[tavee]

Hairy-- I Did Not Know That U Went From 2.5 To Nothing.

Wowwwwww.
It Is Funny That U Mentioned That Cuz Today I Started My Next Taper At 1.5. While I Was Measuring Today I Was Like, "what Would Happen If I Just Dropped All The Way To Like 1 Or .9ml?" Then I Was Like Nahhhhhhhhhh Never Mind!!
My Husband Was Like." I Dont Think U Would Feel A Big Difference, But I Wouldnt Do It Now Cuz Ure Getting Ure Period In A Few Days".

I Was Thinking Yeahhhhhh Right. I Would Probably Just Go Bolistic Like Last Time When I Only Went From 2.2 To 2.


I Wonder Though How Bad Would It Be???
I Know I Know Hairy, Please Dont Yell At Me!! I Promise I Wont Do It!!

How Bad Was It For U??? What Were Ure Symptoms??

How Are U Feeling Now??? Is It Getting Better For U??

Dr Tavee

[tavee]

Regarding Ure Question About The Man In Ure Life. I Think That U Are So Blessed To Have Someone In Ure Life That Wants To Stick Around Even If U Are Going Thru This Hard Period.

I Know Exactly How U Feel About Not Being Able To Do This Right Now. Even If He Is There For U As A Friend, This Is So Good For U.

That Is His Choice And Obviously He Wants To Be There For U Right Now. Maybe This Is God's Way Of Telling U That There Is An Angel Watching Over U Right Now And He Wants To Stick Around.

Just Go With It Girlfriend!! Let It Be. Dont Feel Guilty About It, But Do Explain To Him Again Ure Feelings About Not Wanting Anything Serious Or Relationshipwise Right Now.LET GOD TAKE CARE OF U FROM UP THERE RIGHT NOW. HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING. HE IS IN CONTROL !!U JUST TRY TO GET BETTER AND DONT THINK ABOUT ANYONE OR ANYTHING ELSE BUT URESELF.


I Hope U Are Feeling Better Girl!!
Take Care Of Ureself!!

Love Ya
Tavee

[overtherainbow]

This week and last, as well, has mostly been marked by what I would call a sense of overload, anxiety, stress, or extreme inability to tolerate such, extreme neuro-system hypersensitivity to too much of anything, noise, sounds, you name it !

So this AM, I've been researching this thread for info on adrenaline and cortisol - been quite helpful. Although I really don't quite "get" it - that is, what the *(*&#)$*)#* is going on.

And, the reaason for my post - I found this link, which is quite helpful. It's entitled 'reaction to SSRIs' but it explains a lot of what we're going through.

This site says really to hold back on the supplements, and go with certain foods.

http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/reaction.htm

A lil excerpt:

"As previously mentioned above, we do not recommend to expose your body to synthetic chemicals whilst experiencing more or less severe hypersensitivity of the nervous system. We rather recommend to get your essential elements from preferably organic low acid food in a variable balanced diet.

Two to three simple bananas and kiwi's, an egg-sandwich, 2-3 glasses of milk, a few tomatoes and an avocado a day provides many of the essential vitamins, (trace)minerals & amino acids you need on a daily base. Vegetables especially rich in essential elements are: Peas, Potatoes, Broccoli, Squash (Summer), Spinach, Lima Beans & Kale. The taste of nature is nice and it saves you money on unnecessary supplements too! "

This explains why I must have my 2 hardboiled eggs in the AM, could eat 2-3 bananas a day (I have eaten 2, but thought 3 was overdoing it), crave "milk", okay ice cream and yogurt, not milk, and there are currently 4 avocados in my frig, of which I could easily eat one a day as well. Funny how the body asks for what it wants. But I've needed to tell the body to shut up more, when it comes to the carbs, which I'm also craving.

Another day in paradise : )

[auntybiotic]

Overtherainbow,
So sorry you are having a tough time.
Synthetic supplements ARE NOT recommended but the items that I have suggested are natural supplements. Such as the Lecithin which is a NATURAL combination of soy and fatty acids. The omega's are also natural supplements containing fish oils................


and magnesium malateescription of Magnesium Malate
Source Naturals Magnesium Malate is a compound of magnesium and malic acid. Malic acid is a natural fruit acid that is present in most cells in the body and is an important component of numerous enzymes key to ATP synthesis and energy production. Magnesium is an essential mineral in over 300 enzymatic reactions in metabolism. These reactions include those involved in the Krebs cycle (one of the body's energy production systems), energy storage, the breakdown of fatty acids, protein synthesis, DNA metabolism, neurotransmitter activity, and hormone regulation.

I would not suggest any SYNTHETIC Vitamins or supplements because of additional substances used as fillers can be toxic to the livers of those tapering off of SSRI's.

The NERVOUS SYSTEM OVERLOAD that you are experiencing is a common step in the withdrawal off of SSRI's. This will pass in time but mediation can help.

Have you checked out THE ROAD BACK. They offer several supplements that are said to help the symptoms off SSRI's but are quite expensive,

One that helps the anxiety and nervous system is tart cherry juice, tart cherry soft jels or tart cherry capsules......again they are natural, similiar items can be found online less costly then the Body Calm but if money is not a factor here is the info.

