[Hairyarmadillo]

skorpeo72 I LOVE your comment about coffee and do agree whole heartedly. Avoiding caffeine makes such a difference. When I started my taper and wanted to sleep all the time, I thought "what can just a little caffeine do?" HA!! Then, when my major symptoms were gone, I drank about soda. NOT a pretty experience. I am going to get the Monavie. It should be beneficial anyway, whether for Lexapro withdrawal or not. That was what convinced me about the Noni juice. Wasn't going to be detrimental one way or the other. Glad that your symptoms are getting better. Do keep on posting along the way. I think it is critical that people who cold turkey without major issues post on here in order to provide a more complete picture. I have always said that somewhere out there are people who don't have the "worst case scenario" type symptoms or the need to taper would be more readily known by doctors, although at this point I feel that a lot of doctors are mistaking the withdrawal for a need for patients to stay on the medication. I would love to be proven wrong. I have a friend who was on only 5 mgs for years and she did the day on, day off strategy, had no major symptoms getting off and has had no mood alteration after a month and half of being off it. I am keeping tabs on her to see how it goes. So, even when you are sailing along smoothly, no problems at all, please pop in and post to let us know how you are doing, moodwise, etc.

downandoff I can relate to you big time!! I gained weight, but the majority of mine came from Paxil. Then came the apathy. It crept up slowly but on the Paxil I got to where the world could have come to an end and I wouldn't have cared. I felt almost catatonic. I got off the Paxil and then later got on Lexapro. The apathy came back before long, though no as strong. I do know if I had stayed on it, it would have gotten worse. As I started weaning off, I became emotionally more alive, I started caring about things I didn't care about in forever. As more time has passed, I am noticing things in my life that were relegated to the background. I am also getting back my empathy which is crucial to my job working with students who tend to have a lot of emotional issues. It is amazing what a difference it is. I am going to say the same thing Aunty said ,though, about the tapering. I would suggest getting back on the dose and doing a slower taper to reduce not only the physical and emotional aspects you are enduring now, but to avoid the emotional issues that can crop up later. I have dealt with depression all my life, really severe at times, but 3 to 4 months after I did a fast wean from Lexapro the first time, I was hit with the worst depression/anxiety ever. I assumed it was because I needed the medication and went back on, but have since found that is something that regularly happens to people withdrawaling from Lexapro and does in fact go away. However, knowing that does not make it fun. I did not the slowest of tapers this time, but much slower and so far the emotional aspect is better. But since you have had depression in the past then I really think you should consider doing some sort of slower taper. At least get some magnesium malate supplements (have found that this also helps my moods/energy even though I was taking it for the emotional aspects) and Omega 3 fish oil. It will help your build back up and recover. One of the most helpful things I have done is being proactive along the recovery path and engaging in positive self-talk. The moods can get pretty bad and it is important that you talk yourself through it, realizing it is the medication affecting your perception, not the reality of the situation. since your wife has been supportive of your getting off it, make her aware that many people who have gone through this feel a need to sleep a lot, have other physical issues and mood swings. That way she can help encourage you along the way. And please do continue posting. We will do all we can on this end to keep you uplifted and give tips that may help you through this.

[kimberoo]

Good morning Everyone!

Yesterday started out pretty much the same as far as withdrawal goes. In the afternoon we went to GNC. I got the Rescue Remedy, they didn't have the White Chestnut. I wasn't able to get the Carlson's brand of fish oil, instead I got the GNC brand Double Strength Fish Body Oil with 360 mg EPA & 240 mg DHA, will this work as well? Also, I couldn't find Magnesium Malate so I got Magnesium 250 mg as Magnesium Oxide & Magnesium Gluconate. Again, will this work? So anyhow, Benny took his 5mg of Lexapro and I forced him to eat as he hadn't touched anything for 24 hours, we went home and he took the Rescue Remedy. I had to leave for 1 1/2 hours so I left my daughter home with him, when I came back he looked surprisingly calm, he said that he was still dizzy but hadn't had any shocks for 1 hour!!! As the night progressed he had chamomile tea and the Rescue Remedy again, it's 9:45 am and he's still sleeping. It may be a combination of the 5mg stabilizing him and the drops, I can't deny the fact that he got some peace after the drops. Thanks guys!! He has this thing anymore that when we go into large enclosed places he feels worse. At the mall, at Home Depot etc., but it's been happening for a few months, it must be every time he tapers, I think it is too much stimulation.

