Lexapro Withdrawal

[sctschk]

Hi again sctschk,
Just did a quick search on excedrin migraine medicine -- panic and anxiety are a common side effect -- there are a bunch of people reporting problems with that ... I don't know if it means anything, but is something to think about -- also found a research article that says that intolerance, or bad reactions to acetominophen can develop in time... who knows.. just looking around! could be so many things, or a combo...
take care,
Elizabethmarie

Thanks again for all your info and bearing with me and my long posts! Desperation makes one want to just write and write! I won't doubt that even Excedrin Migraine might have had a play in this. Before the panic and anxiety attacks, although it DID work for my migraines (and I thought it was a God-send when it came out on the market in 97 when I first tried it - migraines since a kid and used to just puke away and suffer before it) it did also make me feel really amped up (similar to too many cups of coffee or mild anxiety) especially when I took it on an empty stomach. I used to also live on coffee (gone now) and haven't taken much Excedrin in the past few months (too scared to with the anxiety!) but I won't discredit that perhaps that also had something to do with it. Come to think of it, while I was preggo, the docs told me NOT to take it and gave me Darvocet instead. I took a few of those when I needed it but it really didn't work - maybe that's the culprit too.. HMM! Either way, the last Excedrin I took was during that first Lexapro induced middle-of-the-night monster headache. Also, before Lexapro, a previous doc sent me home with some samples of other migraine meds (tried one, made it worse!) But, these were after the anxiety had all ready started I haven't taken it in a while - gotta do some research on those headache meds! To be honest, I'm so against drugs of any kind now so I'm scared to take anything now anyway - headache and all.

Gotta log off now - one of my Lex? withdrawals cause me to have head jerks/reboots? while sitting in front of the computer. Quite annoying. Almost like my left eye doesn't want to focus with my right and my head bobs to the left sometimes. Or maybe it's just lack of sleep. Just bought an air purifier today and lets see if that doesn't help a little with my dizziness! Maybe I've picked up allergies along the way too with our houseful of pets! (Three dogs and three cats ...)

Thanks again! So glad this site is here to vent on!

-Jo

[sidbit]

Help! I was on lexapro 10 mg for 3 years. About a month ago I started to wean myself off by cutting to one half a pill for two weeks, now I am cold turkey. I am having numerous brain zaps an hour. I constantly feel dizzy and unstable on my feet. 2 days ago I felt like I had the flu. My doctor states he doesn't know of any side effects when coming off of lexapro. After reading some of these posts, I know otherwise. How long should I expect to feel this blah?

[Hairyarmadillo]

Help! I was on lexapro 10 mg for 3 years. About a month ago I started to wean myself off by cutting to one half a pill for two weeks, now I am cold turkey. I am having numerous brain zaps an hour. I constantly feel dizzy and unstable on my feet. 2 days ago I felt like I had the flu. My doctor states he doesn't know of any side effects when coming off of lexapro. After reading some of these posts, I know otherwise. How long should I expect to feel this blah?

sidbit Unfortunately, it appears a lot of doctors are unaware of the side effects that are associated with Lexapro. I didn't even bother asking the doctor about tapering because he had advised me wrongly with Paxil withdrawal. The best approach to getting off any of these medications is a slow taper. I started doing this to avoid feeling the immediate withdrawal affects. I have since learned from reading this that many people who have gone off this medication have negative reactions months after they stopped taking the Lexapro. I have done a slow taper since Feb from the 10 mgs I was on and have just gotten to 0mgs last Tuesday. Frankly, I think I tapered too quickly this last time, but I was cutting pieces off the pill and it was uneven.
How long have you been off the 5mgs? You might do better to go back on that dose or at least chop it in half and stay on that dose for 2-3 weeks until you feel like your body has stablized. Then cut down. IMO, the closer you get to being "Lexapro free" the worse the withdrawal symptoms seem to be. When you went down from 10 to 5, that was a major adjustment. I had tried that initially and ended up going back to approximately a 7.5 mg dose. I'm telling you, that 5 mg drop is a doozy and then to follow it up with another 5 mg drop is what is causing your symptoms. I know there is a big temptation to get off and stay off but if you haven't been on the 0mgs for a while, you really might want to consider taking part of the dose and then doing a SLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOW taper. I stayed on my 5 mg dose for a little over 3 weeks, terrified of the next drop. Then I went on the 2.5 for approx 9 days, which was too little. I am feeling the effects after dropping to 0 mgs a week ago. IMO the symptoms don't really hit until at least a week later. I am feeling the effects but they are not as bad as what they could be.
Read on here about the nutritional supplements, including Omega 3. I also think these help, and I am not even taking them regularly. I don't know if there is any solid research here on the benefits of Noni juice but I am guzzling that stuff down as well. I know it has been mentioned on here,but don't know how many people have used it., I do know there is a lot of backing on the use of Omega 3
Good luck and please keep us posted. My big advice is not to give up and go back full force on the Lexapro, thinking it is hopeless to get off. You may also have vivid dreams, nausea, periods of high blood pressure, anxiety and terrible rebound depression, to name a few other withdrawal symptoms.

[sidbit]

Been there done all those symptoms. Weird dreams, high blood pressure, fatigue, and I even have a hard time typing because I can't remember where the buttons are or what letter I am supposed to type next. I think I will refill my prescription and get back on the 5 mg for a couple more weeks and take your advise and then cut to 2.5. I am really tired of feeling blah.

[sctschk]

Hey everyone. I thought I might ask to see if anyone can shed some light. I was wondering if perhaps this might have increased my withdrawal symptoms? At about two-three weeks off Lexapro (and still going through withdrawals) I purchased L-Tryptophan by recommendation from the salesperson at the vitamin store. He recommended it for anxiety, but I can't remember if I told him I was just off Lex. I took about three of these (one a day for three days), then I stopped because I was afraid I didn't know what I was doing messing with the seratonin, etc.

Does anyone know if taking L-Tryptophan during the Lex withdrawals could possibly cause MORE damage??

