[qoe100]

I've been trying to read back through some of this today to see what types of things to expect. What happened to me today....I went out to dinner with friends, rode my bycicle for about 20 minutes, came home and sat down. Suddenly, I got unbelievably hot and sweaty, felt a little nauseous and almost like I was going to faint. Is this another side effect? Crimany!!! Can't wait for this to be over.

Also, am I posting correctly? Do people have their own threads or does everything continue from here? I'm sort of cyber challenged.

[Hairyarmadillo]

elizabethmarie I am still here. (Been wondering where the devil everyone is, too? No one better have gotten off the wagon and gone back on Lexapro!!! ) Yep, em, it just sucks. I am better but know the worst is yet to come. Scared but determined not to let it "get" me this time. I have been lucky and haven't had the same adverse symptoms you and many others have, but I definitely can tell you with a little bit of oomph that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am not at the end-I just see it peeping through in subtle ways. I am imagining since you have had such adverse symptoms it is going to take your body longer to work it all out. But it will. There is no other physical reason for these things to be happening and you really are healthy in spite of the seizures, etc. I promise you the only way to do this and not go nuts is take it one day at a time. If you look at how long it seems to be taking,etc, it is going to frustrate you. Can't remember who had the wonderful idea to cross off days on the calendar, but at least do that mentally. Remind yourself that this time next year, this is going to either be a thing of the past or almost a thing of the past. This is not going to last forever. Do something to nurture yourself emotionally. who is with you when you have these seizures? I swear I read all these posts (ha, except for every single page before I started posting-I can't remember anything and was losing whatever I read anyhow). Is someone around that can take as much pressure off you as possible? Don't create more stress and frustration by mentally imposing an idea of when these symptoms should be over. One day at a time. It is going to get better. I nearly lost it about 6 weeks ago because of the emotional aspects that popped back up. Now, 5 weeks off, it is better. But I never would have guessed that when I felt that way 6 weeks ago. Don't ever feel alone-I am right there with you in spirit. When you feel overwhelmed, just think of a huge hairy armadillo! If that doesn't make you feel better, I don't know what will!

qoe100 You are definitely posting correctly. gee , it would be bad if we all had our own threads-don't know if anyone would ever read mind Sorry to say, but yep, Iwould bet that is a side effect. There were times when I was just walking to take students to the bus at a brisk pace and I would suddenly feel incredibly dizzy like i was going to pass out. It didn't take much. Oh, I kinda liked your coma idea. When I quit the last time, I would sleep through my weekends. It was almost like being in a coma.

Long Island Girl You may not necessarily in for the worst of it all, but to better your chances of not facing that, I would advise you to taper slowly. Instead of doing it by cutting off pieces of the pill either ask your doctor for liquid lexapro so you can VERY GRADUALLY taper the dose or convert the pill to liquid (it is posted somewhere on here. I swear tomorrow when I get on dsl at work, I am going to find the page so I can direct everyone to Aunty's wisdom) It is going to seem like forever but it is worth it. I was only on 10mgs but I could not handle the 5 mg decrease. And people are finding out that even if it looks like they got off it quickly with minor effects are having effect several months later. Let your brain adjust to the small decreases. Oh, and stay on the tapered dose for 2-3 weeks until you are feeling normal. Otherwise the next tapered dose is going to "wallop the snot" out of you. And get the supplements. oh, and take them-ha, I keep forgetting and it DOES make a difference.

I cannot remember the name of the mother concerned for her daughter who posted recently. If you are reading, how is she doing? This is a wonderful place for support. It is frustrating to go it alone and not see that it isn't just "you" going through this.


Everyone Hope everyone is still hanging tough. All you new posters, remember to taper slowly, take the supplements, avoid caffeine. sleep as much as you can when you feel like it, take time out to pamper yourself in even little ways. Remind yourself that you will get through this and don't cave in. It does get better!
As for me, my memory is getting a little better some days. Still get extremely tired but think it is also partly because of the students and end of school year demands. After the big mood swing Saturday, I am getting back on an even keel.

"Doctor" tavee where oh where are you? I sent you an email because I got worried. Are you okay? Did the rages subside?

[sctschk]

Just me, checking in! I'm at 12wks today and have to say I think I'm doing pretty good. Mostly, I'm grateful that my anxiety/panic hasn't returned in a while. I think I've got this thing nabbed after almost a year. Yeah! As for the Lex w/d, I'm still waiting for that 3mo shoe to drop, but things are bearable. I mentioned a few posts back that my dizziness returned, which has been kept at bay pretty well aside from the occasional here-and-there's. The only thing I've got going on right now is that my buzzing sensation in my foot has changed into something more of a "bubbles" popping sensation feeling now. It's in both feet and arms/hands. It's quite odd - I'm not going to stress over it and am just going to assume they are my poor neurotransmitters still trying to reconnect in there. My fingers seem to be pretty crampy though - with my fingers curling up on me (I think EM mentioned that too) and feeling swollen and retarded. I get trigger fingers in my pinkies, ring, and middle fingers when I wake up in the morning. I feel like an arthritic 80yr old woman! My arms still fall asleep at night and I'm wearing wrist braces on them which seems to help. Still getting some off/on tinnitus (very brief) and the skin crawling on my legs and scalp poke around too.... the limb jerking is still there, but almost completely gone. Only feel it when I'm laying still.

