[skyer]

Hello Friends,

Well, tomorrow is Mother's Day and it seems like yesterday that I
was thinking how I would never be able to celebrate anything ever
again. I doubt there is anyone around from the group that I was
involved with...it was 5 years ago that I was visited by the
withdrawal "monster". I became pregnant and did the "cold turkey"
thing and landed in a world of Hell that lasted months and months
and months. The only thing that brought me a little sanity was
knowing that once I delivered that baby, I could end my life. There
is not a thing any of you are going through that I can not relate
to...it was just that bad for me. I would give anything for you all
not to be experiencing this right now.

I look up my old posts from time to time and just marvel and weep at
how I suffered. I just can't believe that it is over...I can't
believe I made it through. No one in my life could ever know just
how bad it is for us who have or are experiencing it. I swear, it
changed me and I still look around at people thinking if only you
knew what I know. The monster was a living, eternal, nightmare to
me that I was never going to escape. No one could tell me that it
would pass...I was different from everyone else in the group. I was
convinced that I would never be one of the lucky ones to recover and
that my brain was forever altered and broken. I was insane.

I am totally recovered except for the fear of the monster
returning. It is an irrational fear...I just learned recently that
what I suffer with is Post Traumatic Stress. You see, the
withdrawal was so violent for me, that I dream about it. When ever I
get dizzy from a sinus infection, I immediately panic that it is the
Monster coming back to get me. It is not just the dizziness, it
could be stomach cramps from a virus or derealization from a fever
or I will just convince myself that my brain confused the
decongestant I took for a cold for a benzo and will be back in
withdrawal again!! It makes complete sense to me now that I would
react this way...the withdrawal was just that horrific.
I can totally deal with this leftover stuff...I do not dwell on the
Monster daily or live in fear of it daily. There are many times
that I completely forget about the nightmare.

The reason I am sharing this stuff with all of you is to give you
hope and a little more information of what the future may hold for
you. If you are having a REALLY HORRIFIC experience in withdrawal,
you may want to consider tapering or slowing down your taper a
little bit. I don't want this experience to seep into your dreams
in the future or for you to be afraid of taking too many vitamins
for fear that the Monster may come back...like I do. Although, like
I said, it is not a daily struggle or concern of mine, the fear does
come out of no where and tends to make me nuts every couple of
months. I even refused Morphine and Narcotics after a C-section 18
months ago for fear that the Monster would return...that is just
ridiculous!!

You will recover...and it will be just wonderful!! You will get
wrapped up in the things that you used to take for granted. Your
neighbors will piss you off when they don't return what they
borrowed and you will have afternoons in front of the TV where you
just doze. You will drink coffee again and spend hours wondering
how you should get your hair cut this time. You will worry about
the bills and wish you were one of the "lucky ones" who are
rich...not one of the "lucky ones" who recovered from benzo
withdrawal. You can do this...you will do this!! If I can do it
than I gurantee you can!! I was so weak and beaten and pathetic. I
lived in a CONSTANT state of panic and felt things and obsessed
about things for months. I followed all the rules...ate no sugar or
bad carbs...no stimulants..and drank gallons of water. I kept
distracting myself during the day and forced myself to make small
talk with my children. At night, when everyone was sleeping, I
cried and prayed. I made every deal with God that I could and
always, secretly knew that I was never going to heal. I knew that I
would never regain my sanity and I was permanently brain damaged. I
am so glad I was wrong!! That reminds me, I have some apologies to
make to the Big Guy for not coming through on my deals. Gee, I have
even forgotten what I promised!!

I am so sorry you are going through this...I really am. It's not
fair and it is excrutiating, I know. Some day, you will be just
like I was at that restaurant tonight. I sat there and just looked
around at all those people and thought, "Wow, you don't have a clue
what real Hell is...if you only knew what I know." My husband saw
my wheels turning as I looked around. He asked me what I was
thinking about. I looked and smiled at him and said, "Nothing." He
would never understand...only those of us who met the Monster would
get it.

Many Hugs,
Diane
__________________

[back2health]

Well, not being a "computer person," never entering a chat room in my life, and this being my first experience with a message board. I feel pretty sad and disappointed. I have been going through Lexapro withdrawal hell and introduced myself 3 or 4 days ago as a new member who needs support and advice. I watched first time posters be replied to before my posting and everyone after my posting and unfortunately have not been responded to at all. So now I continue to go through Lexapro withdrawal hell and continue to feel completely alone with it. I'm not sure what made other first time post-ers "response worthy" (sounds like a bad Seinfeld joke) and I have worked (even though it doesn't sound like it here) not to personalize it - but that was hard - probably because I just feel so raw and vulnerable right now in the middle of all this. Wish you all luck.

Looking elsewhere for support.........

[overtherainbow]

Wow Diane (Skyer). Just what I needed to read tonite. Thanks for that, and for coming back and saying all of that. It's been a bleeping bad week for me.

