[tavee]

Laurafish!!
WelcoMe To The Forum.
Yes I Have Been Tapering Since October(8 Months). I Was On 10mg For 3 Years

And I Am Now At 1.5ml.

I Am The Slow Taperer And So Far Things Have Been Going Good Except For The Occasional Mini Things That Happen To Me During The Taper(5 Days After). Right Now I Am At 1.5 Ml And It Is Day 5. My Eye Has Been Twitching For A Few Days. Last Taper I Had A Slight Hearing Loss For Like 2 Days And Then I Was Fine.I ONLY TAPER ABOUT 5% EVERY 2 WEEKS OR ELSE. EVEN A SMALL ML CAN AFFECT ME SINCE I AM GETTING TO THE LOWER DOSE.
I Shouldnt Complain About Anything Because My Symptoms Are Nothing Compared To The Others. I TAKE MY SUPPLEMENTS RELIGIOUSLY( OMEGA 3 AND A MULTIVITAMIN)
PMS HAS GOTTEN BAD FOR ME AND DURING MY PERIOD I AM A COMPLETE *************************! AND I AM IN A LOT OF PAIN. THAT ALSO HAS TO DO WITH AGE TOO I THINK.
MY PERSONALITY HAS CHANGED TOO WHERE NOW I AM MORE COMPASSIONATE TOO WHILE BEFORE, MY EMOTIONS WERE COVERED UP FROM THE LEX. I AM A DIFFERENT PERSON NOW.
I AM WORKING EVERY DAY TO NOT FEEL DEPRESSED AND TRY TO HANDLE THINGS PATIENTLY.I AM TRYING TO ACCEPT THE NEW ME.

Please Take Everyones Advice On This Forum (especially Aunty). Do Not Be Stubborn And Think U Can Tough It Out. I Did That A Year Ago And It Was Bad.

Good Luck To U! WE ARE ALL HERE TO HELP U.

Dr Tavee

[SchnauzerTime]

Thanks to Hairy,Laura,Bking,and Elizabeth for the encouraging words. I was really about to give up. It was just so frustrating getting to the point where I was off the medicine then having to go back on ...was like taking big steps backward.

But I do realize now unless I want to be seriously sick for a month that I'll have to take it slower and just think that someday I'll feel better...even though that someday may be awhile away it will happen listening to you all.

Hairy:

I decided to take your advice and went to the last dose I felt I wasn't having too much withdrawal...it's 1/4 of a pill, whatever dose that is. I'm too lazy to do the math, lol. I'm going to stay on it for 3 weeks at least like you said,until I'm feeling close to normal again then going to do 1/8 pill for 3 to 4 weeks then nothing again. And this time if I have bad withdrawals when I get to 0 I'm just going to deal with it. Cause I figure that is enough time for my body to get used to the tapers. I really haven't had that bad withdrawal compared to some and I feel that sounds good to me about the 3 to 4 weeks between tapers.

Yeah I've had nausea but not actual vomiting like some. And I've had the dizziness but not zaps. So I guess I should look on the bright side and consider myself lucky.

And since I've chosen this regimen I'm going to stick to it, even if I feel good at 2 weeks I'm going to go 3. And I'm going to try to be strong...it's tough but if you can do it I can too. And I'm totally understanding about the husband thing. I know mine loves me to death but he isn't very emotional you know. And now that he is having a hard time with depression I feel I don't have anyone to talk to. So you have been a life saver for me on here.

Everyone:

Thanks again for tolerating my whiny post lol , and giving me that positive reinforcement I so needed. I really appreciate that.

Also, where can I get the magnesium malate stuff? I have fish oil, although I don't know if it's the right dose.

Oh, and my main side effect it seems when I'm withdrawing is anxiety...so where can I get that Body Calm again?

[Hairyarmadillo]

Schnauzertime Shew! Glad you are still hanging in with this. Going to the 1/4 sounds better than the 1/8. I know that isn't the slowest taper, but I do think any taper is better than none. I know I did my tapers in fourth decreases of the pill. I can't say I am 100% symptom free but I do feel (so far) that what I do go through is endurable. Even that terrible spell I just went through. Thank goodness there are longer breaks between the bad times and the good times are REALLY good.
I am still waiting for my Body Calm-it is supposed to be here Friday. I ordered that from www.globaldnasolutions.com/body-calm.htm
I ended up getting the magnesium malate through http://drugstore.com but you can probably find that other places as well. I have had no luck finding it around here, so just went online. I believe the recommended dose of the Omega 3 is 3000 mgs a day. Taking this stuff will make a big difference. Ha-you weren't whiny. Wait around and I will show you whiny. I am usually an independent self-sufficient person, but this has definitely been an humbling experience. And-in spite of it all-this has also been a very rewarding experience. I am speaking of the forum and support, NOT the lexapro effects-lol.