Body Calm: by Global DNA Solutions

One of the most common complaints of people either on Psychiatric drugs, or people trying to get off of them, is that they have daytime anxiety and cannot get normal sleep. The body, being as thoroughly stressed out as it already is contending with the toxins prescribed, will be in desperate need of rest as a key element of its recovery, and yet, the drugs and their on-going interactions with the body prevent that rest from happening.

Body Calm is made from tart cherries, one of nature’s most nutritionally dense foods. It contains a wide variety of powerful antioxidants and phyto-chemicals. Tart cherries have a small amount of natural melatonin and potassium that seem to work magic with anxiety and sleep.

The Body Calm capsule is a proprietary blend of tart cherries. The particular blend of tart cherries appears to be why the Body Calm capsules work as they do, as well as being able to use the cherry skin which is very high in antioxidants.

Body Calm liquid is only made from Montmorency tart cherries. The key with selecting a liquid Montmorency Cherry product is to ensure it has not been heat pasteurized for more than a few seconds. A flash or very short pasteurization process is needed or you kill the essential properties of the cherries. You can use any brand of a liquid Montmorency tart cherry as long as it is only flash pasteurized.

Body Calm is totally unique. Used during the daytime for anxiety, Body Calm will not make you tired, but will help relieve anxiety. For sleep, one takes Body Calm on schedule, goes to bed like normal, closes their eyes and suddenly they’re asleep. Grogginess or the feeling of weariness, which accompanies most products used for this purpose, is non-existent with Body Calm.

One of our doctors utilizing The Road Back Program in their practice has found that the capsule worked much better for those people who did not respond fully to the liquid. The Road Back has received the same feedback from hundreds of individuals as well.

For children, we do recommend the liquid for dosing purposes and ease of use.

I think a few here have tried these the Road Back products............although I have not. Ihave heard many liked them but THE ROAD BACK suggests that you use EACH item suggested at the times and doses they suggest. The Book the Road back is available on line for free.

http://www.theroadback.org/successtrb.htm

[overtherainbow]

Hi aunty

Thanks for making those very important distinctions about natural vs. synthetic supplements !

I am already on board with the magnesium malate. I'm not too sure about the fish oil now, and Vitamin B complex now. I think the latter is too energizing, and the fish oil could be too? Then, there have been times that the fatigue (depression?) hit so bad, I needed to crawl under the covers. People here talk about Month 3 - I think I am living Month 3 at Month 1.

But I digress . . . : )

Thanks for the info on Body Calm. When I wrote that post this morning I was thinking about the Bach's products you mentioned. How do they fit in this overall scheme ? I do want a sense of calm, but not sleepy, except for wishing for a good night's sleep. I am waking up 2-3 times during the night, and hot flashes are more prevalent now too. When I wake up, I am groggy though flashy, and do eventually get back to sleep, after I've kicked the covers off, got cold again, and re-covered myself.

And I have been to that web site, The Road Back, and it may be me, but it overwhelms me, and I've not been too successful navigating finding anything useful. Again, it could be me !

OTR

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by tavee

Hairy-- I Did Not Know That U Went From 2.5 To Nothing.

Wowwwwww.
It Is Funny That U Mentioned That Cuz Today I Started My Next Taper At 1.5. While I Was Measuring Today I Was Like, "what Would Happen If I Just Dropped All The Way To Like 1 Or .9ml?" Then I Was Like Nahhhhhhhhhh Never Mind!!
My Husband Was Like." I Dont Think U Would Feel A Big Difference, But I Wouldnt Do It Now Cuz Ure Getting Ure Period In A Few Days".

I Was Thinking Yeahhhhhh Right. I Would Probably Just Go Bolistic Like Last Time When I Only Went From 2.2 To 2.


I Wonder Though How Bad Would It Be???
I Know I Know Hairy, Please Dont Yell At Me!! I Promise I Wont Do It!!

How Bad Was It For U??? What Were Ure Symptoms??

How Are U Feeling Now??? Is It Getting Better For U??

