with a simple question! That person just has no idea about these drugs, especially Lexapro. Anyway, insomnia is a common side effect of Lexapro. Even though I stopped the drug cold turkey after six weeks of 10mg use, it took about two months for the insomnia to go away. We're all different, so it may go away for you sooner (hopefully!). This drug can stay in the body a long time (despite what most doctors say). It's no fun, but it will go away in time. Do you feel a little mania, too? That's common, as well. Still, I would continue to taper the drug slowly. Only shave about 10% of the drug every three weeks. Takes a LONG time, but may save you from terrible withdrawals.

[Hairyarmadillo]

What is it with these effects seeming worse the closer I get to my 0 mg dose?!! I haven't felt this rough since decreasing initially. I feel dizzy and nauseous. NO FAIR!!! Oh, it didn't help that I did drink an energy drink with mega doses of caffeine and stimulants. yeah,, I know it serves me right.

[elizabethmaria]

Hi all,
so good to read the forums here -- that is so awful about what the diet pills did to you Hairyarmadillo... that's terrible! but wow, if you can heal from talking with Einstein, then there is hope ...Sometimes I seriously spend a long time trying to figure out what planet I'm on, really.. so OUT there all the time== maybe there is some alternative universe that if we met each other in, we wouldn't feel depersonalized anymore, cause we'd all be in the same place... .. ok, that's enough.. Have been feeling very bummed about everything, plus some bad family stress - and didn't even want to read the forum here, but glad I did... it is so hard, this stuff! Can't talk much here now, but hope you are all doing ok bit by bit, I'm sooooo glad you're feeling better Skyer, thats awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.. I hope it continues !!
take care all,
Elizabethmarie

[AriannaPJ]

Well, even after all these posts, my doctor talked me into a quick taper off of lexapro. I went from 10 to 7.5 for 3 days, then to 6,5.4.3.2.1 in the following 6 days. Needless to say, I am sitting here crying my eyes out, feeling totally hopeless. I feel like my chest is so tight, and I am so discouraged. Why didnt I listen to my body, instead of my doc.

Not only sleepless in Michigan, but a wreck too.
Ari

[Hairyarmadillo]

ArriannaPJ THAT is why I am not consulting a doctor in my withdrawal. Yes, they have medical training, yes they should be more informed and correct in the advice they give, but I have been disappointed in this area. I should have written down what that doctor told me when I wanted to get off Paxil-it was a joke. I figured out to taper off that gradually but had no idea then that I had still rushed it. How long has it been since you started this quick taper? It may not be too late to go back to a slower taper. You have to decide what you are comfortable with. My question is where in the world does he get the idea to go down within a few days after each decrease?! These doctors just don't know the reality of this medication. Look, again, trust your own judgement but if he tells you that you are having this reaction because you need the medication, PLEASE don't fall for that. what you are going through is the adjustment. I have been there and done that. I hate this. I think you are suffering when you don't have to do so.

Last night I was sleepless in Mississippi and today I am B!tchy. Can't shake it, can't fake it. Students are giving everyone holy h@!! and mine are awful. I know it is because of spring break coming up, but I have been nothing but grouchy. I think this is worse the closer I get to being off this medication. I know it is the effects of the medicine, but it would help if the kids wouldn't give others black eyes at recess and steal things from my room. Would also help if they would stop writing nasty words on desks and walls. How do I tell if it is the kids or the lexapro???

[elizabethmaria]

Hi everyone,
Just saw the neurologist today, and went over the MRI and EEG -- very good thing is that they said it all mostly looked good - maybe a little question about the EEG - but as they didn't catch a 'seizure' episode on the EEG, they want me to do a 2 day test where you stay overnight... ugh.. I don't know if we'll do that though.. might wait until at least the 6 month mark and see if they are still going on as badly?? so expensive probably..