[Long Island Girl]

Originally Posted by sheilsrave

Hello. I am a medical student who has been taking Lexapro 20mg for 2 years. This past December, I cut down to 10 mg. For the past few months I have been tired all the time and suffering from flu-like symptoms. I can't figure out whether these are side-effects of the Lexapro or of the withdrawal. I wish that I was able to give more advice to others (because of my medical background), but what I'm realizing is that even very well-informed doctors sometimes do not know everything. Everytime I miss a few doses of the Lexapro, I get those "shocky" sensations in my head when I take a step too quickly or turn my head. I discussed with my Doctor, and he said that he thinks it's not withdrawal from the Lexapro, but evidence of resurfacing anxiety/depression. I think that he's wrong. I wish that I knew more about these drugs-- because we take them to help us with difficult problems (depression, anxiety, etc)-- but sometimes they may end up with worse side-effects than the problems themselves. I caution anyone against taking psychiatric medication unless all other methods (meditation, exercise, yoga, talk-therapy) are exhausted and not working.
thank you,
-SR

I completely agree with you on the lack of information given on the withdrawal effects when this medication (lexapro) is prescribed. Had I had known that this would happen (in the event I would switch to another type of "SSRI" as suggested by my Dr) I would have never tried it. I just got married & moved with my 14 year old daughter. This has been a total nightmare!! I feel so mislead by not only my Doctor, but the drug company themselves. There are alot of people suffering because of this highly marketed drug.

I strongly feel someone needs to take a stand...after seeing the thousands of posts regarding this subject, it's enough to see how wrong it is.

I wanted to reply to you not only because of what you had said, but because I'm currently taking 15 mg (as of yesterday) from 20, just like yourself. I've only been on it since February, do you think I will experience the same common horrible withdrawal effects?

I'm also a professional,and this has really affected my work and personal life (the one I'm just beginning!) as I'm sure it has done to yours.

Anyway, Good luck to you and getting off of Lexapro

-LIGirl

[dccll]

Skyer - thank you so much for the post. I feel like that woman. That there is no way out. It is encouraging to see that she has recovered. It will happen for all we just have to be patient.

Over the rainbow - I hope you have some relief soon. Each day is so different.

Does anyone know when a peak in symptoms comes? At what point are there no new symptoms?

Thanks again for the posts

[auntybiotic]

I hope you are still around. Remeber most here are ill also and I am getting my daughter ready for a trip overseas....sorry noone posted a response yet.

I really don't think you will find a better place for support then right here. I would suggest that you go back on the lexapro and wait until you are stable. Then taper 5 to 10% of your dose and stay at that dose for aboutthree weeks or until you feel well again. It will take about 4 tp 7 days before you feel the withdrawals after a taper.

There are supplements, read thru some of my previous posts. I know it can be scary and frustrating but there are posters here to help and support you.............just not everyone gets replied to immediately.

[auntybiotic]

The serotonin receptors are spread thruout the body but the majority are in the gut, The numbness, muscle aching, jerks.etc are the receptors in the brain trying to return to normal functioning after being chemically altered, the receptors control nerve impulses down the spine.

Lecithin can help. I posted a few posts regarding lecithin about a week ago, please search my posts and read them for more info.

Skyler, tomorrow is Father's Day but since my daughter does not have a actual concerned father.....hey I will celebrate Mother's day again. As a single parent, any cause to celebrate is welcome. LOL!! Hope you feel better.

Please everyone say a few prayers for my daughter. She is going oversears for a couple of weeks and I am depending on another to give her the medications..... ( She can be very forgetful about taking her meds). I am also hoping that the 6 to 8 hour time difference does not affect the withdrawals in the dosing times. I have tapered her about a month ago and have kept her on that dose in preperation for this trip..........will not taper again until her return.


Please pray that she does not miss a dose (or doses)of her lexapro. I really appreciate if you keep her in your prayers for the next 18 days while she is abroad. Thanks and pray for her safe trip, not to miss any of her lexapro and that the flights are safe. Also pray that I do not worry myself silly while she is away. Thanks a million. This will be a way a "repaying" me for the hours of research I have shared. LOL!

Prayers Needed by EVERYONE reading these posts! PLEASE.

[srclady]

Hello all! I am a new contributer to this forum but I have already learned so much about Lexapro withdrawal from reading your posts. So, for starters, thanks very much. I have just completed my eighth day of "cold-turkey" quitting, and I have been on Lexapro for 3 years.

I didn't start this quit on purpose, I was out of town and had forgotten to put the Lexapro in my pill strip, so I missed 2 days. Then when I didn't have any trouble with that I decided to try a few more days, and you can see where this is going... I had attempted a slow weaning process twice in the last year and the withdrawal was too much for me. The symptoms came on hard and fast on both of those occassions and I quickly went back to my usual 10mg dose. I felt normal within 24 hours both times that I went back. This time it has been an altogether different experience.

