[bodyelectric]

That sounds terrible! But it also sounds like you are in very good hands and have a good discontinuation plan. Good thing you quit nursing before you went on Lexapro -- could have given the baby withdrawal symptoms. There's no research that shows that Lexapro does this, but there's nothing reliable that shows it doesn't, and some SSRIs do. But that must have been really emotionally torturous not to have that mother-infant bonding.

The past few days I have been tearing up at the drop of a hat. Not because I'm sad, but because everything seems so touching. Even stupid commercials. I am a professional 32-yr-old male who is supposedly "together", but I feel like a hamster. Today I took my nephew to a children's music concert, a fairly famous performer I've known for several years from AA in NY. When he started playing, I started bawling like a baby, justing thinking about how amazing it is that someone can turn around their life and bring so much joy to people. I'm welling up again thinking about it.

But you know what? It does feel good to feel again. I don't see how newscasters can do their jobs with a smile on their face. My heart's with you.

Drugs.com retains the copyright on everything we write on here, so I'm doing my best to get www.withdrawalsymptoms.us up tonight or tomorrow, at least part of it. It doesn't make sense for me to have to rewrite all my research or risk being sued for plagiarizing myself if I cut and paste.

[TrishCA]

BodyElectric,
Thanks for your fast response. I am going to look into the link that you sent us right now. We moved from North Texas to the beach in Southern California for better air. Our 4 year old boy inherited my hubby's allergies. We live two miles away from the ocean. Since we moved, our son is doing great now. Medicine free. On the other hand, my husband's work requires traveling, that is why he's always sick. You should listen to your wife and start writing those articles. Thanks again![:

[jiyn]

TrishCA and allergies - that's one of the worst things about living in the central US. Once, back in the oh-so-distant past, pretty much everything between Montana and the Appalachians was a large inland lake. Now that the water has drained, the central states are essentially in a great big bowl. The wind mostly blows right over the top of us trapping the heavily pollinated air next to the earth.

My bf has extreme allergies and something that has helped tremendously is local bee pollen. It's really nothing more than a natural version of the shots by providing exposure to local irritants. It helps while in your home area. Travel is always difficult so we usually like to bring a humidifier. Allergies seem to settle down when the body is exposed to moist or fluid air. Hotel rooms are usually overly air-conditioned which sucks all the moisture out of the air. Adding the moisture back will cut down on the irritation caused by a dry nasal lining.

Anyway, all that to say that it is something to think about until he can get back to CA. I am by no means a doctor so I only have personal experience to offer.

Aunty - I actually took Zithromax twice while on Lexapro. Both times they simultaneously prescribed a decongestant. According to the doc, there isn't an interaction between all three meds which I "confirmed" by finding nothing in my research. My experience was that the antibiotics didn't seem to work as well as they used to. Whether that is from drug Lex, an interaction with the decongestant or just good ol' over-prescription of antibiotics, I can't honestly say. The good news: Zithromax didn't make me feel worse in any way. It just didn't seem to be as effective. Hope that helps.

[jiyn]

I'm on day 10, actually day 11 judging by the time, of being off Lex. I tapered slowly so I seem to have missed the debilitating stage of things. Still having the dizzy spells, zaps, restless legs and amazing inability to stay asleep. Almost got 4 hours tonight which I consider fabulous in one stretch. I was taking Lex for anxiety so I am having some of that as well. I know that it is a side-effect but, with my history, I am carefully watching it. My anxiety likes to manifest itself in neck & shoulder muscles so tight that my skull cracks when I move. At least I'm used to headaches.

However, the really irritating part is the digestive issue. I've read the info about the possibility of Lex damaging that system of the body as well so I'm aware of potential causes. And, yes, I have been to a doc that says I need my gallbladder removed. I am not doing so because I see surgery as a last resort. It's an unpopular opinion with doctors but I don't believe my anxiety was caused by an inherently miswired brain. After much research, I think I did it to myself. I have lived on a diet of chemical, prepackaged food and fake, acidic beverages. If I can hurt myself with my choices over time then, with a little bit more time, I should be able to heal myself with better choices. Maybe it's just mind over matter but it works for me.

