Lexapro Withdrawal

[skyer]

ps. I'll do the bath this weekend, too! My doc also gave me a castor oil pack to try -- it's suppose to be a gentle detox.

[overtherainbow]

I've read here, you've read several books. If you had to recommend one book, or even five, what would they be?

I'm intrigued by the science, and the theory behind the P450 system, etc.

Thanks!

Rainbow

[sctschk]

Hi guys. I've been away from this site for a week or two - I've actually been feeling pretty good, but as of last night, I'm feeling some things creep back in. I know you guys have warned/mentioned about the 3-4 month mark how it peaks - well, I'm just finishing up my 11th week and am heading into that zone -it will be 12 weeks (3mo) off on Wednesday give/take. As far as my previous stuff - the buzzing foot has changed into the buzzing toe which comes and goes. It is gone right now. Yay! The limb jerking is still there, but barely noticeable. I just had a crazy scary nightmare last night (haven't had one of those in a long time) and today the dizziness is back.

Just wanted to get some insight on what the 3-4 month "peak" experience is supposed to be like? Do the w/d symptoms come back and intensify, or do you get new ones, or what? I just want to be prepared if at all possible as for the past two weeks, I have completely gotten my anxiety/panic under control (after 10 months of hell!). I would hate to rock my boat with the "peak" period scaring me back into that when I'm doing so well. For those of you who mentioned this part, what should I expect?

-Jo
5mg Lex for 6 wks, too fast taper at 2.5 for one week, then cold turkey. It's been a wild, crazy, scary ride...

[sctschk]

Hi Aunty, everyone,
I just talked with a doctor/neurologist/psychiatrist who's an expert in the ssri adverse reaction - he wanted to know my case as I was a different one..! Anyways, it was really good to get some actual info - I'm almost at 5 months off, and he said I'm having parkinsonianlike motor problems, that's probably going along with the blackouts/seizures, all from the drug reaction DEFINITELY.. yay! of course, it doesn't take it away, but he said there is no drug in the body now, but only damage due to neurotoxicity damage that occured when on the drug/bad reaction... so! yay, validation from an expert is so great! makes me feel better, in some way,..
just wanted to share...
hope all are doing well,
Elizabethmarie

I'm so glad you got some answers! I was looking for a post from you to see how you were doing. If you remember a few weeks ago, I was inquiring if anyone else was getting parkinsonism from this stuff. I had the shakey hands and legs, etc that actually went away for the past two weeks, but are back. No one replied, so I was really nervous that I had developed parkinsons. It's really good (I don't know if "good" is the right word to use considering the circumstances!) to know that a doctor has told you that parkonism from the drug is possible. Although I never got so bad as having seizures, I do believe you and I both had really bad reactions and I specifically look for your posts to "follow you". I'm just nearing my 3 month mark and I'm starting to feel it again (hand shaking as I type this, head bobs back today, shakiness and dizziness).

So, I want to ask, did this doc tell you that it too shall pass or did he/she indicate that it might be a permanent thing? God, I hope not. Big hugs to you! I'm glad your seizures are getting at least a little better!!

-Jo

[tavee]

Aunty And Everyone-

Thanks For The Info On The Hypothyroidism.

I Have To Tell U That Ever Since I Started This New Lifestyle(low Glycemic Diet) A Month And A Half Ago I Feel Better In Terms Of Energy. Im Not Tired Like I Used To Be. I Still Nap Though. Before I Started This Diet Around 12 Or So I Would Get So Tired And Couldnt Keep My Eyes Open.
I Eat Every 3 Hours(5 Meals A Day) And I Stay Away From Starchy Carbs Like Bread, Pasta, Rice And Sugars. I Eat Protein(good Meats), One Fruit A Day And Lots Of Salads Almonds, Walnuts For Snacks. I Take My Supplements So I Think This Has Made A Difference In Terms Of Fatigue.

I Guess What I Am Saying And Im Sure Everyone Knows This Is Try To Stay Away From Sugars And Bad Carbs. Dont Get Me Wrong, Once A Week I Splurge On One Meal And Eat Anything(i Wont Give Up My Chocolate!!) I Want And The Next Day I Continue The Right Way.

Today Is Day 11 On 1.9ml.( I Was On 10 Mg) I Am Doing Ok. Slow Taper Everyone!!!! Listen To Aunty!!! Yeah It Will Take Me Another 8 Months But It Is Safer And Better This Way U Guys!! Do Not Rush To Get Off This. U Will Regret It!!


I Pray For Everyone To Be Well And Feel Good. We Will Get Thru This!!

Welcome Newbies!!

Dr Tavee

[sctschk]

I had no idea that Lex messes with your menstrual cycle. I was all whacked out the past three months - some periods coming a week early, some a week late, and lasting a week when normally they last 5 days...