Dr Tavee

Tavee Here's the bad thing. I believe in everything about the slow taper you are doing. I know I wasn't doing it like that, but was going slower than I did the first time. But I honestly feel I did the right thing stopping when I did. LOL I am scared to even type it because I am afraid it will all hit again. I had gotten into those rages. I can take depression, bring it on (JUST JOKING, LEXAPRO MONSTERS) but the anger gets to me. I don't like feeling that way. And it got to the point I knew I was taking it out on people and didn't care, even though I knew it was withdrawals. And I wondered if the reaction wasn't because my body was trying to get everything back in balance and that amount of Lexapro was small enough to interfere, but not large enough to "subdue" the changes, thus producing the really uncontrollable emotions like a rollercoaster ride. I know we always say it gets worse the closer we got to 0 and it makes sense that it is because it is only in our system in such a small dose, etc. But for some reason that small of a dose really did not agree with me. I felt better at the 0 mark than I did at the 2.5 mark. And remember I was trying to sliver the pill down, so I knew my dose was essentially vacillating each time to some degree. I did get sluggish, but not any worse than I had with my other drops. This lasted for 2 weeks and then the next 2 weeks I started feeling closer to normal. Tuesday night of the upcoming week will be my 11th week off. So far the 3rd month hit hasn't came-will probably wait until month 7 or 8 when my guard is down That's ok, I am stubborn. I do notice when I skip my supplements for a bit (ha, I STILL do that, get cocky after forgetting a day then go a few more and bammo!)I intend to do the supplements throughout life though. They aren't going to hurt and I do know the Omega is good for a plethora of things. And last night was pretty bad but it was because I had earlier consumed coffee and soda (again, got cocky). I was in a restaurant and this young child kept asking questions. Normally I would be glad he was so inquisitive but I wanted to yell! I am a teacher-that is not me. But I certainly felt like it. There was a lot more irritants but by the time I finally went to sleep, I was just glad for a new day to start. I feel like I have a hangover now.
Serious question: How can I tell when I am having a Lexapro moment or when the irritant is something that needs to be dealt with? I have been giving so many "get out of jail free" cards due to my knowledge my mood was off. But last night it hit me that if I don't address the situations that caused depression before ssris then the depression is going to come back. I refuse to let myself turn the frustration I don't deal with into depression again. I realize now that the ssris allowed me to tune out stuff, but it was honestly things that should have been addressed. So, of course, now that I am off I am realizing that it bothers me, can't just blow it off and smile blankly at everyone. So how can I tell when I am justifed in expressing anger/upset versus over reacting. Mind you, the people in point are going to say I am over reacting no matter what, they expect me to be a friendly happy doormat. But if this is just my grouchies, I would do better to keep fake smiling
You sound good by the way!


Aunty I am convinced and am going to go ahead and try this Body Calm. What is the point in paying out money for this stuff that probably isn't good for me when I can get something beneficial?
How is your daughter? I am still praying for you guys daily and then you get extra prayers when I can't sleep. That is how I usually drift off-I might as well be productive since I am awake Thanks, as always, for the advice. You are the best!!

farmergirl I don't know anything about how the sugar is affected but I know that mine had to have been fluctuating at times. Once I went into a store and started pouring sweat and got dizzy. I knew it was low sugar because this has happened before out of the blue. I was so embarrassed, but I had to grab something off the shelf and eat it. My mum was so serious about never eating anything in the store until AFTER you paid for it, because there were people who would do that and not pay. She didn't want to be mistaken for doing that.Once I was like 4 or so and was feeling sick from not eating and she had me eat graham crackers in a store as we were shopping. I was mortified even then, but I did it. But that time my sugar dropped, it was either eat or have someone carry me out of the store on a stretcher. i was sure they understood.

[lblue]

Originally Posted by devynsmommy

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.......

I looked up mona vie on google and found out a lot of info. on it. I would suggest you do the same.
I am not going to knock it for people that have tried it and it worked for them,but my gut tells me not to mess with it. As far as price on things like that and suppliments, I think no one should have to pay out big money to be happy.
I have to tell everybody something, I had this very same problem when I was 13 and in the 7th grade. I felt like I was going to die, afraid of everything, very depressed and I had monster panic attacks that lasted one time for two days straight! No one ever tried to drug me, I went to a psychologist and he helped me so well that by the time I was in the eighth grade it was all history. I wish I could find him and tell him "It's back" The point I am trying to make is that I did it without drugs then and I am going to do it again. I pray to Jesus every day to show me the way.
Don't forget that there is a possible thyroid connection with depression in some people. I have hypothyroidism (which is under controll, I hope) and family history of depression that is part of why I am depressed and anxious( I worry non-stop)

[Hairyarmadillo]

lblue "No one ever tried to drug me, I went to a psychologist and he helped me so well that by the time I was in the eighth grade it was all history. I wish I could find him and tell him "It's back" The point I am trying to make is that I did it without drugs then and I am going to do it again. I pray to Jesus every day to show me the way."

I had to smile! I know that "It's back" feeling. I too have had my struggles from an early age, and ended up finding some really good self-help books that saw me through it. They helped me alter my thinking/behavioral patterns. But then it does tend to sneak back on you. Since going through this lately, I have felt so much like I did back around early adolescence when it all hit. there were so many situational factors then, not so much now, but I do have felt the same panicky emotions, the same hopeless and helpless feeling as if no matter what I do, I am doomed. I have the better knowledge and life experience now to get me through it, but I have no idea how I did it back then. God is good is all I can say. And yes you are right that you will get through this and it will be a building block instead of a stumbling block.

[skorpeo72]

Hopeful,
I am so happy there are people like you that do the research to help out in situations like this. Honestly if you had said this to me 3 weeks ago I would have tapered off.
But in my case, And maybe Im different.
Im fine ...just about no more symptoms with the occasional mood swing and seldom headache.
Other than that I am back to fully functional , Working ,Playing with my daughter and out shopping and driving around with no issues.
Hopefuly that doesnt mean after a couple of months it will just smack me in the face but as of now ,,, Im good
I will keep everyone posted as to my progress if anything changes ...But I hope this gives hope to others in the the early stages.

Originally Posted by 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]

Oh, Aunty Ok, I am ready to purchase my Body Calm when I notice they say their Omega 3 is mercury and ????nic free. Do you know anything about this product or should I just wait and get the Karlson's brand? Right now I am taking some with ????nic-haha just joking but then again who knows??