But for the most part, I feel pretty well. No nightmares lately, so that's nice. So, just an update. I'm still here with the rest of you and hope you're all doing ok, or at least, coping! Thinking about you all and just hang in there everyone!

Question for Aunty: Is lecithin the same thing as soya lecithin? Soya letithin was the only kind I could find... thanks!!

-Jo

[dccll]

I'm not sure if i'm posting properly or not. I'm new at this. I was taking 2.5mg lexapro for 8 days and then went to 1.25 for 8 days. I only took for 16 days. (30 mg total over 16 days time) I have had a lot of the symptoms seen on these posts. Why does that occur. Is it because the brain is trying to catch up on making seratonin. Does anyone know of old posters going all the way through this process. Does it eventually go away? My symptoms are abating each day. Yesterday was the five week completely off mark. Aunty had discussed an emotional withdrawal at some point. Why does that happen? Also what are the best supplements.

[qoe100]

Yesterday, I thought I was doing well. Today, I find I'm gritting my teeth, clenching my fists, feel nauseous, fidgety and would like to beat the ******************** out of just about anybody!!!! I just got the liquid Lexapro and am planning on going down from 5 mgs to possibly 3 in a few days. I've gone from 10 to 5 in the last month. Is this too fast? Also, does everyone have these off/on withdrawal symptoms? Some days I think "ok, this isn't so bad" then others I feel like I said above.

Still thinking a coma til this ends isn't a bad idea!!!!

[jencduke]

I stopped Lexapro, 20 mg per day almost two weeks ago and I've been extremely tired, dizzy, short tempered, more emotional and have had some trouble sleeping. It's been difficult to work and function. My doctor said that I could stop "cold turkey", so I did. I woudn't advise doing that. I wasn't sure what was going on, so I googled "Stopping Lexapro" and found all these postings with similar experiences. It sounds like it will hopefully end soon; thanks to everyone for sharing.

[bodiesandsoles]

Hi all, I'm new here and hoping to find some answers. I was on lexapro for a year. Started at 20mg but quickly went down to 10mg and was on that for most of the time. I started to wean off six weeks ago down to 5 then 2.5, etc. I was doing great, no real withdrawal or anything. Now six weeks later my insomnia has returned, which is why I wound up on lexapro in the first place. In Jan 06 I started having major problems falling asleep which lead to major anxiety and depression. It took forever to find a sleeping pill to work for me but eventually I was put on lexapro - I took Paxil first but had a bad reaction. My doc seemed to think I had depression and anxiety which caused the insomnia but I think it was the other way around, that the insomnia caused the depression and anxiety. Anyway, it's like which came first. I honestly believe the whole insomnia thing is due to perimenopause but I've read people can be put on antidepressants to deal with perimenopause or menopause. Regardless I'm trying to decide now if I should go back on the lexapro or not. Getting very little sleep and poor quality sleep kills me - I actually backed into a car the other day cause I was so foggy from lack of sleep. I've been taking Restoril to sleep as it's the only sleeping pill I found to help me. So do I take that every day or just go back on the lexapro. I've tried all kinds of natural remedies and herbs which didn't work. So just not sure what to do - my regular doctor says she's rather see me back on the lexapro than taking restoril every night to sleep. Maybe she's right since I'm not getting the best sleep on the restoril anyway. I have to make an appointment with a new psychiatrist to get some more answers and advice as my last one I didn't like at all and he didn't approve of me trying to go off the lexapro so I did it on my own.

Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone here had major insomnia and then went off lexapro and had it return 6 weeks or more later? I just don't know what to do right now and could use some advice. Thanks everyone!!

[kiyra]

I too feel like I am going crazy. I took lexapro for three days. From day one I had numbness and tingling. I kept taking it because I was told my body had to get used to it. On day two I could not focus, ear ringing, dizzy, and my head tingled terribly. After the third night of taking it, I woke up the next morning and could not move my left arm or make a fist and my muscle tone was gone. I had numbness and tingling throughout my body. I had taken 10 mg for three days. It's been four days since I took it and I've still had strange headaches, ear ringing, some jaw clenching, and feel like I am dizzy and can't focus. Aunty, I read that if people stop cold turkey it can cause brain damage, could this happen to me after only taking it for three days? This week has been awful and I just want to get back to normal and I'm wondering if it's going to take weeks like many people on here. Has anyone else only taken it for a couple of days which such horrible effects? My doc said she has had a lot of people on this, but no one else had these symptoms. My sister has MS and I don't know if I have that or if it's the lexapro. I have similar symptoms as she had when she found out she had MS. I think it's the lexapro, I was fine until I took it. I'm on no other medications and I don't drink or do recreational drugs. I'm also a non-smoker. I'm just trying to make sense of what is happening to me. I have gotten better the last couple of days, but I still have ear ringing and feel dizzy. Has anyone else experienced this after only a couple of days of taking this?