As we're natural planners, and I know my cycle to a tee, we were shocked to find out I became pregnant. When you have two babies at home still in diapers, and would be kid #4, it's quite much to swallow. More shocking was that hubby was out of town on work the entire week my ovulation time was (sorry guys, I know this is TMI) and works away from home 4 nights a week, so what were the chances, eh? No, it's not the mailman's! I have no idea if this is Lex induced, but the day I got pregnant could only have happened a week and a half AFTER my normal ovulation day. This never happens. I have had an exactly 29 day cycle for years and years...!!

Sadly, I am in the midst of miscarrying at 6 weeks so there won't be a baby, (it was a scary thought, but I was really starting to get excited about it!) but I after reading through some old posts, a light went on as to why I might have o'd late (heck, and maybe why I didn't keep it either). I don't think following my normal cycle family planning is a good idea while w/d from Lex! Who knew it could mess with the cycle!!!

-Jo

[Polypheme]

I've been on Lexapro for about a year to help me deal with my wife, who's diagnosed BorderlinePersonality Disorder/Narcissistic PD.

With the help of therapy I am moving towards being single.

Because of recent retirement, my doc changed me to Citalopram as it is much cheaper than Lexapro.

With Lexapro I had two side effects. Slight dizziness when I turned my head, which I could cope with okay and didn't seem to make me a danger on the road. And the typical delayed orgasm, which wasn't a problem.

With Citalopram, I don't have dizziness, the delayed orgasm is the same, and I'm up typing at 2 am because of the tightness in my jaw and the galloping restless leg syndrome. I had mild RLS before, but now I can't control the RLS with ibuprophen and Roxicet, and the bruxism is getting tiresome.

I'm ready to taper off, and I'm very grateful for all the posts here that make it clear I should taper and not cold turkey.

[auntybiotic]

The parkinson type movements are very normal for SSRI ise and withdrawal.

Often they show up after the SSRI is stopped. Lecithin will help to heal this symptom.

I am on my way out the door. I will write tomorrow and explain why this happens......it is common............and often improves with lecithin. Some even get uncontrolled movements of their tongue, like a snake....in and out of their mouth..........................this should pass. It is from the Lexapro messing with the neverous system/

More Later.

tavee........................good to hear you are feeling better.

aunty

[auntybiotic]

I hope this pastes
Below the list of drugs that are metabolized by a specific cytochrome P450 isoform are the published inhibitors, inducers and genetic influences on that isoform. Drug names are hyperlinks to specific literature references, most of which now include a link to the abstract of the article in the NLM's PubMed database. Also, you click on the PubMed link after the drug name to perform a live MedLINE search of articles possibly related to that drug and Cytochrome P450.

:: View clinically relevant table ::

A quick way to find a specific drug on this page is to use your web browser's Search feature: press Ctrl-F and type all or part of the drug name.

Last Updated: 10/17/2006 15:13:48


1A2 2B6 2C8 2C19 2C9 2D6 2E1 3A4,5,7
amitriptyline
caffeine
clomipramine
clozapine
cyclobenzaprine
estradiol
fluvoxamine
haloperidol
imipramine N-DeMe
mexilletine
naproxen
olanzapine
ondansetron
phenacetin=>
acetaminophen=>NAPQI
propranolol
riluzole
ropivacaine
tacrine
theophylline
tizanidine
verapamil
(R)warfarin
zileuton
zolmitriptan bupropion
cyclophosphamide
efavirenz
ifosfamide
methadone
paclitaxel
torsemide
amodiaquine
cerivastatin
repaglinide
Proton Pump Inhibitors:
lansoprazole
omeprazole
pantoprazole
rabeprazole
E-3810

Anti-epileptics: diazepam=>Nor
phenytoin(O)
S-mephenytoin
phenobarbitone

amitriptyline
carisoprodol
citalopram
clomipramine
cyclophosphamide
hexobarbital
imipramine N-DeME
indomethacin
R-mephobarbital
moclobemide
nelfinavir
nilutamide
primidone
progesterone
proguanil
propranolol
teniposide
R-warfarin=>8-OH NSAIDs:
diclofenac
ibuprofen
lornoxicam
meloxicam
S-naproxen=>Nor
piroxicam
suprofen

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents:
tolbutamide
glipizide

Angiotensin II Blockers:
losartan
irbesartan

Sulfonylureas:
glyburide/
glibenclamide
glipizide
glimepiride
tolbutamide

amitriptyline
celecoxib
fluoxetine
fluvastatin glyburide
nateglinide
phenytoin=>4-OH
rosiglitazone
tamoxifen
torsemide
S-warfarin Beta Blockers:
carvedilol
S-metoprolol
propafenone
timolol