Seems like all that can be done is to trust of what you have said and what I've researched, that this should disappear or improve in time -- but it sure feels like we are on our own in this so scary.. Hopeful, are you still having seizures/on seizure medicine?

Can't write much today, but hope all are well, Skyer, Tavee, Hopeful, Aunty, Hairyarmadillo, Lisa, Arianna, Janbanan, Where, etc.. this list is growing!
Elizabethmarie

[marypillpoppins]

I am new to this site. Been on Lexapro for @ 5 years. Stopped for a couple months twice. Started again because of feelings of detachment, emptiness I thought was depression returning.
My initial depression occurred during the end stages of a bad marriage and subsequent divorce. I was suicidal.
My life is now much better. I would like to think I could live without Lexapro.
I have read a little here that makes me think you guys can help me learn to understand my body better.
I am tapering again. Going back to latest dose at the first sign of symptoms.
I want to under stand the difference between returning depression and withdrawal as it pertains to irritability, emptiness, feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, anxiety etc.

[janbanan]

hey guys...
I don't have a whole lot of time...I just wanted to update ya'll.
so far eveything has been okay
Last night though I had an emotional breakdown..I have been wanting to cry for no apparant reason over EVERYTHING. I have also been really irritable and *************************y(I completely understand hairy)
I have also started feeling the extreme exhaustion again that I first felt when I missed my dose....I am also having PMS so I am sure that intensifies the symptoms...I feel like If I could sleep all day I would..auuuggh. It is so hard because I have 2 kids that I try to chase after.
Since I was on this pill for only a week and starting to feel the signs of withdrawls..I can't imagine how all of you must feel.
I probably don't even know the half of it.

[marypillpoppins]

I have started at page 1 reading all your posts. By the time I finish reading I will be totally off lexapro!
I am amazed at all I am learning. I was once very emotionally labile (before I became depressed because of divorce) and blood tests showed my magnesium was off the charts low. I had also problems with teeth grinding. To read just now that low mag can cause that because it is a muscle relaxant is amazing. It's like putting a puzzle together. Knowbody has all the pieces but here and there somebody hands you a piece that fits. Thankyou, thankyou.
I have just flashed on a thought. If it takes two weeks for lexapro to have a noticeable effect then wouldn't it stand to reason that tapering could be done in two week stages then you would be able to follow the effects of each dosage better? Of course the cumulative effects over time are more difficult to understand.
Anyway, I am taking your advise and doing this slowly.

[amber8704]

About a week and a half ago I was feeling really depressed. It seems that for some reason this time of the year always does it to me. I was also acting very manic. I work for a Dr. and she took notice into how I was acting and said she thought that I would do good on Lexapro. So she started me off on the 10mg dose. Boy I thought I felt bad before, I was WRONG! The first day I took it I actually felt pretty good, the anxiety had subsided a little and I was able to smile some. But the second day came and I felt like I was in a fog. I couldnt concentrate and I had severe nausea and diarrea, it was also like I would look at something but I wouldn't really be looking at it. Also my head was jerking to the right. I thought it was just stress giving me the diarrea and nausea. So I took it for a third day. The symptoms just intensified me and a coworker went out to lunch that day and I probably didnt say three sentences to her. I just kept looking down at the table or out of the window. This went on for a solid week and I decided I just could take the diarrea anymore. So on Sunday I stopped. Each day I have felt a little better. But the diarrea wont go away. Im fine as long as I dont eat anything but as soon as I do my stomach starts to gurgle and I make a mad dash to the bathroom. Also I have never had a problem sleeping and now I cant force myself to go to sleep. Last night I took 1/4 of a Soma muscle relaxer and I dont know that if the Lexapro was still in my system to cause me to gasp for air or not but as soon as I would drift off to sleep. I would wake up fighting for air. This happened probably 4 times. I was actually scared to go to sleep for thinking due to some interaction that I may not wake up. I have been off the Lexapro for 3 days today and I just need someone to tell me if they had any problems with diarrea because this is actually scary now. If I would have known all this was going to happen I would have told her no way! My legs are cramping horribly and I dont know if its because I have depleted myself of electrolytes or due to the Lexapro still being in my system. I just need help fast. Im loosing my mind! I also told my Dr about all this and she said that she had never had anyone have any problems with Lexapro, so I'm really glad I found this site because I know I'm not the only one out there. Any responses would be more than greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Amber

[elizabethmaria]

Dear Amber,
So glad you found this site, it is a lifesaver!!