Aunty
I agree that it is quite a risk because regardless he is still going cold turkey any way you look at it. I thought maybe he should try the Elavil along with the Lexapro and continue to taper, not stop after 3 days, but the thought of being on another drug for that scares me too, will it be a whole new slew of side effects to worry about?....most probably. I think we need to be sure of what he's doing before he takes that route. Just as his Dr. said, some people are more sensitive to side effects and most likely Benny's one of them. I did do something drastic yesterday, let me know what you think. I called Johns Hopkins, they have an Anxiety Disorders Clinic

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Psych...nxiety_clinic/

I did an intake over the phone and I'm expecting a call back sometime today. She said that it will be able presented to the staff of Dr.s and they'll decide if they can help Benny. I let them know that the purpose of my interest was for withdrawal and to get off the meds, not to be prescribed anymore. We'll have to see what comes of that. At least they are people who deal with this on a daily basis. Not GP's and Internists who don't understand what any of us are talking about. As for the Sectral, Benny's too scared to get off of it because the one thing that has been a constant all these years is the palpitations and the Sectral does help them. No, the klonopin was used very rarely, the most was once at night for 3 days in a row this past weekend, otherwise he barely touched it. He actually HATES medicine, so if he can get by on natural things such as chamomile and now these drops, he will. I'm so sorry that I made that assumption about your daughter's age, I never put 2 and 2 together that she had probably been on the Lexapro for awhile. You are blessed that she can manage such a busy and productive lifestyle with all that she's been through and continues to go through today. She's lucky to have an amazing mother to guide her also!!

Hairyaramdillo
You've been through a similar SSRI past as my husband. His Dr. too said that it was the "clean" version with no side effects. How can they know that when a drug first comes out on the market? You've been encouraging, I wanted to let you know that I appreciate it as this feels like a never ending nightmare!

Elizabethmaria
What a pretty name! Your post warning everyone about stopping cold turkey was just we needed to hear yesterday. It was blunt and to the point, but that is what is needed when you realize ignorance is bliss. I have experience with a family member who had TBI, all the Dr.s could say was "wait & see", the science of looking into ones brain and understanding exactly how it works is so far off in the future that the medical field has to play guessing games worse than we are now. Thanks for the wake-up call, otherwise he may have started the Elavil last night.

He's awake and very dizzy, but fewer shocks, moving his eyes is unbearable still and his head still feels heavy. He's holding his head stiff so as not to have any sudden movements which is causing neck pain.

You know, I was thinking how grand God truly is. I've been praying for help and he brought me you folks, you have truly pulled us through this week, if it had not been for you we would have continued skipping days and Benny may have been to the ER more than once. He's not over this episode but I do have hope now. Thank you, my friends!

Kimberoo

[kimberoo]

Ok, I should change my name to Royal Pain in the Ass!! Sorry guys! Benny is concerned about this dizziness that won't let up, it is constant, absolutely 24/7. He's had many years of dizziness as you can see in my previous posts, possibly worse during tapers, but has anyone had the dizziness to the point of no relief at all? Or is something that comes & goes for you guys? Any insight would help!

[Hairyarmadillo]

kimberoo I am taking the magnesium oxide. I was in the middle of all these withdrawals, went out and bought Omega 3 (not karlson's) and magnesium, thinking it was all the same. have continued on my Omega3 since it is a big bottle and is supposed to be low in mercury, etc. Am thinking it is GNC brand. Anyhow, my magnesium (ha which is also a big bottle) is still helping none the less. The thing about the malate is that it is supposed to be more readily absorbed (am thinking, if I am wrong someone pop in here). I looked at GNC yesterday certain they would have magnesium malate, but nope, they don't. So I am going to order it somewhere but for now I just keep taking the other. I wasn't that moved to take the magnesium but eventually tried it for muscular issues. Now I swear by it.
I don't know about the dizziness. I had some major issues with this while going off Paxil, since I definitely can say it was cold turkey and this lasted several months. I can't say it was constant dizziness, though. I do think what you all are doing now is going to start affecting this before long. I don't know if he wants to try the Noni juice or not, but it really has helped me. It is really good for the depersonalization issues accompanying the withdrawals, but it is supposed to be good for the body overall. Maybe it would help build him up. I swear when I skip this, I feel like a different person. But, as you have found, Aunty has a plethora of supplements she knows about for specific issues.