Antidepressants:
amitriptyline
clomipramine
desipramine
imipramine
paroxetine

Antipsychotics:
haloperidol
perphenazine
risperidone=>9OH
thioridazine
zuclopenthixol

alprenolol
amphetamine
aripiprazole
atomoxetine
bufuralol
chlorpheniramine
chlorpromazine
codeine (=>O-desMe)
debrisoquine
dexfenfluramine
dextromethorphan
duloxetine
encainide
flecainide
fluoxetine
fluvoxamine
lidocaine
metoclopramide
methoxyamphetamine
mexilletine
minaprine
nebivolol
nortriptyline
ondansetron
oxycodone
perhexiline
phenacetin
phenformin
promethazine
propranolol
sparteine
tamoxifen
tramadol
venlafaxine Anesthetics:
enflurane
halothane
isoflurane
methoxyflurane
sevoflurane

acetaminophen
=>NAPQI
aniline
benzene
chlorzoxazone
ethanol
N,N-dimethyl formamide
theophylline
=>8-OH Macrolide antibiotics:
clarithromycin
erythromycin (not 3A5)
NOT azithromycin
telithromycin

Anti-arrhythmics:
quinidine=>3-OH (not 3A5)

Benzodiazepines:
alprazolam
diazepam=>3OH
midazolam
triazolam

Immune Modulators:
cyclosporine
tacrolimus (FK506)

HIV Antivirals:
indinavir
nelfinavir
ritonavir
saquinavir

Prokinetic:
cisapride

Antihistamines:
astemizole
chlorpheniramine
terfenidine

Calcium Channel Blockers:
amlodipine
diltiazem
felodipine
lercanidipine
nifedipine
nisoldipine
nitrendipine
verapamil

HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors:
atorvastatin
cerivastatin
lovastatin
NOT pravastatin
simvastatin

Steroid 6beta-OH:
estradiol
hydrocortisone
progesterone
testosterone

Miscellaneous:
alfentanyl
aprepitant
aripiprazole
buspirone
cafergot
caffeine=>TMU
cilostazol
cocaine
codeine- N-demethylation
dapsone
dexamethasone
dextromethorphan
docetaxel
domperidone
eplerenone
fentanyl
finasteride
gleevec
haloperidol
irinotecan
LAAM
lidocaine
methadone
nateglinide
odanestron
pimozide
propranolol
quetiapine
quinine
risperidone
NOT rosuvastatin
salmeterol
sildenafil
sirolimus
tamoxifen
taxol
terfenadine
trazodone
vincristine
zaleplon
ziprasidone
zolpidem



Inhibitors compete with other drugs for a particular enzyme thus affecting the optimal level of metabolism of the substrate drug which in many cases affect the individual's response to that particular medication, e.g. making it ineffective.


1A2 2B6 2C8 2C19 2C9 2D6 2E1 3A4,5,7
amiodarone
cimetidine
ciprofloxacin
fluoroquinolones
fluvoxamine
furafylline
interferon
methoxsalen
mibefradil
thiotepa
ticlopidine trimethoprim
quercetin
glitazones
gemfibrozil
montelukast
trimethoprim
chloramphenicol
cimetidine
felbamate
fluoxetine
fluvoxamine
indomethacin
ketoconazole
lansoprazole
modafinil omeprazole
oxcarbazepine
probenicid
ticlopidine
topiramate amiodarone
fenofibrate
fluconazole
fluvastatin
fluvoxamine
isoniazid
lovastatin
phenylbutazone
probenicid
sertraline
sulfamethoxazole
sulfaphenazole
teniposide
voriconazole
zafirlukast amiodarone
bupropion
celecoxib
chlorpromazine
chlorpheniramine
cimetidine
citalopram
clomipramine
cocaine
doxepin
doxorubicin
duloxetine
escitalopram fluoxetine
halofantrine
red-haloperidol
levomepromazine
metoclopramide
methadone
mibefradil
midodrine
moclobemide
paroxetine
quinidine
ranitidine
ritonavir
sertraline
terbinafine

ticlopidine
histamine H1 receptor antagonists
diphenhydramine
chlorpheniramine
clemastine
perphenazine
hydroxyzine
tripelennamine diethyl- dithiocarbamate
disulfiram HIV Antivirals:
delaviridine
indinavir
nelfinavir
ritonavir

amiodarone
aprepitant
NOT azithromycin
chloramphenicol
cimetidine
clarithromycin
diethyl- dithiocarbamate
diltiazem
erythromycin
fluconazole
fluvoxamine
gestodene
grapefruit juice
imatinib
itraconazole
ketoconazole
mifepristone
nefazodone
norfloxacin
norfluoxetine
mibefradil
star fruit
verapamil
voriconazole



Inducers stimulate the production of the enzyme thus increasing the rate of metabolism causing the substrate drug to clear out of the system faster. This will also affect the individual's response to the medication, i.e. making he drug ineffective because it has not been in the system long enough to have an effect.


