[NotNutz]

I've been weaning off the Lexapro and finally ran out of the pills. I have brain shivers and periods of anger with feelings of rage over the fact that I started Lexapro because of the abuse I had been put through by a sociopathic boyfriend, now my ex-boyfriend. I never had a problem until he entered my life. For ten years I have suffered. I wonder how many people are on anti-depressant drugs because REAL crazy people have hurt them. I'm going to suffer through the withdrawal symptoms and get through this. I'm not the one who is nuts!

Im sorry you are going through all this. Men do have the ability to make us feel like we aren't quite "all there" I am glad that you are not taking the Lexapro anymore. I am hearing soooo many terrible things about this drug. Its crazy! I took it for only 2 days and had to stop because I had the worst anxiety. I even felt weird after stopping. I only took it for 2 days!! I hope you also got rid of the boyfriend. Good luck to you.....krissy

Feel free to email me: krissybaby81@gmail.com

[antidote]

Hi everyone,

Got the test results from my doctor (blood sugar, adrenal, thyroid, +) and everything came back normal (that's a good thing!). Of course my doc was quick to say that the symptoms are just a return of the original anxiety. He was actually pretty close-minded about the experiences of 100s of people on this site, Breggin's books or other sources. Pretty much just a party line doctor who won't believe anything unless he is hit over the head with a thick AMA journal. He was of course skeptical as well of all the supplements - just a placebo effect at best in his mind. I wanted to ask him how he knows that Lex itself is only valuable as placebo effect and in reality does nothing for anxiety/depression - but it wasn't worth the effort. He's in his groove and was not looking to move out of it. I know that i have to continue to believe in the experiences shared in this forum though. Real experiences from real people.

Starting month 5 on Saturday!!!

[elizabethmaria]

Hi antidote,
Glad to hear that you checked out fine -- that's a good thing! Yes, most of us here understand... 'The Look'... that one that doctors give when you tell them what's been going on, your symptoms, etc. and is only deepened when you explain how so many hundreds of people are going through the same thing and how the support and info sites and research are so great and back you up.. Doesn't it feel just great? I think it's a documented facial expression ... unfortunately, in a matter of a few years, they will most likely have ssri's either off the market completely, or only prescribable by psychiatrists in serious situations, not family practioners.. so time will always bring out the truth.. we've just got to forgive them their current lack of knowledge..
take care, congrats on month 5!
Elizabethmarie

[lov4k9's]

Hi All~

I know this site is for Lexapro users, but my adverse reaction to Prozac and post discontinuation effects seem to be similar to some of the Lexapro sufferers on this board.

Here is part of my story (I would need pages and pages to tell the unabridged version):

My GP prescribed Prozac for a very mild depression after I suffered a miscarriage. Within a week I started experiencing side effects that kept getting worse until I discontinued after 8 weeks:

1. Heartburn
2. Headaches
3. Suicide Ideation (never had before)
4. Intense Anxiety (never had before)
5. Confusion
6. Inability to Concentrate/Inability to Work
7. Akathasia
8. Incurable Insomnia (never had before)
9. Stomach pains
10. Agoraphobia (never had before)
11. Memory Loss (never had before)
12. Absolute Loss of Appetite (lost 30lbs)
13. Severe Depression (never had before)
14. Lack of Emotion (never had before)
15. Sensitivity to stimuli (can't listen to music, watch tv, light)


Prozac really wreaked havoc on my mind and body and I'm still recovering 6 weeks later. I am a 43 year old professional woman. I was happy and content pre-Prozac (notwithstanding the miscarriage). Never in a million years would I have thought that I would ever experience this kind of hell in my life. Post discontinuation symptoms continue and include:

1. Intense Anxiety (morning anxiety is the worst)
2. Inability to Concentrate/Inability to Work
3. Incurable Insomnia (hate it!)
4. Absolute Loss of Appetite (lost 30lbs)
5. Depression (i consider it to be PTS from my ordeal)
6. Lack of Emotion and feeling disconection from loved ones
7. Sensitivity to stimuli (can't listen to music, watch tv, light)
8. Take no pleasure in anything.

It is so difficult to live my life when I can't sleep, eat, love, or experience pleasure. I go through the motions everyday because I have no other choice. I feel like I have had a chemical lobotomy!

Someone please tell me that I will recover and that Prozac has not caused permanent brain damage!