[rockytopgirl]

Or should I say, howdy? As you might tell from my name, I'm from Tennessee! Anyway, I am so happy and relieved to find this forum. I have been taking Lexapro, 10 mg, for the past 8 months for panic d/o. I don't have panic symptoms all of the time, but I recently went through a divorce and out of state move, so I've had a lot going on. Everything is very well, in that department, now.

In fact, I started taking Lexapro right after separating (Sept. of '05), then quit taking it in about March of '06. I didn't technically quit cold turkey, b/c I would forget to take it half the time anyway. I didn't experience any wd's that time, but this time they are terrible! I started taking it again in November of last year for more panic symptoms, and for the past 4 months, I've only taken it (every 2-3 days), to relieve the withdrawal symptoms. Now I've finally quit and been free for 1 week. The zapping, dizziness, cold symptoms, nightmares and headaches have been crazy! I'm not going back, though, ever. If I have panic again, then I'll go to my therapist and just deal.

One other reason I've quit is that I developed a CRAVING for alcohol while taking Lexapro. I just recently remarried, and my husband also takes Lexapro (for almost a year). Both of us started drinking way more than we usually would at night. Before, both of us might go weeks without having a drink or just have a couple of glasses of wine on the weekend. It started becoming a joke between us! We thought maybe it was just because we were so happy with each other and having a party. But I've found other forums which have discussed that symptom in detail. I am SOOOO embarrassed and ashamed of myself for letting it get so crazy. However, since I quit taking Lexapro, I have actually had an aversion to thought of having a drink. THANK GOD. I thought I was becoming a different person. Maybe I was!

Thanks for letting me go on and on. I've seen some suggestions regarding supplements. Magnesium oxide and fish oil? Could somebody just give me a quick description of the exact name of each?

Thank you so much, again.

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by rockytopgirl

In fact, I started taking Lexapro right after separating (Sept. of '05), then quit taking it in about March of '06. I didn't technically quit cold turkey, b/c I would forget to take it half the time anyway. I didn't experience any wd's that time, but this time they are terrible! I started taking it again in November of last year for more panic symptoms, and for the past 4 months, I've only taken it (every 2-3 days), to relieve the withdrawal symptoms. Now I've finally quit and been free for 1 week. The zapping, dizziness, cold symptoms, nightmares and headaches have been crazy! I'm not going back, though, ever. If I have panic again, then I'll go to my therapist and just deal.

One other reason I've quit is that I developed a CRAVING for alcohol while taking Lexapro. I just recently remarried, and my husband also takes Lexapro (for almost a year). Both of us started drinking way more than we usually would at night. Before, both of us might go weeks without having a drink or just have a couple of glasses of wine on the weekend. It started becoming a joke between us! We thought maybe it was just because we were so happy with each other and having a party. But I've found other forums which have discussed that symptom in detail. I am SOOOO embarrassed and ashamed of myself for letting it get so crazy. However, since I quit taking Lexapro, I have actually had an aversion to thought of having a drink. THANK GOD. I thought I was becoming a different person. Maybe I was!

Thanks for letting me go on and on. I've seen some suggestions regarding supplements. Magnesium oxide and fish oil? Could somebody just give me a quick description of the exact name of each?

Thank you so much, again.

I had not heard that about alcohol before. I do know while I was on Paxil I had incredible periods of craving and binging on things high in sugar and carbs. Couldn't stop eating them. On the Lexapro, I didn't have this and ate healthier but couldn't lose the weight. UGH. I didn't have any major symptoms when I quit Lexapro the first time, other than need for sleep but that was shortly gone within a couple of weeks. However, months later I experienced emotional issue with rebound depression and anxiety. This time the physical symptoms of withdrawal were more noticeable, and I had mood issues while withdrawing. I did taper though not as slowly as possible.