[auntybiotic]

I swear by Carlson's brand................and am not familiar with the Road Back other then reading the book and speaking with a few on here that tried it.

I am curious about the Body Calm so please keep me informed.

[srclady]

quote from Kimberoo: "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. "

I, personally, have always had a thing about fluorescent lighting in big stores like Walmart and in malls. It has always made me tired after being there for 30 min or more, but when dealing with Lexapro withdrawal it made my heart palpatations worse and I got dizzy and had the head jerks. I also felt like that in those places when I was pregnant. I have heard many people say similar things about the lighting. Not much you can do except limit the time you spend there. Good luck!
-srclady

[Tacha]

Hoping you can lend insights. I have been on 10 mg Lexapro for 10 weeks - treatment for depression. Depression gone after 5 days on this med so I was very happy about that. However palpitations and nightly (multiple times per night) nightmares have continued to be horrific, and last weekend I had a surprising and upsetting RAGE blow-up. I have never had anger issues so this was completely out of the ordinary. I have been "angry" every day since the blow up and feeling completely disengaged from the world. Told my doc about this and she told me to outright quit taking the drug and to come in and see her first thing Monday. I told her I would taper off but not stop outright. But she replied again that I should just stop taking it and come in to see her first thing Monday. Regardless of her insistance to go cold turkey I chose to taper after reading up on withdrawal from this drug.

Today I cut back from 10 mg to 7.5 by halving then quartering. After 10 weeks on this drug, is 7.5 for a couple of weeks before cutting back to 5 for a couple of weeks, and so on... too aggressive?

[skyer]

EM,

Very tired after a long day (for me!). But I want to respond to your post, so I'll check in tomorrow. Tare care, honey...sorry to hear about the increased seizure activity. Try not to stress out. I still feel weird, but nothing like I did just two months ago. Hang tight!

[srclady]

Hey all!
I am almost done with my first week back on Lex after a 9 day cold turkey stint. I am so glad I went back on so I can do the slow taper. I feel completely normal again, really even better because I have started taking the Magnesium and the Lecithn (in granual form stirred into my yogurt). I have become a believer in certain supplements in the last year and I am happy to add these to my list of goodies. I will probably add the Omega3 fish oil and the Noni juice if I need to once I start tapering in another week.

Also, what everyone is saying about caffeine rings true for me too. Regardless, caffeine and most products that promote it do your body more harm than good on a regular basis. The best thing to drink is ice water with lemon; to clean you out, to keep you awake, to give you extra energy, to keep you hydrated, etc... Doctors, teachers, coaches, personal trainers, so many people have told me about this throughout my life and I have experienced the difference a number of times. I just need to stick to it this time. Lemon water even helps my husband to keep his gallbladder troubles at bay.

Aunty I continue to pray for you and your daughter. How is her trip going? How are you coping? I'm sure you miss her greatly.

Hairy "Serious question: How can I tell when I am having a Lexapro moment or when the irritant is something that needs to be dealt with? I have been giving so many "get out of jail free" cards due to my knowledge my mood was off. But last night it hit me that if I don't address the situations that caused depression before ssris then the depression is going to come back. I refuse to let myself turn the frustration I don't deal with into depression again. I realize now that the ssris allowed me to tune out stuff, but it was honestly things that should have been addressed. So, of course, now that I am off I am realizing that it bothers me, can't just blow it off and smile blankly at everyone. So how can I tell when I am justifed in expressing anger/upset versus over reacting. Mind you, the people in point are going to say I am over reacting no matter what, they expect me to be a friendly happy doormat. But if this is just my grouchies, I would do better to keep fake smiling"

Hairy, I totally understand that feeling of denying what you feel is a true reaction in the moment because you think you might be overreacting per the mood swings and whatnot. It is frustruating and in a way demoralizing to not know how you truly feel about things from day to day or moment to moment. Here's what I think: Sometimes you just have to be true to yourself, whoever you are at that moment, and react without editing your response to please others. In simpler terms: Act now, apologize later. One doesn't want to abuse this approach as people will stop accepting apologies at some point, but you must be true to yourself especially right now with what you are going through. On the downside you might have to eat a piece of humble pie or ten and you may encounter people that won't forgive easily. (Too bad, so sad, get over it!) On the upside you will know who your friends are and you will probably get a better handle on how you really feel about things so you can really deal with it all. Chances are you are not going to rock anyone's world out of orbit just by disagreeing with them or standing up for yourself. People are resiliant, just look at all of us. Big Hugs to you!

skorpeo72 I admire your courage and am so happy for you that the symptoms are manageable, even mild. God forbid things go sour on you, but if they do it's good to know you have 6 weeks total to go back on Lexapro and do a slow taper if you must. I am pulling for you though! I wanted to cold turkey too, but the withdrawal was too much for me. You are in my prayers!