Any members out there that have fully recovered?


lov

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Lov,
I'm so sorry that you've suffered so much! We are all here for you... Yes, you will recover, but it may take a little longer than you think.. not to worry you, but the brain does heal, it just takes time. I'm at 6 month post bad reaction, and am improving.. am able to communicate more, much less depression, no anxiety, no insomnia, I do have seizures and some movement problems, but that is SLowly getting better too.. You're at a rough point, but will definitely recover, just take good care of yourself - and please look at the website www.antidepressantsfacts.com especially the page http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/reaction.htm that has really good info for recovering from precisely what happened to us..
take care!!!!!!!!
Elizabethmarie

[skyer]

lov: That's a very common withdrawal after having a bad reaction to an SSRI. You will recover. Sadly, it can take a long time. I'm in my eighth month from my last dose of a six week trial of Lexapro and I only started to feel better around the seven month mark. At least I've reached the point were I can live a little, not just exist. I had/have many of the symptoms you mentioned and it's a hell you never could have imagined. I use to fear staying in my house all day, but after I quit this drug I had a fear of leaving the house. I now get out everyday, but nothing is quite done with ease, yet, but it's getting much better. I have read stories and written to many people who have been through this and they have all recovered, but it can take a long time.......................12 - 18 months often. We're here for support and can offer a lot of helpful advice and links if you'd like.

EM: How are you this week? After feeling pretty decent for weeks I had a horrible past day and half...stomach flips, bloating, fatigue and depression out of no where. And then today it all went away and feel OK again. What a bumpy road.

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by lov4k9's

Hi All~

I know this site is for Lexapro users, but my adverse reaction to Prozac and post discontinuation effects seem to be similar to some of the Lexapro sufferers on this board.

Here is part of my story (I would need pages and pages to tell the unabridged version):

My GP prescribed Prozac for a very mild depression after I suffered a miscarriage. Within a week I started experiencing side effects that kept getting worse until I discontinued after 8 weeks:

1. Heartburn
2. Headaches
3. Suicide Ideation (never had before)
4. Intense Anxiety (never had before)
5. Confusion
6. Inability to Concentrate/Inability to Work
7. Akathasia
8. Incurable Insomnia (never had before)
9. Stomach pains
10. Agoraphobia (never had before)
11. Memory Loss (never had before)
12. Absolute Loss of Appetite (lost 30lbs)
13. Severe Depression (never had before)
14. Lack of Emotion (never had before)
15. Sensitivity to stimuli (can't listen to music, watch tv, light)


Prozac really wreaked havoc on my mind and body and I'm still recovering 6 weeks later. I am a 43 year old professional woman. I was happy and content pre-Prozac (notwithstanding the miscarriage). Never in a million years would I have thought that I would ever experience this kind of hell in my life. Post discontinuation symptoms continue and include:

1. Intense Anxiety (morning anxiety is the worst)
2. Inability to Concentrate/Inability to Work
3. Incurable Insomnia (hate it!)
4. Absolute Loss of Appetite (lost 30lbs)
5. Depression (i consider it to be PTS from my ordeal)
6. Lack of Emotion and feeling disconection from loved ones
7. Sensitivity to stimuli (can't listen to music, watch tv, light)
8. Take no pleasure in anything.

It is so difficult to live my life when I can't sleep, eat, love, or experience pleasure. I go through the motions everyday because I have no other choice. I feel like I have had a chemical lobotomy!

Someone please tell me that I will recover and that Prozac has not caused permanent brain damage!

Any members out there that have fully recovered?


lov

I believe that many of the SSRIs cause similar issues both while on and while coming off. I was on Paxil initially and had the same problems on it that I later had on Lexapro. The effects after coming off Paxil affected me MONTHS after I had taken the last pill. But the good news is that you are not permanently damaged, though you may wonder at times. Take some of the supplements (Omega 3 fish oil, Magnesium, and then Aunty has some wonderful supplements listed for specific issues). I REALLY empathize with you on the insomnia. That is the one thing that pushes me over the edge. I started back taking benadryl when I was having sinus issues and now am back to not sleeping without it. I know I can get past that but the first few nights awake with heart pounding are rough. I have only been off Lexapro for 10 weeks but am seeing improvement in my symptoms, they are fewer and far between. The main thing is the depression bouts and then grouchies. But they do pass and get farther between coming back. I have had depression throughout life but looking back think I was much more productive and effective dealing with it before any SSRIs.