The first 4 days of quitting were absolutely fine, I actually felt really good. I felt more aware and it seemed like I was experiencing each moment more fully than I have in a long time. However, the last 4 days have been getting increasingly worse. Palpatations, sweating, mood swings, headaches, exhaustion, inability to deal with more than one thing at once or unexpected obstacles... I was changing my son's diaper this morning and he peed unexpectedly and I flipped out. My husband had to come and take over for me. That was weird.

My life is basically a happy one now and with medication I have not experienced depression symptoms for a very long time. I even made it through a pregnancy and delivery while taking Lexapro and my 15 month old son is perfectly healthy, he's strong and happy. Lexapro has been working really well for me, but I am concerned about the long-term dangers, the unknowns that are lurking out there.

I noticed that "auntybiotic" and some of the other contributors have a lot of well researched suggestions for vitamin and mineral supplements to help with the withdrawal symptoms.
*Is there a page in this forum with a list I can refer to?
*Have you heard of a european product called Amoryn? Any thoughts on that one? It is based mainly on the benefits of St. John's Wort for depression sufferers. I am wondering if it can help me to get off Lexapro.

I am very willing to try homeopathic supplements. Evening Primrose Oil and Flaxseed Oil have been a godsend for hot flashes and hormomal imbalances that came on after my son was born and my periods became unpredictable. I still can't go without those supplements and it has been over a year. I wonder if stopping Lexapro will help there as well. I hope so, my pill strip is bigger than my Mom's! lol

I realize after reading many of these posts that I may need to go back to my daily 10mg of Lexapro and start over with a very gradual weaning process. But it's hard for me to make that choice right now, because I am so pleased with myself for making it 8 days already! I keep hoping that if I tough it out for a few more days or even a week that it will all be over and done with. But I get the feeling from the research I have begun and what I am reading here that toughing it out may not be the best option for me or my family. On top of all that, I can't seem to make a decision anyway because I'm going through withdrawl and can't think straight! lol (It has taken me an hour just to write this post and try to sound normal.)

Best Wishes,
srclady =)

[srclady]

Yes! Prayers are the best way to help someone; especially if they are far away or there is nothing you can physically do for them, and especially if they have refused your help. Prayers cannot be contested and they come from the heart. Prayers are often a comfort in and of themselves. They certainly cannot hurt. No matter how you pray, a prayer for someone in need is the best gift you can give them. I believe prayers can make a difference in the outcome of events in our lives. I will pray for you daughter and I am sure many others will as well. As my Mom says, "She will have a hedge of Angels around her to protect her." Thanks for the details of what to pray for Aunty, that always helps me to stay focused and be specific in my prayers. God Bless!
-srclady

[dccll]

Aunty - I will be continually praying for your daughter . What an exciting time for her. Happy Mothers Day!! LOL

Back 2 health - That was the first post that I saw. Sorry for not responding. I am also fairly new here. I'm just now figuring this out as well. I am still trying to read all of the old posts. There are many.

[auntybiotic]

SRCLADY,

You can play it out and see if you are one of the very few that may get by with miminal withdrawal effects but I do not yet know ANYONE that has. You could be a first! LOL!

You actually have up to six weeks to "wait and see" and by week two to three you may get a idea of how the "physical" withdrawals will be. But please keep in mind that cold turkeying or taperrng fast creates "emotional withdrawals" which consist of severe anxiety and depersonalization that occurs about the three month mark of being off of the lexapro. This can last for 12 to 18 months and it is "not a picinic".

There is not a specific page on supplements but I must have mentioned them at least a hundred times in the course of this thread. Look at a few of my recent posts for info on supplements.

DO NOT try anything similiar to St. John's Wort until you have been off lexapro for a year. Serotonin syndrome is fatal and these products create more serotonin and your receptors are downregulated from the lexapro so this would be a BIG NO!! I have recently did posts on serotonin syndrome as well.

If you hit my screen name with your mouse you have a option to read only one persons posts rather then sorting thru all of them if you chose to.

You can play the wait and see approach but if you were my loved one I would "beg" you to do a slow taper to save you pain and "wishing you had" when the choice is no longer a option.

Good Luck and welcome.

Thanks again DCCL and Srclady for prayers for my daughter's trip abroad. EVERYONE for the next 18 days please keep my daughter in your prayers for a safe trip abroad..

aunty

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by auntybiotic

Please pray that she does not miss a dose (or doses)of her lexapro. I really appreciate if you keep her in your prayers for the next 18 days while she is abroad. Thanks and pray for her safe trip, not to miss any of her lexapro and that the flights are safe. Also pray that I do not worry myself silly while she is away. Thanks a million. This will be a way a "repaying" me for the hours of research I have shared. LOL!

Prayers Needed by EVERYONE reading these posts! PLEASE.