I do not know of specific brand names recommended for magnesium, I just look on the shelves of supplements and it is labeled as as magnesium. It will also say either magnesium malate or magnesium oxide. As far as the Omega 3 Fish oil, I did the same thing, looking for the words Omega 3 but people in the know here advise to get the brand name Karlson's Omega 3 because it is guaranteed to have NO mercury, a possible hazard of some other brands.

[tavee]

Wowwww
I Can Not Believe All The Newbies On This Forum. I Have Been Gone For A Week And Already There Are Like 6 New People. What Is Going On???

This Is To All The Newbies- Whatever U Do, Do Not Quit Cold Turkey Cuz U Just Want To Get Off This Drug. I Dont Care If U Have Side Effects. U Will Suffer More If U Go Cold Turkey.

I Was On 10mg For 3 Years For Postpartum. Since October I Have Been Tapering Very Slow.i Have To Taper 5% Every 2 Weeks Or I Will Suffer If I Taper More. I Am At 1.6 Ml(liquid Lex). I Am Taking All My Supplements And I Still Have About 6 More Months To Go To Get Off It Completely.
If U Do This Right, I Promise U Will Not Suffer Now Or In The Longrun.

If U Read My Posts And Everyone Else's U Will See What Everyone Has Gone Thru.

I Tried Getting Off This Drug A Year Ago The Wrong Way, And God Did I Suffer(zaps, Crying, Losing My Eyesight Everything Bad That U Can Imagine).

Moral Of The Story???? Do Not Quit Cold Turkey!!!



Dr Tavee

[kellee]

Hey all. Been off Lexapro for at least a month. Don't keep track like the rest of you. Found if I skip my Monavie juice for a few days, I get dizzy spells. I feel so normal that I forget to drink it. Staying positve in my mindset and drinking my juice 2x a day keeps me healthy and feeling really good. Reading the threads makes me feel so fortunate. I have had an easier time than most. God Bless you all.

[auntybiotic]

Glad your husband has had some relief.

Now if it were MY husband, and again this is my opinion, I would continue the 5 Mg of lexapro for the next three days or so and see how much more improvement he gets. I am betting it will be a great deal better by the fourth or fifth day.

This way you are sure the symptoms were actually from the lexapro withdrawal and the improvement is from reistating the lexapro. That knowledge in itself is very valuable and will give you a basis for making future decisions.

For the dizziness, go to the drug store and get Bonnie or Dramamnine no drowsey formula....this will be a god send. The Vitamin Shoppe can order the Bach White Chestnut flower essence, I really think you should have it on hand for him. Or else you can goonline and order it for about $8.00.

The supplments that you have will be fine. I would suggest lecithin to prevent any jerking that may be coming in the future from the lexapro tapers. The lecithin will also make the zaps go away for good, not to mention heal the receptors in the brain. Inisitol will also help a great deal and prevent future moodiness and depression. Both may be started at the directed doses on the bottle.

All I can say is that, if in the next few days, if your husband is feeling better from the 5 Mg lexapro.........then the tapering methods recommened here of 5 to 10 % may work as it has for many others..........................the elavil I have not had any experience with.....so you will have to make that decision.

Good Luck and as I mentioned, the Bonnie and dramamine (non drowsey formula) may aid in the dizziness. Let us knw how the elavil works as this will be new knowledge. It would be wonderful if it actually did work but I wonder how the recptors will repair if the elavil is suppose to be stopped in a few weeks. Certainly I will be very interested in your husband's experience. Good luck and keep us informed..

[Downandoff]

Okay I think your right. I ended up taking 5 mg this morning and i will try to tapper slower. I am still having zapps but they usually subside after the lex getts through my system (about 8 hours). I have a bunch of 20mg pills left and it is a pain trying to cut them up into 1/4 s then 1/8 s. I am determined to get off of the lex though so thanks for your advice.