Best wishes!
-srclady

[kimberoo]

Hi Everybody!!
Gosh it feels like forever since I've been on.(Even though it was only yesterday I've done a lot of research and vitamin shopping. Benny did better today than yesterday until...........we got on the highway to go to a mall, although I was driving, the movement and the sound of the cars whizzing by sent him back into zap hell! By the time we got the mall he was miserable. He tried to come into Sears with me and we had to leave after less than 5 minutes. We stayed in the car for 45 minutes, no lie! He took half of a .5mg Klonopin and we were able to make it Vitamin World, but I had to rush the poor clerk because he couldn't stay in there long. I took another route home to avoid the highway & after 15 minutes he was ok again. Had I not learned a cornucopia of information form you all I would've been mad at him because I wouldn't have understood what he was going through. You guys can actually take credit for saving marriages too!

srclady
It was so nice to hear from someone else who has experienced that same sensation as he does. When your symptoms can be validated it makes you feel a little more sane. After what I observed today (and all week) I would never, never consider taking anything synthetic that could effect my brain. You think of it as a magic little pill that calms you, not debilitates you.

Hairyarmadillo
I made sure to spell it right this time,lol! Just so you know, we bought the Noni juice today, I really hope that it helps him. Aunty is the matriarch of the bunch, but each of you have given wonderful advice and insight, so I wanted to thank you personally!

Aunty
Oh, poor dear Aunty, your wisdom gives you not one day of repose!! Lucky for us though!!
In regards to the Elavil, no we have yet to even look at the bottle, mainly because I found a very sad webpage that I want to share with everyone.

http://www.fristcausehelp.CliftonsStory

It really scared me about taking the Elavil. I was considering giving him both while tapering instead of taking the Lex for only 3 days, but this changed my mind.
I have so many vitamins now that I'm confused and was hoping for some help. I'll give you a list of what I have:
Tart Black Cherry Capsules (1000 mg)- 2x/day
Soy Lecithin (520 mg) - 1 to 3x's/day
Inositol (650 mg) - 1 to 3x's/day
B-50 B Vitamin Complex 1x/day
Magnesium 250 mg 1x/day
Omega 3 (360 EPA 240 DHA) 1 to 3x's/day
Noni Splash 100% Organic 1x/day
He also takes 1 81mg aspirin, 1 1000iu Vitamin D and a multi (Bayer Nutritional Science Vital Body & Cells Formula)

What concerns me is that the Soy Lecithin says that it is a natural source of Choline & Inositol AND the B-50 also has 50mg of Inositol and 50 mg of Chloine. Am I overdoing it? And how many times should these be taken, once or 3 when it says 3x's? I have yet to find the Bach's White Chestnut, neither Vitamin World or GNC had it. I'm gonna try a non-franchised store next. Have you heard anything about primrose oil? I've read it goes well with Omega 3 in improving circulation and oxygen tissue levels as well as regulating cholesterol production, would it help any symptoms of withdrawal?

I understand exactly when you say that your not a doctor, I take your advice as a concerned friend, a VERY informed concerned friend!! lol

Kimberoo

[overtherainbow]

Wow, you are getting your advanced degree in this already !

Just a few 2 cents from me - your husband is in a deep healing state. So he needs to pay attention to what he needs. This includes sleeping more, being quiet, resting. Don't know how very possible that may be in a busy family ! (I live alone.) Detox baths (epsom salts; you can google what this is). They are very calming and relaxing. The nervous system is HYPERsensitive right now. FWIW, I think the major part of this is riding out the storm. And learning some very important lessons along the way.

Re the supplements - start low and go slow, and see what he tolerates. No size fits all, so to speak. Got to listen to what your body tells you. I've cut back on my supplements in the past few days, I'm just doing the magnesium malate (Source Naturals), and I just bought Bach's Rescue Remedy yesterday. My nervous system has been off the charts the past few weeks. And I've been doing a lot of praying, and I know I have people praying for me.

OTR, Day 28 of quitting cold turkey, but having a good day, so far, here.

[auntybiotic]

Hi,

The Rescue Remedy may have helped in the car yesterday, with the stress levels from the traffic, possibly carry it in your purse and try it next time you go on busy highways or shopping.

Again I agree with Overthe rainbow as to start slow with the supplements so that you see how he tolerates each one.

I WOULD NOT AKE the B Complex as these are mostly synthetic form of vitamins and can be stimulating. He will get his B vitamins from the lecithin and inisitol and from food that he eats............natural is better during lexapro withdrawal. Synthetics tax the liver.

Start one supplement and wait about three or four days to see if it agrees with him..............................then go onto the next. If you start all of them at once it can be hard for him to process.

The magesium malate may be a good one to start as it's effects should help calm your husband's stress. Also you may want to try the epsom salt baths as this also allows the body to absorb the magnesium thru the pores. Two cups of epsom salts in warm/hot water for twenty minute soaks.

Next the inisitol to also help with the brain zaps and repair the transmitters in the brain.

Maybe the Omega 3's next to help with moods and keep depression in check.

Small drink small amounts of the nanoi juice (even mix it with water or cranberry joice to hide the taste) as directed on the bottle.

Try and get him to relax, possibly try mediation. I will post some links for this when I get a chance. Even buy a Relaxing Tape to listen to during the day and at night before bedtime.

[auntybiotic]

Sounds like you have the ball rolling, I am glad that you are feeling better.

Thanks for the continued prayers for my daugher's safe trip.

She arrived safely and I spoke to her several times. Very busy days and with the time change she is extremely tired but having fun.