[Hairyarmadillo]

bodiesandsoles LOVE the name! I can relate to insomnia. The only thing I have found that works(other than prescription) is this stuff called SleepMD. I tried this a few months ago, cynical about it working, but it does help. I take it bout 3 hours before going to bed and then soak in the tub and do other relaxing things, no big activity. Then it seems to kick in and I drift to sleep. I chose this because it is more natural approach. I had tried all the other herbs, etc but nothing has worked like this. Although the Relacore PM seems to help. Sleep loss will make you feel nuts, though.

jencduke I was told that Lexapro was easy to get off. Nope, didn't work that way for me. Not trying to scare you, but even though it has been two weeks, it is very likely that the worst of the withdrawals have not hit. I do believe some people have an easier time of it, but there are many people who are having symptoms show up many months later. If your symptoms get too bad, you may want to start taking the dose and then gradually tapering off. I am talking in very small increments and staying on the decreased dose for 2-3 weeks until the body stabilizes. Major drops can cause problems.

qoe100 10 to 5 in one month is way too fast and is why you are feeling like you are. Your body has not adjusted to this major drop and you need to stay on that dose until you feel normal. Then, decrease the dose but the drop to 3 from 5 is too drastic. Am thinking the recommendation is 5% to 10% of the dose you are taking at the time. I am too lazy to search the threads now, but it is somewhere on one of Aunty's posts. I know you want off but don't rush it. You will be better off in the long run. Plus, you will be more able to enjoy your life during the withdrawal if you do it gradually. The withdrawals can almost be debilitating. The more gradual you decrease the dose, the less invasive the withdrawals will most likely be.

[elizabethmaria]

Hi bodiesandsoles,
Just wanted to write in -- I've had, and learned a lot about insomnia, causes,etc... I have been recovering from CFS, and in that there is a lot of difficulty sleeping, etc.. in treatment, however, we've learned that the best thing for sleep, though its' hard, is to be drug free, and to have excellent 'sleep hygeine'... I've made the big mistake of taking OTC and other medication for sleep, and wow, does that make things WAY worse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -- I know there are a gillion adds for these things, and your doctor will try to prescribe them, but if you go to a really top sleep clinic, or research online regarding this, that is the wrong way to go -- I've gone 3-4 days, and so many other times without sleep, all caused by messing up my sleep cycle through those meds. then doctor put me on an SSRI for sleep, which made it TONS worse in the end - finally ending up in a terrible adverse reaction from which I'm still recovering 5 months later..(seizures, etc.) Sleep medications, like ssri's are tolerated differently by different people, as all medications. For me, I am a very slow drug metabolizer, which results in sleep medications also building up in your system -- your body responds by pumping out cortisol which gives you anxiety, and.... sleeplessness!.... these meds can remain in your system a long time, and it takes weeks to reestablish your sleep cycle - often with many rough spots in the way -- but soooooo worth it! Since my reaction in December, I am completely free of all meds, and guess what, NO anxiety, and sleep every night, always... it's HEAVEN.! That doesn't mean sometimes one sleeps lighter, or may wake up one night or two, but fall back asleep again ok...
When you are withdrawing from Lexapro, insomnia is a common withdrawal side effect however -- so please don't worry about that (yes, I know, easier said than done! but true). Lex doubles your cortisol levels, and as your body goes through recovery, your glands will be raising and lowering their levels, often causing insomnia, in its work to heal the glands..
Insomnia does cause anxiety, but remember, it sounds like you are a slow metabolizer as well, as you had a rough time with Paxil -- these drugs CAN CAUSE anxiety, depression, etc. they did for me, and I have never had a problem before. I know how hard it is!
I'm sure hormones are giving you SOME difficulty sleeping at times, but I'm sure it will be very very manageable once your system gets cleared out... it takes TIME though , and trusting your body (they are made to sleep on their own after all!)
Check out some of the excellent sleep clinic websites on good sleep hygeine..
basics are:
Same bedtime every night
Same rise/get up time everyday
dark room, quiet, no tv/lights
no meals 2-3 hours before bed, or stimulating activity
if don't sleep, can get up, go to next room until sleepy.. but don't nap/sleep in
No naps during day
exercise each day
sunlight for serotonin/melatonin creation
etc.
Sorry to write so much, but am so familiar with that struggle, and how painful/debilitating it is.. I actually had to miss work because of insomnia - so awful -- that's why it so wonderful now - I never even think about it!
many drugs/herbs, supp can disturb sleep - if you are a slow metabolizer, any supp/herb/ med will affect you, and most likely increase cortisol and disturb sleep -- does for me..!
hope this helps, you're in my prayers, let me know if you have any questions,
Elizabethmarie

[elizabethmaria]

One more thing,
only stay in bed 8 hours, 9 at very most -- our bodies are not designed for more then that and that can disturb sleep -- unless of course you are very sick, etc. that's different, but normally that is the limit!

[qoe100]

Hairy,
I'm thinking you're right about dropping too much (10 to 5 mg in 4 wks). I'm gonna stay on the 5 until I'm feeling better before I drop any lower. Then, I'll do it 1 mg at a time. Thanks for responding.