Now that I've said that, I'm wondering if anyone knows of supplements, etc that might help with lower abdominal discomfort? I'm literally being brought to my feet by the pain in my lower abdomen after I eat. Just hoping for a little help healing my digestive tract and providing more tools for my body to use while recovering.

[DarlinDenise]

jiyn -
How long were you on Lexapro before you decided to come off it?

My husband was put on this for anxiety from work, but after reading more on it, he has decided to come off it.

Just wondering. [8D]

[Moreteasir Tribe]

Hello Everyone,
Wow, after finding and reading a lot of the post in here, I feel a little better.
I have been on Lexapro 20mg for about a year now. I live in Slidell Louisiana and we to evacuate due to hurricane Katrina. When I left town (you guessed it!!) I seemed to bring all my meds except my lexapro!!

I was able to return home last week and I have made the decision to not start back on the lex. During my days as an escapee from the storm, I started to have those "zaps, surges,ect..". Now, after reading some of the post in here I now know why.
And now that I think about it, I was really "pissy" towards everyone in general. I thought is was from being displaced and all that, but that attitude has now gone and I realized that it hade to be meds making me feel that way. I have never had a bad attitude ( in general) towards anyone before.

My Doc put me on this **** because I had really bad chest pains for months and they could never find out why. Still had them while on lexapro and now, off of it!

I'm dealing with the zaps and at sometimes, I find them entertaining!
(Hmmm, maybe I should go back on the lex!!). I'm so sorry to hear about all the really bad withdrawals that some of y'all are having and I hope they avoid me for the most part. Have enough dealing with all the destruction and stuff left by Katrina. I have at least a dozen friends and family members that have lost EVERYTHING!!
No homes, No Nothing left, just the cloths on their backs. Hoping that I have serious withdrawls like so many of you, so I can deal with and help out the ones that have been so devistated by this storm.

Thanks for hearing me out,
Will be back soon!!
PEACE, LOVE........Glen

[Moreteasir Tribe]

Hoping that I **** DON'T have serious withdrawls like so many of you.

[anxiousbabe]

This is day 3 for me being totally off Lexapro. I started weaning 3 wks ago from 5mg to 2.5 and then was going to cut it in half again, but decided to just get it out of my system once and for all. Bad move? I don't know yet. None of my anxiety had returned yet, which is surprising seeing that the last two times I have tried to get off I was experiencing panic/anxiety again after just cutting down to half, so I guess I am doing pretty good so far. Other than the brain zaps, and the weird feeling in my head where I feel like I am tipsy. The mood swings were another issue, but they are getting better I think. In 32 years of my life I have never had such drastic mood swings like I have with the lexapro.

I have not taken a xanax since weaning off of this med which is another suprise to me. The only thing I am doing different this time is accupuncture and going to the gym 4 times a week. I just can't believe that it is helping me this much. It is like a miracle. I started going to this Natural doctor and she performs accupuncture and works on pressure points on my neck, head and back.

I just wanted to say thank you to aunti and bodyelectric for all of your input. I read it everyday and find so much information from the two of you that I would have never known before. I wish I knew all of this a year and a half ago when I started taking this ****. I can't believe all of the bad effects this med has on your body. My husband said to me yesterday morning that he is so happy I have gotten off of the lex because he has his wife back again. That made me feel so good. He said I am so much happier and energetic. I always was a happy carefree person until this.

I was reading where aunti said there are some vitamins and supplements you can take to get your brain functioning normal again, so my question is now that I have been totally lex free for 3 days do you think it's too soon to start with any of that stuff you mentioned in your earlier post ie sam-e, omega 3, 5-htp.

I have gained almost 32 pounds from the lex and I am hoping that it will come off now that I am off of it. Why is it that we gain alot of the weight in our stomach? My stomach was always small and now since the lex it is so big like I am 3 months pregnant, does anyone know if that will go down again now that I am off the lex? Thanks for all of your input.