1A2 2B6 2C8 2C19 2C9 2D6 2E1 3A,4,5,7
broccoli
brussel sprouts
char-grilled meat
insulin
methyl cholanthrene
modafinil
nafcillin
beta- naphthoflavone
omeprazole
tobacco
phenobarbital rifampin rifampin carbamazepine
norethindrone
NOT pentobarbital
prednisone
rifampin rifampin
secobarbital dexamethasone
rifampin ethanol
isoniazid HIV Antivirals:
efavirenz
nevirapine

barbiturates
carbamazepine
efavirenz
glucocorticoids
modafinil
nevirapine
phenobarbital
phenytoin
rifampin
St. John's wort
troglitazone
oxcarbazepine
pioglitazone
rifabutin


1A2 2B6 2C8 2C19 2C9 2D6 2E1 3A4,5,7
Chromosome 15 Chromosome 19 Chromosome 10 Chromosome 10 Chromosome 10 Chromosome 22 Chromosome 10 Chromosome 7
N/A Polymorphic Polymorphic Polymorphic Polymorphic N/A N/A
N/A 3-4% Caucasians PMs 3-5% Caucasian PMs , 15-20% Asian PMs 1-3% Caucasian PMs 5-10% Caucasian PMs N/A N/A

[Germanic American Princess]

Today is one solid week off a cocktail of Lexipro, Lamictal, and Ephaser (sp). I had a night without nightmares last night, a good sleep. And my sex drive is back -- YES!

I'm still having the brain zaps but I just hate to believe that this may go on for another three to six months.

I'm not anxious (which was the feeling that started me down the path of chemical solutions) and I'm not as depressed as I was while on the drugs.

They notched me down and still made me unhappy.

This site verified that the nightmares, seizure (nightmare or real) lack of ability to sleep, and weight loss because of no appetite was very real.

Hang in there all. Last weekend I was afraid to be left alone because of the withdrawal effects. Today I feel 85% better.

[Hairyarmadillo]

I had no idea that Lex messes with your menstrual cycle. I was all whacked out the past three months - some periods coming a week early, some a week late, and lasting a week when normally they last 5 days...

As we're natural planners, and I know my cycle to a tee, we were shocked to find out I became pregnant. When you have two babies at home still in diapers, and would be kid #4, it's quite much to swallow. More shocking was that hubby was out of town on work the entire week my ovulation time was (sorry guys, I know this is TMI) and works away from home 4 nights a week, so what were the chances, eh? No, it's not the mailman's! I have no idea if this is Lex induced, but the day I got pregnant could only have happened a week and a half AFTER my normal ovulation day. This never happens. I have had an exactly 29 day cycle for years and years...!!

Sadly, I am in the midst of miscarrying at 6 weeks so there won't be a baby, (it was a scary thought, but I was really starting to get excited about it!) but I after reading through some old posts, a light went on as to why I might have o'd late (heck, and maybe why I didn't keep it either). I don't think following my normal cycle family planning is a good idea while w/d from Lex! Who knew it could mess with the cycle!!!

-Jo

I am so sorry! I miscarried on Paxil-well, coming off of Paxil. I didn't realize I was pregnant, just thought I was late because my cycle had definitely gotten messed up. Watch out for the mood fluctuations that can go along with this. I thought because I was only like a month or so along that the worst of it was the emotional fallout but the hormones definitely mess with you. I didn't know even realize that these drugs can mess with your cycle until I got on this forum. I thought at 38 years of age I was going into early menopause. After all my memory was fading and my hair was falling out. I will be looking for that other shoe to drop down the road, but so far once I got past the initial withdrawals, I started seeing improvement in a lot of areas, including my cycle returning to normal.

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Sctschk,
I'm glad to hear that you've been feeling better the last few weeks -- that is really great... and yes, it was SOOOOOO awesome to have the doctor explain what was going on.. I've had neurologists ask me if I've been abused, etc. because they can't understand what's going on, it's absolutely ridiculous. Funny, when the doctor called me, I was so shocked.. but it was so great, I mean, I didn't even have to explain myself, just give my symptoms, no question about any psychological nonsense (sorry), but just explained neurologically what was going on, why, etc.. Yes, parkinsonlike symptoms, as well as dystonia/dyskinesia symptoms are very common, and can last a LONG time (even 5-10 years he said) -- but hopefully not that long, and do get milder, etc.. seizures can go along with these symtoms -- all due to neural toxicity damage in the brain.. since I'm at the 5 month mark, and it's well known that things are rough at 3-6 months, I'm sure we can expect them to be a lot better, even if there is some mild nerve problems that linger - it should improve much. I have walking trouble at times (feet don't 'behave) and some jerking/tremor/shakiness, head bob/shoulder.. but am sure it will get better...
Ahhh, the three month mark.. what can I say? Well, I don't know what it will be like for you -- that's when everything got worse for me -- more blackouts, then the seizures which are mostly like partial complex seizures.. and some thinking/mood trouble... it's been pretty rough I can't say it hasn't been, but am clinging to the knowledge that it will continue to improve .. the last two weeks have been better, been some days without seizures, and many with only 2 or 3, and some with 1 only... so I feel that it's mending --! I hope, because that really drives me batty, and am so exhausted/nauseous afterward ...
Yes, it DOES mess with your cycle -- many of us have had 23 day cycles, or less, and some didn't have them come at all.. so don't worry about that, even though it's uncomfortable not knowing... Mine is better now though -- seems like 3-4 month mark the hormones get back in line and the cycle normalizes again.. I am sooo sorry to hear that you lost your baby that must have been so hard........ but just know that there is a little one awaiting to meet you all in heaven! I do know that NFP planning is excellent at predicting exactly where you are in your cycle -- checking mucous/temp combinations almost 100% predictability, safe, healthy and very accurate - I think there is much info online as well about that -