[skyer]

EM: I know you said something about finding out that people with CFS can react poorly to SSRI's and I just wanted to confirm that because I read that in my Ann Blake Tracy book yesterday. I didn't read a lot of the book when I first got it because I was so sick and I didn't want to get more upset, so I only read the "Solutions" chapter. But I wanted to read some yesterday to see what she says about REM sleep since I think that is something I've been struggling with this whole time. I sleep, but don't feel rested and have weird dreams. Anyway, I really am improving. I think about withdrawal 50% of the time and the other 50% of the time I actually think about things I use to care about. It's so nice...you will get there. A month ago I was convinced that I would never feel any passion again; it's sloooowly returning to me.

Kiyra: Sounds like you had a bad reaction, all right. I had a bad reaction (not quite as dramatic) but I stayed on it for 6 weeks (!) because my doctor said that my body was just adjusting. I have now learned -- thanks to Dr. Breggin's book -- that the body is sounding its alarm! Since it was only three days and you had a reaction I don't know that I would go back on and taper. Aunty might be able to answer that. Either way, just know that you don't have permanent brain damage, but when you will return to normal is hard to say. Most likely, things will clear up in days or weeks. There are some that had effects lasting for months that were only on it for a matter of days, so it's hard to predict how your body will respond. I'm more than seven months into withdrawal after only six weeks use, but I should have tapered and so the cold turkey quit really messed me up. Also, I'm sure you don't have MS. A lot of us thought we had MS because symptoms from Lexapro mimic those of MS. The tingling is so common. Mine is almost gone now; mostly in fingers and toes.

Patience: If you're reading this...I'll write back soon. Been trying to enjoy the sunshine since the weather got nice and my brain is allowing me to deal with some stimulation!

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Kiyra,
I had really really bad reaction after on only 3 days (but they gave me two others at the same time, so it was a bit more)... AWFUL, emergency room, etc.. so yes, these drugs can do it in a matter of days... I'm sure you'll get better soon, but it may take longer than you think -- I'm at 5 months off, and still struggling quite a bit, but then my reaction was very extreme.. stay on these boards and read up - but don't go back on any ssri's again!!
lots of love, and prayers,
Elizabethmarie

Hi Hairyarmadillo !! thank you for your post - I've been thinking about you ! hoping you continue to improve -- what week/month are you on? I keep trying to keep everyone straight about where they are in the taper/withdrawal, but keep mixing it up! Yes, actually, I'm the one that said cross days off the calendar.. oops, better take my own advice again ... it's just been awful rough lately, and so have been soooooooo out to lunch - today is a bit better so that's nice .. there is no way I could make it without you guys - I just wish I was more help myself!!!! I've been thinking of that big hairy armadillo, and sure enough, it does help

Hi Skyer!
Thank you for your email - that really helped !!! Man, I've been soooo down, I'm ashamed of my own sad thoughts .. so sorry to be complaining! I'm so sure about the CFS and ssri's now... it's at least given some answers for the seizures.. I'm sooooooo glad you've been out in the sunshine!! Yayyyyy! soak it up for us there! How is your depersonalization going?? Is it improving at all? How about the sleep? is it better at all ?? I know I wrote that whole email on sleep - I hope it didn't sound preachy or something! I just wanted to give out what I'd learned... I know that I don't sleep REALLy really deep at this time, but haven't since CFS so I don't really mind or notice anymore, but I'm sure it plays into everything , plus, compared to what it was, I sleep like a baby! -- I bet if we all slept extremely hard, we'd be better in a few days -- have you tried restricting your sleep schedule, to induce deeper sleep? that helps too sometimes.. I was thinking of trying that, since it may help more, but actually, probably not.. it's ok for now.. again, am so glad you're getting out -- the weather is so nice lately too!
take care everyone,
love Elizabethmarie

[auntybiotic]

I would not go back on the lexapro............if you are a slow metabolizer and you are building up the lexapro in your system............. after only three days to get such severe reactions......................I would say that lexapro is toxic to you.

Unfortunately it may take a while for the side effects to go away but they will get better in time.

[kiyra]

Thank you skyer, Elizabethmarie, and Aunty for your responses. I had taken the lexapro last week Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights. Thurs. and Friday was in ER both days, haven't taken lex since. Approximately a week before the lex, I had tried Wellbutrin. I was only able to take the Wellbutrin for three days also due to adverse reactions, only not as bad as the lexapro has been. I have suffered from depression and the past two weeks since trying these meds, my body and mind have been more messed up than ever. My doc suggests after a couple of weeks to try another med. I've heard some people have taken meds that have helped them, and I will say on Tuesday afternoon I think I had a few hours of that "good normal feeling" when on the lexapro before all the side effects became really bad. Are there meds out there with minimal side effects, I also saw hormone replacement thereapy, and alpha wave stuff, has anyone tried any of these? Good luck Elizabethmarie during your withdrawal process, how awful it must of been to have seizures. Skyer what you said about feeling the passion again, I think I can relate, this last week I feel like I've just been in a daze just going through the motions. I'm sure I don't have MS either, I have felt better this afternoon, but that's what I said on Tuesday before having all that numbness and tingling again Tues night. All of this happened during finals week and I'm in the process of trying to contact professors to finish my classes. I've been clinically depressed, supposedly, and I'm left wondering what is out there that i can take to help me get out of this rut.

