Lexapro Withdrawal

[devynsmommy]

How long will these headaches last? I've been off lex 10mg for 1 1/2 weeks now and the migraines are the only side effect that i've had. I just want to know if anyone else experienced this and how long I can expect the pain. They do make me aggitated and irritable, but I dont have "zaps" or anything like that. Some dry mouth and a little fatigue, but nothing major. Any clues?

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Kimberoo
Yes, I definitely agree with Aunty about the ER -- I have had some bad results with ER doctors regarding withdrawal - they are just not informed as they should be regarding complex drug interactions/withdrawal, etc.. and often try to give you something else... you have to be really careful, as they could do serious damage if they gave another drug that led to further serotonin syndrome, it can be fatal.. I bet not skipping days will definitely make a big difference first of all - those neurons are firing constantly, and when you pull the rug out one day, it wreaks havoc... then reinstating at a higher dose will help too -- We will keep you deeply in our prayers now!! take care, hope that things stabilize very soon...
lots of love,
Elizabethmarie

Aunty, I've been praying for you and your daughter too -- I hope she has a wonderful time!

[skorpeo72]

OK...here we go !!
I am in week 2 right now of my cold turkey stint from 4 years of 20mg a day and I had a near perfect day yesterday until about 4pm and working all day.
Suddenly the migraine hit Once this came on the rrest of my day was just down the drain.
I can say it has been a rollercoaster but the symtoms are getting easier each day...My mood on the other hand ...hmmmm
Well I guess my demon came out last night when I was awaken by my wife, Her daughter is visiting right now and the 2 of them wanted to sleep in the big bed in the bedroom and watch tv.
Normally this isnt an issue but man did I ever lose it inside.
I was absolutely out of control and tried to hide it as much as possible but with very little luck as some of my demons actually made a bit of a display as I was leaving the room.

I actually ( to control myself) left the house and sat in my car for a while as my head just spun and spun. when I felt like I had a grip or a mild grip I came back in and went to go back to sleep. Only this time I couldnt get comfortable anywhere and ended up just putting a blanket on the floor and sleeping there. (OK wierd)
I can still feel the bad attitude demon trying to get out but hes not gonna get the best of me...lol

On a good note - I can tell that the actual symptoms are lessoning -Whew- but the attitude from the stress of it all is getting worse.

I think at this time I may lock myself away for a few days with little personal contact and let it pass.

[auntybiotic]

I would not suggest cold turkey....................you will needlessly suffer.

Try it for about three weeks and see what I am speaking of...................you can always reinstate the lexapro and SLOWLY taper if the withdrawals are too much to handle. Good luck.

Anyone else that cold turkeyed want to chime in.

[elizabethmaria]

Hi! thought I should give an update...
Am doing much better today, whew! that was a bad weekend, thank goodness it is over! Thank you for your prayers too Hopeful, I was really walking on prayer alone that day... But the whole period thing makes things so much worse, more of everything.. Next time I'm going to shut myself inside for a few days, no matter what fun things may be going on, it's time for healing, and resting, not going out. Today am at work again, doing ok here - little jobs here and there, am able to drive ok, but going slow! seems like mechanical tasks are much easier that people/coordination things at this point..
Hairy, could you remind me of whatever it was that I had said before that helped you? I think I must have forgotten it already and really need a spiritual reminder ...
Am so glad to be feeling at least more functional again, though still have bad headaches, deperson. and stuff.. Definitely a very poor idea to have too much stimulation at this point, or for a very long time I'm sure! Sure learned a lesson though - rest is best, too much is a disaster!
Hope all are doing well today too -- I'm so glad to see new posters, but am so sorry to see more people having to go through withdrawal trials... Just read Aunty's posts -- she will help you out! don't go cold turkey!
Skyer, How are you doing today? Is your week going better than last week too? I was wondering what kind of store you are opening -- do you have an opening date set?? Someday I hope to come down and maybe visit your store if it's open !
take care,
Elizabethmarie

[overtherainbow]

I had a migraine week, last week. I was prone to them but I haven't had them in months and months. So last week stunk.

AND, I am now about as crabby as I can be. I have to catch myself when I have the tendency to go off, but I'm not always successful. I am apologizing a lot. When I realize what a jerk I am being, that seems to wake me up.

Oh, yeah, I'm in my fourth week of cold turkey, after taper over 6 weeks from 5 to 2.5 mg. Still dizzy but not as bad, my ears are still ringing a plenty tho, and I've got lots and lots of aches and pains this week.

Having said all that though I am having a busy/stressful time at work which doesn't help things, and not having nearly as much fun in my personal life otherwise.