I was on the drugs only 3 days and had horrible time, and yes, the drug is very much still in your system at this time -- it took a number of weeks before it comes out, longer for poor metabolizers of the drug (me, and likely you as well), so don't worry ... lots of weird things happen at first!
The falling asleep thing is common too -- I had that badly too -- it's very scary, you feel like you will die by falling asleep, or choke or whatever, but you won't -- I'm not sure what causes it, but the drug affects your sleep/wake cycle very powerfully, and it feels like the brain has a hard time switching over to sleep mode or something... it will pass!
Since you had a bad reaction to the drug, you will have some hard times withdrawing or recovering -- most likely... but hopefully not too much! Everyone is different so it is hard to tell..
One thing... be really really careful not to take any other medication at this time.. many things wil react with the Lex that is still in your system, and could even be fatal by causing serotonin syndrome -- Right now, water water water, mild exercise, stay away from supplements/drugs, etc. and eat healthy food -- I had diahrrea too, but not that badly -- can someone else here help with that?? (70% of serotonin receptors are in your gut, so stomach problems are very common unfortunately!)

You should check out the website www.antidepressantsfacts.com (make sure the spelling is correct!) for advice on the drugs, and how to care for yourself when you've had an adverse reaction like so many... I know your doctor may say there are not many people reacting like you, but there are tons!!!
Check out the page on the website for those who have suffered a bad reaction to ssri's and what to do next... I will post the link for you in a bit!

Read the forum here, starting at the beginning, it will give lots of insight and help -- !

You've found a good place here -- everyone is so supportive and wonderful, and will help you get through this hard time -- don't give up or worry, it will work out fine!!


Hi everyone,
Am doing a bit better today, seizures have been even more mild!!!! It is so nice for this time!! thank you for your support and prayers, it was really rough there for the last few weeks - still is, but have some much better times now!! Even went in the yard and did some gardening today and the sun was so nice -- the deer were running around the yard like crazy earlier, I don't know whats going on, I think all 6 of them were playing hide and seek .. jumping straight in the air, racing around the bushes in circles, it was absolutely nuts! They weren't running from anything, just themselves, and kept scaring each other and then freaking out and jumping all over the place, for like half an hour or something... boy were they tired afterward though! it was soooo funny, I wish I had a videocamara, but oh well... it made me laugh so hard it was wonderful!!! animals are so great

take care all ... you're in my prayers!
Elizabethmarie

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Amber,
Here is the link to that webpage -- it is a great site to read about antidepressants and side effects...

http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/reaction.htm

take care,
Elizabethmarie

[Hairyarmadillo]

You all will be happy to know my mood has improved. I know everyone around me is. I can usually fake it but Tuesday was off the charts. I went to bed feeling like crying. I talked myself through it and realized that I am always more emotional when I am getting ready to have a break from school. I am running on so much adrenaline right before the breaks,even more so this past few months with testing and other stuff, so that is no doubt part of it. But I can feel a marked physical difference with this dosage decrease, more so than the last few drops. I have not had this dizziness and the weird feeling in my head overall since decreasing from 10 to the 5mgs. I remember this feeling from the last time I weaned although that time I thought I was out of shape and had to get in shape. I feel like my legs could give out when I walk and I feel more disoriented if I am walking quickly.
Anyhow, you all know how I am convinced of the need for a slow taper? After last night, I said "Forget it. I am already a basket case, not going to keep taking this." I think where one sliver of pill was slightly larger than the other, the up and down of the dosage was making it worse. Anyhow, I am off the 2.5 mgs after 10 days. Am hoping that was long enough, but if not, I am just going to suck it up and go on. Got to go to a funeral tomorrow, so I am finished with school for the next 11 days. Hopefully the rest will help.