I haven't been feeling too well (head/seizures) and so haven't been able to write much, I'm sorry.!
I think I may have discovered why I got seizures, but it is relatively uncommon (hopefully)... I checked some of the websites of other ssri doctor experts, and as I've been recovering from chronic fatigue syndrome, found a doctor who has treated both cfs patients and those with adverse ssri reactions.... his papers indicate something I'd forgotten, that cfs patient brains are already quit a bit more toward the seizure end of a normal spectrum than non cfs patients - due to the neurological aspect of cfs - sooo, it said that ssri drugs aggravate this condition greatly, thus aggravating cfs putting too much neurological activity going on in the brain and disrupting and already susceptible brain... so, as the 3-6 month peak occurs, and neurological activity due to damage increases, or goes a bit overboard, it sends my cfs brain into a partial c. seizure... SOOO, anyways, just thought I'd write in these findings... and also, that probably means that non cfs people are less likely to develop seizures at this time - so less worries for others!

why the peak at 3 months, who knows -- the doctor I spoke with didn't really know WHY exactly it peaks for people after seemingly getting better, but he said it was really really common and not to worry - it will wax and wane, but improve in general...

Sorry for the long post, I just haven't written in a while, and wanted to write in some findings... I hope they can help you all, and anyone else reading these!
take care sctschk, you and all are in my prayers too!!
lots of love,
Elizabethmarie

[sctschk]

Hi there! I know you said you weren't up to writing much, but you did, and I appreciate the time you took to tell more about what your doctor said. While I'm not all that excited about the parkinsonism lasting 5-10yrs EEP, I do find comfort in knowing it too is a Lex issue, not something totally separate. When you have health anxiety, every little thing is scary. Thanks so much again for sharing some insight on you!! It's very helpful to me.

I had another lovely night of creepy dreams and woke up with very limpy legs and arms. My arms fall asleep on me at night and I am up every few hours shaking them out. I think I started to develop carpal tunnel (or something) right before I started taking the Lex with just numby fingers, but it's gotten to the point now that I have dead weights when I wake up. My feet and legs still tingle and feel wobbly, but it just returned after several weeks of nothing. Does anyone know if the Lex will worsen carpal tunnel?

Also, one other thing I never mentioned before that started about a month ago is that my nerves in my arms, legs, hips, etc seem to "twang" at times. I could be just lowering myself to sit on the floor and I feel a shooting "twanging" down my leg nerve. Or, raising my arms over my head to get a cleaning bottle out of a top cupboard, and TWANG right through my arm. It's similar to the twang you feel when you hit your funny bone, but this is in the middle of my arm or leg. Very odd and of course I'm thinking it's probably just the Lex since it never did this before. How many things can go wrong with one body with one little pill??

Overall, I'm still doing ok today aside from the twanging, dizziness, and tingling in the legs and my arms falling asleep on me!! So far so good - but I won't be surprised if I have a lot more to go through if I'm at the peak time. By golly, I (and we all!) will get through this!! Let me know when that book (Aunty) is ready to be written, or that class action suit is filed. I'll be there with my story with bells on!!

-jo

[sctschk]

I am so sorry! I miscarried on Paxil-well, coming off of Paxil. I didn't realize I was pregnant, just thought I was late because my cycle had definitely gotten messed up. Watch out for the mood fluctuations that can go along with this. I thought because I was only like a month or so along that the worst of it was the emotional fallout but the hormones definitely mess with you. I didn't know even realize that these drugs can mess with your cycle until I got on this forum. I thought at 38 years of age I was going into early menopause. After all my memory was fading and my hair was falling out. I will be looking for that other shoe to drop down the road, but so far once I got past the initial withdrawals, I started seeing improvement in a lot of areas, including my cycle returning to normal.

Hey there! I'm glad I'm not nuts! I have been able to count on my cycle to keep ourselves out of the danger zones to prevent pregnancy but looks like we got messed up. Hormones are definitely out of whack right now, but not too bad. I'm on 12 weeks next week and maybe things will start to straighten out. Thanks for the head's up!! Appreciate it!

-Jo

[sctschk]

The parkinson type movements are very normal for SSRI ise and withdrawal.

Often they show up after the SSRI is stopped. Lecithin will help to heal this symptom.

I am on my way out the door. I will write tomorrow and explain why this happens......it is common............and often improves with lecithin. Some even get uncontrolled movements of their tongue, like a snake....in and out of their mouth..........................this should pass. It is from the Lexapro messing with the neverous system/

More Later.

tavee........................good to hear you are feeling better.

aunty

Thank you! I do respect and seek your words of wisdom. You are the obvious guru on Lex w/d and we all appreciate all this extensive research you have been doing! I don't have the tongue problems (thank god - I think that would send me into lala land!) just the slight tremors/shaking. It comes and goes. My nervous system is completely out of whack and I can only look forward to the day that it all ends - even if that takes 18 months!!