I toy with the thought of going back on the evil drug and tapering rightly, but the thought of knowingly putting that poison back in my body. . . I may eat my words, though, who knows. According to aunty, I've got til the 6 week mark to make that decision.

OTR (aka 'crabby')

[Hairyarmadillo]

This must not be my posting day. I typed up a long one for devynsmommy (it was really good too) and I come back to see it is nowhere I am going to do my best to reconstruct it, but afraid it won't be as thorough. first off, I can commiserate with you on the crying thing. I do that too. I cry more when I am angry than when I am sad. Always have done this, didn't get any reward for crying,as some kids might. But it is a remaining trait-sigh. Heaven help the person who mistakes my tears for a sign of weakness though. I am totally agitated by your doctor telling you that you will be messed up and trying to give you something else. Not surprised. Doctors really need to wake up on this. My first ssri was with Paxil that led to extreme apathy. My doc assumed it was depression and the meds were ineffective, so he increased my dose leading to more extreme apathy. I understand the thinking of these doctors but they are wrong. My other experience happened approximately 4 months or so after I did an inappropriate (doctor advised) taper off Paxil within a months time. I was taking diet meds at the time, so the diagnosis was that the diet meds had been causing psychological symptoms for some time that led to full blown psychosis. Well, it may have been the diet pills but since I had some of the same psychological symptoms (irrational thinking, almost delusional at times, uncontrollable weeping and depersonalization) weaning off lexapro, I am now wondering if some of the other wasn't Paxil withdrawal related. Anyhow, in taking my history a psychiatrist told me that I needed to get back on Paxil because the doctor wouldn't have put me on them if I hadn't needed them. Befuddled as I was mentally, I told him "No, he put me on them because I asked for them" I hate to say it but in a lot of cases doctors are dropping the ball when it comes to ssri usage and definitely when it comes to getting off them. Are you against going back on it and then doing a slow taper? Or at least a slower taper? I was on 10 mg and,while I did have some withdrawal effects, they were bearable. Also it doesn't take such a toll on your body. Then there is the fact that there are often emotional side effects that tend to hit 3-4 months after the last dose you take. I didn't realize this the first time I got off Lexapro and when I had the WORST depression I have ever had (saying something there) and anxiety unlike any I had experienced, I assumed I did need the drug. Didn't know this was a side effect. There are also supplements you can take (omega3, magnesium malate to name a few )that will make your journey off better and help you recover. I don't think you should get on the other pill. I encourage you of course to use your own judgement, but imo your doctor is not aware of your needs. You had planned on being on them for a situational type depression and chances are your other doctor would have encouraged you to procede getting off. Seriously, though, I know that everyone wants off this quick, but the slower method pays off.

elizabethmarieHa-you know how bad my memory is,but you gave a wonderful speech on trusting in God and His Strength. There was so much conviction in your words that I know I am not doing justice. Hopeful had given the quote from Philipians around that same page. I tried to find them both but no luck. The thing is, after that, it was like CLICK I saw things in proper perspective. I had been so busy being overwhelmed by everything lexapro associated and then life itself. But the truth is that we are being cared for and we are being healed even as it seems otherwise. It just takes time. He didn't plan this for us but good things and we are going to get to those good things. In the meantime, there is going to be "good" produced from all we are going through. I so firmly believe that this thread is now and will continue to reach many people out there who are searching for the help for similar situations to ours. Every word we type, every post we complete is going to meet the needs for someone at some time. It doesn't matter if they are positive where that person can say "It will get better" or negative experiences (ha-I wish no one ill, but remember how relieved I felt when I saw others had the same miserable symptoms). Each post has its purpose. If we were not struggling along on this path, how else would we have had the opportunity to help the others that are going through this blindly (as was I before I came here)? When I look at it like that, the journey no longer seems so pointless. If my negative experience can somehow lift someone else along the way, then every step is worth it. I would rather not to have had the experience, but since it is here, then I am am going to make the best of it. It's like suddenly being put on a highwire, where I had no desire to go. I can either shake and shiver or do my best to walk across with a flourish. I say if I am out on the wire, I might as well dance! Do you ever wonder how many people will come to this forum for help, years down the road when we have already recovered, and reading our posts be able to better handle this situation?

skorpeo72 Don't those moods get you? I am soooo patient and someone could come up and pummel me repeatedly and I still wouldnt be fazed. Exaggerating a bit but that is how bad the moods get. I only have the husband and pets but even that was a bit much. I knew I had reached a low when I wanted to yell at the chihuahua. Much better now, though. I have been dealing with some extreme stressors lately and am handling it well. Are you SURE you don't want to slowly taper? It isn't too late! At least get the supplements. And remember DON'T TOUCH CAFFEINE!! If you think you have demons now, try the caffeine-lol. Just joking, don't touch the caffeine. Oh and holing up away from everyone does do wonders.

overtherainbow Please don't think of it as backsliding if you go back on. IMO it is getting smarter-lol. I swear, I have done it both ways. True, I didn't do the best slow taper but the slower taper I did made a big difference. Not 100% but I am at 10 weeks and living, feeling pretty darn good most of the time. Are YOU doing the supplements? I swear they make a difference.