EM: Thank you for your info on sleep. My sister (not the one with MS, other one) suffers from insomnia and takes trazadone. She has been taking it for a few years now and swear it helps her. I wonder if she should be taking it. And it was interesting to learn about the cortisol levels in the body.

[Nocturnal]

Today was my second day on 1.25mg. Prior to that I was taking 2.5mg. More often than not I had days where I'd skip up to three days (on accident, forgetfulness on my part). I took 2.5mg last Thursday and then didn't take 2.5mg again until Monday. I did not have any withdrawal symptoms; however, this was prior to me making the decision to get off of Lexapro. Anyhow, normally when I was on 10mg, after two days of not taking it, I'd get brain zaps. I'm feeling good that this I'm going to get through this.

[dccll]

Kiyra- I was sorry to read about your reaction. It sounds like you and Elizabethmarie had a rough go in a short time. I hope it gets better for you.

Elizabeth Marie - thank you for your response a few days ago. I read your story yesterday. How do you know if you are a slow metabolizer? I hope today finds you rested and peaceful!!

I am glad I found this forum because I have felt like I was imagining stuff almost. I think the worst part is that I feel like part of my passionate side is gone. I think someone posted that lately they had felt passionate again. I wonder how long this takes? Feels like the part of my brain that controls excitement is missing. No real hi's, no real low's, But also no fear or anxiety. Has anyone experienced this? Thank you for any and all responses.

[auntybiotic]

Doctors Miss Life-Threatening Serotonin Syndrome
Tuesday, 8 May 2007, 9:53 am
Opinion: Evelyn Pringle