[Downandoff]

Also what are some of the supplements you would recomend for the tapper? I noticed a few diffrent ones in the threads. (5-htp, monavie) what are these and where can i get them. Thanks so much for all of your support.

[rockytopgirl]

You mentioned lecithin in your last message. I looked it up online and there appears to be several ways of taking it. Do you know which might be the easiest and most cost effective? Thank you!

[Downandoff]

Thanks for your information and being so helpful. I will continue to post as time goes on.

[farmergirl]

I was on 15 mg Lexapro for 18 mos (anxiety). After several failed attempts at cutting down (couldn't handle the intensity of the side effects) I was finally able to get off by lowering the dose each week until I got to 1 mg. at which point I quit. I've had just about every side effect mentioned in this forum, but also, as soon as I was completely off, my blood sugars went WILD! I haven't gained any (more) weight since the intial weaning attempts. This all began happening at the time I quit completely. We're talking 75-100 pts above my normal "high" readings (still below 300). After being completely off for 3.5 weeks, I've noticed that they're starting to come down some. Has anyone had any experience like this? Does anyone understand it?

[elizabethmaria]

Hairy, Hopeful,
Thank you for posting those as reminders -- it's so easy to forget, even if it came from our own fingers! especially when it's rough. Thanks though, I needed that too very very much. I'm sorry you're having a bad day Hairyarmadillo -- just a thought, my co-worker has bad allergies and sinus problems, and the last few weeks she went off dairy and wheat, and it improved enormously... maybe just coincidence, but maybe you could try that? I know, one more thing to go without, but maybe it's worth a try? I know I feel better with less bread/dairy, but it's hard to stick to very well, toast and milk is so tasty
Hopeful, how are you doing? I think your exactly 1 month ahead of me -- what are you dealing with at your stage?? I've just been having lots of weird mood/emotional swings, kind of out of my immediate control... I was wondering, has anyone of you had intense feelings of guilt as part of withdrawal? I haven't had that before, but the last month or so , have had these strong feelings -- of course we all have things we feel badly about, but these feelings are so powerful, and kind of doomsdayish... like something terrible is going to happen, like am going to be punished or something...I'm hoping it's not me - anything like that? it's kind of disturbing - read somewhere else that someone had that.. it's uncomfortable! seems to act like a symptom, like it disappears with no trace and then returns, just hoping it is!

Skyer, do you remember the name of that girl that also had seizures on Paxil Progess? I can't find her there, and was hoping to read some of her posts... if you remember.... hope you're doing awesome!
love,
Elizabethmarie

[KEITH L.I]

Figure I'd give you a update..It's been 3 months as of today,I went cold turkey on 10 mg of Lexapro.Ya know,last week it seems the symptoms were starting to taper off,for 2 days I didn't feel dizzy at all,although my right side of my neck still hurt.WEll the dizziness is back this week.Not as bad as it was the first few months but still hanging in.,at least the brain shocks are gone .When will I really know when I'm back to normal?Does it happen overnight or gradual?Will there be more good days thaen bad days the next few months or should I go back on the medication?I want to stick it out because it has been 3 months but I would like to feel back to normal.Also when does this neck pain go away.Thanks for you help,folks

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by KEITH L.I

Figure I'd give you a update..It's been 3 months as of today,I went cold turkey on 10 mg of Lexapro.Ya know,last week it seems the symptoms were starting to taper off,for 2 days I didn't feel dizzy at all,although my right side of my neck still hurt.WEll the dizziness is back this week.Not as bad as it was the first few months but still hanging in.,at least the brain shocks are gone .When will I really know when I'm back to normal?Does it happen overnight or gradual?Will there be more good days thaen bad days the next few months or should I go back on the medication?I want to stick it out because it has been 3 months but I would like to feel back to normal.Also when does this neck pain go away.Thanks for you help,folks

You will definitely have good days and bad days, but the good days should continue to increase as the bad days decrease. I have only been off for 10 weeks after doing a slow taper (not the slowest) and honestly for the most part the physical symptoms are gone. When they do come, they are very minor, not enough to keep me from doing my normal routine. Are you taking any of the supplements? Are you avoiding caffeine or anything that has stimulant effects? I know it seems forever since you have taken a Lexapro, but it is still important to avoid caffeine/stimulants and take supplements that will help build your body back up. Since it has been 3 months that you stopped Lexapro, it will not help to start back on the Lexapro. I know what you mean about being ready to feel normal again, but it is going to take time and will be worth it. Hang in there!!