My Own Good News For everyone wondering about the lexapro pounds, I have lost 16 pounds since going off. And I am not starving myself, not even exercising (which I don't advise, just being lazy). It DOES come off!

[Hopeful 285]

Aarondog,
When I quit cold turkey, I progressively got worse. Getting off this drug can do more serious things to you than quitting street drugs.
Your typical drug detox center will not even accept people who are on prescription antidepressants.
They want drug users to quit cold turkey and with these drugs, they are afraid to let people quit cold turkey.
They have to monitor people coming off these drugs 24 hours a day. They don't have the facilities or capability.
Dr. Ann Blake Tracy has a Warning in her book about stopping these drugs abruptly. Tapering off the SSRI is a most critical safety measure.
When you think of the seriousness of the problems of those tapering on this site, you must realize how threatening it can be for you to quit cold turkey.
It could take a year to 18 months to get better if you quit cold turkey.

July 9th will be 8 months cold turkey. I am getting better everyday, but I know I have months to go to get to 100 percent. I give thanks to God for leading me here because I am going to be a success story to help others.

Blessings,

[Hopeful 285]

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. What ever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

from pg 149

[Hopeful 285]

Hi Elizabethmaria,

Here is a story about someone who got dyskinesia from a neuroleptic drug.
She is in a wheel chair. Very inspirational. She is still smiling.

I am still confused about dystonia verses dyskinesia. No matter how many times I read about it, I can't figure out the difference. I know they are movement disorders and that dystonia can be painful. Mine doesn't hurt any more. It is just annoying. It waxes and wanes throughout the day. I have went several days without it bothering me too much. It seems to always come back. I know I need to wait on God. He has a purpose. All this is not in vain.

http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/6691/mystory.htm

I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalms 16:8

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalms 4:8

[Hopeful 285]

From page 149 shortened
I think that because I've had CFS for the past 3 years or so, people are used to me being ill, and having lots of ups and downs, and that they gave me a bad medication mix that gave some major toxicity damage is understandable... I don't know, it's no fun, but if you try to do too much and just let your family/friends see what happens and how sick you get, that can help them understand what you're up against too -- would that work? I know, its unpleasant, but i did try to just do too much, got really sick, and now people are on my case telling ME to SLOW down, which is helpful...

I know, lots of people don't understand, that 's why I said my reputation for sanity in this town has flatlined at like zero... but you know, it doesn't really matter -- if we truly pull out of this, which we will, then we'll be feeling better, and people will see it, and then begin to understand for real...

Keep praying too -- ask God to help you with this trouble, ask Him to help people understand, and not be soo cruel and hurtful. Remember remember remember that he totally understands what it's like to be ridiculed, completely misunderstood, mocked, put down, alone, etc.. so He WILL help you with this, just have to ask.. Spend time every day in the quiet presence of God, let the true love fill you up, and you'll get all the strength and wisdom and peace you need... It really is my whole life, and He helps me soo much, even though it's been so hard...

Take care fellow druggie hee hee ! I LOVE your comparison -- that is what I look like.. talk about being vain, good grief.. but it's no fun to look like a drug addict, but now we know WHY they look that way...
much love and birthday blessings,
Elizabethmarie[/QUOTE]

[kimberoo]

Hi everyone!
You've ALL been an inspiration for my husband and I and I thank you for your guidance through this most difficult time.
Aunty
We went to the Internist today to ask for an RX for liquid Lexapro. He's out of the office until Monday, but at least the request is in. While there I asked the assistant to write down Benny's dosages recorded at each visit since June 2006. They are as follows:

6/16/2006 - 20mg
10/19/2006 - 15 mg
11/16/2006 - 15 mg
12/18/2006 - 10 mg
1/2/2007 - 10 mg
1/30/2007 - 10 mg
3/21/2007 - 5 mg
4/16/2007 - 2.5 mg for 3 days then 1 day off
6/01/2007 - 2.5 mg for 2 days then 1 day off
6/16/2007 - 2.5 mg for 1 day then 1 day off
Today - 5 mg

These are not the exact days that he tapered, these are what his dosages were on those dates that he visited the Dr.

Today has been the worst day yet. He decided after reading your post to go ahead and take 5 mg and start a slower taper. He has been miserable. He's never experienced shocks to his extremities before today, always just in his head, it really through him for a loop. He's afraid that there is something wrong with him and is not convinced it is JUST the medicine.