Doctors Fail to Recognize Life-Threatening Serotonin Syndrome

By Evelyn Pringle
In addition to recent reports that the drugs work no better than sugar
pills, the latest warnings added to the long list of adverse events
linked
to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants have focused
on
birth defects, suicide risks and violence.
However, the massive over-prescribing of SSRIs, including Prozac,
Paxil,
Zoloft, Celexa and Lexapro in combination with many other drugs now has
medical experts scrambling to educate doctors about a life-threatening
condition known as "serotonin syndrome."
According to the report, "A Mix of Medicines That Can Be Lethal," by
Jane
Brody, in the February 27, 2007 New York Times, "with the enormous rise
in
the use of serotonin-enhancing antidepressants, often taken in
combination
with other drugs that also raise serotonin levels, emergency medicine
specialists are trying to educate doctors and patients about this
not-so-rare and potentially life-threatening disorder."
According to the Times, patients at particular risk, some experts say,
are
those taking a combination of antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs
prescribed to treat resistant depression.
Ms Brody notes that in the March 2005 New England Journal of Medicine,
two
specialists, Dr Edward Boyer of the University of Massachusetts Medical
School and Dr Michael Shannon of Children's Hospital Boston, found that
more
than 85% of doctors were "unaware of the serotonin syndrome as a
clinical
diagnosis."
In a report based on calls made to poison control centers in the US in
2002,
the doctors found 7,349 cases of serotonin toxicity and a total of 93
deaths. In 2004, the Toxic Exposure Surveillance System identified
48,204
exposures to SSRIs that resulted in moderate or major outcomes in 8,187
patients and death in 103 patients, according to the September 2005
American
Journal of Emergency Medicine.
In 2005, the last year for which statistics are available, a total of
118
deaths were reported, according to the New York Times.
The true incidence of serotonin syndrome, experts say, may be
under-reported
in these figures because the syndrome may be wrongly attributed to
another
cause, mild cases may be dismissed or medical professionals may not
suspect
the condition.
Studies have shown that when an expectant mother takes an SSRI, her
system
is flooded with extra serotonin, which then passes across the placenta
into
the womb, soaking the developing fetus in serotonin, according to
Houston
Attorney Robert Kwok.
"It is this prolonged and unanticipated exposure to serotonin," he
says,
"that our experts believe leads to the baby's birth defects. "
Studies indicate," he explains, "that mothers who take an SSRI during
pregnancy have 1.5 to 2 times the risk of giving birth to a baby with a
heart defect such as an atrial septal defect or ventricular septal
defect,
and are 6 times more likely to give birth to a baby with a severe and
life-threatening lung disorder known as persistent pulmonary
hypertension
(PPHN).
And the cases of birth defects are on the rise. "Our group has over 100
SSRI
baby birth defect cases in medical review," Mr Kwok states, "with most
babies bearing strikingly similar heart and lung defects."
Mr Kwok is representing the family of Chase Steele, a baby born with
severe
heart defects after his mother took an SSRI during her pregnancy and
the
family of Gavin Shore, an infant also with severe heart defects to a
mother
who took the SSRI Celexa during her pregnancy.
"You would think by now," Mr Kwok says, "that the FDA would ban SSRIs
for
children, since the same logic applies to developing adolescents and
developing babies in the womb during pregnancy."
Serotonergic receptors are found throughout the central nervous system
and
are involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle, behavior,
appetite,
temperature and muscle tone, and serotonin neurotransmission is
involved
with the regulation of gastrointestinal motility and vascular tone.
Serotonin syndrome results from excessive stimulation or agonism at
postsynaptic serotonin receptors.
According to the FDA, symptoms of the syndrome may include
restlessness,
hallucinations, loss of coordination, fast heart beat, rapid changes in
blood pressure, increased body temperature, overactive reflexes,
nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea.
The patients often have changes in mental status, including agitation,
hypervigilance and pressured speech, and in severe cases, may present
with
profound hypertension and tachycardia, and proceed rapidly to shock.
In severe cases, patients may exhibit delirium, seizures, muscular
rigidity
and hypertonicity. A core temperature may exceed 40º C (104 F),
and may be
accompanied by metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure and
disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Experts say the most important information for doctors to know when
dealing
with a possible case of serotonin syndrome is what drugs have been
ingested,
because in addition to SSRIs, there are other classes of drugs with
different mechanisms that can also increase serotonin levels to
differing
degrees.
A greater awareness of the combinations that trigger the syndrome could
lead
to prevention, but a diagnostic challenge exists due to the fact that
the
list not only includes prescription drugs, but also over-the-counter
medications and herbal supplements. The following are some of the
products
known to be associated with serotonin syndrome:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil,
Lexapro,
Celexa)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Nefazodone (Serzone)
Meperidine (Demerol)
Dextromethorphan (Cold Remedies)
Chlorpheniramine
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Atypical antipsychotic (Zyprexa, Risperdal, Seroquel)
L-dopa
Meridia
Lithium
Valproic acid (Depakene)
Linezolid (Zyvox)
St John's Wort
Ginkgo Biloba
Many experts blame the rise in cases of serotonin syndrome on the fact
that
so many different drugs are being prescribed to patients at the same
time in
combinations, or "drug cocktails," which have never been approved as
safe
and effective by the FDA for any use and without considering the
over-the-counter medications that patients may be taking.
The syndrome has become more prevalent in children as the off-label use
of
drug cocktails with children has increased. Some experts suspect
serotonin
syndrome in the death of 4-year-old, Rebecca Riley in Massachusetts, on
December 13, 2006.
Critics say the Riley case highlights the need to put an end to the
rampant
off-label prescribing of adult psychiatric drugs to children. "The
general
public is unaware that almost no psychiatric drugs have ever truly been
tested for children," according to David Oaks, director of MindFreedom,
an
international human rights organization.
"All psychiatric drugging of children," he says, "is essentially 'off
label'
in the sense that doctors have an enormous range of discretion when
prescribing psychiatric drugs to young people."
".
The official autopsy report states that Rebecca died of the "combined
effects" of the drugs and that her lungs and heart were damaged by
"prolonged abuse of these prescription drugs, rather than one
incident."
Those findings have some experts wondering whether the medical examiner
may
be a member of the 85% of doctors identified by the New England Journal
of
Medicine study who are unaware of the serotonin syndrome as a clinical
diagnosis.

"I'd put my money on serotonin syndrome as the cause of death," she
says, "a
potentially lethal condition of serotonin excess, leading to signs and
symptoms which include autonomic instability, heart dysrhythmias
(sudden
death), hyperthermia (high fever), changes in mental status (including
possible coma), hyperreflexia, and myoclonus."
"In this case," Dr Jackson says, "the primary culprits were
dextromethorphan
and chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine which also boosts serotonin
levels."
"It is probably quite likely," she explains, "that the family had not
been
warned by any doctor or pharmacist that this combination of medications
could cause death - particularly, in a toddler."
"It is also possible," she adds, "that the psychiatrist did not realize
that
the family was administering dextromethorphan to the child --- it might
have
been given from an over-the-counter cough remedy by unsuspecting
parents."
Reports by investigators, based on interviews of relatives in the home
who
observed Rebecca in the days before she died, describe symptoms typical
of
serotonin syndrome. They said she became restless, disorientated,
incoherent, would not respond to her name and that she appeared dazed
and
"out of it."
She was lethargic at school and at home, and a neighbor described her
as
zombie-like, according to interviews in an affidavit filed in Plymouth
District Court.
that their medication needed to be changed.
*************
Persons injured by Serotonin Syndrome and seeking legal advice can
contact
the Robert Kwok & Associates Law Firm, at (713) 773-3380;
http://www.kwoklaw.com/about.php
Evelyn Pringle
Evelyn-pringle @ sbcglobal.net

[bill925]

Three days ago my doctor switched me from 30mg of Lexapro to Zoloft to treat my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Needless to say, I am going through a state of hell right now trying to cope with going cold turkey. I was also taking Trazodone at night to sleep and was taken off that as well, which was replaced with Ambien. I am constantly wired, unable to sleep, anxious and having panic attacks. I'm just hoping these symptoms will go away soon. Knowing now what Lexapro does to you, I will never take it again.