Thanks!

-Jo (wow - twitching left me alone for a whole night last night - yeah!)

[Hairyarmadillo]

Been there done all those symptoms. Weird dreams, high blood pressure, fatigue, and I even have a hard time typing because I can't remember where the buttons are or what letter I am supposed to type next. I think I will refill my prescription and get back on the 5 mg for a couple more weeks and take your advise and then cut to 2.5. I am really tired of feeling blah.

I swear, the slow taper is the only way to go. My typing skills have deteriorated but they are improving. There were days when I had to remind myself of what I was typing in the first place. And then there was the day i went shopping without a list. It does get better though, so do persevere.

sctschk Congrats on the twitch free night! I am having my first day of wanting to clean house! I don't know about the L-tryptophan. I do know that the general consensus is to avoid things like St. John's Wart and 5-HTP. Isn't 5-HTP somewhat similar to the tryptophan? I was taking the 5-HTP but after reading Aunty's advice I stopped taking that and am waiting at least a year before I try that(if ever) for depression.

[Getting Better]

stcschk:

Don't use L-tryp. It is a seratonin booster and can be potentially dangerous. the consesus seems to be to avoid all seratonin-inducing supplements for at least a year. Our brains have enough.

Hairy: My brain function was retarded for a few months after stopping. I love Sudoku puzzles, and for my first three months off Lex I couldn't figure out why it was impossible to solve them. LOL. I'm doing fine with them now, though.

[Getting Better]

Aunty:

Thank you so much for posting all of that information. It's at least nice to know why this is happening. But the golden question is, how to balance out cortisol, fight adrenal fatigue and get everything back to normal...

Is it just lots of rest, proper diet, avoiding stress?

I think I'll also go back to the accupuncturist for liver detox. Can't hurt.

Btw, I remember reading on this site not to take vitamin D. Is that correct or am I making that up? If so, anyone know why?

[Hairyarmadillo]

GettingBetter-good to know the brain function will improve. I really thought I was destined for Alzheimer's. I have never been this cognitively impaired and thought for sure something was wrong. If only I had known it was the Lexapro all along. losing your mind is no fun!

[elizabethmaria]

Sctschk,
Yes, DON"T take L-Tryp... or any other supp./or drug before checking on this site - since you are a slow metabolizer of the drug w/a bad reaction, anything that is going to continue to increase the serotonin is bad news - you still probably have the drug running in your system - and some drug combos at this point can be Fatal.. ... Aunty posted the lists earlier about what can be harmful at this point - Does anyone remember what page it's on?? there are TONS.. so basically, take Nothing! Except some say Omega 3's are helpful, but you have to make sure you get the precise kind...
you need to REST from everything! it's going to be hard enough recovering as we've all discovered.. it's not worth the risk at all at this point... wait 1 year before taking any drugs after a reaction like this is the standard advice....

Read the previous posts on the forum here - starting from the beginning - it will help answer so many questions, as there is tons of extremely valuable advice in all the previous pages, from Aunty here who has done the heavy research, and so many others! It will help...this forum is a gold mine ...


Ok anyone, I just wanted to ask if anyone has seizure - Like activity ... I mean, for example, when I have a mild one, it usually starts slow, builds up with tension in my head over even an hour or two... thoughts slowly become strange, disconnected with each other, can't hold on to one before it phases out and then another comes in, and is lost and forgotten too.. this continues and gets worse, and then usually my foot starts dragging, have trouble walking, then everything gets REALLY SLOW... like slow motion circus... I mean I get slow, can't talk except a few words really slow, then I move slower and after a few minutes am completely unmoveable, sitting or lying, and then totally out of it, (embarrassing, but drool too ).. after a number of minutes pass, things start coming back, start to blink again, swallow, breath, etc.. then minutes pass, and improve and then its like I wake up, and hey, what's going on everyone? hello world!... no dragging, no slowness, mind is clear... until the next time...

Anyone with anything like this? I just thought to post it to see if there is anyone else out there like this...

ok, hope all are doing ok today..Skyer, I hope you're out having FUN!
take care,
Elizabethmarie

[elizabethmaria]

Sctschk,
Yes, DON"T take L-Tryp... or any other supp./or drug before checking on this site - since you are a slow metabolizer of the drug w/a bad reaction, anything that is going to continue to increase the serotonin is bad news - you still probably have the drug running in your system - and some drug combos at this point can be Fatal.. ... Aunty posted the lists earlier about what can be harmful at this point - Does anyone remember what page it's on?? there are TONS.. so basically, take Nothing! Except some say Omega 3's are helpful, but you have to make sure you get the precise kind...
you need to REST from everything! it's going to be hard enough recovering as we've all discovered.. it's not worth the risk at all at this point... wait 1 year before taking any drugs after a reaction like this is the standard advice....

Read the previous posts on the forum here - starting from the beginning - it will help answer so many questions, as there is tons of extremely valuable advice in all the previous pages, from Aunty here who has done the heavy research, and so many others! It will help...this forum is a gold mine ...


Ok anyone, I just wanted to ask if anyone has seizure - Like activity ... I mean, for example, when I have a mild one, it usually starts slow, builds up with tension in my head over even an hour or two... thoughts slowly become strange, disconnected with each other, can't hold on to one before it phases out and then another comes in, and is lost and forgotten too.. this continues and gets worse, and then usually my foot starts dragging, have trouble walking, then everything gets REALLY SLOW... like slow motion circus... I mean I get slow, can't talk except a few words really slow, then I move slower and after a few minutes am completely unmoveable, sitting or lying, and then totally out of it, (embarrassing, but drool too ).. after a number of minutes pass, things start coming back, start to blink again, swallow, breath, etc.. then minutes pass, and improve and then its like I wake up, and hey, what's going on everyone? hello world!... no dragging, no slowness, mind is clear... until the next time...