Florence

[LexaproNO]

To Anxiousbabe,

It seems from the postings that the blubber belly so many of us are hauling around is from the rise in cortisol in our systems due to the Lexapro. This makes sense to me, as I have been off Lexapro for about 3 weeks, and now am having cravings for wine, a cortisol increaser, as I believe all alcohol is. I haven't gone overboard on the wine, but wanting a glass at 3 in the afternoon is not wonderful. I am just resisting, and hoping that this will also pass.

The GOOD News: During the 3 weeks I've been off the drug, I have lost 5.5 pounds, with no change in my food intake or exercise. I planned to get into walking, but walking with brain zaps was erie and uncomfortable, so I decided that waiting a while would be the preferable alternative to getting run over by a car! And walking on a treadmill was AWFUL!

At my one month mark - next week, I am once again going to try the walking and some sensible dieting. I will be keeping a log of my exercise and dieting (and EEEEEE!, stomach girth) and will keep you posted. Once the zaps are totally gone I plan to add some strength training and will add some ab work, once I can fold the body over the bag of blubber I call a stomach. I am optimistic that I can be back in the realm of reasonable by late Spring. Having a little girl come up to me to ask if I was going to have a baby was just a big thrill for me, an ex-marathon runner! I would love to hear how long it has taken others to get the weight off- and if they have any thoughts on how to best approach this.

[brainzaps]

Anxiouslywaiting,

I am trying to deal with the anxiety through a variety of methods - but no more drugs - I like how you discribed your anxiety - as I am off Lexapro for about 3 weeks [no more nauseau or brainzaps or vertigo] but i do feel the anxiety creeping back for the first time in quite some time. Lorazapam is the drug for me that is able to push down the "crushing pain" in my chest - thank you so much for writing that - one of the worst parts of constant general anxiety is feeling that you alone are the only one feeling it - so comforting to know that other people experience that "crushing pain" - it sucks. But, I am going to face it head on and really, really deal with - I have been to therapists for years and tried a million types of drugs, but I don't think I ever really just faced it and dealt with how I am going to live with this and treat this without blaming others or taking medications.

Thanks for your post - keeps me focused and it gave me encouragement to keep going with this. Can you tell me what vitamin you have been using. I just started going back to meditating and "breathing" but I wouldn't mind trying the vitamins - can you tell me the brand you use. Thanks in advance!!
Brainzaps

quote:Originally posted by anxiouslywaiting

Hi John..

I quit Lexapro 10mg 8 weeks ago (this monday will be 8 weeks) and the first thing I noticed (aside from all the "normal" withdrawal symptoms) was the anxiety came creeping back. I have good news....it does seem to get better. I've been taking vitamin supplements (multi-vitamin, B supplement, fish oil and magnesium) regularly as well as going to the gym 5 days a week along with a weekly therapy session! The crushing pain in my chest (that only Klonopin would seem to help relieve) is slowly but surely going away. My therapist tells me that the anxiety may never go away completely, but I can learn to control the symptoms and the panic attacks. I refuse to go back on these dibilating medications ever again, so for now, I deal with the anxiety and mild depression by trying to stay positive and physically active. It does work!

Good luck to you and remember to keep smiling, even when you feel you've hit rock bottom.

[anxiousbabe]

To LexaproNO,
Thanks for the reply! I know what you mean about being asked if you are pregnant. MY mother who always knew me to have a flat stomach even after having 2 kids (genetics) asked me if I was pregnant about 4 months ago. I felt like crawling in a hole after that. My mom sees me almost everyday so if she noticed it then imagine what other people were noticing, but just didn't comment.

If you don't mind me asking....how much did you gain all together on the lexapro? That is music to my ears when you say you lost 5.5 without changing your eating habits or excercising. I am trying the eat sensible and excercising at least 4 times a week so I hope that will help the weight loss move a little faster.