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by Downandoff

Also what are some of the supplements you would recomend for the tapper? I noticed a few diffrent ones in the threads. (5-htp, monavie) what are these and where can i get them. Thanks so much for all of your support.

I WAS taking 5-HTP but stopped after finding this can cause problems. Do not take 5-HTP or any other herbs that may affect serotonin levels.

Tavee Hello! What's up, Doc?
It is good to see your posts-they are always so enthustiastic. I need another one on the importance of taking supplements regularly.

Elizabethmarie Why can I get off Lexapro, but not benadryl and other sleep aids? That is stupid! I know it is making me feel terribly but it is more of a sleep thing now.

[KEITH L.I]

Originally Posted by Hairyarmadillo

You will definitely have good days and bad days, but the good days should continue to increase as the bad days decrease. I have only been off for 10 weeks after doing a slow taper (not the slowest) and honestly for the most part the physical symptoms are gone. When they do come, they are very minor, not enough to keep me from doing my normal routine. Are you taking any of the supplements? Are you avoiding caffeine or anything that has stimulant effects? I know it seems forever since you have taken a Lexapro, but it is still important to avoid caffeine/stimulants and take supplements that will help build your body back up. Since it has been 3 months that you stopped Lexapro, it will not help to start back on the Lexapro. I know what you mean about being ready to feel normal again, but it is going to take time and will be worth it. Hang in there!!

THanks for you advise.I am not taking a suppliment at this time,what would you recommend?I guess my symptoms are minor compared to a few months ago,but I still get dizzy with that feeling of motion sickness from time to time.I guess I'll have to stick it out.Question,would change in weather have anything to do with the good days and bad days?

[Hopeful 285]

Hi Elizabethmaria,
I was having guilty feelings at times because I couldn't be helpful to people like I used to. I also felt guilty when I took a leave of absence from work.
I would get those doomsday feelings and I didn't enjoy anything during those times. Those were the times that I was unable to click with my spiritual side and I felt disconnected to God, even though I knew he was always there.
Just keep praying, I got through this stage and you will too.
I have not felt that doomsday feeling for weeks now.
I feel very connected to God now. He healed me in that way completely and I am patiently waiting on the rest.
Just keep praying and I will also keep praying for you and you will be looking back at this and you feeling so very very grateful as I'm sure you already do. You have came a long way. You will make it.
At this stage I feel happy, cheerful, hopeful, and thankful.
The symptoms I still have are my head bobbles and jerks to the left. I fall once in a while. This is brought on by stress and over-exertion.
I still have a strange sensation in the center of my brain but it is milder and easier to cope with now.
I occasionally get electric-like feelings in my toes.
Today I was diagnosed with hashimoto's disease of the thyroid.
I get earaches on and on in my left ear. I have vertigo.
Most of my symptoms are easier or completely gone.
I believe I do have brain damage because of the movement disorder and the sensation in my head that is like a numbness. I also believe the damage has reversed somewhat already and will continue.
Elizbethmaria, remember as a christian what you are going through is not in vain. God is using us to help others.
I talked my nephew into quiting celexa. He had not been on it long at all. He started taking it and I started putting the scare into him.
We will be able to help others all our lives because of our experience.
Remember when I told you I made a Rosary Devotion Booklet per a request from a friend for her church groups. It is too big to email. If you still want one, I can mail it to you. My email address is clmackan@aol.com.
As I read in one of your emails "I am a safe person".
I pray God's Blessing be with you for all your care you are giving with the people on this thread.

[skyer]

Hi EM,

Great post about NOT going cold turkey!

I'm much better than last week, but just today that stomach stuff I had last week started up again. I'm hoping it's only a toxic dump from my liver from all the activity I've been able to do. My store is coming along. I can't believe I have the brain power to do this. Plus, I have some help or else I couldn't do it. And limited hours when I open. I'd love for you to see it someday when you visit Portland.