Antidote THAT is why I am not to excited about getting doctor input on any of my symptoms associated with this. When I went on the Lexapro, I mentioned the problems I had with Paxil and getting off (had to let the doc know that HIS plan for getting off it had not worked). He told me how clean it was,etc. Of course, getting off it,my big concern was avoiding the major symptoms I had getting off Paxil-needing to sleep all the time, nightmares, stomach issues-I did not realize that the many other symptoms I had had were related to Paxil withdrawal (brain zaps, dizziness, disassociation, etc) So I get ticked off when these medical experts want to dismiss these same noted effects as figments of imagination. I can see if someone suddenly develops symptoms AFTER reading others problems, but how can it be a figment of imagination if it happened years ago before I ever heard of you guys??? Not to mention all the people going through this that come seeking answers to why they feel like that!!!

GOOD NEWS!!!
For anyone who has had trouble with the Lexapro weight gain-I have been naughty on eating. Had chips, even had chocolate snack cakes, have not been doing any exercise (shame on me) and have lost 2 pounds. My stomach is shrinking! I do believe the Lexapro weight does come off.

[NotNutz]

Hello lov,
Read your Prozac story. I'm a 49-year-old professional woman and I was first given Prozac as my first anti-depressant to try almost six years ago. I didn't even make it a week. It might me feel like I had to urinate constantly, made the lights too bright, sounds too loud and just a feeling of unreality. Horrible medication. I'm very anti medications that mess with the brain. It really sounds like a very crazy idea to take any of these medications. Sorry you're suffering. I wish you the very best in your recovery. I take it you're a dog lover. Just hang on to your "babies" when you feel bad. I do. Two maltese sweeties.

[lov4k9's]

EM, Sky, Nonutz, Hairy ~

Thank you so much for your replies. Couple more questions:


1. Those that suffered from insomnia, when did it subside? I used sleep through the night even if I took naps. I miss that sooooo much!! I'm going to try melatonin.

2. Lack of feeling emotions. I feel so disconnected from loved ones (even my dogies). I know I love them, but don't feel love. Do you relate to this at all? If so, when did that subside for you?

3. What symptoms do you still have?


12-18 months to recover is just plain cruel! (pity party for myself)

lov

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Skyer,
Wellll, it's been an awful week! hee hee... but I can laugh about it - so that's good. Had like 6 seizures monday, totally out of it, a bit better yesterday, but a bad one at night, and have just come out of one now, and am at work - I feel better in ways though - more connected at TIMES, am able to complete some tasks, though SMALL, and at times feel like myself... always up and down though. MY HEAD HURTS! gosh, quite a hurting headache this week, but it's always there anyways, usually just duller. It's also that wonderful pms time, but that is going ok. I'm glad I'm able to come into work, even just a couple of hours.. I can see people, talk, and stuff - so I don't go crazy at home and feel a little productive. I even tried driving this week, probably REALLY stupid with the seizures, but I feel like if it feels like I'll be ok that day, then I'll try it - just helps me feel better about things too, not so stuck. So, I'm hanging in there - the seizures and depersonalization and headaches are what the main trouble is about at this time - and get really brain exhausted so easily. I am just glad to be here at work though, and doing my little bit, even though it may be miniscule ..
I'm sorry that you had a rough day, but so glad that it's over with! So, you are working on your business again ??? hooray! that 's wonderful! I remember when you were so sad that you could not do that, and didn't have the care to do it either... so sad and hard this whole ordeal, but we are making it inch by inch..
take care!
love, Elizabethmarie

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by lov4k9's

EM, Sky, Nonutz, Hairy ~

Thank you so much for your replies. Couple more questions:


1. Those that suffered from insomnia, when did it subside? I used sleep through the night even if I took naps. I miss that sooooo much!! I'm going to try melatonin.

2. Lack of feeling emotions. I feel so disconnected from loved ones (even my dogies). I know I love them, but don't feel love. Do you relate to this at all? If so, when did that subside for you?

3. What symptoms do you still have?

12-18 months to recover is just plain cruel! (pity party for myself)

lov

I am smiling about your mention of the doggies. Thought I was the only one who talked about doggies and KNEW I had problems when I lost patience with my chihuahua. The lack of feeling emotions is why I got off of the Lexapro. I didn't care about anything. Of course now the emotions get raw at times,like I am just feeling them for the first time. The things that annoyed me before SSRIs are now starting to annoy me again-lol. Lucky for me, I am being proactive and not taken by surprise. I did not have brain zaps this time because I did taper slower. I still have some memory issues where I can't find the word I want to use or use the wrong word. I think this has been worsened by my recent use of benadryl, so going to suck it up and go through the insomnia bit The depersonalization comes and goes. Been worse than normal lately but am blaming it again on using the benadryl. When I use it more than a couple of nights in a row I tend to see this Also have been skipping the Noni juice, which seems to help that. Thank goodness I am not needing to sleep all the time or having any moments of dizziness. Those for me passed rather quickly. I am on week 10 without Lexapro. I definitely feel better off it than on, wiith regards to feeling alive. On it, I felt drugged, had no interest in anything, forced myself through a daily routine. True, the things that aggravate me didn't aggravate me but I am going to find some way to deal with that. It does get better, though.

