[auntybiotic]

I was not able to edit the previous post, not sure why but could not.

The correct calculations for a 10% taper are as follows.

10 Mg of lexapro to 9 Mg
9 Mg of lexapro to 8.1 Mg

8.1 Mg of lexaro to 7.3 Mg
7.3 Mg of lexapro to 6.9 mg and so on till off.

[Angie_R_65]

OK...it didn't work. 5 days after quitting 30 mg. Lexapro cold-turkey, I wimped out and went back on the s***.

Emotionally, I was OK...more than OK. I felt like a living, feeling human being instead of a emotionless zombie for the first time in a long time. However, physically I could not even function. The dizziness was constant, to the point where I was afraid to drive. My back muscles were knotting up, I was constantly queasy, and I couldn't fall asleep at night.

I stayed home from work yesterday since my 15 year old daughter was feeling sick (she has Crohn's disease). I was supposed to be taking care of her, and the best I could muster was lying on the couch with her. I slept most of the day, and around 4:00, had had enough and went upstairs to take the Lexapro. The dizziness improved within the hour!

This is unbelievable. I went on it to calm down my anxiety. Now, I feel like I can handle things better emotionally, but my body is addicted to it! This is horrible. I thought I could tough it through any physical discomfort, but I couldn't. I am SO sick of the dulling of emotions and lack of ambition, but now I'm stuck on this stuff because my neurotransmitters have come to depend on it.

I guess this is the "new" normal for me. Call me crazy, but I want my old worry-wart self back.

Angie

[jesyka]

Angie,
I'm sorry to hear that it didn't go well for you. I had a similar expierience coming off. At first I was great and then a couple days into it I was feeling tired and kind of dizzy. Then when the 2 week mark hit, I was an emotional mess!! It was awful. My husband told me that if I continued like this that he was done.
I began resuming my dosage yesterday and felt "normal" again. However I am going to visit an acupuncturist and she has devoted herself to help me safely get off this drug, and I am also going to go through a detox program to get it out of my body. This drug has made me gain weight and I am unable to lose it, so I hope that all these steps help me. It may be a suggestion for you too.
I will keep you all posted on my success or failure with this....wish me luck!

[spatzkey]

How long does it take to feel human again? To be able to feel your emotions?

[Seefour1]

Hi everyone.


I have a quick question for Aunty, or anyone else who can answer. I've been off for about 5 months now, pretty much feeling normal for the most part. except for when I am lying down and drifting off to sleep. I get bouts of vertigo right when I am about to fall asleep, which is followed immediatly by my adrenaline kicking in, I guess it scares me heh. This happens at least 3 times before I finally drift off to sleep, I don't wake up during sleep.
Here and there there is a what I'd have to describe as a brain zap thrown in there. I've had a cat scan recently, and they did scan my brain and found nothing.

I've been looking everywhere for an answer to what might be going on, and I'm hesitant to blame this on withdrawal, it has been 5 months... And I was only on 10mg for a month and besides that, everything else is normal.

[tavee]

Hi Everyone
The Last 2 Days Have Been Better. I Guess Im Stabilizing On The 2ml. Man!! Last Week Was So Bad Though!!

I Am A Little Calm Today. So Next Week Im Going To 1.9 Real Sloooooooooooooow. Im Not Taking Any Chances.

The Only Thing Is I Get Soooo Dizzy In The Morning. I Cant Walk So I Have To Go Real Slow. By The Night Im Ok. Last Night Though I Went To A Big Store And I Had To Hold My Hubby Cuz I Was A Little Dizzy And There Was Like Too Much Going On In The Store(light Etccccccccc)

The Good News Is That Sunday We Sat My Parents Down And Told Them Whats Going On With Me Cuz They Had No Clue. They Were Very Supportive Which Makes It Easier On Me. I Dont Have To Explain Why I Act Or Feel The Way I Do. They Have Been Helpful With Taking My Son Out Of My Hands So I Can Sleep And Feel Better.

So Thats The Update On Old Tavee!! Ive Been Praying For All Of Us To Get Better And Suffer No Withdrawals While Going Thru This.

I Love U Guys
Tavee

[tavee]

Seefour- U Are Not Out Of The Woods Yet. Whats Happening Is That U Are Hitting The 5th Or 6th Month Period Where All This Comes Back Again For A Little.\\

What Else Are U Feeling Except For The Vertigo. Are U Sad? Moody??