Tavee I agree about the emotional aspects. True, I didn't notice a lot of aggravations, but I didn't feel the joys as well. I have this really annoying habit of finding humor in everything and sometimes will just think of something hilarious and laugh, even though no one is around. True, I look crazy, but still laughing is good. I did this the other day driving home and it hit me that I haven't done that for years. It was like everything was muted. So I will gladly take my times of stress, anxiety or even depression if I can in turn have my joy.

[Hopeful 285]

Jolee,
I had problems while still on Lexapro. Your body is giving you warning signs.
Have you ever tried to taper? You really need to read Dr. Peter Breggin or Dr.Ann Blake Tracy's books.
The doctors won't tell you anything. I have a movement disorder which went from severe and as I have healed is much milder. Even though I was walking with a strange gait my neurologist did not take me off the drug. I eventually took myself off after 8 months of being tested for other things.
He should have recognized it since these drugs are know to cause movement disorders.
These drugs cause seizures, blood platelet problems, thyroid disorders, tremors, jerks, serotonin syndrom, etc.
I quit cold turkey in November and had a very serious reaction. I progressively got worse day by day and ended up in the emergency room almost a month later. Quiting cold turkey is very dangerous. With the side effects you are having, you will probably want to taper yourself off the drug.
I know it takes months to do it right. You will need to get your drug in liquid form and ask for a baby dropper to be accurate. You can only taper off one drug at a time. Since I didn't taper I don't know all the specifics but If you read others post on this site and ask about tapering, they will share with you the safest way to do it.
There are a lot of newcomers and if you get missed, post again. It is not intentional. Everyone here is great. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Please be patient, withdrawing is a long process and you do not want to do it alone.
I guess I was assuming you want to quit taking this drug. I really do recommend it.
You may want to check these books and sites out.

Books and links:

http://www.ssristories.com/

http://www.drugawareness.org/Archive...reactions.html

http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/...ssants-ADF.htm

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

http://www.priory.com/psych/panes.htm#Case3

http://www.newstarget.com/011353.html

http://www.outsidein.co.uk/forum/vie...e58a9489f43913

www.breggin.com/Fromprozac.pbreggin.2001.pdf

www.breggin.com/brain-disablingch1.html

www.breggin.com/braindisabling.pdf

www.breggin.com/courtfiling.pbreggin.2006.pdf

www.antidepressantsfacts.com/scientists.htm
(Probably some of the most accurate info available today)

www.thomasjmoore.com/pages/depress.shtml
(the truth about the drug industry)

http://www.chaada.org/plog/index.php...d=212&blogId=1

http://www.chaada.org/plog/index.php...d=216&blogId=1

http://www.medicine.plosjournals.org...l.pmed.0020392

http://www.medicine.plosjournals.org...l.pmed.0020124

http://www.medicine.plosjournals.org...l.pmed.0030185

http://www.medicine.plosjournals.org...l.pmed.0020138

http://www.observer.co.uk/magazine/s...706297,00.html
(Part 1 -- The Chemistry of Happiness)

http://www.observer.co.uk/magazine/s...706299,00.html
(Part 2 -- The Chemistry of Happiness)

http://www.network54.com/Forum/28184...itus+Professor
(A revealing lecture about the recent history of psychopharmacology by a retired doctor)


www.network54.com/Forum/182310/

www.network54.com/Forum/281849/

-- Prozac Backlash : Overcoming the Dangers of Prozac, Zoloft,
Paxil, and
Other Antidepressants with Safe, Effective Alternatives - by Joseph
Glenmullen, M.D.

-- Prozac and the New Antidepressants : What You Need to Know
About Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Serzone,
Vestra, Celexa, St. John's Wort - by William S. Appleton

-- Prozac: Panacea or Pandora?- by Ann Blake Tracy, Ph.D.
A treasure trove of information you will not find elsewhere.
Ann is a pioneer in revealing the true nature of antidepressant
drugs.

-- The Antidepressant Era - by David Healy, M.D.

-- Molecules of Emotion - by Candace Pert, Ph.D.

-- Psychiatric Survivor- from misdiagnosed patient on a mental ward to
hospital director. The Autobiography of A. Mark Bedillion,
MS.Ed.,C.A.C.


-- The Noonday Demon - Andrew Solomon


-- The Shooting Drugs - Prozac and its Generation Exposed on the
Internet -
by Donna Smart

-- Challenging the Therapeutic State : Critical Perspectives on
Psychiatry
and the Mental Health System - by David Cohen

-- The Manufacture of Madness : A Comparative Study of the
Inquisition and
the Mental Health Movement - by Thomas S. Szasz

-- Mad in America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and the Enduring
Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill - by Bob Whitaker

-- Prescription for Disaster -The Hidden Dangers in Your Medicine
Cabinet - by Thomas J. Moore

-- The Power to Harm Mind, Medicine and Murder on Trial:
The Westbecker Prozac Case - by John Cornwell

-- Psychiatric Drugs Explained (second edition)
by David Healy, M.D.