I have also been craving wine. Being Italian I always drink a glass of red wine with dinner, but you are right when you say craving at 3pm is not great. I must say that the glass of wine I drink at night around 7 or 8 has helped me to sleep. I hear so many people on this forum say that they are having trouble sleeping, but so far I have been doing good with that so I don't know whether or not it's from the wine or accupuncture. Before I was on the lex I couldn't sleep at night due to anxiety and was up at 2am, 4am and whenever else my body decided to wake me up so I had to take a low dose of xanax at night just to get some uninterrupted sleep.

Does anyone know what counteracts the cortisol? Is it relacore? I see that commercial on TV which talks about the belly bulge and they say this relacore stuff is suppose to get rid of it. I would never try it because I am mediphobic, but I was just wondering if anyone has heard of it or tried it.

Thanks for reading,
Florence

[jiyn]

DarlinDenise,

When did I decide to quit Lex? Almost immediately. I took Lexapro starting in August 2004 and was bumped up to 30mg by December. I begged to be taken off of it since September but there was always some reasonable-sounding reason by I shouldn't. I just hated the way it gave me a "false" personality - like I was experiencing the world through a lead blanket. Eventally, I had to get a new therapist and psychiatrist because my insurance change earlier this year.

My new psych would also not hear my pleas and actually ADDED an anti-psychotic (Abilify). Apparently, wanting to get off Lexapro means you're crazy to some docs. Now, there are many things that I am (hard-headed, sarcastic, a poor loser) but psychotic is not one of them. The two days I took both meds was like being trapped inside a mirror where all I could do was watch the room.

The good thing: it was finally the kick in the pants I needed. I made a plan with my new therapist and began reducing my dosage by 2.5mg. I would stay on a new dose for a week or two; however long it took me to feel no anxiety at that level. It took 3 1/2 months which seemed like an eternity.

In the end, I rushed it. Probably a silly thing to do. Once I hit 5mg, I stayed on it for a few days and quit. Now I am going through a tamer version of cold turkey withdrawal. It's been said before on this forum and I'll add to it - taper down slowly! It takes forever but it's so much better than quitting abruptly.

Geez, I sure can talk about myself.
I would never recommend Lexapro to anyone because a lot of people end up in the same situation as your husband - deciding to continue with the med or quit and potentially suffer. Just hang in there! It gets better.

[LexaproNO]

AnxiousBabe,

You asked how much I gained on LexaPro. It was between 35 and 40 pounds. I saw myself on a video of a meeting recently, and didn't realize it was me (we all were similarly dressed, and who remembers exatly what you wear to each meeting)until a few seconds into it, I realized it was the talk I gave!!!! It was a "how LOW can you feel" moment!!!

In an attempt to keep myself from buying the NEXT size up, I wore a girdle under my suit to a recent meeting (before I quit LexaPro) and almost broke my thumbs getting the wretched thing on and off. Hopefully I will no longer need it the next time I need to "suit up" again.

I too would like to hear about anyone's experience with Relacore. I am one who thinks twice before even taking an aspirin, so I'm not very inclined to use it at all, but if it is a short-term solution that people have used successfully, I MIGHT consider it.

[auntybiotic]

FORWEIGHT LOSS,

Omega 3 Fish Oil Liquid, preferably by Carlson's would help the weight to come off and aid in helping mood swings........two for one...........and it is VERY safe.

aunty

[anxiousbabe]

LexaproNO,

I know what you mean about not wanting to by the next size. I refuse to by the next size because in my mind it makes me feel like I am accepting the weight I have gained. However I have 3 major meetings a month where I have to speak so I bought 3 pairs of pants in my "new" size and alternate those. It is so frustrating! Well hopefully we are on the road to pre-lexapro weight and we won't have to worry about girdles anymore.

aunty,

Thanks for the advice on the omega 3 fish oil. I will go and get some tomorrow. However is it safe for me to take it now even though I have only been totally off the lexapro for 3 days?

Thank you so much for your response. Everyone is so nice and helpful on this forum.

Florence

[bodyelectric]

You can take it anytime, the omega-3. It's already in your body anyway, you just need some more. It's a fatty acid. Your brain is mostly fat. No worries.