This Will Pass But It Definitely Is The Withdrawals. It Doesnt Matter What Dose U Were On To Begin With And How Long U Were On It. Once U Are Completely Off It U Have The 3rd Month And The 5th Or 6th Month That Comes Back.

Did U Go Cold Turkey When U Went Off It?

Remember That This Can Take Up To 18 Months To Be Ure Normal Self Again. Its Like A Brain Injury That Takes Time.

Hang In There!! It Will Pass.

Tavee

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by sctschk

Yep! Lesson learned. Two days for me too - the shakiness of the hands was the worst. Ugh! Seems finally better today though (knock on wood). Ok, so I learned that I'm still not ready for chocolate and Excedrin all in the same day. Not doing THAT again!!



-Jo

Haha, yep I learned my lesson about chocolate, too. I did not think about chocolate causing problems, but scarfed down some major chocolate chip cookies last weekend-not as bad as the soda, but definitely not a pleasant experience.

Tavee-That is great about your parents. The extra help will make a difference. Glad to hear you sounding like yourself!

Does anyone know if the Lexapro weight ever comes off?

[deanna.a]

I have been taking Phosphatidyl Serine for just two days and feel remarkable results! No more brain zaps, no more forgetting how to do simple tasks ( such as typing!). It is a natural supplement taken 1-3 times a day. It has made all the difference to me. I even had a successful job interview today!
I highly suggest to those experiencing weight gain and/or shakiness: lay off the caffeine and the chocolate. It wreaks havoc on your blood sugar levels which will surely give you the highs and lows you do not want. But I am not a doctor, so it is just my opinion.

[jesyka]

I never really realized what the caffine did while on this medication! I ended up working really late last night and because I hadn't eaten in so long I was getting really tired. I stopped and got a large latte, and then later had a regular coke. Several hours later I was jittery and felt numb everywhere, not to mention I couldn't sleep all night. I've felt a little down about myself lately so I can't tell if it's a mood swing or not, but I think I'm certainly done with the caffine!
I start my acupuncture treatment today!! I'm so excited because for once I feel very optimistic about what I'm doing for my health! Wish me luck!

[cloud_child]

Hello all. I'm new to this forum and I have a few qestions that I hope you can help me with.

I'm almost 19 and last year I was prescribed 10mg Lexapro. I was put on it because I have severe social anxeity. It got so bad that I couldn't even leave the house without feeling ill or crying. I was often subject to panic attacks when I was out in public... not fun, I can tell you.

Well, taking Lexapro was great. I never had anymore panic attacks and I was going out alot more. I was still shy, but I wouldn't get scared to meet new people or do new things. I wasn't sad, I didn't have any self harm thoughts anymore, and I was entergetic. I was feeling so great I actaully had two jobs last year, not to mention I got my first boyfriend, whom I'm currently still going out with.

But I've been off for the past month. I'm not experiancing anymore withdrawal symptoms, but now I'm back to my old self. I never want to go out anymore, I'm always down. My writing style and the way I talk is more out of order then it was when I was on it. I keep crying and I feel so depressed. Nothing seems fun anymore... my boyfriend and friends are worried, and so am I.

I don't like the thought of being on meds my whole life... but I hate the way I'm feeling. I geuss my qestion is, should I continue to take Lexapro? I've read that taking depressents for long term use isn't a good idea, but I don't know what else I can do. I've been to therapy since I was 16 and that didn't help. Nothing bad happened in my child hood, I've just always had social anxeity since I was litte (plus it runs on my mom's side of the family).

I just don't know what to do. Sorry if this post is everywhere... as I said, being off Lexapro has made writing a bit more difficult for me

[jesyka]

Cloud_child,
Welcome to the forum...I am new too, but I would love to add some insight if possible. I have been on and off meds since I was 16. I have been diagnosed with everything from SAD to GAD to Bi-polar, and have too suffered with social anxiety in the past. I guess when I first began taking the medications I expected that they would make me better, however I never looked into the future to see what it would be like when I someday had to go off of them, and either face being the way I was before or would I be a new person cured of this problem.
I am 27 now, and here's what I can tell you. I have learned that it is so easy to treat a symptom and cover it up, but the what is the real problem and why are you like that? I know that genetics do play a role, but I hesitate to say that people are born depressed. I used to think I was because my mom is really weird and my dad, his dad and my brother all have some personality issues like mine. But I am starting to realize that it's most likely a genetic trait to the point that we are all reacting the same to certain things. Maybe it's something we eat that we shouldn't, maybe it's lack of excersise, lack of communication skills or self esteem. I know that there are needs for supplements and things like that and maybe in time you'll find that a natural supplement will do the same to help curb the anxiety.
I understand how frusterating feelings like that can be, or maybe I should say debilitating! I have started to look into my own health to see what I can do to become more healthy inside as well as out.
I hope maybe that can help a little. Good luck and I hope that you find something that works!