-- Toxic Psychiatry by Peter Breggin

-- The Antidepressant Fact Book by Peter Breggin

-- Brain-disabling Treatments in Psychiatry by Peter Breggin

-- Mad In America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and The Enduring
Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill by Robert Whitaker

-- Warning: Psychiatry Can Be Hazardous to Your Mental Health by
William Glasser

--Blaming the Brain: The Truth About Drugs and Mental Health by
Elliot Valenstein

-- Psychiatric Drugs Shorten Life Span
http://www.stopshrinks.org/reading_r..._drugs_shorten
_life.html

-- Against Depression, a Sugar Pill Is Hard to Beat
http://www.stopshrinks.org/articles/sugar.htm

-- Why Psychiatric Drugs Are Always Bad by Douglas C. Smith, M.D.

-- A list of books
http://www.outlookcities.com/psych/

-- http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/articles.htm

-- THE DARK SIDE OF PSYCHIATRY
http://www.oikos.org/antipsicen.htm

-- THE CRITICAL PSYCHIATRY WEBSITE
http://www.critpsynet.freeuk.com/antipsychiatry.htm

-- PROZAC SURVIVORS
http://www2.netdoor.com/~bill/prosurv/prosurv.html

-- ANTIDEPRESSANTS FACTS
www.antidepressantsfacts.com

-- INTERNATIONAL COALITION FOR DRUG AWARENESS
http://www.drugawareness.org/

-- HEALTHY SKEPTICISM
http://www.healthyskepticism.org/

ALLIANCE FOR HUMAN RESEARCH PROTECTION
www.ahrp.org

[auntybiotic]

My daughter is STILL tapering............she needs to go very slow or else she is unable to attend school and have a social life.

i do this out of "the goodness of my heart" but actually with all the new posters I have not been able to keep up.................. so I am hoping, Elizabeth, Tavee,Hairy and all the others will fill in because they are pros and know everything one would need to know about tapering off of lexapro..

I may be busy the next few days and be unable to post much, so please don't think I have forgotten anyone. Keep posting your questions and I know someone will answer them if I am unable to..

The tapering is 5 to 10 % of YOUR CURRENT dose for the poster that asked.

Nonocturnal............if you are redaing this please let me know that you are OK. I am worried about you and tried to email you but was unable to.

aunty

[jellison]

Hey, I'm brand new to this website, but I came here because I just started tapering off of Lexapro about a week and a half ago. I was on 20mg for about 4 months for depression, and it helped me wonderfully to get through the rough stuff that came up in life at that time.

My doctor and counselor told me that I could start getting off of it, so I went down to 10mg for a week, and just started doing 5mg a couple days ago.

So far, the only real side-effect that I've had has been getting dizzy when I turn too fast one way or another.

Basically, though, I was curious if anyone had any real words of encouragement? I mean, hearing some of these side-effect stories has me a little worked up (ok, fine, that's probably just anxiety), but I just wanted to hear at least one person say that no matter how bad the withdrawl gets, it'll pass in time. I mean, I can live with anything if I know I won't have to live with it forever.

Thanks, Jere :-)

[Rosalinde]

I'm probably being foggy headed (happens a lot these days!) but I want to make sure I understand what Aunty is saying.

Does 10% taper mean I would take my 10 mg down by 1 mg all the way down to 0? Just wanting to be absolutely sure...

I'm getting ready to start a 2 week pre-taper that I found on this site...
http://www.theroadback.org/aaapretaper.htm

They recommend taking barley, omega 3s, vitamin e, essential protein and body calm. They build up to all these nutritionals slowly over two weeks and then maintain the regime over the course of tapering and for 45 days after finishing final dose.

I also read that switching from a pill to a liquid from of Lexapro causes adverse reactions. Has anyone else heard this?

[overtherainbow]

FYI

Magnesium malate (recommended brand, also by aunty: Source Naturals)
http://www.sourcenaturals.com/products/GP1204/

Bach's Rescue Remedy (homeopathic) as needed (recommended by our aunty)
http://www.bachflower.com/Rescue_Remedy.htm

Lecithin: Vitamin Shoppe brand (also recommended by aunty)
http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/e...jsp?id=VS-1365

All above are available at Vitamin Shoppe

I also take this but less consistently
Omega3 Joy (Genuine Health, I ordered on-line):
http://shop.genuinehealth.com/Produc...&CategoryID=66
Developed by an expert in the field, for mood.
http://www.lipidworld.com/content/3/1/25

Cannot tolerate Vitamin Bs or complex (too enervating, aggravates my already hyper nervous system)

[the_walking]

Wow, I had no idea this was so common. I am 17 years old and I have been taking Lexapro (under medical supervision, thankfully - my MD prescribed it and then I've been to therapy and a psychiatrist) for about a year, year and a half. I really hadn't felt the effects of it working (taken for OCD, anxiety, and depression), plus I had some really strange side effects (I couldn't distinguish my dreams from reality because they were so vivid) and terrible withdrawal symptoms after just missing one or two doses. I started very slowly on the Lexapro, from 5 to 10 to 15 mg and now I'm tapering off in equal measurements but at a higher rate. I just cut my dose to 10 mg as per my psychiatrist's advice (I only just saw her yesterday) and already I feel the effects. I woke up kind of dizzy and I'm a bit sleepy. She said to cut by 5 mg every 7-10 days and she's going to see how I function without medication. I'm going to university soon so I want to see what sort of medication management, if any, I'll need for my conditions.