With your research, being 18mo the latest for recovery, have you ever found that it could take even longer than that? I'm only at 3 months and while I could probably tolerate 6, even 12, I'm worried that I'll be stuck here permanently. I know that's not realistic in that I have to admit, there ARE some periods where I feel almost normal only to be surprised by new symptoms or returning ones. Then I start questionning myself on whether this is all Lex or not... I do believe it is as almost ALL the symptoms and problems I've experienced started AFTER taking the Lex. The others I attribute to the anxiety I used to suffer. It's just amazing to me how wide and variable the symptoms are - going from one thing to the next. In the worst case scenario - 18mo right? Hopefully. Ugh!

No worries - if you can post, wonderful, but we all know you have a life beyond helping the rest of us in which we are ALL grateful!!

-Jo
sctschk (scott's chick)

[shell68]

Has anyone who tapered off too fast, gone back on Lexapro to see if they can again try to taper off slowly? I had no idea there were withdrawl symptoms and my treatment went like 10mg for 6 months, 20mg for 5 months or so, then I started myself to cut the pills in half for a few weeks down to 10mg then just stopped. Whew, I quite caffiene at the same time and chalked up the first week of feeling lousy to that. Only later did I login here an get hit with a ton of bricks that what I did was wrong - way to fast!

I'm mostly OK but the sensitivity and brain zaps are getting old. I'm wondering if I should try to go back on 5mg for a while. Any suggestions, should I just stick it out since I've been clean for about 10 days now?

[auntybiotic]

I would definaletly get back on and taper SLOWLY. Ten days is not a long time and you would have so much more difficulty in the months ahead by not tapering.

I will try and answer others tomorrow.................I have a commitment tonight.

aunty

[sctschk]

Has anyone who tapered off too fast, gone back on Lexapro to see if they can again try to taper off slowly? I had no idea there were withdrawl symptoms and my treatment went like 10mg for 6 months, 20mg for 5 months or so, then I started myself to cut the pills in half for a few weeks down to 10mg then just stopped. Whew, I quite caffiene at the same time and chalked up the first week of feeling lousy to that. Only later did I login here an get hit with a ton of bricks that what I did was wrong - way to fast!

I'm mostly OK but the sensitivity and brain zaps are getting old. I'm wondering if I should try to go back on 5mg for a while. Any suggestions, should I just stick it out since I've been clean for about 10 days now?

I believe the rule of thumb is that if you've been off for six weeks or more, that you can't go back on to avoid the withdrawal effects. If it hasn't been more than six weeks, you can go back on and taper in 5% increments over a period of 2-3 weeks each taper. (See how much I've learned guys?!) I myself was a too-fast taperer - I didn't tell my doc I was stopping (she told me to keep taking it after I reported I was having major side effects that were listed as the "warning adverse side effects" which didn't sit right with me) but I didn't think it was a good idea to stop cold turkey either. I was on for six weeks at 5mg, started cutting those to 2.5mg over the course of a week, then off. This was before my pre-lexapro education days and I thought I did a good job - WRONG-O! I'm now at 3 months and have gone through hell (find my previous posts). If I could go back, I would have done it the right way.

I'll leave the actual tapering info to the pros here, but if I were in your place, and had the chance to go back on and taper, I would definitely do that. The alternative is horrid.

Just my two cents - and welcome! This place is the best for support during the withdrawal period!

-Jo

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Sctschk!
I have the arms falling asleep too -- a lot more often then I ever had before, but I never thought it could be related... Sometimes I have to 'find' my arm, or hand or whatever even,.. does anyone know what I mean? it's so dead, I don't know where it is! Very uncomfortable and happens a lot, but don't think it's harmful, right? thought it was just the way I was sleeping ..
I really hope the best for you now Jo, there is soooo much weird stuff that happens.. but actually, now I'm at at the 5th month, most of the totally random things are gone (amazingly enough.. like weird zaps, pops, twinges, cringes, you name it , and the long term stuff is still there, so it's not so spooky, and you get an idea of what really is going to take time, and it's not so bad in that way. I know some of the scary stuff seems like it will NEVER end, but it does go away ... just try not to worry about it.. If I start worrying, I try to not think about it, and concentrate on x'ing off days on my calendar (seriously, take out the calendar, go over it, x off days, look at it again, and again, and again, see how far you've come, try to look at the dates when you will probably be feeling better and look forward to it!), counting down the time, and reminding myself that I'm in the thick of it, and it will be better in a few weeks/months... that seems like the best way to feel better inside !
take care,
Elizabethmarie

[haleakala]

Hi, I found this forum through an internet search as I am reducing my Cipralex (Lexapro) dosage. I started the drug last spring and it did a world of good for my anxiety - and helped some depression as well. 10 mg was sufficient for a long time until a bad work experience late 2006 - I moved up to 20mg. After 4 or so months I'm moving back to 10mgs and am wondering if I'll notice any side effects from reducing this dosage. I realise everyone is different but I am curious what people's experiences are.