Aunty As soon as I started reading about her trip, I started worrying about her-lol. She will definitely be in my prayers and I will throw you in as a "bonus" Isn't it funny how a person can be concerned about someone they have never met it person, but I certainly feel a little anxious for her. It is going to be fine though. She is one tough smart cookie!


back2health IF you do happen to read again, I am sorry you feel negatively about your experience here. It is easy to miss posts and, when it happens, to anyone, PLEASE keep posting. I know personally I will start back intending to post to several people and then my mind slips. Or my thoughts are just exhausted. I am much better with this, but my memory still is nowhere near normal, nor is my focus and concentration. And there are days when I come here and just read not able to contribute very positively. I HATE those days. There are also times when there are so many new posters that I end up typing in the name EVERYBODY so everyone will get the most pertinent information. I have also had times (seems on weekends) when I feel like no one is around when I need them, but honestly a lot of those feelings are amplified by the effects of the withdrawal. Anyhow, at this point I am most concerned that you are apparently cold turkeying it and this is going to cause you all sorts of degrees of problems. The most obvious is going to be the physical withdrawal effects but there are also a lot of emotional whoppers that go along and stay with you for awhile. Please consider doing as Aunty mentioned, which is to go back on and taper. I did a very fast cold turkey off of it years ago and ended up with severe emotional side effects months after taking my last dose. Ended up back on it. This time I did what I affectionately call a slower cold turkey, because I sure can't say it was the best slow taper method Aunty and others see benefits from. But even this method is better than dropping doses by big amounts. Also, if you do nothing else, get some Omega 3 fish oil (take 3000 mg a day), magnesium, consider Noni juice-not scrumptious but does do wonders, and no matter what avoid caffeine. Rest as much as you can. When the moods hit, talk yourself through it.

Srclady Ah, yes, I remember that feeling after a few days of not taking Lexapro and feeling reasonably well. I hope it lasts for you, but like Aunty, don't feel very positively about it. I am stubborn and was determined to tough it out the first time I went off Lexapro, but within a week went back on it and (uninformed) I did a very quick taper off. 3 months or so later I had unreasonable anxiety and severe depression. I have dealt wiht some BAAAAAAAD depression in my life but this was the all time doozy. I would definitely consider doing a slow taper or at least a slower taper than the cold turkey for your own sake. Not only will you feel better physically but will lower the chance of mental side effects that hit down the road. Wednesday will be my 10th week off and the effects STILL pop up
Everyone Hope you guys are still hanging in there. We are one day closer to being "normal"

[antidote]

Skyer

Thanks so much for that very hopeful post. i don't think that any of us who have been in the monster's lair could read that without getting pretty emotional!

Today is my first day of month 5. Unfortunately for me things are getting worse and not better. i now realize that the inner tremors i have been feeling for weeks are in reality symptoms of anxiety. Those are now getting worse as i wake up in the morning in a sweat with tingling hands and a racing heart. i have also had some depersonalization set in which is really disconcerting to say the least. The symptoms are so strong that it is becoming really hard to continue the mind over matter approach and stay focused. i have never experienced this type of burning anxiety EVER - it becomes a fight just to maintain control. At the same time it continues to point to the Lex since again i never ever had anxiety like this before.

Aunty

Your daughter is in my prayers, it is so sad that someone so young has to go thru this type of experience. i hope she gets thru it soon and comes out a much stronger person with a more mature outlook on life (some silver lining at least).

i have to admit that i have been somewhat reluctant to try the flower essences until now but i'm thinking that now may be a good time to try to rid myself of some of these symptoms!

Be weel everyone

[ernurse18]

31 days lex free. To everyone, hang in there, this is the toughest thing i have done. Nicotine addiction was nothing compared to lex (4 years and counting nicotine free). The 2 week mark was the worst for me. I continue with ringing in my ears but i know this will continue to decrease over time. Occasional "teary" moments, but much much better. My prayers are with everyone.

[srclady]

Thanks Aunty and Hairy for your responses and for your concern. I have read a lot of your posts and based on your research and personal experiences I am inclined to trust your judgement.

This morning was not great. At church I started weeping and couldn't stop, thank God my husband was there for me and it happened during the singing so I didn't make a scene. So much emotion just poured out of me at first I was a bit scared, but then I turned to God and it gradually became joy and praise. (church is the perfect spot for that kind of stuff.) I felt a lot better after that, like I could relax a bit and some pressure had been released.

But then later, while grocery shopping, the palpatations and head jerks became much worse and more frequent and they brought along some wobbly knees to boot! I thought I was going down twice and almost gave up when I saw the long lines at the checkout. I toughed it out but was so relieved when I sat down in the car, I immediately got tired and wanted to get home so I could take a nap. It's such a beautiful day, I hate to waste it sleeping but I think I really need to lie down for a bit when I'm done here.