So glad I found this thread!

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by jellison

Hey, I'm brand new to this website, but I came here because I just started tapering off of Lexapro about a week and a half ago. I was on 20mg for about 4 months for depression, and it helped me wonderfully to get through the rough stuff that came up in life at that time.

My doctor and counselor told me that I could start getting off of it, so I went down to 10mg for a week, and just started doing 5mg a couple days ago.

So far, the only real side-effect that I've had has been getting dizzy when I turn too fast one way or another.

Basically, though, I was curious if anyone had any real words of encouragement? I mean, hearing some of these side-effect stories has me a little worked up (ok, fine, that's probably just anxiety), but I just wanted to hear at least one person say that no matter how bad the withdrawl gets, it'll pass in time. I mean, I can live with anything if I know I won't have to live with it forever.

Thanks, Jere :-)

Good news! I am here to tell you exactly what you want to hear. It is 100% definite that not only will it pass, everything will get so much better when it does. I am impressed that you have not had any major side effects. I do believe that has to be the case with some people. I am still a supporter of the slow taper, so if your side effects start increasing you may want to consider tapering off the remaining part of the dose slower. Usually it takes a good week before they kick in and then (if there are symptoms), 3 weeks to stabilize between the next taper. It sounds like you are handling it really well. I do want to warn you that there a lot of people experience "rebound" depression or anxiety spells around the third or fourth month after taking the last dosage. IF (and it may not happen) this happens, I encourage you to push on and don't give in to the feeling that it is an indicator you "need" to get back on the medication. I did that my first time off Lexapro and got back on it. I was on SSRIs for several years though. I am hoping your ride will be less bumpy. I would suggest you look into getting on the Omega 3 fish oil and the magnesium malate. It is beneficial in building your body up while recovering from SSRI withdrawal. And, if you are one of the lucky ones with no major symptoms, the Omega 3 and magnesium is still good for you. And stick around, even if you breeze through this. It is so good seeing how everybody is doing, and this is an entirely different process for everyone.

[Freazytek]

Originally Posted by Freazytek

I'm at 1,5 mg now,i once quit cold turley with risperdal but i had a bad experience,xtc feeling again in the morning and dilated pupils like crazy.
I'm taking the risperdal cause my head wont hurt like that anymore if i take it.
i have been 2,5 months now on risperdal.Whats your advice?
What could cause this constant headache from just taking one pill?

Anyone has an answer to this cause i'm a little worried i might have permanently damaged my brains,this constant headache bothers me.
What could cause this effect on my brain from just one dose of lexapro??

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by the_walking

Wow, I had no idea this was so common. I am 17 years old and I have been taking Lexapro (under medical supervision, thankfully - my MD prescribed it and then I've been to therapy and a psychiatrist) for about a year, year and a half. I really hadn't felt the effects of it working (taken for OCD, anxiety, and depression), plus I had some really strange side effects (I couldn't distinguish my dreams from reality because they were so vivid) and terrible withdrawal symptoms after just missing one or two doses. I started very slowly on the Lexapro, from 5 to 10 to 15 mg and now I'm tapering off in equal measurements but at a higher rate. I just cut my dose to 10 mg as per my psychiatrist's advice (I only just saw her yesterday) and already I feel the effects. I woke up kind of dizzy and I'm a bit sleepy. She said to cut by 5 mg every 7-10 days and she's going to see how I function without medication. I'm going to university soon so I want to see what sort of medication management, if any, I'll need for my conditions.

So glad I found this thread!