I spent about 4 hours going through his records and by the time I was finished I had 19 pages written. I've tried to make the Reader's Digest version, which will probably still be too much but here goes.

Prior to 10/1994 he never had any dizziness, palpitations. In October 1994 his father passed away in Italy while we were there. He took it really hard & within weeks had his first palps. Last week in October we came back to the states.

10/31/94 - diagnosed as anxiety/panic attack. Given Paxil 20 mg & Xanax .5 mg to take as needed.
11/14/94 - first bout of dizziness
6/27/95 - dizziness, near fainting, worse when he turns head
1/24/96 - Cardiologist wants him off Paxil. Puts him on Tenormin 25 mg for palps. Decreases Paxil but is put back on by family doc by 3/22/96.
2/19/98 - Gets gammaglobulin shot b/c was exposed to chicken pox
5/30/01 - Previous 2 years no dizziness but still has palps even w/ Tenormin. Stops Tenormin and begins Toprol XL 25 mg, still on Paxil.
9/20/02 - No dizziness since previous entry. Given Paxil CR for the first time.
11/21/02 - changes back to Paxil as he was dizzy & had more palps with the CR version.
12/4/02 - Since changing meds has more palps, anxious, bad dreams, nervous & jittery. Told to stop Paxil & Begin Zoloft 50 mg. Still taking Toprol XL.
1/3/03 - still dizzy w/ palps
1/7/03 - Doc writes "Pt was on Zoloft, is getting a lot of anxiety, decreased concentration & dizziness. I think this is withdrawal from Paxil therefore stop Zoloft, resume Paxil 20 mg. (Benny decides to stop all SSRI's & weans himself off. By 3/11/03 he's down to 1/4 pill/day. Dr. tells him to stop Paxil, use Ativan .5 mg as needed for transition & start Lexapro the next day @ 10 mg. On 4/4/03 he ups his dosage to 20 mg/day.)

He never complains of dizziness again until 10/25/05. He is on penicilin at the time for tooth infection and sinusitis.

11/3/05 He is brought to the ER via ambulance for near fainting at work, can't breath, feels that he's dying. ER assumes that it is an allergic reaction to the penicilin. Changes it to Erthromycin.
12/23/05 - Dr. changes antibiotic to Cleocin 150 mg b/c he says the Erthro isn't working. Still complains of dizziness, especially when he moves his head.
12/27/05 - He almost passes out at work again, another visit to the ER and they prescribe Antivert 25 mg.
1/16/06 - Still dizzy
2/10/06 - Last appointment w/ this particular Dr. Extreme dizziness & elevated blood pressure. Dr feels it's labrynthitis. Told to continue Lexapro & Toprol & begins Vytorin & HCTZ 25 mg. Is given Meclizine 25 mg to use as needed. Had been Lipitor for quite awhile but stopped on his own mid 2005, Cholesterol went up so went on Vytorin. Is currently taking Lipitor (I forgot to mention that in other post)
Benny had been on many antibiotics from 1992 to 2006 including Biaxin & Zythromax, but only had a bad experience when he first went on the penicilin in 2005.

Since 2006 the dizziness continued and the palps as always. June & July 2006 were especially hard and December 2006 he was practically incapacitated. A neurologist & physical therapist working together on his case found that he has 2 large cervical spurs on his spine as well as arthritis in his neck and that he had crystal in his ears. A few attempts at the Eppley Maneuver lifted the fog in front of eyes & put the crystal back in place and he continues physical therapy 3xs a week for his neck.

I should also note that his normal weight is between 165 & 170. While on Paxil & Lexapro his weight went up to 191. Since he began his taper last year he has lost nearly 30 pounds with normal eating.

He began the Sectral a few months ago to the fluctuations fo blood pressure as he was diagnosed with Vasovagal Syncope during a tilt test in January. He had been having spikes in bp & it quickly stabilized with the Sectral. He was taken off the Toprol XL at that time. I would truly consider the Sectral as the source of his dizziness had it been this bad for so long but it seems to me that the extreme dizziness and zaps happen everytime he tapers, not just since he started the Sectral.

He's afraid that I'm writing too much, and I'm sorry if I am, I'm just so afraid that any change we make now will have everlasting effects on him. You guys are the only source of peace and real answers I've received in months. Is there a certain time of day that Lexapro should be taken for the least amount of side effects? My niece and her mother have both recently been put on Lexapro (don't worry, I'm educating them as you educate me) and their dr's have advised them to take it before bed. The Paxil was to be taken in the am but there was never a specification as to when to take the Lexapro. He takes it in the afternoon.