Thanks again.

[auntybiotic]

Everyone is different. The tapering should be 5 to 10 % of your current dose.
You have actually tapered by 25% but see how you do. It may take about a week before you will feel the effects of the taper. Since you were only on this for 10 weeks you may be one of the lucky ones that get by with few symtoms.

You may notice, moodiness, sweating, dizziness, stomach cramps and the runs, possibly vivid dreams. You may be able to handle the 25% taper.....you will be the best judge of this based on your reactions. Normally one begins to stabalize by the second to third week.
Good luck and keep us informed.

[auntybiotic]

The link to te webpage didi not work. can you post the story. I am curious to read about the elavil. Was it serotonin sysdrome?

aunty

[kimberoo]

http://www.firstcausehelp.com/CliftonsStory

I hope it works this time, my bad!! ( You can tell I have teenagers!!)

[sweet-thang]

Hi Everybody--

I've been lurking on this site for awhile, reading about everybody's Lexapro withdrawal, relating strongly.

I've been on 5mg's of Lex for a few years now. Before that, had been on Prozac for about 10 years. I've been on SSRI's since I was 25 years old, and I"m coming up on my 39th birthday. I find this so hard to believe. I never would have dreamed I would have been on them for that long. I have tried numerous times over the years to get off my meds, sometimes cold turkey, sometimes properly tapering, but my withdrawal has always been so severe that I couldn't withstand it. It was too hard to function at work and in my personal relationships. I always became suicidally depressed and disfunctional. Pre-medication (it's so hard to even remember those years), but I DO remember that though I was depressed, I was never suicidally depressed. The withdrawal anxiety/depression/horror/rage I experience while trying to get off meds has far outweighed any depression I had before I ever took meds. So that clues me in to something in itself. Also, in the past when I've tried to withdraw, I've had assumptions about how long it should take. Even Glenmullen, in his book The Antidepressant Solution...a sort of guide for withdrawing from ssri's tells us that if things haven't simmered down after a month, it's probably just the depression returning.

Now, after reading of all your real-life experiences with withdrawal, I think the recovery process is much longer, or CAN be much longer than some doctors think. And that perhaps I shouldn't give up if I"m not better in a month, and realize this could take a long time....lower my expectations....

I had a strange/unusual thing happen recently. I sometimes go off my Lex for a couple of days so I can experience good sex with my boyfriend. It helps, but usually I start feeling out of it right away (cotton-head, easily stressed, emotionally unstable...I sort of decided that was the sacrifice I would make for a day or two a week in order to enjoy a half-way normal sex life)...but the weird thing is, this time I went off and I didn't seem to be having any withdrawal reactions...so I became interested and surprised by this and thought to myself "Well...maybe I'll try not taking the Lex a couple more days just to see if my luck keeps up"....It's now been 5 days off, and I don't feel too bad. Not near to what I'm used to experiencing...I'm not having the mental/emotional symptoms...I do notice some physical symptoms (diarreah, light-head, motion sensitivity) but nothing major.

I'm not sure why this is, and I"m waiting for the other shoe to drop...I know it won't completely be out of my system until day 8 or 9....but normally I feel the shock of withdrawal much more quickly, so I can't help but hope.

The only thing I can think of is that recently I put on some weight, and so I changed my diet to a very low glycemic diet...no white flour or flour of any sort, lots of brown rice, made sure I ate veggies every day, no sugar (except in my coffee...couldn't give up everything!) and I exercised almost every day....also was taking some tryptophan at night....

So maybe that helped ease withdrawal, supported my own seratonin system...

I'm not sure what the point to this overly long post is, but I just wanted to introduce myself, tell you my story, and come here from support as I continue this experiment...

Wish me luck! And thanks everybody for sharing your stories...you just don't know who you may be helping...there are lots of folks like me, lurking about, looking for help, for answers, for other people who are struggling with the same things...I trust the experience of other users going through this so much more than any doctor who has never taken Lexapro!

xxoo

Sweet Thang

[auntybiotic]

Kimbertoo,

So glad you came across that story. After reading that i would NEVER give my loved one the elavil with the lexapro.

Sweetthang,

Welcome and let all of us know how you are doing.

[Hairyarmadillo]

[B]skorpeo72[/B]"...just about no more symptoms with the occasional mood swing and seldom headache.
Other than that I am back to fully functional , Working ,Playing with my daughter and out shopping and driving around with no issues.
Hopefuly that doesnt mean after a couple of months it will just smack me in the face but as of now ,,, Im good"
Well, you don't have to BRAG!! LOL That is GREAT news! I am still convinced that somewhere out there is someone who doesn't go through all this. Maybe you are that somebody. I hope so for your sake and for other people to gain encouragement. You have such a great personality, too. I enjoy reading your posts. Please don't forget us.