I am so glad you found this thread!!
Right now I am more than a little upset that your psychiatrist gave you this taper advice. I KNOW she is a doctor but I am telling you that there are a plethora of people who have tried quick taper approaches and it is suffering for nothing with a high probability of emotional symptoms accompanying not only the time getting off the medication but also occuring out of the blue several months after taking your last dose. I know she is going to disagree on this, but there are a lot of people who have found this out when trying to get off SSRIs, not just Lexapro. If I was you, I would tell her that you are already having withdrawal symptoms and want to know if you can do a slower taper. I went off Paxil years ago not knowing that there were withdrawal symptoms after the initial obvious symptoms. I now know the things I went through for months afterwards were from too fast withdrawal. The best way to taper off this medication is to decrease from 5-10% of the dose you are taking, stay on that dose for 3 weeks to give the body time to stabilize, then decrease that dose by 5-10% and stay on it for 3 weeks. The closer you get to 0 Mgs, the lower you need to decrease. This is best done if you can get the liquid Lexapro. I know this sounds like a pain in the neck and it does take awhile, but it will minimize the side effects and help ensure that you don't have the withdrawal related emotional symptoms that come with the quicker taper. I can't believe she is having you taper with that high of a decrease within 7-10 days. We have found that the symptoms of withdrawal don't even appear until approximately a week after decreasing the dose. But seriously, a lot of doctors give similar advice on tapering. My doctor was the one that told me how to get off Paxil and then the Lexapro later. This time I have gone slower and it made a difference. You are also going to need some support and encouragement along the way, because you may have not only physical symptoms but emotional ones (big time mood fluctuations) Is your family supportive and can they help encourage your doctor to let you do a slow taper? (I ask because had it been me, I would have been on my own with it. I WAS on my own dealing with depression -they were in the house with me, but that was about it.) I just know how certain a lot of doctors are that there is no such thing as SSRI withdrawal, other than a few minor symptoms. Chances are you won't have any MAJOR issues, but if you can avoid the common ones, it would be good. And I know how stressful the first semester of college is and you don't need to have anything added to that-I want you to have some fun Aunty (who is our resident expert) has a daughter that has been doing the slow taper and has been able to do well in school and go on with life as normal. I promise you, the slower taper will help a lot. Also, I am advising you to get the Carlson's Omega 3 Fish Oil and magnesium malate. I have suffered depression throughout life and promise you the magnesium seems to help that. The Omega 3 Fish Oil will also help build your body as you recover from the withdrawals. Please keep posting. We are here for you!! You will get through this. I am also giving you my email addy. Please know you are not alone and this does get better. hairyarmadillo@msn.com

[the_walking]

Originally Posted by Hairyarmadillo

I am so glad you found this thread!!
Right now I am more than a little upset that your psychiatrist gave you this taper advice. I KNOW she is a doctor but I am telling you that there are a plethora of people who have tried quick taper approaches and it is suffering for nothing with a high probability of emotional symptoms accompanying not only the time getting off the medication but also occuring out of the blue several months after taking your last dose. I know she is going to disagree on this, but there are a lot of people who have found this out when trying to get off SSRIs, not just Lexapro. If I was you, I would tell her that you are already having withdrawal symptoms and want to know if you can do a slower taper. I went off Paxil years ago not knowing that there were withdrawal symptoms after the initial obvious symptoms. I now know the things I went through for months afterwards were from too fast withdrawal. The best way to taper off this medication is to decrease from 5-10% of the dose you are taking, stay on that dose for 3 weeks to give the body time to stabilize, then decrease that dose by 5-10% and stay on it for 3 weeks. The closer you get to 0 Mgs, the lower you need to decrease. This is best done if you can get the liquid Lexapro. I know this sounds like a pain in the neck and it does take awhile, but it will minimize the side effects and help ensure that you don't have the withdrawal related emotional symptoms that come with the quicker taper. I can't believe she is having you taper with that high of a decrease within 7-10 days. We have found that the symptoms of withdrawal don't even appear until approximately a week after decreasing the dose. But seriously, a lot of doctors give similar advice on tapering. My doctor was the one that told me how to get off Paxil and then the Lexapro later. This time I have gone slower and it made a difference. You are also going to need some support and encouragement along the way, because you may have not only physical symptoms but emotional ones (big time mood fluctuations) Is your family supportive and can they help encourage your doctor to let you do a slow taper? (I ask because had it been me, I would have been on my own with it. I WAS on my own dealing with depression -they were in the house with me, but that was about it.) I just know how certain a lot of doctors are that there is no such thing as SSRI withdrawal, other than a few minor symptoms. Chances are you won't have any MAJOR issues, but if you can avoid the common ones, it would be good. And I know how stressful the first semester of college is and you don't need to have anything added to that-I want you to have some fun Aunty (who is our resident expert) has a daughter that has been doing the slow taper and has been able to do well in school and go on with life as normal. I promise you, the slower taper will help a lot. Also, I am advising you to get the Carlson's Omega 3 Fish Oil and magnesium malate. I have suffered depression throughout life and promise you the magnesium seems to help that. The Omega 3 Fish Oil will also help build your body as you recover from the withdrawals. Please keep posting. We are here for you!! You will get through this. I am also giving you my email addy. Please know you are not alone and this does get better. hairyarmadillo@msn.com

Thank you for such a quick response, HA. I've had major mood swings for several years already; how major are we talking? My parents aren't really comfortable with the whole thing - my mum especially - but my GF is really supportive and I think she'll be understanding. She's glad I'm getting off this pill because I've really hated it the majority of the time I've been on it. I'm not too terribly concerned about it interfering with uni, but only time will tell.

Thanks for your support.

[bking126]

Has anyone else had symptoms of jaw clenching with the lexapro, either at the beginning or conclusion of your taking it? I thought maybe it was just coincidental from stress when I experienced the jaw pain / clenching when I first started taking Lexapro about a year ago... but today, a week or so into my first lower dose, the pain and stiffness are back. I just wondered if anyone else has experienced this and, if so, if you have any suggestions on combating it.

[jellison]

Thanks, Hairy.