Jesyka

[Hairyarmadillo]

cloud_child Did a regular doctor or a psychiatrist prescribe your medication to you? I am asking because a regular doctor prescribed mine (at my request due to lifelong DEEP bouts of depression) and I have since been made aware that there are tests a psychiatrist can do that will actually tell you if the problem is due to something chemical. I always assumed mine was a chemical imbalance or some genetic thing. But never got proof. I have decided to go off Lexapro because I had some side effects that were worse than the depression. But if I ever do feel that I need to take something else I am going to see about getting the tests run to ascertain if there is a chemical basis for my depression. If it is something that is chemically related, than you may need something to correct that. I do think there are natural alternatives to antidepressants. There are many people on this forum who are more aware of supplements,etc than I am. I plan on trying to go "natural" if my problems come back. You may want to look into some of these things and try them. i notice that you mentioned you were on 10mgs and have been off for a month. I am sure some people have no trouble quitting Lexapro without any side effects, but many of us have not been so lucky. The first time I quit lexapro, a few months later I had a bad bout of rebound depression that was worse than any of the bouts I had ever experienced. i have since learned that people often have "rebound" depression that is in fact a withdrawal affect and it occurs some time later after their last dose. I had not taken Lexapro for awhile and when this happened I assumed it was a sign I needed the medicine and went back on, since I had been off it for about 4 months. It is possible that you are feeling something like this, though impossible for me to say that with certainty.
Another poster Aunty who is VERY well-informed, mentioned that a person can resume taking the Lexapro within 6 weeks of stopping and then taper slowly to get off to avoid the any side effects. If your recurring anxiety, etc is a result of withdrawal, then doing this could help you avoid this feeling and allow you to get off the drug safely, slowly, without being a jolt to your body. IMO and in experience of others on this forum, going from 10mg to 0 in amonths time is a jolt to your body. So you may want to go back on,see if the feeling subsides and let yourself get strong. Do some research on the natural alternatives in the meantime, then do a slow taper off the medicine. Aunty has also posted some excellent information on how to taper.

I have to say, even though it is my option to go the natural path with this, I did not have a pleasant experience on the Lexapro. If my life was in fact made better while on the Lexapro, than I would have stayed on it. Lexapro made me unable to function. It sounds like you were able to better function. Whatever you do, don't suffer needlessly. I do think there are cases where the benefits of this medication outweigh the possible side effects. Since your reasons for getting on this medication were so compelling, personally I would consult a physician who is well-informed with these types of medication (probably a psychiatrist) and see if there is indeed any physiological reason for your symptoms.

[cloud_child]

Thanks for replying, guys.

First, yes I was prescribed by my psyciatrist. He did tests before giving it to me, because he said he didn't like just giving medication if it wasn't nessisary. He asked me to try it for 2 months then come back to see him to tell him how it went and how I was reacting to the medication. I didn't have any bad side effects taking it, the only bad thing was I lost 9 pounds the first week because I didn't feel like eating. Oh, and I had very weird dreams and head aches. But that went away after the first week or so.

Oh yeah, when I said I've been off of Lexapro for a month, what I meant was that I've been side-effect free for a month(as in, no more head aches, dizzy-ness, ect.). I wheened off of lexapro about 3 months ago, only taking the pill every other day, then every 3 days, then 4, etc., till I just stopped completely. I did have withdrawal side-effects, but that was over a month ago.

I don't know what the problem is. I've tried to figure it out, really I have. My childhood was fine, nothing traumatising or anything. My mom just said that ever since I was little I was really shy, and as I got older(like age 3) I started having panic attacks when I went in the public.