Eventually I want to get off of this medication and maybe try St John's Wort for occassional anxiety/depression. I'm concerned about withdrawal as I tried Paxil 6 years ago and that was a terrible experience (both on and weaning myself off of it). I've had minimal side effects on Cipralex compared to Paxil but from reading people's entries here it looks like I'm in for the typical zaps and head buzzes I got to know too well.

thanks in advance for people's responses

[overtherainbow]

Hello Aunty !

Which of these should we take? I see there are many products Carson's makes.

[overtherainbow]

Still making my way through the pages of posts. On page 24. 100 more to go.

'Bodyelectric' had some interesting writing back in 2005. The aluminum foil mandatory recycling analogy (page 14) was the best (re how Lex works w/ serotonin). I'll never look at aluminum foil again the same way.

[overtherainbow]

What ever did happen to bodyelectric? It's like I'm reading a book, and can't wait to get to the end. It seems like he had tried to start a newsletter for support back in 2005.

[Hairyarmadillo]

Guys, all has been ok except for memory and then BAM!! it is pms time and I am a basket case. Has anyone found anything to help this or am I just going to have to suffer? I go from crying hysterically to being a b----. Yesterday I had to do a lot of self-talk and reminding not to take a sliver of the lexapro. Not going to do it but I did wonder if this was hopeless

[auntybiotic]

Depressed? Consider Fish Oil


New research has found that people with depression who received a daily dose of 1 gram of an omega-3 fatty acid for 12 weeks experienced a decrease in their symptoms, such as sadness, anxiety and sleeping problems.

The only side effect of the treatment appeared to be mild gastrointestinal problems.
All the patients had already tried medications before enrolling in the study, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft or Prozac, or medications from an older family of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. All the aforementioned drugs are considered standard treatments of depression.

Previous researchers have suggested that the balance of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain may become skewed in people with depression, and earlier studies have shown that fish oil supplements can help alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, or manic depression.

But depression isn't the only disease that may be affected by a person's levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers have found that those who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and other conditions associated with depression, have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood.

The study included 70 depressed patients who took a daily dose of one to 4 grams of EPA or an inactive drug. The treatment lasted 12 weeks.

The doses were either 1 gram, 2 grams or 4 grams of EPA. Those who took 1 gram experienced improvements akin to those given the inactive drug, in all the measurable aspects of depression, including sadness, anxiety, low sexual drive and suicidal tendencies.

There was a significant improvement of those patients who took 1 gram of EPA daily: 69 percent of the patients achieved a 50 percent reduction in their symptoms, in contrast to those who took the inactive drug, where 25 percent of the patients saw improvement.

The higher-dosage groups saw similar improvements, but no higher improvement than those who took the 1 gram daily dose. The study's authors surmise that this result may have had to do with the fact that a small amount of people took the 2 or 4 grams per day. They advised further trials to determine the efficacy of higher doses of EPA in treatment of depression.

Archives of General Psychiatry October 2002; 59: 913-919


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Mercola's Comment:


There are a number of studies that show that fish oils are associated with decreased depression.

If you this subject interests you I would highly recommend Dr. Stoll's book The Omega-3 Connection. He is a Harvard psychiatrist who has done a great job of compiling the evidence supporting the use of fish oils for depression.

I am convinced that the ideal form of fish oil should be consumed in a liquid, and now advise against fish oil capsules. With fish oil liquid, I have found through clinical experience that the brand definitely matters. While I am sure there are a few other high quality brands available in the world, the only one I can currently recommend with total confidence is Carlson's fish oil and cod liver oil. Carlson's quality is exceptional, and their purity is documented by independent organizations. I now offer Carlson's fish oil and cod liver oil in my "Recommended Products" section, or you may be able to find Carlson's in your local health food store.

The dose for both the cod liver or plain fish oil liquid is one teaspoon for every 50 pounds of body weight per day. So, if you weigh 150 pounds that would be about one tablespoon (three teaspoons) per day. This is the equivalent of 15 typical fish oil capsules. This is a good initial dose for most people, but if you notice any belching or repeating it is likely your gallbladder is not digesting the fish oil properly and you may need to take a high potency enzyme with plenty of the fat digesting enzyme lipase.

If you continue to have nausea with the fish oil, it is probably wise to activate the "Listen to Your Body Principle" advocated in my nutrition plan and avoid the fish oil until you can be evaluated by a competent natural health care practitioner.

Many people are confused about the difference between fish oil liquid and cod liver oil. It helps to consider cod liver oil as fish oil-plus. It is the same as fish oil, but it has natural vitamin D and A. For most of us during the winter this becomes an important consideration: we don't have enough exposure to the sun to generate enough vitamin D to provide us with all its health benefits, so cod liver oil is excellent for its vitamin D (and vitamin A!) as well as its omega-3. In the warm weather months, or warm weather climates, however, you want to be careful not to overdose on vitamin D.