So, after all that drama and reading your advice, I am going to take a Lexapro today. I am not a quitter but I see that if I want this to stick then I need to do the weaning process properly. It is also probably best for my family as I must be able to care for my son properly and lovingly on a daily basis and my husband deserves a whole and happy wife.

I have not figured out just how I am going to go about the weaning process yet, there seem to be a few valid ways to taper off slowly. I am going to read your posts on supplements, Aunty. Thanks for those. And I will definately stay away from St. John.

So, nine days into a cold turkey quit of Lexapro and I am spent. la, la, la,la, life goes on.

Best Wishes and Happy Father's Day!
-srclady

[dccll]

Does anyone know why you can't reinstate after six weeks. Can you take a different med that metabolizes through a different system, like for instance Zoloft. Stay on it for a while and then wean off. Just curious.

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by dccll

Does anyone know why you can't reinstate after six weeks. Can you take a different med that metabolizes through a different system, like for instance Zoloft. Stay on it for a while and then wean off. Just curious.

I don't know why the six weeks mark makes a difference with the reinstatement of Lexapro, but I bet Aunty can tell the reasoning. I did read an article online about the use of Prozac when weaning off of other SSRIs-I think it has a longer half-life but not sure. And it seems a poster on here mentioned having used or using this method. That has been awhile back. I tried to do a quick online search to see if I could find that article and of course I can't. But I found the article interesting and then, when the poster mentioned it, I began wondering if that wasn't a better way to get off Lexapro, but can't really say from experience.

ernurse Yey! You are 31 days closer to being off. I am not noticing the physical effects as much as the emotional ones that come and go. I have had some problems with the depersonalization and only recently has this been occuring worse in large stores. Then to make it worse the other day I was doing all i could to get through Walmart. I had just passed this lady that had her kid standing in the middle of the aisle and I had to say "excuse me" before they sllllllowly moved. Then I am coming around the next aisle and she was standing-just standing right there. I get farther to the right and keep going and she says to her friend "If one more b----- tries to run over me without saying excuse me I am going to beat their a--" Well I KNOW there are some people who are like that and I KNOW that she was mistaken if thought I had NOT said excuse me (because I made a point to, had to to get them to move out of the middle of the path the first time. Anyhow, it is not a good idea to be rude to people who are gettig off Lexapro-lol. But I held my tongue. MIRACULOUSLY! I really wanted to ask her why she had her buggy just standing at the beginning of the aisle. And some more. But while my moods are not the off the wall rages I experienced before, now if someone says something that bothers me, I do get ticked.

srcladyThat is wonderful news! you are going to be glad you got back on and weaned off it. Trust me, it is the only way.

[skyer]

DIDN'T MEAN TO CONFUSE ANYONE, BUT THE STORY I POSTED WAS NOT WRITTEN BY ME. IT'S JUST A STORY I FOUND AND WANTED TO SHARE. I AM STILL VERY MUCH RECOVERING AND I LIKE STORIES LIKE HER'S BECAUSE IT GIVES ME HOPE. ACTUALLY, I FEEL PRETTY GOOD TODAY, SO IT'S DAYS LIKE THIS THAT ALSO GIVE ME HOPE. IT DOES GET BETTER!

Aunty: Have a great trip! Wishing your daughter good health during it...

Did she ever get her appetite back? I've been having problems lately with that. I can eat just fine, but don't really crave food. I eat, well, because I have to. Hope this goes away.

[auntybiotic]

When cold turkeying/or fast tapering off of a SSRI such as lexapro, many changes take place in the brain and centeral nervous system due to the brain attempting to function without the chemicals that it became use to.

Receptors have died off, serotonin is not being held at the synapes so the body is trying to return to normal but it takes about 6 months for the receptors to start to regenerate.

The 6 week mark is the point where the nervous system is already severely damaged by the abrupt change in serotonin reuptake that had previously taken place by he lexapro. The reinstatement of any SSRI , after being off of it for about six weeks, will turn on the person and only make them more sick. Once nervous system damage has begun there is no option but to wait it out........this is difficult and may take upwards of 18 moths.similiar to a stroke.

Basically once the damage has set in the brain and nervous system.............lexapro will cause more harm.........and this seems to happen around the 6 week mark.

[Greg40]

Did you have any weight gain? Does it cause drowsiness?

Greg



I've been taking Lexapro (10 mg) for about two years, and I wanted to quit because of weight gain. I have been reducing my dosage for at least three months. When I was down to 1/4 pill 4 times a week (10 mg a week compared to 70 mg a week), I figured I could quit completely. I had insomnia for about three days as well as loads of energy for the same time period. I have also been mildly dizzy and very hungry for sugary foods. I have been off the pill completely for one week and am still dizzy. My moods are fine. I would recommend a very slow withdrawal. The effects of withdrawal improve daily. Good luck. MelodyGal
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[dccll]

Aunty- thank you so much for the info. Could receptors have been turned completely off within two weeks use on 2.5mg for 8 days and 1.25mg for eight days. Is your body releasing the lex when you are going through dizzy spells and symptoms somewhat return for short while? Does lex get active again once released? Are there any methods that will help with removal of lex. (Fasting, liver cleanse, massage etc.) At what point does physical stuff peak and emotional stuff come in? Sorry for the many questions!