Aunty and other parents

Could use your posts on the "Suicide" topic under the "Need to Talk?" file. I was beating up pretty badly on a kid who was threatening to kill himself, thinking he just needed a wake up call from someone who'd been there. Then I figured out he's withdrawing from Zoloft and probably just having some SSRI withdrawal symptoms. I'd appreciate your voice, since I'm the mean cop on the board over there. He might listen to you.

[bodyelectric]

Actually, anyone who wants to see what severe withdrawal can do to a person should check out that thread.

[auntybiotic]

Anxious Babe,
The Omega Fish Oil are safe to take even while withdrawaling.

What you want to worry about are the serotonin enhancers such as St. John's Wort, Sam E and others that can be dangerous and cause serotonin syndrome.

Those that have quit Lexapro have neurotransmitters that need time to readjust to functioning without the chemical aid of Lexapro. Lexapro soaks the receptors in the serotonin. We don't need MORE serotonin as many would think BUT rather we need to get the neuro transmitters funstioning again as they did prior to lexapro...........that takes
time.

If one takes Same E ( a seroton enhancer) for example..........there is that extra serotonin and few working neurotransmitters in the brain to utilize it............. so the result is serotonin excess which is what causes the serotonin syndrome. Very slow tapering off of Lexapro allows the brains neurotransmitters to gradually readjust to the lower levels of the serotonin that the receptors soak in. The slow tapering is actually the least harmful way to get off lexapro.

For anxiety, Magnesium Malate or Magnesium Citrate is excellent. Lexapro depletes the body of magnesium and that is why many experience anxiety as a side effect of Lexapro.

For stomach and digestive distress, my family member has had great success with GARDEN of LIFE Primal Defense #1450 Probiotic Formula.
It is costly, about $40 a bottle but it has helped her severe cramping and naseau. I got this at our local Vitamin Shoppe but I am sure most health food stores would carry it.This was highly recommended to me by others that have gone thru withdrawals from SSRI's.

Aunty

[anxiousbabe]

aunty,

Thanks for all of your info. I was just wondering when you said the neurotransmitters need to readjust themselves, will they do this on their own or is there something "natural" I can take to help them along. Does anyone know actually how long your body takes to heal from the affects of Lexapro?

Today is day 4 without any lexapro and is it normal for my head to feel like a balloon? I feel like me equilibrium is off.

Florence

[auntybiotic]

Hi Again,

Any brain injury takes 18 months for the body to heal and Lexapro causes a type pf brain injury.

Amino acids are the clue to naturally helping the body heal but you would need blood tests to see what amino acids your body is in need of then start supplementing.I can check into exact test to ask for if you have insurance.

Also accupunture is GREAT!!! It helps to actually rid the body of the Lexapro ( and Toxins) so that the metabolites (by product) are not recirulated. Look up Phase II of Detox. If you liver is not working great, these meds remain in our systems A LOT longer then one would expect, many months after stopping.

A good liquid multi vitiamin, a good liquid mineral, vitamin C. magnesium malate or citrate, omega 3 preferably Carson's Fish Oil. Those would be good building blocks.

When I get a chance I will post specific Brand Names that have worked well in recovery.

[anxiouslywaiting]

quote:Originally posted by brainzaps

Anxiouslywaiting,

I am trying to deal with the anxiety through a variety of methods - but no more drugs - I like how you discribed your anxiety - as I am off Lexapro for about 3 weeks [no more nauseau or brainzaps or vertigo] but i do feel the anxiety creeping back for the first time in quite some time. Lorazapam is the drug for me that is able to push down the "crushing pain" in my chest - thank you so much for writing that - one of the worst parts of constant general anxiety is feeling that you alone are the only one feeling it - so comforting to know that other people experience that "crushing pain" - it sucks. But, I am going to face it head on and really, really deal with - I have been to therapists for years and tried a million types of drugs, but I don't think I ever really just faced it and dealt with how I am going to live with this and treat this without blaming others or taking medications.

Thanks for your post - keeps me focused and it gave me encouragement to keep going with this. Can you tell me what vitamin you have been using. I just started going back to meditating and "breathing" but I wouldn't mind trying the vitamins - can you tell me the brand you use. Thanks in advance!!
Brainzaps

[anxiouslywaiting]

Brainzaps...