I'm already ready for some sort of depressive slump again later, but I've already decided that I'm not going back on meds. I only did at first because I was going through a really bad break up and a lot of bad family stuff all within the span of 48 hours. Needless to say, I wasn't in a rut, I was down in the Grand Canyon.

Knowing that the side-effects, not matter what or how bad they are, will subside is great. I have a heart condition (mitral valve prolapse) and the effects of it are as annoying as heck, but are something that I have to learn to live with. Having some side-effects that'll go away after a while will be a nice change.

I'll stay around and try to keep you up-to-date with how everything's going.

And since I'm here, I want to say that for those of you who have depression and don't want to stay on meds forever, you might try laughing whenever you feel down. It's hard to make yourself laugh sometimes when you're down, trust me I know, but your brain can't distinguish between fake-laughs and real-laughs, so when you fake laugh it produces the same feel-good chemicals that are released during real-laughing.

Just some food for thought.

[laurafish919]

Bking--i love your quote about appreciating a normal day. That is something that I'm just beginning to appreciate and i'm in my mid twenties. When you're 12, a "normal" day usually meant a "boring day" and it sort of stayed that way until a few years ago when I realized drama was NOT always a good thing.


elizabethmarie--i absolutely LOVED your roadwork/night highway repair crew analogy. I read it twice. I'm going to copy you but don't worry, i'll credit the faceless "elizabethmarie" from my electronic therapy message board... but i love that so much.
also, so it seems you are very spiritual--was it a difficult decision deciding to take antidepressants in the first place? But i really love everything you said. and you seem to be so rational about the entire process... at least with your process through this thing you are able to help others now...and i absolutely agree that sometimes you have to give your mind permission to not think.

Jellison--i agree! live through anything if it isnt forever. i mean anything that isnt a terminal or permanent life-changing thing isnt bad, compared to what the world has to go through---(thank you hairyaramadillo!

thewalking i had problems distinguishing my dreams from reality too! I mean most of the time I could, but a few times I would be confused about what happened--And i'd develop emotions towards things that happened in the dreams against real people in my life....i felt like maybe thats what people who take intense drugs must feel or something! I have friends who still are obsessed with things they saw while on acid.... but yeah, good luck at college--thats what i'm scared of, messing up my next semester of law school because of withdrawal off this stupid medication...
plus did you say you were 17? i dont know waht 17 year old doesnt have mood swings! so have fun with that! oh man, i was so dramatic at that age...

[elizabethmaria]

Hi guys,
Well, a bad morning again today... Skyer, if you are reading, I thought you had mentioned having bad mornings... it's been real rough, scary thoughts (you know, the bad kinds), total weakness, etc etc.. does this part pass? it's been really getting worse and worse... night time been praying that I don't do something awful when it hits in the morning, it's so bad.. usually clears up, but not so much today, ... Just sad here.. I just have to accept that cause my reaction was so very very bad, it's going to take a lot longer than most other people to heal... gosh, some days I just can't take it anymore! please say some prayers for me...
struggling,
EM
Laurafish, I have myalgic encephalomyelitis/CFS .. I was prescribed antidepressants to aid w/ sleep difficulty that accompanies that (it's a malfunctioning adrenal/pituitary/hypothalamus).. I never had any psychological reason to take an ssri, and personally would never have done that - only took for a few days and had a horrible reaction to them - the doctors have obviously concluded that I handle the ME/CFS fine without any drugs (as am extremely sensitive), and generally sleep fine - just a bad mistake...with lots of consequences! I'm sorry this is such a downer post... I just am having great difficulty today... Hopefully it's just cause the roadwork crew has been working overtime ... ...I wish they would hurry it up, I have a traffic jam in my head now.
take care,
EM

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by the_walking

Thank you for such a quick response, HA. I've had major mood swings for several years already; how major are we talking? My parents aren't really comfortable with the whole thing - my mum especially - but my GF is really supportive and I think she'll be understanding. She's glad I'm getting off this pill because I've really hated it the majority of the time I've been on it. I'm not too terribly concerned about it interfering with uni, but only time will tell.

Thanks for your support.

Great! I am glad you have someone who will be there for you. Yep, I know about mood swings. I spent my life having doozies of mood swings and depression. As Dickinson said "I can wade Grief, huge pools of it-I'm used to that" Trust me, these mood swings are bad. I don't ever get angry but I could have ripped someone's head off. And the depression got bad. BUT IT PASSES AND THEN ALL IS BETTER!!! Really-do look into the supplements. I am now at a point of wondering if a magnesium deficiency wasn't the cause of a lot of my problems.

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by bking126

Has anyone else had symptoms of jaw clenching with the lexapro, either at the beginning or conclusion of your taking it? I thought maybe it was just coincidental from stress when I experienced the jaw pain / clenching when I first started taking Lexapro about a year ago... but today, a week or so into my first lower dose, the pain and stiffness are back. I just wondered if anyone else has experienced this and, if so, if you have any suggestions on combating it.