Anyone with anything like this? I just thought to post it to see if there is anyone else out there like this...

ok, hope all are doing ok today..Skyer, I hope you're out having FUN!
take care,
Elizabethmarie...

[elizabethmaria]

Dear Aunty,
Do you know if there is some kind of documentation that we can give to our doctors/neurologists that shows that we can be having neurological/cognitive and other problems months (4-5 or more) after ending the drug?? My doctors can't believe that my symptoms are drug related, and I try to tell them that it has continued from the day that I had the reaction 4.5 months ago, but they just have a hard time... is there anything/documentation that we can give or refer them to? I told them that there are many people out there, but they just say "oh, they are the ones that have psychological problems and are unconsciously making these symptoms appear - there is no evidence that they are actually still having problems that far off the drug.. that's impossible..." ugh.... so, there is nothing I can say - or is there? so they're trying to find other reasons for my seizure activity, etc...

What can we do as patients? nothing? I wish we could help them understand...

blessings,
Elizabethmarie

[tavee]

Hi Everyone!!

So I Think Today Was A Bad Day For Me. I Dont Know If It Was Just A Stressful Holiday Or What.
Its Day 7 On 2 Ml. I Tapered From 2.2ml. I Was Nauseous, Tired, And So Irritated!! I Hate Looking Into Things So Much And Automaticallty Assuming Its The Taper.

I Was Dragging Today. I Forced Myself To Go Into The Gym And Actually Eat Too!! I Was A Bundle Of Nerves. Mu Hubby Was Like Why Dont U Smile?? Whats Wrong With U?? They Dont Understand What We Are Going Thru.

I Hope It Gets Better And Its Just Today.
This Really Sucks. I Just Want To Be Normal Again!!

Dr Tavee

[Hairyarmadillo]

I am so mad-I just typed a long post and it went poof!

Okay, everyone, I know Lexapro is not finished with me yet, but I am officially on one full week without Lexapro. I nearly gave up Sunday night but woke up Monday feeling just a little better. Then yesterday, I felt even better. Today I am feeling great except for a minor headache. Will not be skipping meals because I tried to do that cereal diet today and had a blood sugar dip. Starting sweating and feeling dizzy. Have had that happen before so I knew what it was. Am just going to eat healthy. I am doing spring cleaning!! This is BIG for me because i have had to force myself to do the basics. Am washing mini-blinds and the dirt, dust and debris is scary. But even though it bothered me, I just didn't care for years now. I am still taking the omega 3 magnesium and guzzling Noni juice. Don't know how much the Noni juice does, but it is just nasty enough to make me feel like I am doing something productive!

Dr. Tavee, I am sorry you are having a bad day-my biggy bad day was last week. But I am here to remind you that it is going to be worth it. and even better for you because you are sticking to your slow taper and not giving up. I imagine I will be sorry later for going from 2.5 to 0 but oh well. Just keep telling yourself that you are 1 day closer to being FREE from lexapro. And you really are going to feel like a whole new person. This is all going to pass. You are almost there!!!

Elizabethmarie, it makes me so angry that doctors refuse to listen. I understand their caution in making sure it is something unrelated to the lexapro but at the same time they need to keep their minds open. Why would all these people have the same symptoms when they have trusted the doctors and drugs to be doing good for them? I went through all these symptoms when i went off Paxil. Only I didn't know it was Paxil withdrawal. I thought that the only withdrawal was the bad dreams and the need for sleep.I went from 40 mgs to 30 to 20 to 0 in slightly over a month's time. I had high blood pressure, I had brain zaps, I had depersonalization. I blamed it on the time at some diet medication I had taken but looking back I am convinced the majority of that was from the Paxil. I found this site hoping to avoid the fatigue and weird dreams. Then, to my surprise, I found people talking about the brain zaps along with other symptoms. So, there is no way I could fake the same exact symptoms that others have documented. Of course, no doc would believe me -well, I take that back, I think some are more aware. But I do know that when I told my doctor my fears of the Lexapro and told him about the ordeal I went through with getting off the Paxil, he told me it was clean. I also made mention of how I felt it had stopped working and he assured me that I just hadn't found the drug that worked for me. and, I believed him.
Well, everyone stay strong and remember we are going to beat this! And, really, after we do, we should all get together and have a big party!

[skyer]

ElizabethMaria: I'm so sorry you're suffering like you are. I thought of you yesterday because the computer is starting to hurt my eyes (they already hurt, but are getting worse looking at computer). I had a bad headache all day and almost felt like my brain was about to twitch or something. I just had to lie down in silence for a long time. And I'm six months plus off the drug! I also know how hard it is to have doctors and others not believe you (withdrawal). My mom called this morning and she and my dad are starting to conclude that I have mental illness and that I should get medicated! I was so mad and my wonderful fiance said he would call them and talk to them. They are so reluctant to read any info I give them. I haven't even bothered to see an M.D. because I know they will deny this. My naturopath has been wonderful and she believes me. Anyway, I found a story by a young woman who is a Paxil survivor and I will post it. I think you will relate to her some of her symptoms.

Speaking of symptoms...if you guys have a chance...Elizabeth, Hopeful, Getting Better, anyone...could you list symtpoms that you have and/or have had. It would be interesting to compare. I will list mine later, but I need to take a break from the computer. Take care, everyone. And, YES, newbies...read the forum...all the answers to your questions are here. Read Aunty's posts.

[skyer]

Paxil withdrawal story:


I feel morally obligated to communicate to the general public the
dangers of SSRIs, as I was grievously injured by taking and
subsequently discontinuing the drug Paxil. SSRIs are so commonly
prescribed that approximately 1 in four women, in the United States,
is taking one of the medications (Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro,
Prozac) within that class of drugs. This is a frightening statistic,
as the risks of using SSRIs by far outweighs the possible benefits, of
which I have seen none. In fact, SSRI use and discontinuation has not
only the potential to, but has completely destroyed many lives.