Ideally, you should measure your vitamin D levels. Unfortunately very few physicians do this. But if you overdose of vitamin D you can actually cause osteoporosis and hardening of your arteries as it causes a reverse effect.

In short, think cod liver oil during the cold months, and fish oil during the warm ones.

Dr. Hibbeln also published another study in May (J Affect Disord 2002 May;69(1-3):15-29) that showed that mothers selectively transfer DHA to their fetuses to support optimal neurological development during pregnancy. If they don't receive enough they run the risk of developing severe postpartum depression.

[wherethehellami?]

hey everyone i need some help. after about 7 weeks on 10mg cutting back from 20mg i started to take 15mg b/c i just was not feeling well at all. I'm still dealing with constant fatigue. All i want to do is sleep and i have absolutely no energy. I'm going to see the doctor soon. What's going on with me? If i take my orignal dose will the symptoms go away? Why is it six weeks until you can't take your original dose? Need help real bad...feel like ********************
-Chris

[autodoc]

Hello all. I was tryingt o do a little research on the drugs my doc has me on for anxiety and bi polar. He has me on 10 mg lexapro, Lamictal (forget doage but it's 4 pills) and Geodon. I had so many problems the last 4 months with everything from insomnia(he prerscribed lunesta) to tiredness to excessive weight gain and emotional disconnectedness. While trying to research these drugs I came across this forum and felt a need to be a part of it. I have to take the kids out so this first post will be short but I knew if I did not join now I never would. FWIW I stopped taking all meds cold turkey about 2 weeks ago. I don't feel better...but I don't feel worse. Other than some really odd scray nightmares it appears to be the same. I will try and get through all th eold posts and check in later whenb the kids are asleep thanks

[boomhauer912]

At least I know I'm not completely crazy. I haven't had the money to refill my Lexapro and now I feel very odd. I have the jolts of electricity, numbness, dizziness. I am also very moody and sensitive. Can anybody give me some advice? I know I'm not ready to be off this. I have been forced to. I also have the bouts of sitting down and falling asleep. I have three children. I can't do that.It's been 7 days. Is there an end in sight?

[Hairyarmadillo]

wherethehellamI I am not certain about why the 6 weeks mark is the cutoff for when to go back on the dose, I just trust anything Aunty says. You are feeling like $h-- because that is the nature of this beast called Lexapro. I know that doesn't help much, but what you are going through is what is to be expected. I did 2.5 mgs decreases working away from 10mgs dose which was really too much. It took a good 3 weeks on each decreased dose before I felt half way human. And that was a smaller decrease that what you did. Your body underwent a lot when you dropped down 10mgs. And even the 15 mg is still an adjustment. You are not feeling anything abnormal for lexapro withdrawal. I do suggest you get the supplements and sleep as much as possible. The first time I went off Lexapro, I did it more rapidly and felt like all I could do was sleep. I literally would sleep the entire weekend. Obviously this isn't always possible but the more your body can rest, the better. Sleep is what your body is needing so the fatigue is telling you that. Please remember that most of us here have gone through the fatigue time as well as other symptoms. It WILL pass. The bad thing about getting off this medication is all these withdrawal symptoms, but don't give up on it. Take the supplements, sleep as much as possible and do not decrease the dose anymore until you start feeling normal. I know all the doctors say differently, but this drug needs to be tapered off very slowly. I know the feeling of need to get it over with and get off it, but trust me this is not the way to do it. If you do need to go to your doctor, you might want to get a prescription for the liquid Lexapro and then follow the slow taper process. It will take longer but it will pay off. I am not telling you not to listen to your doctor, but please think twice if you are told that you are having this reaction because you need the medication or if he tells you to take dose, skip a day etc. or any other advice that is going to put you on the cold turkey path. It is your decision, naturally but we have found that doctors are not as aware as they should be regarding this. You will make it through this. But do get the supplements. They will make a world of difference. Also, be sure not to consume any caffeine. I did this and it made is 1000 times worse. Please keep checking in. I am nowhere near normal but I can't help worrying about everyone else.

autodocYep, I promise you this is THE place to be. These people have made a huge difference in my withdrawal experience. I hope you continue to "not be any worse" but you may at least want to look into some of the supplements. They do seem to help. By the way, did you know Lunesta can cause depression? I had came THIS close to asking for that and then just last night read in an ad that depression could be a side effect. Ha-I always blew off side effects-thought I would be aware of them but didn't expect it to happen. THEN this happens. I was only on Lexapro (was on Paxil for several years, got off that,then on this) but I had no energy, no drive at all, was totally apathetic. Not even going to talk about weight gain On the Paxil all I wanted was rich, fattening food and could not stop eating. I was pretty much compulsively eating around the clock. I cared but could not stop. Have gone from a size 4 to 22 at one point. Have gone down from the 22 to a lose 20 but I do not feel anywhere as good physically as I once did

[auntybiotic]

Try this link to order the Carsons fish oil. There is no mercury contamination in this product and is better then other brands,

http://www.taoofherbs.com/products/3...angeFlavor.htm