Yes, this is from the Lexapro! I cannot remember who on here has had that, but it does go along with the Lexapro. I am thinking the magniesium malate may help with that but am not sure. Someone else want to chime in here??
I sure wish we would get some kind of smiley that symbolizes "help, everyone"

[laurafish919]

elizabethmarie
i'm really sorry you're having a bad day. On this past sunday, i was an insane person... i sobbed for hours, i felt so sick, i fell asleep out of nowhere here and there, i was so dizzy i couldnt walk straight, i couldnt breathe right, i really felt there was nothing good in life EVER and now its soooo funny thinking about how dramatic i was that day. I mean as long as you can hold onto the strength to know during the worst times that it WILL pass--you seem like you're a very optimstic person naturally, and its not fair you have to go through such a hard time with this--but i guess what they say is true, you CAN handle what is given to you, you cant let the bad thoughts keep you chained to them. and before anyone wants to do anything bad, take a trip to egypt or do something crazy. well i just lost my train of thought because stupid WORK got in the way!

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by elizabethmaria

Hi guys,
Well, a bad morning again today... Skyer, if you are reading, I thought you had mentioned having bad mornings... it's been real rough, scary thoughts (you know, the bad kinds), total weakness, etc etc.. does this part pass? it's been really getting worse and worse... night time been praying that I don't do something awful when it hits in the morning, it's so bad.. usually clears up, but not so much today, ... Just sad here.. I just have to accept that cause my reaction was so very very bad, it's going to take a lot longer than most other people to heal... gosh, some days I just can't take it anymore! please say some prayers for me...
struggling,
EM
[EM

Doesn't that just suck? I hate it when the thoughts hit like that. It is one thing to tell myself I will fight those thoughts, but when they hit it is so hard. I'm not cracking up here, but when I get like that I let my "other self" take over. Not saying it is another personality by any means, so no one freak, but I let the rational side that is in me take over and start engaging in self talk telling myself what I know the be true. As some wise person told me to do, I have found it beneficial to NOT think, I watch some silly show or do something meaningless. When the thoughts are like that I block them out and get busy doing something that will not allow me to think. I am getting stronger spiritually but when those times hit it is hard to pray, so I sing hymns. I don't feel as enthused as I usually do, but I make myself sing hymns. Anything to feel my mind with something positive and eliminate the negative. When you are in that pit, it is hard to endure, but it does pass and it will pass. I know you are having a harder time with it, but you are going to break free from this. I am praying hard for you. Always do but am adding more oomph to it. Hang in there-His Help is on the way. Love ya and also sending a virtual hug. (So does my dog who just slobbered all over the laptop

[elizabethmaria]

Hi, thanks guys, am still hanging in there... boy, it's bad. When I mean bad mornings.. I mean I lie on the bathroom floor for and hour or two, or three - I can't get up, I'm so weak, dizzy, etc. can't even cry for heavens sake I am soo weak.. plus the bad thoughts too - I've already eaten, had water, etc so it's not that..then it goes away slowly, and I can get up, and have a bad heavy headache, and slowly improve.. does that get better? am soo tired of that awful feeling! Skyer, ???
Also, I know this sounds weird, but for old timers... has anyone had the intense, ongoing sense that they are going to die soon during month 3 on? like, it's not depression at all, it's just like a factual thought, not even because of the pain, or anything.. just like, 'I know I am going to die, it will be soon' - not even like because of the symptoms, just outside of everything, It is so weird - I was even saying goodbye to people at one point... like premonition or something.. I always just try to ignore it, but am wondering if others have had that sense too?? it is very strong...
ok, enough of that - baby steppin through this hour..
EM

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by elizabethmaria

Hi, thanks guys, am still hanging in there... boy, it's bad. When I mean bad mornings.. I mean I lie on the bathroom floor for and hour or two, or three - I can't get up, I'm so weak, dizzy, etc. can't even cry for heavens sake I am soo weak.. plus the bad thoughts too - I've already eaten, had water, etc so it's not that..then it goes away slowly, and I can get up, and have a bad heavy headache, and slowly improve.. does that get better? am soo tired of that awful feeling! Skyer, ???
Also, I know this sounds weird, but for old timers... has anyone had the intense, ongoing sense that they are going to die soon during month 3 on? like, it's not depression at all, it's just like a factual thought, not even because of the pain, or anything.. just like, 'I know I am going to die, it will be soon' - not even like because of the symptoms, just outside of everything, It is so weird - I was even saying goodbye to people at one point... like premonition or something.. I always just try to ignore it, but am wondering if others have had that sense too?? it is very strong...
ok, enough of that - baby steppin through this hour..
EM

OH MY GOODNESS! Yes! I am having that feeling of knowing I am going to die and it is just like a premonition. It started before my bad weekend actually. About a couple of weeks ago was when it first started. This is wild, because (once more) I thought it was just me. It is so convincing that I just created an email list for my husband to email my friends if something happens. I am going on a trip in a few weeks and have had this feeling that I am going to be killed. I am not scared, I am not upset and this all happened when I was feeling "normal" so it isn't like it was fatalistic thinking. Weird! i was even going to type up a letter detailing what my husband needs to do in case I die. I swear I thought it was me!