I was placed on Paxil by a general practitioner (I'd never seen a
psychiatrist), for mild depression, at age 28, whilst I was going
through a divorce. My doctor said Paxil had few transient side
effects, was non-addicting, safe and effective. He said it would "keep
my lows from getting too low." I didn't notice a difference in how I
felt, emotionally, after I began taking the drug, but I did begin to
have adverse reactions to it, unbeknownst to me. After about six
months of usage, I began to have episodes, wherein I would feel a
tingling sensation that would start in the back of my throat and
quickly spread throughout my entire body. My muscles would become so
weak that I would do no more than collapse or crawl. My heart would
race, generally beating between 150-200 bpm. My blood pressure would
vacillate wildly, from one extreme to the other; from high to low and
back again. I would sweat buckets one moment, unable to move, then
freeze the next, accompanied by uncontrollable chills. My breathing
was labored. I could not take a breath involuntarily; I had to force
my breaths, which were quick and shallow, using the strength of my
diaphragm. Each time this would happen, I was convinced I would die.
All I could do was remain calm and concentrate on my breathing. I had
no idea these cardiovascular episodes were related to taking Paxil. I
now know, via consultation with a neurologist/psychiatrist, Dr. Robert
Shipko, that what I was experiencing is called dysautonomia or a
malfunctioning of the autonomic nervous system. Unfortunately, It was
never suggested to me by ER physicians at Kaiser Permanente, that
Paxil could cause a severe autonomic nervous system malfunction. In
fact, the Kaiser physicians determined that I was having an "acute
allergic reaction" to.......something. Thus, began the journaling and
medical testing necessary to discover what it was that I was allergic
to. When tests ruled out allergies as the source of my problems, I did
research, via the internet and found that Paxil could cause fatal
arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, ischemia, dysautonomia, amongst a
myriad of additional physical maladies. A cardiologist confirmed my
suspicion that Paxil could be the cause of my episodes, and as my
cardiovascular/respiratory problems became more frequent and severe, I
realized I had no choice, but to discontinue the drug. This sent waves
of fear through me, as I had tried to come off the drug and summarily
failed, four times previously. I got so violently ill when I tried to
discontinue Paxil, I resigned myself to being on the drug for the rest
of my life, as each time I "reinstated" all of my extreme illness
would vanish. Each time I made an attempt to discontinue the drug and,
thus, experienced physical symptoms, my doctor would simply drone the
mantra he must of learned from the pharmaceutical sales reps: "It must
be your depression relapsing. Paxil is non-addicting. Continue taking
the medication." Excuse me?? I NEVER had physical symptoms associated
with emotional distress, other than a few tears and feeling somewhat
lethargic. I had never even lost sleep and, now, after being "treated"
for a mild depression, I was felt worse than I had ever felt in my
life.

I remained a prisoner of this drug for almost five years, and with
each passing year, the ER visits became more frequent and the episodes
more severe. Then, I met and married my new husband. I felt confident,
with his support I could successfully discontinue Paxil. I knew I was
in trouble because of my previous withdrawal experiences, so I
contacted a psychiatrist who advised me to taper off the drug. This
was the first time I had seen a psychiatrist, while on Paxil or ever
heard the term "taper" from anyone. Unfortunately, I experienced such
severe autonomic nervous system disruption, at 10 mg (down from the
original 20 mg dose), that I had no choice, but to "cold turkey" off
the drug, which is not advised, even by the pharmaceutical companies
who had gone to such great lengths to convince doctors (mine included)
that the drug was non-addicting, safe and effective. I had NO IDEA
what was in store for me. What I expected, as it was what I was told
was that I would experience "rebound symptoms" for 2-6 weeks (of
course, even this is contrary to what I was told when I was first
placed on the drug). I was SEVERELY ill for 12 FULL MONTHS. Following
my discontinuation, I had seizures, tremor, muscle spasms/extreme
tension/jerks/twitching, agoraphobia, never ending panic attacks,
heart palpitations, chronic nausea, diarrhea, severe insomnia, rage,
profound depression, suicidal thoughts, gestures and attempts, was
diagnosed with "psuedoparkinson's disease," had paraethesia (horrible
burning skin), akathesia, obsessive thoughts, aphasia, cognitive
deficits/memory lapses (I could not drive without running redlights or
stop signs, as my brain seemed incapable of associating a redlight
with the stopping the car), coordination problems and an inability to
feel love or joy. The year long "acute discontinuation syndrome" BEGAN
within a week of stopping the medication. I have NEVER in my life
experienced anything even remotely similar to what I went through for
an entire year of my life, not before or during Paxil "treatment." I
have been to hell on earth. I was the living dead. I couldn't ride in
a car, socialize with friends, go to the movies.......anything that a
normal human being does........that I used to do; the anxiety was that
profound. Everything I once loved I newly dreaded. This experience
almost destroyed my new marriage. My poor husband couldn't help, but
ponder whether or not I had lost my mind. He was assured by everyone
who had ever known me that who I had become was NOTHING like who I
ever was. He stayed with me, thank God, because without him, I would
have never made it through this horror. He now wishes he'd been more
understanding of what it was I was going through, as I have improved
so vastly that he not only recognizes the improvements, but cannot
believe what had to have been going in my brain to cause such
emotional and physical devastation. I became a complete stranger to
myself and anyone who ever knew me.

[skyer]

Though I experienced movement
disorders when I discontinued Paxil, the injury is not visible to the
human eye. This isn't a broken leg. This is a traumatic brain injury.
I found it almost impossible to communicate adequately the misery
associated with the horrible burning sensation that plagued the
surface of my skin for months on end. I could not convey the depth of
despair I had seen or the twisted thoughts that continually bombarded
my consciousness. He could not see this with his eyes that I was
barely surviving. After a year's worth of "recovery," I began to
re-emerge, very, very gradually as the woman he had married. As I inch
my way toward recovery, he becomes more incensed at GSK for what it
was that I have been through and still suffer today.