[COLOR="Indigo"]kimberoo Isn't that true about Aunty being the matriarch? I don't know what we would do without her. I am glad you all are trying the Noni juice and hope you see the benefits. I definitely tell the difference when I don't take it. Someone told me if I would get the more expensive brand it would taste better. Well, my friend's nephew brought her some of a better brand and she says it is yummy! She is so picky that I know it must be. I don't care as long as it works. It is such a small dose that I can deal with it.

sweet-thang Welcome! I am not so sure how long I have been on ssris but it has been awhile. Started Paxil July 6, 1996 (ha I remember that date because I thought it was a turning point in my life-boy, was I right) Can't remember definitely how long I was off Paxil-am thinking close to 2 years, then on Lexapro, off for 3 months and then on again. I can relate to the sexual side effects. I am off for almost 11 weeks and that is improving, but still not to where it was years ago. At least now I can endure it-before I dreaded being touched at all. I am hoping as everything gets back to normal that will too. Although I did have a 3 week timespan right after tapering that all I wanted to do was have sex. That was more like normal, but impractical.

I have been having bad moods the past 2 days. It felt like pms. Then it hit me-I messed up on my birthcontrol pills. So I guess I was experiencing a hormone drop.Not to mention the caffeine and (oh yeah) I did eat a wee bit of Chinese food the other day. Yummy but who knows if msg was in it or not? On the whole, I think I am doing well. I have been under a lot of stress with my dog STILL not recuperated from being hit. Then last week she had diarrhea which ended up causing her to restrain the leg being up on it so much for potty. The dog is like a baby to me, so I am stressed from that. If this had been during my tapering, I would be a basketcase, but I am not going over the edge yet. True, I was hugging her neck and crying the other day, but I think it was the hormone mess up. I am even planning a short trip with some friends-something I have had no energy for in years.

[elizabethmaria]

Hi everyone,
TAVEE -- THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOO MUCH FOR YOUR POST - IT WAS SOO SWEET, that really helped me a lot, as it has been kind of stressing me out. He is so sweet - when I first met him last fall, the instant our eyes met, I said to myself.. "oh MY GOSH, I have met an ANGEL!".. then I kept asking him over and over if he was real for weeks, I'm serious!... was he sure he wasn't an angel?? etc. I think he thought I was a little weird.! .. I don't know if it is right, but I think you are right, he is here for a reason, at least at this time... if anything by the fact that he just won't go away even if I feel awful.. Thanks though.. so very much... I can't tell you how sweet that was! I'll just keep praying and letting God do whatever He wishes, we're in His hands totally.(may HIS WILL be done!).. God bless... Am soo glad you sound like you're doing well..~ you are almost there girlfriend.. 1.5, wow!!! the finish line is right around the corner...love you so much Tavee!

Gosh I love you guys...
ok, now I'm getting teary .... pull yourself together... ok...

our dear Hairyarmadillo
About not knowing what is from you, or what is the lexapro... you know, just because I'm coming on my 7th month mark in a couple weeks... I realized that I still have not a very good idea -- much of my trouble is STILL wondering, some is definitely withdrawal/seizure related, and some I think isn't. At your stage, I know it feels like we're giving ourselves too much of a break, but much much of everything is withdrawal. I had a lot of irritation at your stage too -- I said things to some close friends that was very cutting - but I couldn't help it, and they did leave for a while... and I like NEVER say ANYTHING... so please give yourself a huge break. It's bothersome to not be able to trust your feelings, but they just aren't reliable yet, so don't let that bother you. I try to tell myself that until all the other symptoms go away, I'm just not going to take what I feel (if it seems unusual, ie anger, etc.) seriously. I think by the mere fact that we have SO many symptoms, neurological brain fitzes, etc.. it is actually impossible to tell.. usually my head has a funnier sensation, and I feel like I'm 'out of character' even though the emotion seems powerfully real. Just don't beat yourself up - I think of it as time to take a vacation from your feelings/any personal concerns, and from critical self-introspection... just let the mind rest ~ all our lovely little problems will be happily waiting for us in a few months time, and by then our minds will be strong enough to easily deal with them, with the new skills and stamina we've gained from this incredible experience. Sorry this is so long, but it's such a struggle, that always questioning.. is it me, or is it withdrawal? Gosh, the more I get farther away and look back, the more I realize how VERY much, basically all, was withdrawal. I was just in survivors mode!
Oh, and as you probably know.. yes, going out and just saying stuff is probably inevitable.. but from personal experience, just don't go out during pms or your period! boy, have I like nearly torn the family apart at that time, (well, maybe not really, but...) pms combined w/ withdrawal is like lock me up and bury the key.. then a few hours later, I wake up like from a coma, and can't even REMEMBER what I said or was upset about!!!! take care Hairy, sorry for the essay! I didn't realize how much i wrote here, but I've just been thinking about that a lot lately too..