I'll let you know how long the insomnia lasts once I get past it Honestly, I found that Relacore PM has helped with that to a degree. Don't know if any of the things in it are on the "no-no" list but it works for me lol. Not sure about the melatonin but I have taken the SleepMD which has that in it and it never bothered me. Again, don't know if it is on the no-no list or not,but it helped me and I didn't have the problems I did with benadryl. One thing I have read about melatonin is that it can cause depression. So I always pay extra attention to my mood when I do take it. I HATE insomnia and one night of insomnia breeds more nights with me because I go to bed nervous about going to sleep and then get into a panic attack

[NotNutz]

As for insomnia, yes, I certainly do have that problem. And if I do fall asleep, I'm awake again in a couple of hours. Super annoying for sure. I've tried Actifed as a sleeping med, works OK. At least I'm not groggy in the a.m. Lack of emotions...no way. In fact, since going off Lexapro, I feel really angry about having been put on Lexapro over a divorce to start. All I wanted was a quick fix to get over the shock and the shaking and crying that I was suffering from. I was given Xanax which helped right away with that and I took that only when I was having an emotional attack and I felt safe knowing I had something when that happened. And I really took those pills sparingly. But the M.D. said that my body would "like" that medication too much and that she thought taking something long term would be better for me. (What was she thinking??? Real bad idea) Let's make sure this poor suffering person has to take long term medication for the shock that happened in her life. If I could have just had the Xanax when I needed it and got over the shock initially, I would have been fine today. I'm not chemically depressed. I function and go to work every day and I try to be cheerful around others despite having brain shivers and feeling sick and edgy. As the day wears on, I feel worse. I look pretty when I begin the morning and look beat up by the end of the day. It is very physically taxing to go through this and my heart goes out to each and every one of you. And believe me, when I pray for my health and well-being to be restored, I'll be including all of you as well. Hang in there, you're not alone.

[sctschk]

I have a feeling I'm going to be a long timer. TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE CONTEMPLATING A QUICK WITHDRAWAL - DON'T! (I didn't know any better, shoot - found this site too late, but I went from 5mg to 2.5mg for about a week, then to 0.)

I'm at the 4 month mark today. And I feel it too. Is it just me, or do the withdrawal effects seem worse when tired?? I was doing pretty good on month 3... and I'm still doing OK, but there's no doubt that the Lex is still doing a number on me. What is still left is the occasional dizziness (more of a slight head jerking, body twitches, stuff) and these popping/bubbling feelings in my feet and hands. My shoulder muscles are all whacked - I can't even rotate my left arm anymore without popping, clicking, etc. I'm almost at the point where I've accepted this as the normal "new me", but I can't wait for it to go away. Is it possible that my neuros are just still misfiring/trying to reconnect and I'm actually FEELING it?? It's much worse late at night after a long day. The limb jerking is much better, but the occasional jerk or twitches are still there. Some days better than others. Having a particularly rough night tonight...

Guess I better go get some sleep. I'll probably be an 18monther... but I'm just trying to get to month six... two more to go. Hope this gets better and not worse!

-Jo

[auntybiotic]

It will get better. On your side, you were only on a small 5 Mg dose of lexapro, so that is good. My daughter was started on 20 MG!

Are you taking a good multivitamin and mineral? Fish Oil for moods, Lecithin for the the head jerks? Magnesium Malate for anxiety and muscle spasms ? Your body needs help to heal from the ravanges of the lexapro. If you are afraid of taking supplements strat one by one but you do need to start.

Without the necessary nutrients you will be a 18 monther but I am sure you can cut that time in half with a bit of supplementing to help the neurotransmitters and muscles heal. Glad you are feeling better.

aunty

[zema]

Originally Posted by Hairyarmadillo

Elizabethmarie, do you ever get the feeling that it would be nice if we had some sort of signal (like the Bat signal-lol) to get Aunty when we need her?!! What WOULD we do without our Aunty!! You give good advice though!!