Yes it is nice to know that I'm not the only one going through this horrible anxiety. Some days are good, some days not so good. I have a pretty stressful job and I'm sure that contributes to the "crushing" pain that I get in my chest. I've been through so many medical tests now to eliminate any medical issues, I am starting to feel like a lab rat and a bit of a hypochondriac. The newest symptom supposedly from the anxiety is this huge lump in my throat. Makes me feel like I can't swallow and I'm going to choke. My therapist keeps telling me I'll get through this, but it seems to take a lifetime. As for the vitamins I take...here you go...hope they help you too..

Ultra Plan Ultimate Plus multi-vitamin (distributed by Hi-Health)
Flaxseed Oil - 1000 mg
Magnesium Citrate - 250 mg
Fish Oil Concentrate - 1000 mg
Super B Complex

I was taking an herbal supplement called Anxietol 7 (bought it online), but it seemed to make the anxiety worse. The good news is that I have been Lexapro and Zyprexa free for 8 full weeks as of yesterday....YIPEE!!!

Take care and I hope you feel better soon.

quote:Originally posted by brainzaps

Anxiouslywaiting,

I am trying to deal with the anxiety through a variety of methods - but no more drugs - I like how you discribed your anxiety - as I am off Lexapro for about 3 weeks [no more nauseau or brainzaps or vertigo] but i do feel the anxiety creeping back for the first time in quite some time. Lorazapam is the drug for me that is able to push down the "crushing pain" in my chest - thank you so much for writing that - one of the worst parts of constant general anxiety is feeling that you alone are the only one feeling it - so comforting to know that other people experience that "crushing pain" - it sucks. But, I am going to face it head on and really, really deal with - I have been to therapists for years and tried a million types of drugs, but I don't think I ever really just faced it and dealt with how I am going to live with this and treat this without blaming others or taking medications.

Thanks for your post - keeps me focused and it gave me encouragement to keep going with this. Can you tell me what vitamin you have been using. I just started going back to meditating and "breathing" but I wouldn't mind trying the vitamins - can you tell me the brand you use. Thanks in advance!!
Brainzaps

[bodyelectric]

Thanks, Aunty, you rock!

[madatlex]

I have just found this discussion, and read fully through the thread, and am I the only one who feels extremely, extremely angry?

I have been on Lexapro for 3 yrs at 10mg. I have been thinking of getting off lately because I didn't want to spend the rest of my life on some drug, and I got on it for mild/moderate depression and anxiety. I gained 20 lbs in the first year, going from 150 to 170. (I was a very healthy 150lbs, size 8). Then I put on another 15 lbs in the last two years. The dr. said it's decreased exercise, increased age, the birth control pill, but I coulnd't lose the weight no matter how healthfully I ate, and it was/is so frustrating.

The other thing is that I have had a lot of trouble reaching orgasms during intercourse in the last few years, and this was never a problem before.

I had connected the libido issue, but not the weight issue until I just read this thread, and it makes me SO mad. Relieved, and glad it's not just me, but very angry as well. (Ironically, my fiance told me getting mad would just release more cortisol (blubber belly issue - my stomach has gotten so fat)! so I shouldn't get mad.)

I plan to try to taper off, as follows, and I would love advice yay or nay on this.

Week one: alternate days between 10 mg and 5 mgs.
Week two: 5 mgs.
Week three: alternate 5 mgs and 2.5 mgs
Week four: 2.5 mgs.
Week five: alternate between 2.5 mgs and nothing.
Week six: two days off, one day on 2.5 mgs
Week seven: three days off, one day on
Week eight: none.

Is this a good idea?

Also,I noticed some women discussed the weight issue. Have you had any success with weight loss after getting the drug out of your system?

Thank you to everyone! I am so glad to have found this discussion and all of you.