I hope your daughter got off safely. What a wonderful experience for her. She must be a very brave girl. I would not have gone that far away from home at that age. She will be in my prayers.
Hairy- thanks for info. How are you doing? I will be 11 weeks on Wed.
Skyer- I have not had many sensations for hunger either. Like there are no signals. I hope you have better week.

[dccll]

Aunty- could you try adifferent kind of med after 6 weeks. Like one that is not an ssri?

[srclady]

Good morning!
I am so glad that I took that Lex yesterday. I feel a lot better already and it hasn't even been 24 hours. Thanks for your support Hairy. =) I have been reading a lot of the old posts and I think I understand how I am going to go about weaning very slowly. I want to be sure that I have gotten all this right so I will appreciate any corrections or further advice from you experienced and knowledgable folks. =)

*I am back on my usual once daily 10 mg Lexapro dosage and intend to stay there for the next 2-3 weeks so I can stabilize my body and brain, start from ground zero so to speak.
*Then I will taper off 3% at a time using the liquid Lexapro directions Aunty has posted. I will stay on each taper for 2-3 weeks to get stabilized at each new level of dosage.
*I will use natural supplements to help with the withdrawal symptoms. Magnesium Malate, Inisitol, Lecithin 400mg x2 and Carlson's Omega3fish oil 3000mg per day.
*I will cut out caffiene and drink lots of water with lemon slices each day.
*I will start exercising, at least walking and getting outside each day. (Vitamin D from the sun is the best!)
*I will commit myself to getting plenty of sleep at night, going to bed extra early if need be, and will take naps if I need them.
*I will improve my diet by eating more "real foods" things that grow, and cutting out many of the packaged pre-processed foods. Eggs and nuts, good meat and veggies are our friends! =)

Questions:
What daily doseages are reccommended for the Magnesium Malate and Inisitol?

Do I really need to eat only minimal amounts of turkey and tomatos because of the seretonin? Sigh, I love them so.

Again, any corrections or suggestions are welcome.
Thanks for all your help!
Best Wishes
-srclady

[srclady]

Just FYI: I found Aunty's Liquid Lexapro tapering "formula" on page 137 of this forum for those of you who have been looking. It tells you how to convert the pills to liquid and suggests how to go about tapering off the drug.
Best Wishes!
-srclady

[skorpeo72]

well its been a long voyage and just to refill everyone in, I was on 20mg for over 4 years and stopped cold turkey last week.
As of now the symptoms I had gone through,

Tremors
Heart Palpitation
Dizzyness -Ugh ...Still spinning ...lol
moodyness
That fun electric shock feeling
Hot spells-
Sweating
Insomnia
hmmmm...am I forgetting anything??
Oh yes ...general confusion

Well I am happy to say I think things have gradually come to a mind humm and I am not feeling like a time bomb any longer.
The heart palpitations and the shock feeling ...not really a big deal to me.
But the dizzyness...This I cant wait for it to stop as it is physically draining me.
I havent been able to do much of anything in the last week except stay in bed a lot. Yesterday I went to a family outing for fathers day (My daughter just turned one and forced myself to go.
I did have fun but really had to force myself sometimes to keep my head up.

OK...The big question....

When does the dizzyness end??

Everything else I can deal with ,But I have to be there for my daughter and family. I want so bad to spend time with her and I can hear her playing with my wife in the other room while i lay in bed.
Honestly I want to be done with the drug ,But if this is going to last a long time I have no choice but to stay on it ...and well thats really a sad reason to stay on it.

So any words of wisdom out there? Timeline guesses?
Let me know and please be gentle...lol