zema
You can get Lexapro over the counter without a prescription? If so, years ago I would have thought it was wonderful, now definitely not. I feel for you not having a doctor you can consult with, but if it is any consolation, I am wondering how much ANY doctor knows about this medication. What made you decide to get off it? Were you having problems with it or just concerned about long term usage? If you decide that you do want to get off of this, there is a better way to get off it. I have yet to hear of a doctor that will tell of this slow taper technique but you have just landed on a site full of people who have suffered trying to get off the quick way and many who are seeing the benefit of a slow taper. I am not saying there are not ANY side effects, but they are less and will not interfere with your life the way with dropping off quickly. It is going to seem like a long process, but it is worth it in the long run. I tried to get off Lexapro a few years ago and did a very quick taper. Thought all the side effects were over and then was hit by rebound depression 3 months later. I KNOW depression, I have had a lot of experience in that area. But this was the worst of all. I took it as a sign that I just had to be on the medicine or be depressed. I know know that is a common adjustment issue after initially getting off Lexapro. Don't misunderstand me, there will still be times as you are withdrawaling that you will have down periods and other moody times, but if you want off of the Lexapro, it is worth it. They do pass. The thing to do is BEFORE these moods hit, have a plan of how you will handle it.This is a great place for support and encouragement and there are also some supplements you can take to make the withdrawal easier. The recommended tapering is no more than 10% of a decrease of the dose you are taking and then stay on that dose for at least 3 weeks or until your body feels normal. Then decrease that dose by no more than 10%, stay on it for at least 3 weeks or until your body feels normal. as you get closer to being off it, you will want to decrease the dose by only 5% as the side effects seem to get more noticeable the closer you get to 0 mgs.
I noticed you mentioned your friends not knowing you were on it and taking it secretly. I had a flashback to the way I felt when I first started taking Paxil years ago. There is nothing to be ashamed about for being on SSRIs. I know that a lot of the public has misconceptions about depression etc but depression can be a medical problem, much like many other illnesses that people treat with medication. It isn't just a matter of "sucking it up" or being strong, depression is very real. I have learned that part of my self-acceptance involved not being ashamed and hiding my Lexapro use. True, there are still some people I am close to who would never understand, so I have not talked about this to them but it is beneficial to find at least one person who is supportive. Especially if you are going off the medication. It is good to have someone to support you. I (unfortunately) did not have that and know it would have made it easier. But I was definitely blessed by people on this site and some friends I could email to keep me going. So, if you are not comfortable talking to your friends about this, know you are more than welcome to join in here! We will get you through it!

Hi.

Thanks for the message. Yes - almost anything is available over the counter here at certain drug stores. Not really a good thing in my opinion but hey - when you are hooked you're hooked!!

The reason i want to come of mainly are a) i have gained 30 kg over that last couple of years and some of it i am putting down to lexapro!!! the doctor told me that it will not make my weight increase but reading various things makes me think otherwise.
b) lack of sex drive!

So, those are the reasons.

Las night i rubbed off about 10% of the tablet before taking it, i will continue for a while then rub off another 10%- see how it goes.

Is there anything else i should take to lessen the side effects of coming off?

Thanks alot

[skorpeo72]

OK well heres my situation,
I have been on 20mg/day Lexapro for almost 4 years now to treat a panic disorder.
I have recently decided to take a chance and see how I would do off the drug and quit cold turkey.
I have to say the withrawal symtoms are very extreme for any of you thinking of doing this. I do realize thats what its from and and really not worrying about it lasting forever.
It has been about 5 days now and I am having severe dizzy spells and the feeling of electric shock going through my body as well as heart palpitations and hot flash's. It is definately something extreme and I would caution anyone who is thinking of doing this to consider spending time at home during the withdrawal period.
Luckily I work from home and can function most of my daily business with the exception of having to take a series of naps during the day.
My mood has been overall good with some obvious anxiety due to heart palpitations and an extreme case of the munchies...LOL, I cant seem to eat enough right now and keeping food in my system has greatly reduced the withdrawal symptoms.
I am definately excited at this point for this to end
Anyone with family members going through the same please be very patient with them as this is not an easy thing to go through at all.
The psycological aspect of these withdrawals are something to be careful with! and I cant stress this enough because there are too many times a day I have to reassure myself it (meaning the manicness and symptoms) are all due to the Lexapro leaving my body. Anyone who is not stable with thier psycological state should not go through this!
If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask as I will keep you posted on my progress.

[gtowngirl]

I'm not trying to scare you, but you said you are at day 5 of cold turkey. I've tried cold turkey twice and day 7 was the ass kicker - both times! Overwhelming despair, breaking down on my job, cursing people out, extreme road rage. I'm lucky to be here to tell my story. I've always prided myself on being so professional on my job and this last time I tried to cold turkey - on day 7 - my colleagues thought I was having a nervous breakdown. If you are only at day 5, you might want to reconsider and start back on a small dose and begin weaning slowly. I've tried it both ways and believe me, cold turkey is absolute hell when you dont have to do it that way. Please reconsider. Don't make yourself suffer more than you have to. It can be done but slowly. I'm still on 5 mg from 10 mg a day and have been here at about a month and a half now and am doing well, but I'm going to wait awhile longer before cutting down any further.