The reason I quit was because I thought I was better, but I geuss not. I didn't even notice I was acting like my old self again until 2 weeks ago, when people kept telling me I was acting sad and that I tried to avoid going out. I agree that I think medicine is just a way to cover up your problem, but I feel so bad when I'm off of them.

[elizabethmaria]

Hi,
am doing so so here - still having not such a good time, but hanging in there.... the seizures have just been real bad the last few da
ys, no fun..
Just found an interesting site which thought I would post for anyone who is interested, or would just like to read.. it's the Hissey Keintz LLP lawfirm site, and they do legal action/very familiar lots of work with ssri cases, in looks like most all states... its nice to see legal action and proof out there - go to their homepage, then look under antidepressants (gives choices) lots of good info..

http://www.hkllp.com/about-us.html

anyways, hope you are all well out there, take care!
Elizabethmarie

[elizabethmaria]

Sorry, that is Hissey Kientz LLP -- I mispelled it the first time!
take care,
Elizabethmarie

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Aunty,
Thank you again for the more information on seizures, or seizure activity-!!! it seems like there are so many possible causes, I don't know which could be happening here - I have 2 weeks until my appt. w/ a clinic in seattle w/ a specialist person, hoping that things don't get worse before then - but hope they can at least tell us what is happening - I still wish they could get better documented diagnosis at least to show how these drugs can damage long after discontinuing after such a brief dosage... am going to print those pages out and take with me -- hopefully they will read and understand more too...
lots of love,
Elizabethmarie

[Hairyarmadillo]

Hi, Elizabethmarie!Don't you hate it when you get on here and no one is around? One day right after I had gone through a taper and was nervous I kept logging on, hoping for someone to post.
I hate you are still dealing with those seizures. I haven't had any but when I had those brain zaps years ago(not knowing that it was related to Paxil withdraw) I initially I thought I was getting ready to go into a seizure. That was such a weird feeling because I would temporarily feel like I lost some level of motor control, though brief and would do a jerk at times. later I thought it was a sign that I was getting ready to have a stroke. It helps a little to know what is causing it but still scary to go through anything like that. I am going on my 3 weeks without any lexapro and where I did a big drop from2.5 to nothing I am still waiting for the othere shoe to drop. The other day i felt something like a minor beginning of a brain zap but it didn't go into one. of course I am expecting the real thing to happen any day now. But I cannot imagine how it would feel to worry when the next seizure would be. What type of seizures do you experience now?

cloud_child Just wanted to tell you that even though in some cases medications like Lexapro may be masking or covering up problems, there are also cases IMO when they are warranted. After your psychiatrist tested you, was a chemical imbalance diagnosed? If so, you are not masking or avoiding any problem and may very well need some sort of medical intervention to balance things out. If I had not had any negative side effects and the medication turned my life around in a positive way, I would not have tried getting off it. But when I did that is why I opted to get off and try natural methods. however, if the natural methods did not work, no way would I advise anyone to tough it out without Lexapro when they were not able to enjoy life to the fullest. Hope you are doing ok

[elizabethmaria]

hi, am I the only one on here now?? where is everyone? hello?
Just thought to post this on seizure types... nice format and really clear..

Types and differences of seizures
There are many different types of seizures. They are usually classified as being either partial seizures (also called local or focal seizures) or generalized seizures.


Partial seizures involve abnormal activity in specific parts of the brain. These types of seizures can occur at any age, although they occur slightly more frequently among adults than among children. Approximately 60 percent of patients with epilepsy experience partial seizures, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).


Types of partial seizures include:

Simple partial seizure. During a simple partial seizure, consciousness is not lost, but it may be altered. People who have simple partial seizures may experience abnormal sensations such as inexplicable feelings of joy, anger or sadness. They may also see, hear, smell or taste things that are not really there.


Complex partial seizure. During a complex partial seizure, people may experience a pronounced change or loss of consciousness. They may appear to be “out of it” or in a dreamlike state. They may also make repetitive movements that appear to be conscious, such as lipsmacking or picking at clothing.

Certain effects associated with partial seizures (e.g., abnormal sensations such as a flash of lights or unpleasant odors) may occur prior to the onset of a more severe seizure. When these effects act as a warning sign, they are known as an aura.