My nervous system is still really whacky. I get jumpy over good stress, too. I feel very fragile. I can also relate to your moods/emotions...mine are still trying to even out, up and down and up and down.

The woman on Paxil Progress is named Shea Carney. Velventeengreen is good, too. It's been very helpful for me to follow their progress and I know that both of them have moved on with their lives. We will too!

[Hopeful 285]

Skorpeo72,
We are giving you advice about the cold turkey that we wish someone else had told us.
Do you know that Lexapro is 98 percent protein binding and that it takes a very long time to get it out of your system because of this?
Do you know you can get delayed withdrawals?
Do you know if you stay off it 6 weeks, you can never reinstate because the damage is done and you will have months to rehabliitate?
Do you know that the longer you take it, the more likely you are to have a serious problem quitting cold turkey? It took me almost a month before I was in the emergency room with bp 206/116. I crashed.
Do you know that quitting cold turkey can cause such serious problems that can take a year to 18 months to recuperate?
Do you know that in Dr. Peter Breggin and Dr. Ann Blake Tracy's books there are warnings about the seriousness of quitting cold turkey?
Do you know that this drug is worse quitting cold turkey from street drugs?
This is why we don't have centers that can accomodate.
Do you know you can have a lot of good days at first and then start going downhill and get progressively worse for months before you see any improvement?
2 weeks off a drug that is not protein binding like this drug might mean something, but at this stage at the 1st sign of any setback you really should reinstate. You only have until 6 weeks. After that reinstating could be hurtful and would not alleviate any withdrawals.
4 years is a very long time to be on this drug. Please be careful. I warned by brother-in-law and he wouldn't listen and now he has tremors after taking cymbalta for 6 months.
All antipressants have a possibility of doing the same harm to your brain.

Sorry,
From another nag who cares what happens.

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by KEITH L.I

THanks for you advise.I am not taking a suppliment at this time,what would you recommend?I guess my symptoms are minor compared to a few months ago,but I still get dizzy with that feeling of motion sickness from time to time.I guess I'll have to stick it out.Question,would change in weather have anything to do with the good days and bad days?

Someone earlier was talking about dizziness and Aunty recommended a non-drowsy dramamine. My constant supplements are magnesium (magnesium malate is supposedly the best), Omega3 fish oil (Karlson's has a good reputation for being mercury free and effective) and Noni juice. I do get a bit cocky at time and skip them, then I can feel a difference after a few days. It's such a little thing to do, but really does help. I don't know if change in weather can affect it or not. I certainly wouldn't be surprised.

[elizabethmaria]

Skyer, Hopeful,
Thanks so much for your emails-- I'm going to print that one out... I would love a rosary booklet Hopeful, and I'll email you with my address. I've just had a rough day again, lots of seizures and powerful ones. Am doing ok though -- I had a question again though.. kind of personal, but I have a boyfriend, who I met in the fall, and lives a state away... we haven't really seen each other (except once) since I got so sick, and had to step back. I guess it really bothers me, but I just so don't feel like myself now - I feel like I just can't deal with the situation -- he so wants to come visit, and will in a couple of weeks again. Just feel bad for him, as he's kind of serious, and I just can't even think about things very well at ALL. I just want to keep pushing it back because I feel like I cannot deal with a relationship at this time, but am really afraid that I won't feel I can for a long time - my brain is so weird, I feel I can't give him the response, and respect and everything that he needs too cause I'm so out of it. He knows about everything, and the seizures, and was there when I had them, but I think it's a little overwhelming, and I can't DO anything with him either, go anywhere, etc., which makes me feel bad too... Do you know if our ability to handle more complex things comes any time soon? probably not, but it's just so frustrating, and I feel bad for him, and guilty myself - I told him he can go meet other people, but he just doesn't listen - I feel like, what if this doesn't work out, and I'm wasting his time? But then I CAN'T seem to deal with it in any other way... oh well... I know that's personal.. but this not being able to handle life is so uncomfortable! At these times I wish I didn't know anyone, and could just wait and start all over again, but then he's been there for me, at least by phone the whole time... a very good friend... I've been praying much much about it, but just don't know what to think...
any advice or anything? sorry, it's KINDof ssri related, right?
Thanks again for your help, it REAlly helped me a lot today - dear angels!
love,
Elizabethmarie

[lblue]

Originally Posted by 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.