You are in my prayers.

gtowngirl

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by gtowngirl

I'm not trying to scare you, but you said you are at day 5 of cold turkey. I've tried cold turkey twice and day 7 was the ass kicker - You are in my prayers.
gtowngirl

Boy you are right about that! I remember day 1 thinking "no big deal, let's cut this puppy in half" No, buddy! Slow is the only way to go.

Everyone, whether you are determined to go cold turkey, semi-cold turkey or slowly taper, TAKE THE SUPPLEMENTS! I am so bad and I will admit that I have times when I get lazy and don't take them regularly. Even now at 10 weeks I FEEL it! I had huge depersonalization issues coming back along with memory issues. I believe it is because I went off the supplements for a little over a week. And do try the Noni juice! Not as tasty as some things but it is only a little bit that has to be taken a day. And it isn't that bad swallowing fish pills and a few magnesium, but it makes a big difference. I am also going to continue to spout my piece about not consuming any caffeine-it makes a big difference in moods. Sleep as much as you can. Try to make time to pamper yourself. When the moods hit, engage in positive self talk telling yourself this is only the med effects and it will pass. I promise you, it will. I am not past all this by any means but I am far enough along to know that the real me is still in here and I will have my own energy, thoughts and feelings again. And you all are not alone. You have found a forum of stubborn determined motivated people who are here to encourage and help you along the way. We are all in the same boat and no one is going overboard. If you feel too tired to row, just lay there and we will row you along until you get your second wind. It does get better. I may not be 100% but I am no longer apathetic, I have lost 14 pounds in 10 weeks, not trying very hard at all. I get excited over the little things in life again and am enjoying the big things as well, like golden retrievers, chow mixes and chihuahuas. Oh yeah-the sex life also improves. So if anyone doesn't have a supportive husband just tell him THAT and he will be bringing you your supplements in bed with breakfast sorry, have to joke. But hey- I FEEL like laughing again.

Zema, there is an excellent method for converting the pill to liquid and then you can taper more precisely. Does anyone know what page that was on by any chance? I never dreamed this was possible so I ended up doing the slivering of the pills but it wasn't precise and probably not as effective. But slivering is definitely better than cold turkey.

[skyer]

EM: Well, it's been an awful week for me, too! Yesterday I got a little break from it, but today I feel awful again; eyes hurt, anxious, dizzy, feel hot, major stomach issues. Been like this almost all week. I also forgot my fish oil for three days, so maybe that had something to do with it. I can't believe just last week I was working hard with my fiance to fix up my store and a rental house, even driving myself back and forth from it, and this week I'm a mess. When I feel bad I obsess on the computer, too, which I hate. I went to Paxil Progress and it sounds normal to still have big issues at this point. That said, a lot of people on that site claim a window of hope comes during month nine...crossing my fingers...I'm only two weeks away from being nine months off of Lexapro. Anyway, sorry...just having one of those days where I think, "how can I seriously be this sick after all this time?!" I know Paxil Progress can be scary, but it did make me feel better because when I looked back at the people I know have recovered, they were asking the same questions at this point and dealing with a lot of symptoms, so...

Glad to hear you are trying to be productive. Sorry about those nasty seizures, though. That just sounds like no fun at all. Like you, I tried driving around 6 months, too. The depersonalization made it too hard. I can drive OK now, but I don't go far because I get really anxious if there are a lot of cars. Plus, I don't want to be responsible if anything happens.

Just don't push yourself! I think it's important to try things, like driving, but if it's hard, don't fret. I'm much better than I was two months ago, despite this bad week. I almost wish I hadn't pushed myself so much two months ago...
Hope you are doing OK today...

[skyer]

Hairy,

What brand of Noni juice do you drink? How has it helped? I've been such a wimp about taking anything. I finally got myself to take the fish oil because I realized it's really no different than eating fish, so that didn't scare me. It's helped so much. But Noni juice sounds exotic to me and so I get anxious about getting it. I hate this stupid fear I have...

Glad you are feeling better!