[anxiousbabe]

Hello madatlex,

I am mad at the damn drug too. Talk about weight and the libido factor. I have gained 32 pounds on the lex within a year and a half. My belly is so fat that my mom asked me if I was pregnant again. I went from a size 6 to a size 12. I am totally discussted, no matter what kind of excercise I do or how perfect I eat the weight does not come off. I wish I found this forum before the doctor convinced me to take this drug. I would have never considered it for one minute.
I have talked to a few people at my gym who were on the lexapro and have been off of it for a while and one of the ladies said that her first 10 pounds came right off and she worked on the rest of it by dieting and working out at least 3 times a week, but at least it came off like it was suppose to. Unlike now I can excercise and not eat until I am blue in the face and it doesn't budge, but only up.

I am 4 days off of the lexapro today and I feel no anxiety/panic which is surprising because the last two times I tried to get off I wasn't even totally off and my symptoms came back so I just went right back on. Not this time, I am seeing a natural doctor for accupuncture and I think it is helping me a great deal. I was never a believer of accupuncture, but now I am. I can sleep at night and have no symptoms. However I do have the other symptoms such as dizziness, brain zaps, balloon head and at first when I started weaning off I was extremely hungry for sweets and cheese for some strange reason.

It's only been 4 days and my libido has come back to the point where I was like WOW!! I didn't think I would ever notice how much of it I lost being on this medication. Well good luck with your weaning and at least you know you can come here for support while you are withdrawing. This forum has helped me so much. Thanks to everyone again for your continued support as I get rid of this poison.

Florence

[anxiousbabe]

Aunty

I have excellent health insurance so please let me know which amino tests I should ask my doctor for. I will do it as soon as possible.

Thank you so much for your time and knowledge,
Florence

[sheenaweeble]

Thanks to those who responded. I spoke with both my regular doc and psychiatrist. My regular doc gave me a lecture on not messing around with your meds without calling your doctor first. If only I had known! My psychiatrist wasn't interested in putting me back on at all. He said that I've most likely weathered the worst and that I should just hang in there.

Today has been a super anxiety day. Hot, cold, shaky, dizzy, disconnected, and a bit naseous. Ickty ick. I'm now at two weeks and 3 days since getting of 10mg of lexapro. Will it ever end? *sigh*

[jiyn]

anxiousbabe,

I get that balloon head feeling too. My head is floating off my body a lot the last few days. The last two days has also seen an increase in those 5-second reality slippages. I can't describe it other than it's like my world goes flat, skews to the side and then snaps right back to normal. Very disorienting. But I'm still going and that's got to be good.

I wish acupuncture was cheaper. Mine charges $50 per session. Is that a normal rate or is that as expensive as it sounds?



Remember to smile - everyone will wonder what you're thinking.

[bodyelectric]

That sounds about right for acupuncture.

To the angry folks, Aunty has suggested a class action suit. It's an idea, not for the money, but to get the drug off the market, or at least more warnings. The problem with taking it off the market is that it does help a lot of people, and despite the side effects and withdrawal symptoms, I'm grateful to have had effective depression treatment.

I had miscounted my days before, I just realized. It's been 14 days today totally off Lexapro on this go-round. No noticeable symptoms anymore except feeling very disconnected. I know that is a withdrawal symptom, but I'm sure sitting here typing all day hasn't helped.

Have a great evening.

[anxiousbabe]

I am very lucky that my acupuncture is covered under my insurance and I am not sure if she puts it down as acupuncture, but I am not going to question her about it. Maybe if you go to a natural doctor who takes insurance then they too will work it into your visit.

My balloon feeling in my head is so annoying, but at least I know that I am on the road to recovery from Lexapro. I am very dizzy today, or I don't know how to describe the feeling. Very strange. It's kinda like the feeling you get when you go over a big bump in the car and you get that feeling in your stomach, but it's in my head. Does that make sense to anyone? Please describe how this feeling in your head feels so I know for sure that it's a side effect of withdrawel.

I am on day 4 of being totally off Lexapro....what else can I expect???????

I hope I didn't wean off to fast. I was on 5mg and cut down to 2.5 for 3 weeks and then my doctor said just to stop.

Please comment.
Florence

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