Generalized seizures involve both sides of the brain simultaneously and are often more severe. Types of generalized seizures include:

Absence seizures (petit mal seizures). This kind of seizure involves a momentary change in a person’s state of consciousness. This short-term “absence” of conscious activity may be so mild it is not noticed by others. People who experience this type of seizure may suddenly have a blank look on their face, appear to be staring off into space or drop something they were holding. Eyelids may droop or blink and muscles may twitch. Each episode lasts for just a few moments, making this type of seizure difficult to recognize and diagnose. Absence seizures most often occur during childhood and often resolve themselves as the child enters adolescence. Unexplained difficulties in school may indicate the occurrence of absence seizures.


Tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal seizures). The most powerful type of seizure, it is also known as a convulsion. A person who experiences this type of seizure may fall to the floor and become unconscious as muscles tense up, eyes roll back in the head and saliva production increases. Seconds after falling, the person’s entire body may begin to shake violently and rhythmically. Labored breathing and loss of bladder or bowel control may follow. Typically, these seizures are not dangerous. However, people who witness this kind of seizure should seek medical care if the person’s seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes or if seizures follow in succession without the person waking. This is the type of seizure most people associate with the term.


Atonic seizures. Atonic seizures are sometimes called drop attacks because they involve a sudden loss of muscle function. During brief atonic seizures, the person may only experience a quick drop of the head. Longer seizures may result in the person collapsing and falling to the floor. This type of seizure can be particularly dangerous because of the risk of the head being damaged during a fall.


Myoclonic seizures. A myoclonic seizure is one in which the muscles of a part of the body or the entire body suddenly and briefly contract and partially release, much like the jerking sensation some people experience as they are falling asleep. This type of seizure often occurs at the same time as other generalized seizures.

[skyer]

Hi Elizabethmaria (and everyone),

You have been in my thoughts, even though I haven't been around as often. I'm almost at the point where I don't need the boards as much for comfort, but always plan to check in...especially because I know you are still in the thick of it and need the support. This board really kept me going during the pure hell of months 4 and 5. I'm now nearly 7 months removed from Lexapro and I still have a lot of recovery in front of me. But, I am happy to report that I had the first day of "living" today as opposed to "existing." I went out to breakfast, went shoping at a clothing store, worked on a rental house with my fiance and went to a hot tub/pool at a brewpub hotel nearby. Now, I'm still not on my own and that's hard to deal with, but I'll get there in time. My fiance had to be with me because I still can't function alone with my depersonalization and anxiety....still, a far cry from two or even one month ago when I could barely leave the house. I really believe it's just going to get better. I think my pineal gland needs to function correctly before I feel much better...I'm must still missing a sleep pattern or something due to my dreams, depersonalization and not feeling rested enough. My nervous system still has healing to do, too. Another reason I don't push myself to go too far from home or anything else out of my comfort zone.

And it will get better for you, too! I'm so sorry about the seizures. I've read a lot on the Paxilprogress site and there is good info about seizure activity and this protracted withdrawal we have. It is amazing in your case since you were only on for a few days -- but you also had a bad combo of drugs. I believe anything is possible. It sickens me now to know that doctors tell patients what is and is not possible. My mom's psychiatrist told her that my long-term withdrawal is not possible from Lexapro. And my mom believes her! Doctors have so much power it's scary. We really know so little about the human body -- especially the brain. But at least we know to stay away from mind-altering drugs. I'm glad in a way (a very hard way to say the least) to have found out now before I got stuck on this junk for years when we don't even know about the possible long-term damage.

I hope you get some answers at your doctor visit. Let us know. So you're from Seattle area? I'm in Portland.

Take care,
xoxo

[cloud_child]

Hi everyone. Thanks again to those who replied.

Hairyarmadillo, I do believe he said something about chemical imbalence. I could be wrong, but I think he mentioned something about lacking aminos or nero-chemicals... I don't know, this was last year. I think he also mentioned something about lacking vitamins, but I take vitamins everyday, so I don't think that is the problem.

My prescription expired a few days ago, so in order to get more I have to go see my shrink again, which really sucks.

[wherethehellami?]

what's up everyone. I'm glad you're getting better skyer. I know that sunlight activates the pineal gland, so get some sun! As for me, I'm about 6 weeks down to 10mg and while some symptoms have gone away I feel like I have the flu. I am a college athlete and my energy levels and libido are low. I had a race yesterday and I felt weak and tired. The nice weather seems to help though. Oh yea, I also had some pains in my head (I wouldn't call them headaches because they were not aches-they were more sharp pains). I have a book that gives advice on what foods are good for certain conditions...for fatigue I'm eating eggs and drinking V8 juice. The lecithin in eggs is supposed to be good for the adrenal glands. Hope that helps anyone else going through the "flu."
I'm looking forward to taking it easy once my track season finishes; I feel burned out.