[Hairyarmadillo]

I am still taking the same Noni juice that I got at (drumroll) Walmart! The brand name is Naturally and it is produced by Agrolabs. It was around $11 (am thinking so been a bit since I bought it) I wasn't willing to spend$80+ for the stuff that is supposed to be really good until I was sure I could stomach it. It isn't that bad tasting and I swore the next time I would invest in the better stuff but this seems to be working, so hey! What sold me was this lady at work whose brother was past the point of doctors help and he started (reluctantly) drinking it. He had a turn around (has leukemia but is doing better now where as before all he could do was lay in bed waiting to meet the grim reaper). She is so sold on this that she and her siblings take turns buying it for their other sibling with health problems and she makes her husband take it daily. this is a no-nonsense type person and I couldn't believe she even TRIED something like that but she had convinced me it was good for a person overall. Then I started going through all this and thought "what the hey" She told me not to waste time with the cheap stuff but I wanted to be sure I could tolerate it. I have a high ick tolerance but the way I heard people talking, I was scared. Not something I am going to wake up craving, but not bad at all.

[sctschk]

Originally Posted by auntybiotic

It will get better. On your side, you were only on a small 5 Mg dose of lexapro, so that is good. My daughter was started on 20 MG!

Are you taking a good multivitamin and mineral? Fish Oil for moods, Lecithin for the the head jerks? Magnesium Malate for anxiety and muscle spasms ? Your body needs help to heal from the ravanges of the lexapro. If you are afraid of taking supplements strat one by one but you do need to start.

Without the necessary nutrients you will be a 18 monther but I am sure you can cut that time in half with a bit of supplementing to help the neurotransmitters and muscles heal. Glad you are feeling better.

aunty

I do take a liquid multivitamin as well as Magnesium (although I take Glycinate). I couldn't find anything but Lechitin Soya - is that the same thing? I asked about it about a month ago but didn't get a reply, so it's been sitting on my fridge since then. I'm afraid to take ANYTHING. I take Excedrin Migraine only when I absolutely have to and that sends my body for a whirl. Thanks for the encouragement - things are much better than they used to be, but I'm really tired. Yep, my docs even said I was on such a low dose... but had the worst reaction. I am also very underweight (was 98lbs at 5'6" when I started taking it, now back to my reg weight of 105) with an extremely fast metabolism. Probably nothing to do with it, but even the 5mg sent me on a quick downward spiral. Docs told me I couldn't possibly be reacting to such a small dose, but I beg to differ!

Anyway, I'll keep on my regimen and hope for the best. Wishing you all good days!!!

-Jo

[sctschk]

Originally Posted by skorpeo72

OK well heres my situation,
I have been on 20mg/day Lexapro for almost 4 years now to treat a panic disorder.
I have recently decided to take a chance and see how I would do off the drug and quit cold turkey.
I have to say the withrawal symtoms are very extreme for any of you thinking of doing this. I do realize thats what its from and and really not worrying about it lasting forever.
It has been about 5 days now and I am having severe dizzy spells and the feeling of electric shock going through my body as well as heart palpitations and hot flash's. It is definately something extreme and I would caution anyone who is thinking of doing this to consider spending time at home during the withdrawal period.
Luckily I work from home and can function most of my daily business with the exception of having to take a series of naps during the day.
My mood has been overall good with some obvious anxiety due to heart palpitations and an extreme case of the munchies...LOL, I cant seem to eat enough right now and keeping food in my system has greatly reduced the withdrawal symptoms.
I am definately excited at this point for this to end
Anyone with family members going through the same please be very patient with them as this is not an easy thing to go through at all.
The psycological aspect of these withdrawals are something to be careful with! and I cant stress this enough because there are too many times a day I have to reassure myself it (meaning the manicness and symptoms) are all due to the Lexapro leaving my body. Anyone who is not stable with thier psycological state should not go through this!
If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask as I will keep you posted on my progress.

Hi there. I understand fully what you're going through. I too was put on for panic disorder and the side effects and withdrawal off Lex only made things worse for me. I was all ready scared out of my wits for the slightest thing, nevermind add side effects to the mix. I was a walking nightmare. When you're not stable, it's really hard, but it's good that you're able to tell yourself it's the Lex. I can't tell you how many times I fell back on that and stopped a panic attack from developing. It's hard to do sometimes, but keep telling yourself it's your body HEALING, not getting worse.

Also, I have to share this even though it's not Lex related. During my withdrawal, I managed to find a great program for panic disorder called the Linden Method. Prior to doing this, I tried EVERYTHING, I mean EVERYTHING under the sun to curb my panic (every day, all day, for over a year) but none of the standard techniques worked for me. The Linden Method finally did. I have been panic and anxiety free (WITHOUT LEX!) for over two months now. It's the first two months since May of 2006 I've felt normal. It's just reading and CD's - and it works. Lex was just another method I tried and didn't work, but this did. Maybe it will help you too. I was skeptical but desperate and thank god I gave it a shot. I got my life back.