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Guys,
Well, I have just had about the worst weekend EVER - I can't even believe I'm still alive.. that bad. uhg. Had to go to Seattle saturday, supposed to be a fun thing for father's day, to go to a musical.. Well, nobody tells me we're leaving at 10, thought it was at 2.. then, it turns out we're WALKING through downtown seattle, and on the ferry and everything all day.. not taking the car. Oh My Gosh. WHY, why would anyone not tell someone who has seizures and brain damage that they have to do all that, knowing that they can fall with a seizure anytime, anywhere.. and the lights, the cars, and the crowds being trapped on the street, no place to rest. It was the most awful day ever - soo much pain it was unreal. I couldn't even walk, I kept having seizures, and my legs would go out from under me, then people were getting mad because I had to be helped to walk at all, and my mom was so angry at me, telling me why am I so sick now.. etc. etc. plus it was the day before my period and my head was spinning out of control.. it was so awful. i can't believe how sick I still am, I mean truly handicapped, can't even WALK for heaven's sake. It just isn't fair it seems. I'm so sorry to be such a downer, but it was HORRIBLE. I have such a terrible headache now, yesterday I was just in shock, couldn't even breathe or cry barely - today my head is screaming ...
is this going to ever get better?? how could it be soooo bad at over 6 months?
things had been going fine, people were so helpful, and then WHAM! what did I do wrong? ah well.. I've had soo much anger lately, is that withdrawal? I never get angry, but sometimes its like I'm obsessed or something - especially toward family. I've been telling myself it's just withdrawal, and not worrying about it, but it's gotten so bad - I'm never like that, I don't have those thoughts - but now so much anger it's terrible and I'm so very very ashamed especially with my period, it's so crazy that I say things I would never want to say, and people are just poking at me, i feel like a crazy rabid rat in a cage with kids poking sticks at me - this never happened before all this, it scares the daylights out of me too!

gosh, this is a really bad email - don't read it if you don't want to!
sorry, but feel awful...
take care, Elizabethmarie

[skyer]

EM: I'm so sorry about yesterday. I can't believe you tried to do all that. Gosh, at almost nine months I'm still trying to get 20 minutes away from my home without having a panic attack. My nervous system is so fried that too much stimulation gives me major symptoms. Remember, we need to sedate our nervous systems. I gave in weeks ago. I thought, "this is not my year." It helps to accept it and know it gets better, meanwhile taking it easy. At six months I could barely run any errands, and now I can. But I still have a lot of fears about traveling and stuff. I need to trust my body and brain before I do all that. And the anger is strong at six months, yet. That is normal. You know how much I've complained about my family/friends not understanding. It's just now that I'm getting better that I'm able to forgive them. Relax and take care of yourself...

[Hairyarmadillo]

srclady I TOLD you so-lol!! I am so happy to hear that. You are now on the right track. There will still be some tough times, but nothing like what you have already experienced. I take whatever the recommended daily dose of magnesium is listed on the bottle. I don't know if that is what everyone else is doing but it definitely works for me. Honestly, the magnesium has done wonders for me. It seems to help my moods although I really was taken it for the muscular issues. I am sorry to say I missed the info on the tomatoes. Not recommending this to anyone, but sorry, I gotta have my tomates. There is nothing like fresh from the garden tomatoes. I gave up chocolate and all caffeine, the tomatoes I cannot part with

skorpeo72 I know you want to be off this but PLEASE consider restarting on your dose. I was only on 10 mgs and if I had done it cold turket, I would still not be functioning well. As it is, I am 10 weeks off of it and doing fine. I got off it once before doing a really quick taper (within a month's time)-thought I was past it but three months later had severe anxiety and depression. Turns out this is a common occurence and may possibly be worsened by super fast tapering or "cold turkey". I do not have children, but I teach which means tons of work/planning at home in evenings and weekends, and of course home life of some sorts (husband and pets). By doing a slower taper, I was able to participate in my life. The time when I did it quick, I spent a lot of time sleeping and groggy. THAT WAS AT ONLY 10 mgs. If you go back on it, you can taper slowly, avoid the strongest withdrawal symptoms, participate in your life and get off this medicine for good. It is worth it in the long run. You will also benefit from taking Omega 3 fish oil (3000 mgs, magnesium and there are other specific supplements that Aunty (who knows everything) has listed for certain side effects. If you are just a week into this, you have not felt ANYTHING yet. It definitely gets worse when you are cold turkeying. LOL I swear I feel badly being so negative, but I don't want you to suffer needlessly. I am a very stubborn "suck-it-up" type person and believe me if it was possible to stick it out for a bit and it would pass, i would advise that. But it doesn't seem to be what happens. If you are not going to do the really slow taper (that will yield the best results), then consider going back on the 20 and taper a LITTLE at a time. I admit I didn't do the best taper, but I went from 10mg to8.5, stayed on it for 3 weeks, 8.5 to 5, stayed on it for 3 weeks, 5to 2.5 for about 4 weeks and then 2.5 for almost 3 weeks. I really felt worse the closer to 0 mgs I got but was still able to function.

Elizabethmarie Oh, no! That wasn't very considerate of them at all! I know some people are so great about being supportive but I guess some people have to live it. Can't believe they got mad at you I am ready to fight them myself-lol. I am sending you a big online hug! Rest and shew once your period is over, it is going to be better. I can identify with the anger. I NEVER get mad but I have been lately. Furious! I actually felt like engaging in a confrontation with a stranger at the Walmart the other day. I think we need a warning sign that says "Don't mess with me while I am de-lex-ing" Ok, don't know if this will help but awhile back you gave some really inspirational spiritual words that got me back on track . So as I was driving your words came into my mind and suddenly I started looking at life in a far better way than I have for awhile. I wanted to thank you for that. Even in your suffering, you are lifting up others.