Elizabethmarie Your news was good! I will be so shocked if your seizures don't disappear as quickly as they came. I know you will be glad when they are a thing of the past.

Marypillpoppins I have definitely been there with the depression and suicidal thoughts-got really bad. If I was not so stubborn and had figured out that my recurring bouts of depression went away, I probably would not be here today. Mine was not situational, the depression came and went randomly. I thought antidepressants were a Godsend. Am not of that opinion now. As to determining whether the feelings of irritability, emptiness, feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, anxiety etc are related to depression or the withdrawal, I am now of the opinion that it is hard to tell. I did read somewhere that if you take the pill and the symptoms disappear as the medicine gets in your system, it is probably withdrawal. But when I did have the depression before I started taking the Lexapro, it was improved after only a few days on the lexapro. I will warn you though that when you are getting the drug out of your system and your body is fixing itself, the rebound depression that can occur is VERY bad. When I was off the lexapro approximately 4 months, I went into a bad state of depression and had anxiety which I never did before. I decided I had something horribly wrong with me and was destined to stay on the medication for life. Within months, I started having apathy and knew that was going to get worse. Plus, I really wasn't feeling great moodwise. had I gone back to the doctor, he would have either increased my dosage or put me on something else. But I knew from my years on Paxil that this was a reaction to the Lexapro's cumulating affects and my apathy would continue until I wanted to do nothing at all. So I began tapering in February of this year. I am banking on the depression spells to return, but know that until my brain gets straight, I am going to tough it out. If it got to the point where I thought I would hurt myself or someone else, then I would go for help, but I intend to use a lot of self-talk and rely on my new best buds on this forum for support.

Amber Sorry that you have joined our club of lexapro sufferers. Stick with us and we will all make it through. I found this forum only a couple of months ago and the knowledge/experiences of these people have helped me tremendously.

[Hopeful 285]

Hi everyone,
My ultrasound shows I have several nodules in my thyroid. Thyroid problems are a side effect of antidepressants.
I was told by the nurse that there is a chance it could be cancer (which is also a side effect of these drugs).
At first it really scared me because I have been told I have thyroid antibodies and now nodules, but upon talking to others, I learned you can have both and still not have cancer. I am not going to worry about it. They are going to send me to an endocrinologist. I hope they can get me in soon.
Someone I know that is only 24 has been taking antidepressants and now has thyroid problems and diabetes (another side effect).

Elizabethmaria,
I am happy to hear you are doing better. If I over exert myself, the brain zaps return and I start having issues of falling. I have done better the last 2 days. I got more sleep and rested. Sleep seems to be what helps me most.
I took a 2 month leave of absence from work. I believe this will help me to heal sooner.
Just try to get as much rest as you can and don't take anything that my stimulate your brain, including caffeine. You don't want to get the Lexapro stirred up. Since it is protein binding, Dr. Ann Blake Tracy says it can take awhile to get out of your system. Hopefully it will be quicker for you since you took it 3 days. This drug is so terrible what it has done you. I'm really glad you're not in the condition you were in.

Hi Skyer,
I laughed out loud when I read your whatthe post.
I've been reading Dr. Tracy's book. I believe that sleep will help us with the depersonalization. We need the REM at night or we will get it during the day. I think this is why we are having the depersonalization. We aren't sleep walking or anything like that but the disconnection I believe is a mild form of the same thing. If we miss any sleep, we should probably try to take a nap during the day.
I did some yard work one day and I over-did it. I couldn't sleep. The brain zaps got worse and I was even more depersonalized. I couldn't sleep for 2 days after over-doing it. Then the next 2 nights I got more sleep and it helped with the depersonalization. It didn't go away completely. but I recognized just how crucial sleep is to the healing process.