[elfaygobaca]

OK, first of all, I want to thank everyone for sharing their stories. As I'm sure was the case with most of you, it really helped to know that I wasn't the only one out there experiencing what I'm experiencing (ahhh, the Internet). I would now like to ask for some advice/support. OK, I was put on 10 mg Lexapro during the last 4 weeks of my pregnancy (born Jan 10, 2007), for depression. At my six week check-up, I was increased to 20 mg. So, I took 10 mgs for about 10weeks, and 20 mgs for maybe 8 weeks. In the last two weeks, I had sucidal ideations, and actually cut myself, which I haven't done in years. So, I called my Dr. and he said to stop. Now, as a nurse, I know not to just go cold turkey, but my husband switched jobs, and my Dr. can't tell me how to wean properly without an office visit, (which we aren't insured for for another 45 days) or about $65.00 (which we just don't have). Not to mention the fact that I'm actually OUT of the Lexapro, and can't afford more. So, I haven't been on the stuff for about 5 days or so. I actually feel better, mentally, but the awful physical symptoms are rearing their ugly, ugly heads. I get the "shocking" feeling, the dizziness and nausea, and headaches. I would just like, as I mentioned earlier, to connect with others, and put my story out there, and ask for support from those who have been here.

I've never had this before, and I'm scared about taking care of my little girls. I want to assure everyone that they are safe, but I'm not sure how bad all these symptoms will get, or how to relieve them. Any pointers?

Thanks,
Amy

[tavee]

hey guys!!! i hope all is well with u!!

ive been doing good the last week. thank god!! i thought i would feel like this forever. i saw my therapist on thursday and had a great session. she is making me realize a lot of things about controlling my emotions and realizing what triggers my bad moods!!
next wed i m going to 1.9 ml so hopefully there will be no change in anything since im going slower.

the only thing that sucks is i cant walk straight. i get dizzy and it is worse when i am hungry so i try to eat every 3 hours. its hard though. i feel like i am drunk or ive had like one glass of wine. so hopefully it will get better.

THE BEST THING I REALIZED U GUYS IS GO OUT IN THE SUN WHEN IT IS NICE. MANNNNNN DOES IT HELP WITH MOODS. TODAY IT WAS BEAUTIFUL HERE SO IT HELPED A LOT AND OF COURSE SHOPPING ON TOP OF THAT MADE IT EVEN BETTER!!!

LOVE U GUYS
DR TAVEE

[sctschk]

Originally Posted by elfaygobaca

Not to mention the fact that I'm actually OUT of the Lexapro, and can't afford more.

Hey there. Yikes. First, congratulations on your new baby!! (Babies?? You did say girlS.) Ugh, sounds like you're facing cold turkey? Everyone here is not going to advise that... I tapered way too quickly myself (course of two or three weeks) and I'm seriously paying for it now. It will be worth the $65 to see the doc for more, honestly!! You don't want to do that to yourself. I too have little ones (9, 2, 1) and I'm barely coping (sometimes not very well) even 9 weeks off. My withdrawals come and go - this week is not so good.

I know this is not safe practice, and you know what the doctors say, but I still have about 19 10mg tabs of Lex just sitting in my cupboard. I was hanging on to them "just in case" during the withdrawal, but I'm past the 6wks mark and can't go back on to help with the w/d anymore. (Not that I would.) If you want them, I can mail them to you and at least you'd have something!! And if no, I won't feel offended - I would probably be a little hesitant to take someone else's meds too, but if you're desperate, I will be tossing them out soon anyway.

Elizabethmarie - big hugs your way! If it's any comfort, my feet are buzzing again and I'm going through emotional ******************** now AGAIN. I thought I was done with this part. 9 weeks now and everything is coming back, like in waves. Gosh darn drug just won't let me go either!!! WAHHHH!!!

To the rest - I want to reply to many of you, but can't sit in front of the computer for more than 10 mins at a time.. My head bobs and jerks.. lovely Lex..