EVERYBODY I know we keep saying we have never seen anyone get off Lexapro fast with no side effects, but I am throwing in this case I am keeping my eye on. My coworker (unbeknownst to me) got off her 5 mg after I started talking about how I was feeling so much more alive and explained why. she told me she had tried getting off hers before but got depressed. I didn't try to sell her on getting off because I am not a doctor and who knows maybe she was one of the people who need it for chemical imbalance. She did a day on a day off, then stretched it to 2 days and then 3, then quit rather rapidly. NO physical side effects and no emotional effects (yet-ha I am keeping my eye on it and will report back), Again she was only on 5 but as we all know even 5 can be a doozy! So I will be spying on her progress and reporting back! Take care everyone. Hope you all are doing well

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Skyer, thanks,
I would NEVER have done what happened on saturday, except I had no choice. I'm ok about going to seattle in a CAR, where I can rest, etc., then go to an appt., or musical for a couple hours, then home.. that's a lot, but has been ok.. I don't know what my family was thinking - it was a father's ay thing, so I had to go, and wanted to...but to walk around downtown all day, on the ferry, etc etc. but I was under a different impression when the day started.. it was a mistake, and it's over with, but boy it was a bad one. Just showed how handicapped I really am though. Glad to hear the anger was still bad for you now - I feel so bad about it, but hopefully it will subside. I do need rest, lots of it, and quiet. It's just hard for me to accept this and how long its taking, I've been fighting it, which does no good. I guess, I just wanted to be married, and have 10 kids, and all this, and I can't even walk, or see my boyfriend, or anything - just makes me sad especially since I've been practically bedridden in my room for the past 3.5 years with CFS.. thats why its so tough, I haven't been able to do anything in forever and ever, and all I'd like is my mind back even if I can't do anything!! - ok, enough pity party for me .. thanks for letting me vent, I think I need to invest in a punching bag today...

Hi Hairy,
thanks too - thanks for being so uplifting.. I'm glad some words helped you, and am thankful for yours...it's so tough, this.. I hope to be more cheerful another day!
!!
EM

[skorpeo72]

Thank you HairyArmidillo for your words , Beleive me I have really considered doing back on the meds to get away from these withdrawals but at the same time I feel im so far into it that I never want to do it again.
I definately chose the wrong way to quit, I should have educated myself a bit more before even considering it.
But now Im here and I feel Im getting better each day.
Maybe Im a little apha-Male as well ...lol But that which doesnt kill me ...yeah yerah you know the rest.

I am going to give it a little more time and think I will come up with a deadline to where if I dont see a considerable difference within the next week I will go back to it.
If I see a difference well- Im toughin it out!

Again from one of my past posts you can read that I am self employed and work from home -So I do have the opportunity to take a break during the day as I need it. If I need a nap ill take one.
If I were still working in an office - FORGET IT !
Couldnt do it ....So with that said I am going to take your advice and try a few things to help out with the effects such as the "fish oil" eck!! hehe
or Mona Vie which I have heard the most amazing things about and alreeady ordered ....So I will keep you up dated there.

skorpeo72 I know you want to be off this but PLEASE consider restarting on your dose. I was only on 10 mgs and if I had done it cold turket, I would still not be functioning well. As it is, I am 10 weeks off of it and doing fine. I got off it once before doing a really quick taper (within a month's time)-thought I was past it but three months later had severe anxiety and depression. Turns out this is a common occurence and may possibly be worsened by super fast tapering or "cold turkey". I do not have children, but I teach which means tons of work/planning at home in evenings and weekends, and of course home life of some sorts (husband and pets). By doing a slower taper, I was able to participate in my life. The time when I did it quick, I spent a lot of time sleeping and groggy. THAT WAS AT ONLY 10 mgs. If you go back on it, you can taper slowly, avoid the strongest withdrawal symptoms, participate in your life and get off this medicine for good. It is worth it in the long run. You will also benefit from taking Omega 3 fish oil (3000 mgs, magnesium and there are other specific supplements that Aunty (who knows everything) has listed for certain side effects. If you are just a week into this, you have not felt ANYTHING yet. It definitely gets worse when you are cold turkeying. LOL I swear I feel badly being so negative, but I don't want you to suffer needlessly. I am a very stubborn "suck-it-up" type person and believe me if it was possible to stick it out for a bit and it would pass, i would advise that. But it doesn't seem to be what happens. If you are not going to do the really slow taper (that will yield the best results), then consider going back on the 20 and taper a LITTLE at a time. I admit I didn't do the best taper, but I went from 10mg to8.5, stayed on it for 3 weeks, 8.5 to 5, stayed on it for 3 weeks, 5to 2.5 for about 4 weeks and then 2.5 for almost 3 weeks. I really felt worse the closer to 0 mgs I got but was still able to function.