Everyone take care of yourselves. I have had some times where I thought I would never get better. Looking back, I know I am better than I was. You will be too. I quit cold turkey out of ignorance. Don't be in a hurry and taper too fast, this could set back your progress.


Don't take:
St. John's Wort
Ginseng
cold medicine
SAM E
Maio Inhibitors
diet pills
stimulants
herbs - safest not to take any if you're not 100 percent sure it is safe

Taking these can make your have serotonin sydrome which is very dangerous. Do not take any of these for at least a year after your last dose of all psychiatric drugs.


Information on tapering and products to help you:
http://www.theroadback.org/index.htm

Dr. Ann Blake Tracy's book
http://members.aol.com/atracyphd/index.htm

[Hopeful 285]

I found more drug interactions for Lexapro. A few if these surprised me.
Coumadin and aspirin are a blood thinners. Lexapro can cause bleeding disorders.

http://www.drugs.com/lexapro.html
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lexapro
Do not use Lexapro if you are taking the related drug Celexa. Be sure to avoid MAO inhibitors when taking Lexapro. Although Lexapro does not interact with alcohol, the manufacturer recommends avoiding alcoholic beverages.

If Lexapro is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lexapro with the following:

Aspirin
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Drugs that act on the brain, including antidepressants, painkillers, sedatives, and tranquilizers
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Linezolid (Zyvox)
Lithium (Eskalith)
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Narcotic painkillers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil and Motrin
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Tryptophan
Buspar
Ecstacy
Cocaine

[Hairyarmadillo]

Thanks for all the drug interaction info, Hopeful. Who would have even thought of aspirin interacting? I have found out about the stimulants, though I was aware it was a no-no. Was dragging and had an energy drink. Talk about being moody! Also, even though my asthma pills are not a stimulant, they tend to make me jittery when I take them. However, I needed one this morning and took it. I realized this is what had also agitated me earlier this week. I don't know why or how, but it is the only thing I can figure out. I felt fine this morning, but allergies and asthma have been flaring so I took an albuterol tablet. 2 hours later I am a full blown b----- and then a crying, heaving sobs wreak. I had to go to a funeral, not even someone I knew, but the father of a friend. I am sitting there crying worse than anyone in the family. I am sure the people there thought I was grief stricken over the deceased. I sat there trying to think of something cheerful. Then, someone got up and sang the song that was sung at my mother's funeral. Now that the asthma pill has worn off, I am "coming down". This really sucks.

[elizabethmaria]

Hello,
Thank you Hopeful for the wonderful information -- it is so helpful to everyone!!! I will pray that you do not have any type of cancer -- I hope that all turns out fine, and if the doctors can help with the nodules, hopefully that will make you feel even better overall.. I am so sorry that you are going through all of this it is so scary.. you are in my prayers...

I am doing a bit ok today, some spells, but still more mild.. I know it will probably get worse sometimes, but am so thankful for the rest right now.. I am even going for a ride for some errands today, and will try to make it to church tonight for a bit hopefully -- it is so nice to get out of the house for a little while!!!
I hope Skyer you haven't checked in because you are feeling better and doing some activities!!
take care everyone,
Elizabethmarie

[Hopeful 285]