I am now 21 months post-Paxil. I disappeared from everyone and
everything that ever meant anything to me for almost 16 months. I am
now, gradually crawling out of the pit of despair I was cast into, but
it's been a very difficult and slow process. What's more is that I
couldn't "treat" any of these horrendous symptoms with talk therapy or
other drugs. The talk therapy would have been completely ineffectual,
as this was a physical injury and drugs would have further insulted my
already injured brain. All that has treated this malady is time. I am
now able to work part-time. I can, once again, go to the theatre,
store, drive, be alone, sleep (usually) and interact with others
without much of the crippling symptoms of Paxil's "discontinuation
syndrome." I do have some residual of the aforementioned symptoms,
which come and go, but I can't imagine that after 12 months of
unmitigated hell I could escape such torment without some lingering
problems. I still have tingling sensations in my hands and feet,
occasional insomnia, wherein I awaken, in a very alarmed state for no
reason at all and cannot return to sleep, free-floating bouts of
depression or anxiety (for no apparent reason), headaches, occasional
nausea, tinnitus and paraethesia (burning skin, albeit a milder
version of what I initially experienced) if I feel stressed. It seems
any stimulus, good or bad, has a negative effect on my fried central
nervous system. Needless to say, these symptoms are very frustrating,
but a profound improvement from where I was just six months ago. I
expect with time, these lingering problems will disappear as well, but
I don't know if I well ever fully recover from the trauma that I have
experienced. I may recover, but I can never, ever forget. I am happy
to report that my cardiovascular and respiratory problems are
completely resolved. I no longer visit the emergency room twice a
week, so as to slow my heart rate. My Cedar Sinai cardiologist, who
was absolutely certain that I had to be medicated, with atenolol, and
even recommended an ablation, during the early stages of my
discontinuation, was absolutely taken aback by the spontaneous
recovery I have experienced, following Paxil discontinuation. My
records read "heart problem resolved, six to eight months after
discontinuing Paxil."

[skyer]

Paxil remaining on the market is unacceptable to me. It is my wish
that this drug be exposed for what it truly is: A neurotoxin that
disrupts and chemically damages the brain, particularly after
prolonged exposure. I feel as though I've been recovering from a
stroke over the past 21 months. I am not alone. Please visit
www.paxilprogress.org, wherein you will find hundreds of stories like
mine, many of whom had only mild depression, or shyness or nail biting
or migraines or back pain, and for which were prescribed Paxil. Please
consider bringing our stories to light.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and consider my story.

[Hopeful 285]

Hi Hairyarmadillo,
I am feeling God again and you will too. I prayed alot and used the power of the name of Jesus and it is so amazing that I am doing so much better.
I am seeking him more and I am getting things that some call coincidences which I don't believe in. He is so amazing.
Even Einstein has famous quotes of how terrible it would be not to have our spiritual side. We do have it, and God will restore our feelings of the Holy Spirit for everyone. How do I know? It would obviously be what he would want so we just need to ask.

Hi Elizabethmaria,
I know what you mean by slow. I just started talking normal on Saturday for the first time. My family even has noticed the I am talking at a normal speed now. I was walking very slow and I am pretty much up to pace.
It is still hard for me to plan and organize.
You are posting more than you were for awhile. This is a good sign.
I am really glad. I am praying for you.

Sctschk,
Hope my list of side effects below can help you. I have a ways to go but I am healing.
One thing I found helpful is starting out sleeping propped almost sitting up to get to sleep. Also I was worse when I laid on my right side.
You will problably go through periods of insomnia, but try to get as much sleep as you can.
Take Care


Hi Skyer,
Hope your depersonalization is getting better. I'm praying for you.

Here is my list of Lexapro side effects:

I quit cold turkey on November 9th and although I am better than I was I have not completely recovered.

high blood pressure
thyroid nodules and antibodies (waiting on newly referred doctor to get appt.for further diagnosis)
jerks (I had times where I really jerked violently, pulled my back out)
tremors
really strange gait (while I was on Lex, I walked like someone who was severely handy-capped)
walking into walls
poor judgement
head jerks to left or bobbles back and forth or nods
eye twitches (left eye)
falling like I've been shot
brain zaps
heat sensations in the center of my brain
slow talking
slow walking
reflex behind left knee is weak
restless legs
insomnia or long hours of sleep
ringing in the ears
terets-like symptoms (voice suddenly gets loud for a couple of words and if not talking other sounds come out like sighs or like partial word sounds)
earaches
gurgling sounds in the head
vivid dreams
feet paddling like I was swimming
kicking
dermatitis between eyes
poor cognitive functioning
pressure builds in my head if I think or plan what I need to do
strange sense of smell
tastes has changed (chemical taste in mouth)
gained 20 lbs
depersonalization
loss of spiritual feeling (has returned)
agitation (mostly in the 1st couple of months)
headaches
brain zaps, headaches worsened when watching tv or using computer
nose bleeds
shortend menstral cycles
itching and skin flushing
dry mouth
pain in left arm pit and under left breast bone
palpitations
ache all over
pain above kidneys (adrenals)
diarrhea
nausea
dizziness
anemia
bad coordination
muscle pain
sore joints
jaw would move uncontrollaby as if chewing (don't have this anymore)
loss of strength
when I exercise or work hard my symptoms worsen
panic attacks
confusion
feelings of hopeless and despair
crying
feeling alone
apathy
forgetfulness
can't handle any stress
PMS worsened
shortness of breath
neck and shoulder pain
neck makes cracking sounds when I move it
hair loss (not losing it any more)
severe fatigue
swelling in fingers and ankles
both knees would lock up in bed at the same time and I would have to work on them to get my legs straight (really strange phenomenon happened 3 times in the same week at about 4 months after last dose)
hypoglyemia
personality change
compulsiveness (spent money without thinking when I was on Lex, fast driving, I would catch myself interrupting people and I had to fight myself not to do it, I would just blurt things out) This was unlike me. I am a shy person.
The smallest things became hard to do. (looking up a telephone number, emailing, checking the mail)

All the side effects are not rare as the drug companies say.
These are some weird drugs.