-Jo

[elfaygobaca]

Jo-
Thank you so much for your wonderful, generous offer. I think I'm just going to suck it up and ask my dad for the money. Yeah, I'm 30, and that sucks, but it's necessary. I do have two girls. They're 3 months and 15 months old. Yep, a year and 4 days apart. So besides becoming an expert on Lexapro withdrawl (ha, ha), I'm also well versed in the different methods of birth control. I have an 11 year old son, so we have the larger age gap between our kids in common.

Like I said folks, thanks in advance for just being out there! I'm thinking of you all, and expect to hear from me soon.

Amy

[sctschk]

Originally Posted by elfaygobaca

Jo-
Thank you so much for your wonderful, generous offer. I think I'm just going to suck it up and ask my dad for the money. Yeah, I'm 30, and that sucks, but it's necessary. I do have two girls. They're 3 months and 15 months old. Yep, a year and 4 days apart. So besides becoming an expert on Lexapro withdrawl (ha, ha), I'm also well versed in the different methods of birth control. I have an 11 year old son, so we have the larger age gap between our kids in common.

Like I said folks, thanks in advance for just being out there! I'm thinking of you all, and expect to hear from me soon.

Amy

Hey there. Ok, I think that would be best (and for anyone out there who might need it, mine are here for the taking!) to go back to the doc. I too am 30, and it's odd how close our kiddos are. My last two (15mo apart, you got me beat!) are REALLY tough to deal with during withdrawals. My poor daughter (the youngest, 16mo) doesn't even know her "real" mom - I've been having anxiety/panic attacks since she was 5months old, then the Lex, now the withdrawals. I feel guilty most times about not really being there for them, but I'll make up for it when this stuff has run it's course. My oldest is 9 - odd having the two babies after having an only child for so long, eh?

Well, I wish you luck in your tapering off (do that, seriously!) and come back often to check in to let us know how you're doing. I'll pray for you that it goes easy on you. (And there's hope - one of my girlfriends was on Lex for a few months with NO problems at all, and came off cold turkey with NO problems at all) I'm so jealous and baffled as to why some of us have such trouble! Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones!!

-Jo

[sctschk]

Hey there. Just thought I'd ask - do you drink diet sodas?

I just realized that my buzzing foot (which went away and has now returned) suddenly coincided the day after my chocolate/excedrin/diet soda night. It's the only time I've drank soda since the LAST time this buzzing happened. And, my thinker is thinking... hmm... maybe Lex withdrawal and aspartame don't mix... I've also read that aspartame can also cause seizures in sensitive people (in which I believe ANYONE coming off Lex is sensitive to anything, case proven!). Just curious to see if maybe you consume aspartame or artificial sweetners that might be contributing to your problem?

I'm wondering anyway if it's contributing to mine.. it's just too much of a coincidence for now.. probably unrelated, but curious all the same.

-Jo

[elizabethmaria]

Hi sctschk,
thank you for the concern! but no, I don't drink any kind of soda... actually, I don't eat any sugar or sugar substitutes at all... and all organic other things (no msg, etc.etc) -- It may contribute to other's symptoms though... I wouldn't be surprised at all! Yes, no caffeine, no soda, no alcohol, no sugar, no nothing, just water and healthy food, nothing else! that's why it's a little frustrating!

Thank you Skyer for your note there, you guys are what keeps me going !!!!!!!!!!! Yes, I'm up north of Seattle area, but grew up in Portland until I was 11 - so I know the area, and my boyfriend/friend lives in Banks area... I know we need more sun out here in the NW, I'm sure it would make us feel much better ... I'm so glad you are able to do things now, that sounds like a lot of fun..! Are your lingering problems mainly depersonalization and anxiety? or do you have other problems as well still? Physically I feel better, but the brain is another story -- take care!!!!

Hopeful, is what you are having atonic seizures (the 'drop seizures' in the seizure types article I posted?? just thought that sounded like what happens to you! HOw are you doing lately? hopefully better - and not needing to post!

everyone else -- take care...
lots of love,
Elizabethmarie

[Hairyarmadillo]

Hello, everybody. I have made it to my 3 week without Lexapro mark. Still having memory issues, though think this is compounded by allergies and allergy meds which I can't go without. And-ha-I keep forgetting my supplements which is not helping.
The newest thing I am noticing since being off Lexapro is SEX SEX SEX