[skyer]

EM: I wish doctors understood more about these meds and their interactions so that we wouldn't be in this position. It's sad. Well, I thought my dreams were fading until last night. My stomach decided to cramp in the middle of the night and I woke up dreaming. It was the strangest thing ever...I was awake and aware, but I couldn't stop the dreams. I was trying to deal with my stomach and meanwhile images were flooding my brain. It really freaked me out. So, I've been pretty upset this morning. I mean, how long can this go on? While out yesterday it seemed like the depersonalization was better, so that's good, but not enough for me to venture out on my own yet. How are you doing today?

Kiyra: Please stay away from these meds! There are so many ways to combat depression without putting addictive toxins in your body. I'd do anything to erase my Lexapro nightmare. Besides a few panic attacks, I was perfectly fine before this drug. I wish I knew then what I know now about alternative treatment. The natural methods don't make doctors and pharm companies money so they are not offered to us. First, get some fish oil and take it daily. Aunty recommends Carlson's Fish Oil (orange or lemon flavored) and you can take it now; it's very safe. I got mine at a local grocery store. Also, get Inositol (vitamin B8), it can do wonders (google it and read up on it). And, I have to say...exercise, exercise, exercise. I know there is a lot of pressure to take these drugs because many claim to do well (even though they put a lot of stress on the body) on them and doctors insist we "treat" our disease with these drugs. It's not a disease, but rather a disorder. I use to swear by Paxil because I thought it was so helpful, but once these drugs go bad on you you wish you had never put them into your body!

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Skyer,
Oh my gosh, I am sooo sorry! That sounds AWFUL! That certainly shows what's been happening though with the depersonalization -- I'm sure that's what's going on.. but I bet it is just a spell, and will pass - a stage in recovery for you.. I notice that the last few weeks my depersonalization has skyrocketed - I actually feel more 'awake and myself' when I'm sleeping and dreaming, then I do when I wake up, it's so wierd.. like opposite from reality - go to bed to actually 'live', then wake up into a sleep walking world! am having trouble differentiating what's real and what is a dream now and it's creeping me out! Actually, sounds like you had a partial seizure at night, which happens (images, cramping etc.) -- I often get a cramp in my stomach before a seizure - and you can be semi conscious during one too, but can't control it.. Perhaps the stimulation from the day put a little extra stress on your reorganizing brain, and it said whoa! I always have more trouble with too much stim. or tv -
I went to the store today (w/ fam) and was able to buy some shoes, it was so nice! totally out to lunch, but able to make a decision, and be in the store a little while - no seizures in the shoe dept (has happened before! beware of shoe shopping) Am feeling awful most the time, but less seizures, so I know that is a good sign - better to feel worse, but less sz's , think it's another stage?

please newbies, stay OFF these drugs... psychologists today/psychiatrists, counselors, are so READY to label people with names like 'depressive disorder' etc etc.. when most of the time, that isn't the case - Like Skyer says, there are SOOO many ways of dealing with anxiety, stress and depression/sadness than drugs, ways that will help you grow as a person and develop and mature, not just masking feelings so they come up to haunt you later... Some people may have true problems, but that number is probably EXTREMELY low, and would go along with some major cognitive problems/seizures, etc. or other brain problems. If someone is really depressed, they should try to find out what's really going on - I have a dear friend, a nun actually, who's sister-in-law went to the doctor a couple of years ago, feeling very down, and also not really well ... Of course, the doctor put her on SSRI's, and over the past two years, she became more and more withdrawn from the drugs, detached, and lost her sense of self. After two years, she went back to the doctor, and it turned out she actually had had cancer, and she only had 2 months to live as it was by that time untreatable, left for so long. She died just a few months ago. Our bodies are telling us something, and we need to listen to them, and trust them and ourselves.. I know this is a very scary problem, but I've heard a number like this. Drugs are not the answer!

Sorry to put such a sad story in, but it's so true, and everyone needs to be aware that the medical personnel DO NOT know everything at all, we have to do our own research, pray much, and trust ourselves and meet hard times so we can grow through them, then help others...
Ok, that's enough, but I needed a little pep talk to myself, and that helps!
take care and love,
Elizabethmarie

[skyer]

EM: You nailed it! I'm more alive, active and normal in my dreams and then I wake up to realize my real life is more like a bad dream. Yeah, I think I overstimulated myself. I read too much in my Ann Blake Tracy book and I've been trying to do too much. I've learned that's common during withdrawal; when you start to feel better -- you want to try to live, but it can cause a real setback. Today, I'm taking it real easy and hope to sleep better tonight. What is a seizure like, exactly? I haven't had any movement issues...but, yeah, last night that dream thing was weird. Not the first time my stomach has cause me to wake in the middle of the night, but I thought I was well past that since it hasn't happened for months.

Glad to hear you made it to a store for shoes! It feels good to get out and do something, but I know how weird it is when you feel so out of it. I felt really spacey during months 5/6 when I would start to venture out. That's getting a lot better for me, now. It will for you, too. Still, I'm very cautious and plan to stay fairly close to home for a few more months till I feel healed more. Plus, I still battle with my anxiety during these emotional withdrawals.