[auntybiotic]

There has been recent research showing that inisitol ( Vitiamin B 8)has dramatically helped those that were having problems with SSRI reactions, namely high corisol levels and similiar related problems, especially anxiety.

I did not save the article but have pasted how inisitol works. You may need to start at recommended dose and then try and work up to about 2000 Mg a day if possible.

Inositol Uses



Inositol in the body exists as part of the cell membrane, phospholipid arrangement. It can work as a weak lipotropic agent, meaning it has the ability to move fat from the liver and intestinal cells. [2] Because of its roles in cellular communication, inositol is used in several different neurological related conditions. Inositol plays a key role in cellular signals, which involve serotonin, norepinephrine, and cholinergic receptors in the brain. [3]



In fact, some research points to the ability of inositol to act similarly to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRIs) in certain neurological conditions. For persons with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), inositol supplementation may improve their symptoms after a minimal duration; usually several weeks of treatment. [4]



Similarly, in people with panic disorder, inositol supplementation can decrease the number and intensity of panic attacks after only 4 weeks of treatment. [5] Studies have also compared inositol to a commonly used drug for panic attacks (fluvoxamine), deeming it equally effective. [6]



Inositol occupies an interesting niche as well; in that it appears to allieve psoriasis that is made worse by lithium therapy. [7] While its pathology is not entirely known, it has been theorized that lithium-induced psoriasis may be caused by lithium's ability to reduce inositol in the brain and other areas of the body. Taking inositol and lithium together will not affect lithium's efficacy. [8]



One of inositol's isomers, D-chiro-inositol may assist women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in ovulation. Researchers speculate that the over production of insulin and genetic factors are to blame for the onset of this condition. Although there is no treatment for genetic predisposition, D-chiro-inositol may improve insulin sensitivity. [9] By decreasing insulin sensitivity, other symptoms related to PCOS (i.e. high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and elevated testosterone levels) are improved as well. [10]







Inositol Dosages




Dosage of inositol varies and no particular recommended dosages exist. However, for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, 18 grams per day has been used with varying success. [11]



In panic disorder, 12 to 18 grams per day is a common dosage. [12, 5] In depression, 12 grams per day has been used.[13]



Treatment of lithium-induced psoriasis utilized 6 grams per day. In PCOS, 1200 milligrams per day of the inositol isomer, D-chiro-inositol was used for treatment in numerous clinical applications. [14, 15]






Inositol Deficiencies and Toxicities



Inositol Deficiency

Because inositol is manufactured in the body, no established conditions of deficiency are known to exist. However, inadequate production may lead to subtle deficiencies in healthy function at the cellular level, with negative health ramifications that may not be immediately attributable to this compound.

[auntybiotic]

Thre is no documentation on any of the withdrawal after effects as we all know........HMMM......doctors say they don't exist. So I do not have any documentation other then people's histories about their experiences.

I was actually thinking of writing a book for the public.....................what do you all think......not sure anyone would buy a book on Tapering off SSRI's.

[auntybiotic]

With warm weather approaching.......................wanted to warn those on Lexapro or recently quitting (withinin 6 months)

DO NOT EAT Barbarcue Char Broiled Steaks, Burgers, chicken.............the black on the food from the charcoal causes a substance that reacts with the same P 450 Pathways that lexapro uses and will increase the levels of lexapro in the system.

[skyer]

Aunty: You SHOULD write a book. I was thinking it would also be nice to have a book of personal experiences (hopefully those with good endings). It's the personal success stories that have helped me the most because it gives me hope. I was able to get in touch with Redbled from last year and we stay in touch once and a while and his encouragement has helped so much. He actually said Inositol was very beneficial for him when he started taking it 10 months off Lexapro. I think I should try it. He said he is about 96-98% back to normal after about 18 months (I think).

My big issue these days is my nervous system. It seems so very fragile and I try to avoid going out much. Any stimuli is difficult. My parents didn't help today, either. They are convinced I have a mental illness and insist I get to a Dr. for medication. My fiance defended me to the bitter end. Not having support and compassion from my own parents during this makes healing so much harder. Thank God for my fiance and this forum...

[Hairyarmadillo]

Aunty, I think you should put some very serious thought into that book. When I first started on this forum, I was looking for some survival tips. What I found was a life raft. I have felt strongly since even reading the first few posts on here that there is a "bigger mission" to this board and its contents. I know how I felt reading what everyone else had experienced. It was wonderful knowing that I was not going crazy. If no one stands up and makes the public aware that MANY people are undergoing the same symptoms, then there are going to be thousands more people being caught blindsided when the effects hit them. I believe that somewhere within all that people have endured, there is some good to come from it. I hate that people have been affected so badly they have to have MRIs and see doctors, but you know what? That gives some wonderful documentation that backs up what we are saying here-this medication causes problems! Some of the problems are hard to prove and are so easily dismissed. Not so with seizures! I am so sick of these docs saying that these medications are "clean" with few side effects. Aunty, you have a wonderful platform to stand on when writing your book. I don't know which way you will go with it (because I believe in my heart there WILL be a book), but I would suggest you try to get some of these cases where people have been forced into getting MRIs etc. and put that documentation in the book. Yes, chances are it is going to get attacked by some people, but hey, you can be the voice crying out in the darkness. SOMEONE has to be that voice. My opinion is if you can help one person than it is worth it. But I believe there is going to be much more than one person helped. I think the more literature that is out there on the subject, the more aware the public will become. Oh, and I want a signed copy!!

Hopeful, you are right about God. I just lay in bed the past few nights, explaining the situation to Him (ha, I KNOW that He already knew, but it helped to go over it) I prayed for healing, both physically and spiritually. And, yep, it is starting to come back!! I have missed this worse than anything and really thought I had just turned cold hearted. What a relief.