Tomorrow he has an appointment for a follow up with the neurologist. I hope that he can give us some answers. You would think at least THEY would be aware of the effects of a medicine that screws your brain up!?! I will stop in again tomorrow, at this time I'm still awake and Benny is waiting for me as the poor thing is afraid to go asleep alone. Goodnight everyone!

Kimberoo

[kimberoo]

I'm so sorry. I thought that I was going to bed, but he's really scared. Other times he found refuge in lying down and closing his eyes, not tonight. When he closes his eyes it's like they're still moving, there's flashing, goosebumps, he can't turn his head, he's nauseous and his head weighs 300 lbs. He said that it's a wave of different feelings but it's been all day with no stop at all. He's walking around the kitchen like a zombie. I made him a double dose of Chamomile as neither of us want him to take the Klonopin, he didn't take it last night either, although it was always 1/4 of a milligram we heeded Aunties advice regardless. He's been on the couch with the blood pressure machine attached to his arm (I know, not a good idea, causes excessive worry) but his bp has spiked to 140/103 a few times. Just now it was back to normal finally. He told me that he concedes to the fact that he's had episodes in the past for no reason or when he was tapering but that this time it is very different. He's afraid that even if it is the meds it could be deadly. He's been mentioning going to the ER and I keep reminding him that they'll only give him something to knock him out. Hopefully we can make it through this night. I think I'll read him some past posts of people going through similar experiences so that he sees that this isn't abnormal. Between you & I, I keep telling him that I'm 95% convinced that this is only withdrawal but a part of me is truly scared for him & that God forbid it is something worse and I'm not doing enough that his life could be in danger due to my negligence. He's relying on me to get him through this. Please pray that God takes mercy on him and brings him some peace.

[auntybiotic]

The electric shocks from withdrawal go thru the brain and also the extremities with fast tapers. Your husband tapered 50% of doses. That is way too fast. 5 to 10% is the most he should taper. If going to the Er will ease the both of your minds.........please go and have him checked out.

You may want to go to the Vitamin Shoppe and purchase (they may have to order) Bach's Flower Essence in Rescue Remedy to get him thru this crisis period and calm him down. It is all natural and made from flower essences. Cost about $8.00 a bottle. Directions are four drops under the tongue and it can e used several times a day. It works on adults, infants even animals.

Then you may consider purchasing Bach's FlowerEssence in White Chestnut which is for excessive worrying and not being able to relax due to repeated obsessing about one's health. Again the directions are four drops under the tongue...........the bottle will tell you more or you can GOOGLE Bach Flower Essence and read more..

I know the dizziness is from the Lexapro withdrawal but I think the sectral is "amplyfing" the dizziness. I do NOT think the sectral is the solo CAUSE of the fainting feelings. The combination may not be good especially during a lexapro taper when normal dizziness is a common symptom. Check with your pharmacist or doctor but the INTERACTION LIST states that lexapro and sectral can cause dizziness and when that is combined with lexapro withdrawl dizziness.......................not very pleasant.

The WORSE feelings are most likely from also stopping the klonopin. Was he taking it long enough to become dependent? You may consider waiting until he is stable on the 5 MG of lexapro and then address the klonopin as he may be having withdrawls NOW FROM BOTH medications, thus feeling the worst he has ever felt. Check with his doctor on this as this is my opinion and I am NOT a doctor.

Lexapro cold turkey can be horrible and essentially this is what your husband has done with the large tapers of 50% of his current doses. Will he see the docor that will prescribe the liquid lexapro to address the possible interaction with the sectral and lexapro. You need to erase all complications that may be making him ill and then address the lexapro withdrawal. The irst thing you need to do is to try and ease his mind and assress the horrible symptoms he is feeling. Was your husband's doctor the one who suggested the tapering schedule?

Supplements may help especially the pmerga 3 Fish Oil by Carlson's (mercury free). Magnesium Malate with the anxiety........go with doses recommended on the bottles to start.

Continue reading other websites suggested here such as paxil progress etc....as many have had the electrical shocks in their extremeties. I do not have the links handy....does anyone?

[auntybiotic]

Worried about you both. How are you doing..............drop a line to let me know you are OK.

[lblue]

Can somebody help me. I am going through lexapro withdrawl and I feel like I am in a nighmare. I quit cold turkey four weeks ago from 40mg's. I've made it this far. I don't want to go back on it ever. I just want to know if anyone's been off of it for a long time and if it all went away.