-Jo

[overtherainbow]

Got myself a neti pot yesterday. I had a bad week with sinuses/migraine/headache. I've heard several here say that they have trouble with their sinuses going through withdrawal. I've had these before but not in a very long time. So I guess there could be a correlation ? Oprah/Dr. Oz watchers ? I got myself a neti pot. It couldn't hurt; could only help. I've only done it once - awkward - but I'll get the hang of it ! I'll keep ya'll posted. I was thinking inflammation may be at the root of all of this ? The head, sinuses, all that ear stuff, pain, itchiness, tinnitus. Don't know how inflammation's related to withdrawal though. So I'm drinking mangosteen juice too.

[dccll]

Hi to everyone on post. It is really nice to have a place to go for support. It can be hard when everyone around you thinks that this is not possible with such a small amount of medicine. 2.5 mg for eight days and 1.25mg for eight days. General docs and psyc doc don't think that is even possible. It is very discouraging.

Skyer- Thank you for responding to me. I am sorry you had a bad week. Your progress has been encouraging. Did your tingling and numbness go away altogether? Do you remember when? Also, it seems like i read that your anxiety wasn't there in beginning of this. Do you remember when it started. Do you know people that have fully recovered from this and were they real bad in the beginning?

EM - thank you for your responses. Always very positive. I hope you have a better week. I would love to know the name of the Doc at Mayo that is leading researcher in the field. Was he helpful.

[dccll]

I am sorry for the post being broken up. I hope all the questions aren't too much.
Hairy- thank you for you responses. You and I are around the same amount of time off. A little over ten weeks.
Aunty,EM,Skyer- I am not taking any suplements as of yet. I am confused. I thought it said to keep only organic foods around. I am glad to take any supplements I need to help the recovery.

Aunty- Is your body reliving some symptoms because the drug is being released? At what point do you quit withdrawaling and start recovery period?

I just don't understand all of this yet. I wonder how long it actually stays in you brain. Is it 3 or 4 months. My doc said two weeks at the most.

Help!! Thank you

[auntybiotic]

It is my daughter, not I recovering.

Lexapro is protein bound and can stay in the body bound to proteins for up to 18 months. At times a bit of it releases and then WHAM....after many good days the withdrawal symptoms reappear,

I would highly suggest supplements. Omega 3's for moodiness, Magnesium Malate for anxiety, Good quality Vitamins and minerals for general healing and lecithin for muscle jerking, nonoi juice for depersonalization. Inisitol for generalized nerves healing.

[dccll]

Aunty- You are so informed about all of this. Thank you for your response. I am having an extremely hard day today. I am overcome with some physical numbness. Do you know what causes this? Is there anything that can help with this?

I admire you for all of the research you have done on behalf of your daughter. I have three children and would be on the same search. I think the only thing worse than this would be if one of my children was going through this. Good luck to her.

I feel like God sends angels to help those in distress and you have helped many through your efforts.

Thank you

[skyer]

I'm having a much better day, so far. Aunty is so right...once you start to feel better, days come out of the blue that just knock your socks off. I had stomach pains and other issues almost all day Tues, Wed and Fri. And then today I feel I pretty decent, just upset that I can't be independent yet.

dccll: Your are not alone and what you describe sounds very much like typical SSRI withdrawal, despite the small amount you were on. I'm glad my progress has been encouraging, I forget sometimes. I find it impossible to go back and read my own posts for some reason. Just brings back too much trauma, I guess. The numbness and tingling is few and far between for me. I still have bouts of it, but it's very mild. It was really bad in the beginning months. It will go away. I've had anxiety since I was on Lexapro (was told that was normal and would go away!). It's just the anxiety I had during months 1 and 2 were more a result of low blood sugar issues from the cold turkey quit. Months 3 and 4 and even 5 the anxiety was really bad. I still have it, but it's getting better. I have stayed in touch with Redbled who was on these boards in 2005 and had a similar reaction to me and he states he is 98% better at this time. He said after the 6 month period he had less physical issues and more emotional issues, ie anxiety. He said it really wasn't till the year mark that he came good. That statement is echoed a lot on Paxil Progress. So, yes, people recover, it just takes a long time in some cases. Actually, I have another story to post. It's by a woman who quit a benzo cold turkey (it's now believed that SSRI withdrawal is worse) but I can certainly relate to it. I will find it and post it here.