Just wish I could quit waiting for that other shoe to drop! i am enjoying it while I can, though.
And thanks, Aunty, for the eating tips. You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge. There is no question in my mind that you need to write the book.

[tavee]

guys!!

i am so upset and irritated!! im so sick of people not believing anything that we go thru. my husband has his days where he is supportive and then there are days when i yell at my son and have no patience and hes like u need to control ureself. bla bla bla. i wish that he could see thru my eyes that this is not me its the drug and those withdrawals, hes more patient than me and im so sensitive to noise that when my son screams and plays loud i want to blow up. i cant handle it. he says u need to relax.
i mean sometimes i feel like im going crazy especially this week. im so mad. im full of rage!!

what the hell is wrong with everyone? why cant they understand??are we fricken crazy u guys???
if i knew that i would be going thru this stuff i would have never taken this drug. i am a mess this week!!

someone please give me some words of wisdom!! please.

dr tavee

[Hairyarmadillo]

It really is a shame my first post was lost because I had typed a bunch of encouragement to you, Tavee. I was really inspired, too. The type-over just didn't have all the gusto of the first. Anyhow, here's my attempt. First of all, husbands are just stupid. Ok, I am half-kidding here but then again... He is no doubt used to you being your calm, rational, joyful self and-even though he has some minute idea of what you are going through-he probably has no idea of the depths of this thing. Your best thing to do is just accept that he understands as well as possible and then ignore him. Sorry, it is the only thing that works with mine. Maybe yours is better,but when I was going through those days when the B---- in me was uncontrollable, I had to just tell myself he didn't really have a clue, he was doing the best he could and then focus on something else. I am a VERY self-controlled person but I am telling you that there were days that I could not control myself. This is not me and I had to keep reminding myself of this. I also had to keep telling myself it would pass. Are you able to get any "me" time during the day? If not for a long time, then try to have hubby be in charge of your angel while you go shut yourself away. You need to find some way to nurture yourself, even if only for 15 minutes. Do something that seems frivolous. Ok, letting you know how much my life sucks, but for my spoiling I filled up the tub and soaked in scented bubble bath. I gave myself a manicure(even though it was ruined a day later). Just do SOMETHING that is putting something back in your reserves. I think women are like teakettles-we go around filling up everyone else's cups, making sure they don't get thirsty. But we forget to refill. Then when it is our time to sip tea, the kettle is empty. Right now you need to find something SIMPLE (too much is too hard, if you feel like I did) to feel up your own teakettle and be very conservative in what you "pour out" for others. I am not saying neglect everyone but what you are going through is just like an illness, even if those (here's where I would normally insert foul language) doctors/drug manufacturers will not accept it. YOU know the truth though, so do not hold unrealistic expectations of yourself-right now you are going to have to focus on your needs. Since your husband seems to be reasonable, maybe you could have another talk with him, explaining how the symptoms get worse as you get closer to the 0 mg mark. That is when mine did. Just last week I was doing that approximately 2.5 mg dose and had been on it for a week. I always can "fake" a mood and control my agitation. But I lost it. I wish you knew me in real life because you would see what an abnormality that is. And it was all the Lexapro. I was way off the scale moodwise. The sadness was gone but I was royally pissed at everyone. It has been a week since then and I promise you it passed. I am actually laughing and enjoying myself, something I haven't done forever. JUST ONE MORE WEEK WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I didn't think so last week and either Sunday or Monday night I felt like giving up and going back to being numb. But each day has made a difference. Also, rely on your sense of humor. Try to find humor in anything and everything. It will save your sanity.
Another thing-the truth is going to come out about these medications. I am 100% certain that the time will come when all these doctors, etc who doubt what the withdrawal from these medications are going to have to admit it. I don't know what will be the catalyst, but they are going to have to admit it. And I am going to be sitting back laughing my butt off and saying to them "We told you so". I think we should find a way to save all these posts so we can throw it in their face.
Oh,I am sure it is on the no-no list, but Hershey's chocolate seems to do wonders.

Had to come back and add-it might help motivate your husband to be more supportive to tell him that after all the moodiness passes, the next side effect is a constant need for sex. I don't think this is documented anywhere, but anytime I want my husband to cooperate, sex seems to be a nice carrot to dangle. I just got him to help me finish moving furniture because I told him the new arrangement of furniture in the bedroom is designed to intensify our sex life. haha-hope I made you laugh. laughter really is the best medicine.

[tavee]

hairy- thanks so much for those wonderful words of wisdom. gosh darnit!! u made me cry!!

sometimes we just need someone who understands to tell us that we will be ok and it will pass. u are right. it will be ok. it just kicked in and i shouldnt complain cuz there are others on this forum who cant even walk, and im complaining about rage!!!

i just wish that we could move time ahead and everyone could be cured and off lex and could be all normal again. wouldnt that be cool?

i definitely do get me time. my hubby is wonderful when it comes to that. as soon as he walks in the door he takes over my 3 yr old, but im home with him all day and i feel like im gonna lose my mind sometimes. this whining and screaming and phases that hes going thru just grinds in my nerves. i have no patience and im such a b***h sometimes.
how am i going to deal with having another one if i cant handle this one in the future?? sometimes i think maybe i should have waited till he went to kindergarten and then i should have gone off lex, but then i would have to deal with it in a work environment and that would have been harder, i think.

anyhoo, enough of my babbling and complaining.

thank u for listening and i wish u all the best in getting off this drug and being normal again.

by the way, u did say u are completely off it right??
wow u really did go from 2.5 to nothing??? u are a trooper!!


dr tavee

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Aunty,
Well, sign me up for at least 10 copies of your book - I know already people who will want it!! We need something so badly, with plenty of examples, and references, that would at least BE OUT there! There is so much on this forum that would be awesome for printing - it is just impossible to ask the doctor to read the forum though! (I wish ..) Yes Aunty, if your book can help even 1 person, then it is worth it -- we've all been to you know where and back again, and if it can prevent/help someone else through it, it's definitely worth it..