[devynsmommy]

Update: Today is much better. I took 2 doses of tylenol yesterday for the migraines, but when I got home, I waited it out a bit longer and at around 7 they were gone. It was so nice not to be hurting. I did try to do 5 mg a couple of days, but honestly, the heart pounding, jitteriness, and body warming sensations I felt were worse than the headaches. So, I'm just going to stick it out. I have a slight bumping in my head today, but nothing that even comes close to me popping even just one rapid release tylenol. So, I guess that's a good thing. I'm really happy that they've gone away right now. I've noticed that if I busy myself with things that dont really stress me out, I'm good. And, I'm going to get my nerve up to go back to the gym soon too. I havent been this week because of the headaches, but I want to see if it will help. Otherwise, all is good. My sex drive is coming back, which is great, and my food cravings are going down. Its really weird, but all these foods I used to crave and love this last year really are gross tasting! hahaha Oh, the cotton mouth is still there, but increasing my water has made a world of difference! And, thank you hairy for your words... They made a world of sense to me

[skorpeo72]

I can tell you its been 2 weeks now that I have been off the Lexapro and have been going through the same things as you.
I was on 20mg a day for over four years.
The withdrawal is a nightmare! Im not going to lie and I fought it not to go back to the drug through this whole period.

99% of the people on here have put thier horror stories out for everyone to see and I can tell you that they are going through the worst possible sinarios or they wouldnt be posting.

So do not let them all scare you into a panick attack

as I said its been 2 weeks here and it gets easier every day ..You have to be strong though and really want it because it is going to play on your physica and mental psychi. I am still having some of the the effects now but nothing that cant be lived with for a while...But I can tell you before this was absolutel hell ...So just hang in there, Rest and remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel

Can somebody help me. I am going through lexapro withdrawl and I feel like I am in a nighmare. I quit cold turkey four weeks ago from 40mg's. I've made it this far. I don't want to go back on it ever. I just want to know if anyone's been off of it for a long time and if it all went away.

[gtowngirl]

I'm trying to get some info on the mona vie. Can somebody help? Health food store? Online? What about the price? I live in the southeast. That going to be a problem finding it? Help please!

Thanks

[skorpeo72]

I have beem taking the mona vie ...since I started with the withdrawals...and OMG ...I really think is saved my life.
Her email is Monavie72@yahoo.com
Highly highly recommended!

I'm trying to get some info on the mona vie. Can somebody help? Health food store? Online? What about the price? I live in the southeast. That going to be a problem finding it? Help please!

Thanks

[kimberoo]

Hi everyone!
Well, we finally got some sleep last night, although I stayed up & read posts from the beginning of this forum. You people really amaze me how you try to help others while suffering yourselves. God Bless you all!

Update:
We just got back from the neurologist. I wanted so much to NOT talk about the Lexapro because if there is anything else he will only rely on that & not look into anything further. Regardless, the conversation turned to that and yes he did agree that Benny is suffering from Lexapro withdrawal syndrome (his words, so at least he's done some research). He gave us a prescription for Elavil 10 mg to take for 3 days along with the Lexapro and then to stop the Lexapro on the 4th day & continue with the Elavil. He made another appointment for July 27th and wants to see that Benny is doing better and if he is then he wants him to stop the Elavil. He says that he's taken many people off of Lexapro this way. He has seen many suffer from Lexapro withdrawal but not with as severe dizziness and duration of dizziness as Benny. I told him that I don't want to substitute one antidepressant for another as that has happened too oftne in the past. He says that he want st o use the Elavil as a bridge to get Benny through the withdrawal and then to get him off of both drugs. He doesn't fell that Benny is depressed and said that SSRI's affect certain worse than others because they are such a stimulant to the Serontonin levels in the brain. I was very negative about the Lex and he told I shouldn't be that way because there are people who are seriously depressed to the point of suicidal thoughts that Lexapro has brought them out of. I told him that I have the right to speak the way that I do as I speak from experience and I wouldn't wish this drug on anyone. (I do have to add that the girls in the office were talking about lunch the previous day & it was provided by the Lexapro reps..................go figure) As you can imagine, I'm very hesitant to fill the RX, but at the same time what happens if we don't , what do we tell him at our next appointment. I asked him how long we can expect Benny to feel lousy and he said that if he is still dizzy after 2 weeks from starting the Elavil then I need to call him. I asked if this was a drug that took time to take effect and if so should we expect withdrawal. He said normally it does take time but because Benny already has the Lexapro in his system and the way that he instating the Elevil that it will work sooner. He said that it has no withdrawal, that he has all of his patients stop at once with no effects at all. That is why he is using at a "bridge". He likened it to morphine addiction and the withdrawal that accompanies it, that a person is usually prescribed Darvicet as a bridge to get off the morphine because the Darvicet can be stopped with no withdrawal. I would really appreciate some thoughts & opinions on this one, we have a major decision to make. I did ask about the Sectral and he said that if it had a interaction with the Elavil that his computer wouldn't even let him write out the RX (which he was doing at the time). I've looked up Elavil on here, I've found some but certainly not as much info as Lexapro (maybe because it has been around so long & not prescribed as much anymore). Most posts referred to someone finding one and wanting help in identifying it. Benny woke up dizzy but he seems a bit calmer as I write. I'll check in later.