[overtherainbow]

Written in the first person, it is an account of one person's use of and attempt to discontinue antidepressant medication (which was successful). It's interesting this is in a mainstrain publication read by people all over the world. You may need to register to read this.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/06/ma...l?ref=magazine

I also saw this posted in the most frequently e-mailed section.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/10/he...b23&ei=5087%0A

And if you're still reading, one about the serotonin syndrome.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/27/he...QyFoSECW3PhoBg

[auntybiotic]

Thanks for posting the informative articles.

[Hairyarmadillo]

This pms is killing me. I hope it isn't like this every month.

[MyHopeIsHim]

I was searching the web tonight for some answers of what to do with Lexapro and I am incredibly excited to find this site. I really need some advice!

My Experience: I was diagnosed with post partum depression a little over a year ago and was on Lexapro for 2 months. I remember being a little queasy when I first started taking it and some headaches when I quit. But overall, great experience.

Over the past few weeks I could feel myself slipping back into that depression, but was also having what my Dr. called panic attacks. Lots of anxiety, chest pain, shoulder pain, the works. They did a EKG to rule out any heart stuff. And then she put me on Lexapro 10 mg. a day. That was Monday. I took it with dinner Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Had a headache Tuesday evening, all day Wednesday. Wednesday I was at a meeting, my head started burning up and I almost passed out. I took Thursday and Friday right before bed, but woke up incredibly sick to my stomach, lightheaded, headaches, fidgety, weird little "surges" and for some strange reason my top teeth hurt when I chew. I don't feel like myself. To be honest, I prefer the panic attacks over this feeling! I called the nurse Thursday and she told me to stick it out. I was wondering about switching to 5mg. tonight, but after reading a few of your posts, I'm scared to do anything!!! I have a follow-up appointment on Monday, but I'm supposed to be going out of town Tuesday and don't want to try to switch to something else. I can honestly say that I don't feel depressed and the anxiety attack symptoms have continued to fade away all week. What do I do??? Any advice, suggestions, anything???

[wbsjenn]

It is clear that this is more or less a support group for those who are trying to wean off of Lexapro, or have weaned off, but I still haven't become clear on the reason. Except for those who want to get pregnant or have adverse reactions, why do all of these people want to get off of it? Don't get me wrong, I am not challenging anyone, just wanting to know. As I stated in an earlier posting, I have been on Lexapro 40mg a day for the past 2 1/2 years and my outlook has never been better. Yes, there are still problems, as with anyone, but my ability to deal with them has vastly improved. I do understand withdrawal from a substance - my mother had a severe addiction to oxycontin following two back surgeries, and my son had a stint with an illegal drug (thank God he has been clean for 9 years and I couldn't be more proud). Anyway, as we all know, Lexapro is not addictive but it is clear from the postings here that the withdrawal is horrendous. My question remains : Why are so many people trying to get off of it. I believe it is a good drug and aside from those who are allergic or have a valid reason for getting off of it, why do so? No offense meant to anyone.

[Hairyarmadillo]

websjnn I replied earlier about this to someone because that is a good question. First I have to say that I am not saying no Lexapro for everyone. My opinion is that some people do benefit from SSRIs and don't have any adverse reactions. In fact if someone was on an SSRI and it had altered their life in a dramatically positive way not achieved by any other means, I would not even advise them to get off of it. I went on antidepressants because I had lifelong bouts with depression and was convinced it was a chemical imbalance. I have been on 3 different SSRIs. Each time I end up getting lethargic to the point I don't care if I get out of bed or not. I grew extremely apathetic about everything. The feeling mimicked depression so the first time the doctor assumed it was depression and upped my dose. Then he assumed it wasn't working and tried something else. I eventually got off SSRIs for a few years only to try Lexapro because it was supposed to be without the side affects. Within months I was back to having no energy, not caring what happened, feeling worse than I did when I was "depressed". I didn't care if I had sex or not, didnt care if my husband was around. Just wanted to be by myself, eating or sleeping. My memory has gone to nothing. I would be in the middle of sentences and couldn't remember what I was talking about. I have a 135 IQ and now it takes me forever to do simple tasks. it has gotten better since being off the Lexapro but I have wasted several years of my life while I figured out that the SSRIs are not working positively for me. I was only taking 10 mg. I have also put on at least 80 lbs within a few years time span. That is why I subjected myself to the withdrawals. Had I had no problems I would have stayed on it. But I was to the point where my job was being impacted. The only positive result I had was I didn't get upset over anything. The house was a mess, dishes unwashed, laundry undone,etc But I just didn't care.

I can't answer for anyone else.

My son was recently diagnosed bi-polar. I question that diagnosis as some additional tests were not completed, however, we decided to go with the expert... So my son says Seroquel makes him feel "high" "drunk" and oblivious to everything. Is that an expected feeling when initially taking the drug? He just had his first dose 100mg 2 days ago and he says that is how he feels each time he has takes it....100 mg is the dosage at this time....Is he making it up? Is there any noticable effect or a "high" a person gets from the first dosage?