Kimberoo
Yes, don't let your husband take those B's... they stimulate the nervous system and create quite a havoc... like Aunty says.. go SLOW with the supplements.. his body is totally overcharged, and it needs TONS of rest and relaxation, and freedom from too much stimulation/supplements.. there's a lot of stuff that has to be cleaned out before he'll start feeling better - healing is taking place.. just lots and lots of water, and healthy food as a base. Different people handle different things in different ways.. I can't have any supplements because I'm so sensitive really.. so just watch it one by one..
Also, about going out in big stores, lights, etc... his difficulty is SOO common. I still have lots of trouble with that.. and in the beginning, for several weeks/months, any kind of flourescent light would send me crazy sick.. This is very common with epileptic people as well - my friend who has epilepsy due to a brain injury is triggered by lights in big stores, places like that.. just hard on the brain. It's VERY uncomfortable, so don't push it, it definitely isn't a healthy place for a damaged/recovering brain and nervous system.
Some of the BEST things for healing the nervous system -- HOT BATHS/SHOWERS, SAUNAS... be careful not to stay too long.. but in the first month or two, I would take up to 3 hot showers a day...! and go to the sauna too.. It helped sooo much.. I was in so much misery that that was the only place I felt a little better.. the rest of the time I was on the ground ~ Sedation of the nervous system is the only way you heal the nervous system... so try that... Hope that these posts are helping you.. I've been praying for your husband, and understand how hard it is -- we're all pulling for you guys...
take care

Skyer,
Oh my gosh, I'm glad you had a long day ..! Hope that you're doing well.. it sounds like you are out and about... yesterday I washed the car, went to church and to the store! I was very proud... the day before I watched my 2 year old Goddaughter, Filomena, for a few hours after work.. was very tired, but a good tired.. Watch out for those mini trampolines and two year olds.. talk about wearing someone out! ("bounce mama bounce, bounce mama bounce!")
love, Elizabethmarie

[SchnauzerTime]

I spotted this site while googling "Lexapro withdrawal" and thought you guys could help me.

I've been tapering off Lexapro for a couple months now. I was on 10mg for about 3 months. Before that I was on Paxil 10mg for 10 years. Anyways, on both I was getting dizzy/hot flashes just recently and the Lexapro didn't help so I decided to go off it.

I tapered from 10mg to 3/4 of a pill for a week, then half a pill for a week, then 1/4 for a week, then 1/8 for a week. Last night was my 3rd day completely off of it and I had uncontrollable tremoring. My whole body was shaking and my teeth would rattle. This lasted for about 5 minutes. I decided to take 1/8 pill last night and went to sleep about 30mins. to an hour later.

I've been having all the other withdrawals off and on. The main one I've had this past week is bad anxiety...just really jittery and nervous. But last night when the tremors happened I got pretty scared. It's happened once before as a side effect...I was on my full dose of 10mg.

But my question is, should I go back on 1/8 of a pill every day for a couple weeks or every other day? Or should I just tough out this shaking and get it over with? I'm so sick of not feeling good...I know alot of you are going through the same thing and can relate. I just want to get it over with. I don't want to be sick for another month or 2.

And after the 1/8 of 10mg do I need to cut it down more before I stop entirely again? If so, I dont' know how..I am cutting it with an exacto knife now and can barely cut it that small.

Thanks in advance for the feedback...oh and yes I have a schnauzer (guess you could tell by my screen name) and she has been my reason for living at times through this. Having a pet to cuddle up with when you are feeling sick/down really helps

[SchnauzerTime]

Forgot to ask this in my first post.

I'm on GNC Women's Ultra Mega Bone Density multi-vitamin and GNC Fish Body Oils 1000...are these safe to be on during my withdrawal?

[auntybiotic]

Hi,

Since you wee on SSRI's for approx 10 years and tapered off lexapro in a matter of weeks..............reinstaing 1/8 of a pill may not be enough.

You can try and see if your symptoms go away and that you become stable . Cutting the pills as you are doing is not exact science and I am sure your levels are not stable.
You may want to request a presccription for liquid lexapro from your physician so that you can taper in exact minute amounts.

If you cannot afford to purchase the liquid lexapro you can turn the 10 Ml pill into a liquid like form.You can also take your 10 Mg pill and grind it in a mortor an pestle and then mix it with 10 Ml of cranberry juice until all powder disolves. (You will now have a "lexapro liquid" that you can titrate from).Then with your 5 ML syringe (that you can obtain from the pharmacist at any Walgreens or pharmacy for free) take up 2 Ml ( or whatever amount you are choosing to taper down to)of the lexapro and take it and discard the rest.

When tapering you will need a 5Ml syringe and a 1 Ml syringe. These must be pharmacy brand and are free. The ones that are sold for dispensing childrens medication are not exact enough.

2ML is usually the mark that it becomes difficult to taper off of lexapro after that amount and the tapers have to become even slower. For example from 2 Mg to 1.9 Mg to 1.8 Mg etc. You chose whatever measurement that you are tapering.

By only cutting that tablet into 1/8 pieces..................who can actually say what amount you are taking each day.

Remeber I am not a doctor...............So please either research or check with your physician first before following any suggestions given here..

[gtowngirl]

I've discovered that the only place to purchase magnesium malate is a health food store. GNC does not carry. I Also, has anyone out there tried Udo's Oil?. Can only be purchased in health food stores as well, but has 6 gm of Omega 3's!!!! That is unheard of! It is processed and and pasteurized by cold processing and storage which protects it from going rancid. You can mix it with smoothies, pour on vegetables, etc., CANNOT fry with!!!! I just pour out a tablespoon and swallow. I take the magnesium malate at bedtime with 500 mg of vitamin C as well as half a tablet of magnesium, calcium and zinc - these need to be used in conjunction with each other to get optimum benefits, and haven't slept so well in years! Maybe I'm onto something. I just know I'm grateful.