Aunty
I hope your daughter is doing well. My daughter is leaving for Italy in a month & I feel your pain. She is what 17? Mine is 15. I have yet to read all the post for the past 2 years, but I was wondering why after 2 years your daughter is still on Lexapro, did something stop the tapering at some point? Forgive me for being nosy, I just really felt anguish for you last night as I read how you came to be here and it seemed as though the tapers were doing well, I stopped reading at 14mg. Thank you for your advice on the herbal supplements, we will try to get them today.

Kimberoo

[tavee]

Hi Guys!!

God I Missed All My Lex Pals.
I Just Got Back From Orlando. We Were On Vacation For A Week.
I Didnt Have Access To Email And I Was Going Nuts!!

I Am Doing Fine. This Vacation Really Helped Even Though I Was A Crab The Last Few Days (pms).

How Is Everyone Feeling?

Hairy- How Are U?
Aunty- How Is Ure Daughter Doing?
Skyer- What About U?

I Just Want U To Know That I Pray And Prayed For Everyone Every Night.

I Missed All Of U.

Take Care All
Tavee

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Tavee!
So glad to have you back - I was just thinking about you this morning.. am glad that you had a good vacation and a break - !

To those cold turkeying...or thinking about it
I'm sorry, but I just cannot understand why anyone, after reading these posts and forums, AND the labels on the drug itself, could possibly think of cold turkeying.. You guys have absolutely no idea what can be in store for you. If you have been taking the drug already for a while, and been semi ok on it, reinstating and tapering is NOT putting poison into your system - it's common sense. SSRI use, by simple mechanical action, reduces the number of receptors in your brain and body, because your body destroys them in order not to get an overdose of serotonin. That's just a fact. Cold turkeying removes the agent that had replaced the natural serotonin - Serotonin is a neurotransmitter!! Removing this cold turkey is ridiculous.. your whole body and brain depends upon it. It takes months for the neural receptors to regrow - usually at least 6+ to 1 1/2 years.. you can't speed it up! That's why its the same timeframe as a stroke, or a traumatic brain injury... nerves are not like skin, they take much more time to regrow back...So, your going without neurotransmitters for like endless months, with peaks and deep valleys, as your brain slowly tries to heal itself without letting the body totally fall apart. LOTS OF FUN... Interruptions in serotonin production in infants causes sudden-infant-death syndrome (SIDS).. it's serious.
Obviously depending on your p450 metabolism, some persons metabolize the drug faster than many others... therefore having less overall active drug in the system at the time - these people will have less withdrawal effects, because less drug was present in their system overall thus less receptors were destroyed. How do you know? If you're suffering much with cold turkey, ESPECIALLY from large doses, your brain is suffering much... and it could be a LONG time befpre it is able to heal. I had to get off fast due to adverse reaction, and though I felt HORRIBLE, I thought I'd be better in a few weeks, then was sure by 3-4 months I'd be fine. Here I am coming on 7 months, still struggling, seizures, depersonalization, great difficulty thinking, interacting with others, leave of absence from my job etc. I would have never guessed.

Basically, choosing to go cold turkey on ssri's is exactly like choosing to get in a head on collision car crash having major head injury. Same kind of TBI, same time frame for recovery, much of the same difficulty in recovering and pain, because its neural damage ~ just read the symptoms for TBI, much is nearly the same for ssri recovery.

I'm sorry this is so strong, but it is the truth. For so many, the suffering is pointless and needless. It's not about toughing it out, it's just about common sense - even if you want to go cold turkey yourself just because you want to, you have to think about others, your family that will often suffer greatly, children, friends that you will not be able to be there for ~ you cannot gage right in the beginning how long recovery will be. By tapering, you can feel the effect of withdrawal each time, and let your body rest and recover in between tapers - if you're doing really well, you can try a little more, but your the one in control. Once you cold turkey and your window of opportunity is gone, you are out of control. Many have to quit there job or take a leave of absence, though were doing well in the beginning. The shock is so hard on the body that as time passes, new effects come up that are stronger than ever before. you are simply on a ride that is out of your hands, and the consequences can be very great. Please consider these things - if not for yourself, than for care and concern of those around you ~ often who have an even harder time with your withdrawal than you do..