I didn't mean for you to reinstate (skorpeo72). I meant what dose of lexapro for me to reinstate at.
But you know what? All that I am really having problems with is my worrying has increased a lot. If I can get over that I think I will be ok.

[lblue]

Originally Posted by lblue

I didn't mean for you to reinstate (skorpeo72). I meant what dose of lexapro for me to reinstate at.
But you know what? All that I am really having problems with is my worrying has increased a lot. If I can get over that I think I will be ok.

One more question, what on earth is Mona vie?

[lblue]

I forgot to mention that I am also taking ativan for panic attacks, can this be helping me with the withdrawls from the lexapro? (I only take one fourth to one half of a 1mg tablet).

[devynsmommy]

Update for the weekend:

Well, I have a slight headache today, but I think that's partly because I had to make two, yes TWO, trips to WalMart which in itself is a test of the mind, body and soul... Other than that, I just feel a bit tired. Not sure if its due to the lack of sleep last week and earlier this week or due to the stress I have going on and how busy I've been lately. I have noticed this week that I have developed a distinct distain for food. Any kind of food. Everything that I used to love I now hate. Like, my favorite chips for instance. Can't eat them anymore. And, I do get a little queezy when I eat. Anyone heard of this before??? I cant seem to find anything on it and I'm not really sure what that's all about. My son and I are watching a movie right now and I seem to be calming down. Havent had any tingling/pins & needles for the last few days, and other than feeling a little groggy and like I've smoked too many cigarrettes (I quit that 2 months ago now! YAY ME!), I'm doin okay. Still get snappy every now and then, but, well, that's just my short fuse goin.

So, yes, so far, so good. I know there are all these rules about going cold turkey, but so far, this has been my best option. Honestly, trying to taper down was making me feel very very nauseous and not in control. I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm being "billy bad ass", but that's really not my intention. I just cant stand the rest of the problems from this pill, and at my low dosage, i dont seem to have nearly as bad of a reaction just stopping as I did when I tried to taper it down a bit.

My fingers are crossed on this one... Man I could really use things to keep going smoothly! (I'm a wuss and really hate pain of ANY kind! It's amazing I could actually have a child! hahaha)

[devynsmommy]

Originally Posted by lblue

One more question, what on earth is Mona vie?

Honestly, I've seen it. My husband's boss gave us a bottle of it and we never drank it. I've heard so many contradicting things about it... And, I really didnt see the benefit since the acai is mixed with so many different things, but some people swear by it. My hubby did eventually try it when he was at work and noone would shut up about it. He said it tastes like poo and he'd never pay $40+ per bottle for it! haha Sorry, that's all I know about it... Now, if someone can tell me what exactly it's supposed to do and why, I'd probably give it a go... Until then, well.......

[Hairyarmadillo]

"Honestly, trying to taper down was making me feel very very nauseous and not in control. I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm being "billy bad ass", but that's really not my intention. I just cant stand the rest of the problems from this pill, and at my low dosage, i dont seem to have nearly as bad of a reaction just stopping as I did when I tried to taper it down a bit. "

LOL. Billy bad ass indeed-haha. No, we all know this is a personal journey and everyone is going to use their own judgement for what is right for them. I will admit that I ended my last tapered dose just shy of 3 weeks and did not taper down from that because my moods were unbearable. I was losing my temper and it was uncontrollable. I have always been able to control my responses when I am most annoyed, but this time I was not. I even knew it was the withdrawals and couldn't rein in it. So, I quit. Went from 2.5 to zilch. I did feel sluggish, etc and it took a good 4 weeks before I felt halfway decent. I also realized I may have some mood issues,depression etc hitting me harder around month 3 or 4 because of this but am trying to plan for how I am going to handle it instead of getting blindsided by it. But I felt like I was damned on it or off it. Now mind you, I wouldn't have done that from 10 because of my prior Paxil experience, but I was more comfortable being at a lower dose.