Now, I'm just going to go through with the 2 day brainwave/seizure test.. I don't know what they will find.. and even if they say find nothing, or something odd, but unknown.. at least someone at a big hospital will KNOW that SOMETHING happened with those drugs... even if they can't put their finger on it - maybe it will help someone else out there - somehow... It's harder to have people not understand, then just to go through the symptoms!!! Even the doctors that didn't believe something could be from the drug... it will at least be in their memory, and may come back when another patient shows up the same or similar problems... gosh though, sometimes you feel like a martyr or something, it's so painful to be misunderstood...

Hairy... ok, I don't know about others, but I can't wait until we're all better for that PARTY... I'm ready NOW!!! who knows what tomorrow will bring?!! Thank you for your motivational post!!!! that is so good, we can read it over and over when things get bad

Dr. Tavee -- I don't know what is up with people... why isn't it all over the place when there are thousands of us?? I think maybe we underestimate the power of the media and the influence $ of the drug companies.. I think they are way more powerful than we even imagine.. I mean, they must be doing something with those billions of dollars! so, there is so much advertising, and case protections, covering up for things, etc.. to keep the drugs on the market -- that's all I can think of... and if these drugs give people the adrenal rush in the beginning, which may make them feel better for a while, then these people who don't understand what is happening to them, also feel the drug 'helps' them... though it isn't... hard thing to go against..
I am normally a really peaceful person, quiet, shy, etc.. but I get those bouts too, where I'm sooo upset at someone, for not any good reason at all -- or about other things...It is really disturbing and kind of scary, but I'm sure it will go away like everything else - it's not you!! cause I get those seizure things, I notice it happens right before one most oftentimes, like the brain is misfiring or something - so that 's probably just what's happening in your head -- I just get those angry, and other weird distorted thoughts that are totally unrelated -- and so abnormal.. then afterwards, it's all gone and i'm me again.. So, I wouldn't worry about it, but I don't know how to handle it either!

Hairy.. just a question for you -- how come you aren't tapering slow?? I'm just worried for you, as that is a big drop, and really hard on your system... Are you going to be ok? I'm worried not just about right now, but for the problems which will come up as time passes... like 3 months, etc... it really is awful, and am worried you might have to actually take a leave of absence or something then.... I was able to work a little part time in the beginning, after a few weeks, but when the things hit at 3 months/4... I can't even do hardly anything -- have trouble even sitting in church for 1/2 hour or so... Are you sure you'll be ok???

Hi Hopeful,
Thank you for your prayers! I am able to post more, and read other posts! that is a good sign, thank you for showing that - when it was really bad, I couldn't hardly see straight.. but am doing better in that way!!! thank you -- you're list of symptoms is awful... but so helpful to everyone who reads through them... I can't post mine yet, I don't even want to remind myself of everything at this point! ;(

B-Vitamins..
I don't know about those B -Vits though, aunty... last year, I was given vit. B12 shots for the chronic fatigue syndrome, and it gave my a bout of hyperthyroidism... I did some research on the B's.. and what I found was a bunch of articles that talked about how the B vitamins are really delicately balanced in your system, and how an excess of one of the B vitamins disrupts the balance, and affects your absorption of other nutrients, minerals.. and the balance in your body, adrenals, nervous system, etc... they said that the new 'thing' of taking those stress B tablets was a really bad idea, as it only worked by hyping up your system, but caused damage in the long run... it was really interesting - I wish I could find it again... but it scared me and I got quickly off those shots... I don't know, just seems like balance was the best.. I can post the page for people.. it was really interesting... the website was
http://www.acu-cell.com/bx.html

..... just thinking..
take care,
Elizabethmarie..

[elizabethmaria]

Skyer,
I am sooo sorry to read about your parents.. that is terrible -- it makes everything soo much harder, and hard to heal! It's like, when you have difficulties in brain functioning, and no mental issues, but then your own family starts to think that you are having mental problems, but aren't, then you feel like you're going to have mental problems because everything is so confusing and hurtful plus your head is acting up so much it's hard to concentrate on anything ;(... Thank goodness you have a wonderful fiance ! you are very blessed... you're in my prayers -- have you been getting out besides the bad day today??
take care,
Elizabethmarie

[tmb]

First let me say I am very sorry for all the pain everyone is in. And yes I believe all of you because I have had the withdrawal symptoms from trying to do the so called TAPERING METHOD on my own. Once again I will say how important it is to see a psychiatrist for any type of mental illness. Would you let a psychiatrist fix a broken leg?? NO. I urge everyone to talk to a psychiatrist about using the prozac method to get off an antidepressant (read my earlier post).

Now let me please state how Lexapro has saved my life. In my 20's I knew I had a problem with anxiety and depression but blamed it on normal life stresses. In my early 30's I started suffering with lower back problems which led to major back surgery. My back started to recover but my mental symptoms hit an all time high. My orthopedic surgeon suggested I see a psychiatrist. She suggested that I take Lexapro to help me. I did not like the idea of taking an antidepressant because it felt like a sign of weakness. And it seemed to be the "trend" among many people I knew to pop these happy pills. But at that point I felt hopeless so I started taking Lexapro. My psychiatrist closely monitored my progress by daily and then weekly visits until she felt I was stable on the medication.

It was at this time in my life that I walked out of a fog that had been surrounding me for so many years. I do have some of the minor side effects but the positive out weigh the negative and the best part was when family and friends saw an improvement in my personality. And this is why I am typing this because these drugs do have positive results and I would hate to see some one like me not try them because of only bad stories. But yes I do agree they can have negative side effects like so many other drugs on the market. For example high blood pressure meds may cause a skin rash; loss of taste; a chronic dry, hacking cough; and in rare instances, kidney damage, insomnia, cold hands and feet, tiredness or depression, a slow heartbeat or symptoms of asthma. Impotence may occur. But at the same time help millions of people live healthy lifes.

Good luck to everyone on finding what helps them lead a normal healthy life.

tmb