Again, all of us here, especially the old posters, are NOT trying to frighten or scare anyone - we have just suffered so very much, so very much passes through us that never even is written about in the posts. My poor family has suffered and cried so much through my withdrawals, it is so hard for them. Please reconsider - it is such an easy thing to avoid!

You're all in our prayers... take care please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EM

[lblue]

Thank you skorpeo72 and Elizabethmaria for you advice. What would be a good dose to reinstate at?

[elizabethmaria]

sorry for the mispellings in those posts!
EM

[Hairyarmadillo]

Bad day-have had a lot worse but am definitely taking Elizabethmaria's advice on no sleeping aids. Shame on me but I got back to taking the benadryl and now I am back to having trouble completing my sentences. I saw it coming back but kept thinking "how bad can 2 benadryl affect me" After all, by now it should all be over with. Yeah, I knew better but did it anyway.


Kimberoo I can by no means top what Aunty is telling you-she is so on target with all that. I know it is precious little, but tell him to hang in there, it is going to improve, just is going to take some time. It gets pretty bleak looking when you are first figuring it all out but once you get on the path towards recovering, things start looking up. This bad time is not going to last forever.


Hopeful Thanks for finding that. The day I read Elizabethmarie and then your post was a turning point for me, spiritually. Since starting on the SSRIs I have had a decline in spirituality, which freaked me out when I read that is a common occurence in people on SSRIs WHY?? Doesn't make sense. You would think that we would feel all calm and happy and MORE spiritual, but whatever the cause, I drifted. I really FELT your all's words and a calm went with it. A person never knows how much influence they can have through a post. Thanks.

Everyone I am so tired and wiped out, have to keep going back in my head to find the remainder of my thoughts, so I am going to go chug a lug some Noni juice, take my Omega3 and veg out. Definitely going to check out that Mona-vie. And no more benadryl for me. Don't care if my nose is falling off from sneezing.

[skorpeo72]

Well as I stated before , I am not going to reinstate at all.
I am going to wait out the withdrawal symptoms and they really arent that bad anymore Im doing everything i was before I stopped.

Every once in a while I still get a dizzy spell but its not as bad as it was.
The 2 biggest things that have helped me out in this were"
No Coffee!! Cant stress it enough ...once I stopped drinking it my symptoms just about faded out.

And the Mona Vie that I have been drinking ....Helps me sleep and pretty much calms everything.

Im going to stick with this pattern and hopefully ill be 100 percent soon enough.

Thank you skorpeo72 and Elizabethmaria for you advice. What would be a good dose to reinstate at?

[auntybiotic]

I am praying that the elavil will work but in reality I do not think that it will. The receptors will need to regenerate and that takes time. Now while your husband is taking both the elavil and lexapro please watch for signs of serotonin syndrome and mania. What dose of lexapro was suggested by the doctor? What about the klonopin........stopping that? I am praying that by some miracle this method will work.................then everyone can run out and get elavil prescribed............I wish it were that easy.

My daughter can only taper about .02 of a milligram at a time and still be able to maintain college courses, a A average in all subjects at school and her job as well as volunteering thru this mess.

She has come from 20 Mg to 6.8 Mg but it has taken a LONG time. She is very affected by withdrawals so if I taper by more she will be in bed and crying or angry. Even at that small dose for about a week after a taper she is ill with sleeplessness and severe stomach cramping. I think this because she was STARTED at 20 Mg as a child!!!!

Good luck and please keep us informed.

[Downandoff]

Hello everyone 29 male, I have been on 10 mg lexapro for about three years. I take it for depression and anxiety. I have gained alot of belly fat (about 35 lbs) I have slowly been getting more and more care free on the drug, to the point I didn’t care to go to work to support my family. My wife wants me to get off of it so I have slowly been weaning myself off. 2.5 mg every three days. For about 2 weeks. My last dose was 4 days ago and I am having mood swings like crazy (*************************y) and I am having brain and body zaps through out the day almost like mini seizures. They are extremely bothersome. Is there a way to curve these zaps?? How long do they typicaly last? I had the same problem with celexa many years ago. I run my own business and it has been hard to deal with clients and stay on track. The drug helped me very much but I am ready to get off it and try living drug free again. Any information would be appreciated.

[auntybiotic]

You should only of tapered by 5 to 10% of your current dose every three weeks or until you are stable after a taper. You could have those zaps for many months. I hope that you do not but after so many years of lexapro use....................it could take almost a year or more to feel better.

I know others here are cold turkeying and will wait it out...................... so read some of the posts on this page and you may get an idea of what reaction may be ahead. You tapered so fast that essentially you cold turkeyed. Hopefully everyone does not have bad reactions for longterm................but so far I have not experienced anyone that tapered quickly that did not have long term problems.................I am hoping that there will be a few here that can meet this challenge and succeed!!!