Hi Amber,
Elizabethmaria is right. This drug does weird things. I have thought I was going to die numerous times. Every time I do something different, take a vitamin, over exert myself or anything, I get my system stirred up and I have flash backs of what you are going through. It seems to induce a panic in some of us. You will be ok, but do not take anything without checking it out. There are a lot of drug reactions with antidepressants, as Doctor Breggin says "too many to mention".
I did mention a few in my latest posts.
Be very aware of your body. It sounds like you are like Elizabethmaria and very sensitive to these drugs. As she said, she only took it for 3 days.
Do not panic if you have brain zaps or black outs. Just know that they can happen and you may not want to drive for a few days to see how you will react. If your brain and body has been injured, you will go through a healing process and may experience all kind of strange sensations and feelings. You are not alone and you will heal. Right now just be aware and try not to panic. We all are going through things and many on this forum have went through the withdrawals a are better.
Some people are missing an liver enzyme which causes them not to be able to metabolize these drugs. This is probably what happened to Elizabethmaria and is now happening to you.
A lot of doctors are not familiar with the side effect or withdrawals of these drugs and they are especially ignorant of Lexapro because it is one of the new antidepressants. The drug companies have boasted that this drug is non-addictive and easy to quit taking and only few people suffer the side effects. This is exactly what they said about Prozac and every other antidepressant.
Be also leary of sedatives. This group of drugs also has severe side effects.
All psychiatric drugs can cause severe problems.
I have a thyroid problem, high blood pressure, etc. I was very energetic and healthy before I started taking Lexapro. I am slowly getting better.
My sister-in-law was paid $14,000 because an antidepressant ( can't recall the name) gave her diabetes.
Read the posts. You will be surprised what these drugs cause and the FDA approved them.
Post regularly on this forum. It is very hard to find a support group for these side effects/withdrawals. I have learned so much here and I have been to several doctors and they are just not aware.
My brother-in-law who lives in another town came to visit last weekend and he asked me how long I took this drug and when I told him 2 years. He told me that these drugs are only meant for short term use and that I stayed on it too long. I wish I would have talked to him sooner. I knew he was good. He is the 1st doctor I've talked to that knew anything. He knew more than my neurologist. I think these doctors do know more than they admit. They protect the drug companies and themselves. They can't go against the drug and continue to write the prescriptions.

Sorry so windy.
Take Care,

[Hopeful 285]

Hairyarmadillo,
I know exactly what you were feeling when you went to the funeral.
I went to one several weeks ago and I didn't know them well and had seen them a couple of times. I mourned so badly. I could not even go up to the casket. I went into my falling episodes from the stress and had to stay seated. I didn't want to disrupt the service and have all eyes on me. I went to the car before my husband. I was just beside myself.
I have a strong faith in God so normally I would have teared up from compassion for the family, but because of my condition I broke down.

I am able to pick myself up off the floor when I fall without any trouble but I don't like the attention. It is like I just get zapped to the floor like I've been shot. No blacking out. I'm totally aware and I just get right up.

About your allergies, people at my church eat local honey and this cures them. I think it is kind of like a flu vaccine; you get a mild dose of the flu and it prevents to from getting it. With the honey, you are eating pollen. If you can find honey harvested near you, try it. They swear by it at my church.

Take Care,

[skyer]

Hi ElizabethMaria, Hopeful and all: I'm here. I had a couple of rough days because I scared myself by reading info about Adrenal Fatigue. But I had a long appointment with my naturopath and my tests were all normal. Low blood pressure is a big symptom, but mine was great and elavated when I sat up (which is good). My temp was 98.2 which is OK. A low temp is a sign too, but more around 96 or below, I think. Also, there is a test of the eyes and I checked out fine with that one, too. I was mostly concerned because I've been ultra-sensistive to stress (I get really scared and shake and that never happened before my reaction to lexapro), but my naturopath thinks it due more to my nervous system than my adrenals. Could be a combo of both???

Anyway, I'm doing OK. The worst is past me now, but it's a long road and I won't be happy till I'm driving and doing things on my own. The stress issue and my depersonalization hold me back from that still...plus a little apathy. But you're right Hopeful, the depersonalization must be related to the sleep stages. I've been sleeping harder now and noticed an improvement in my depersonalization last weekend. I didn't realize you had the depersonalization, too. No fun. Have you considered seeing a naturopath? I truly believe in natural medicine now. It's nice to have a doctor visit that lasts more than an hour.

ElizabethMaria: Glad to hear you're going to get out (I know the feeling!)