[elizabethmaria]

Hairyarmadillo,
REALLY???!! Oh my gosh, that's awesome! j/k.. wow.. ok. that is a good sign, we're not alone - that is so funny, it actually makes me laugh, awful as I feel! Yes, not a scary feeling, it's when you just feel normal even, just a FACT, that's that - nothing to do with fatalistic thinking. I am so glad, I thought it was just me, like maybe I WAS going to die or something.. that gives me hope. Start planning how things need to be wrapped up, what you want to say to people beforehand, etc. ok.. It is SO STRONG.. ok, well, now I feel a little better, thank you for sharing that.. and yes, began just about the same time as your feeling too.. wow.
happily knowing that I'm not the only one who thinks we know we're going to die! j/K that's scary stuff...
EM

[tavee]

The Feeling Of That U Are Going To Die Is What I Experience On A Regular Basis(more Now Than Before Since I Am On A Low Dose).

Last Night I Was Having A Pain Somewhere And The Whole Night I Was Like Oh My God I Am Going To Die.

Dr Tavee

[the_walking]

Wow, thanks everyone for your support! I've had some more dizzy spells throughout the day, and even got some of the pins and needles my doctor mentioned. It's really uncomfortable. My sweetheart has been a DOLL to me already, she's happy I'm getting off them because I've really been unhappy on them.


I dun lahk dis. I dun lahk dis at awl.

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by tavee

The Feeling Of That U Are Going To Die Is What I Experience On A Regular Basis(more Now Than Before Since I Am On A Low Dose).

Last Night I Was Having A Pain Somewhere And The Whole Night I Was Like Oh My God I Am Going To Die.

Dr Tavee

You all do not know how glad I am to know this is not me. I just assumed I was about to kick the bucket. I am not worried about it, just accepting. Been trying to clean the house so it will be spotless when everyone comes over to console my husband. Does this mean I can stop cleaning?? I swear I haven't felt this happy about finding out someone else has a symptom since I first found this forum. My rational me knows I shouldn't feel elated but I do. Ok, time for some more personal sharing. Remember how I told you I had that psychotic episode years ago that was attributed to the diet pills I was taking? Well, it was approximately 4 or so months after I THOUGHT I had weaned off Paxil. But building up to that episode, the symptoms I had were the same things as with the Lexapro withdrawal-brain zaps, dizzy spells, bad periods of depersonalization. I also had this same premonition feeling-it was so believable. Then I went into psychosis. I am so scared of that happening again. When I started having that premonition feeling, that is the first thing I thought of. The only good thing is now I know that it is drug related but still... Another ironic thing is that following that episode, even though the doctors said otherwise, I was paranoid of it coming back. So now that the "I am going to die premonition" is back I am scared of that happening big time.

[Thankful_Reader]

Folks-
I just wanted to take the time to register and post here what I hope you all consider a positive message...I went to my Dr today to get help to quit smoking, and work out some other problems. I mentioned that I was having depression and what I believe is social anxiety disorder also.

Long story short -- guess what? He gave me some lexapro samples to take!

He did mention that some people had "freaky dreams" with this drug. Well, being the inquisitive sort that I am, I thought "I'm going to go on the internet and research this drug." Mainly because I am very sensitive to all drugs -- I didn't want to be "temporarily happy" and then find out later that all my fingers and toes were going to fall off!

Most of the search results proved benign - I found minor mentions of the "zap effect" and other things. Not too bad, so I thought maybe I will go ahead and give it a try...

I had the blister pack in my hand and was about to take the first 10mg dose. That was UNTIL I found this thread and -- needless to say I went within a matter of seconds!!!

So, I just wanted to say T H A N K Y O U ! ! ! to all that have posted your experiences!!!!!!

I am so sorry that some of you are having a very hard time weaning off of this drug. But, please feel good for the fact that you may have just saved me years of more problems due to withdrawal symptoms!!!!

I hope to get some advice on what to take OTHER than these "killer prescriptions" docs are handing out like candy these days!!

The body calm (cherry) sounds intriguing... can someone please shed more light on this, and anything else they may feel beneficial to someone that wants to keep it "old-school natural?"

Thanks again, especially to the pioneers such as Aunty that had the determination to not only post, but help other sufferers by coming back over and over!

Thanks, folks! I am soooo glad the internet can help people in so many ways, if you know where to look!

PLEASE stay positive and know that someday, you can and WILL feel "normal" again. Its the only thing that keeps me going sometimes...

[the_walking]

Originally Posted by Thankful_Reader

*snip!*

I'm glad you found this too! Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person, though, and it's important to follow your doctor's counsel. Sometimes stuff like this is less important than the benefits you will derive from the medication. Part of the issue I take with me using Lexapro, other than the fact that it didn't really work for me, is that it wasn't approved for those under 18. I had just turned 16 when I started taking it, and I'm 17 and a half now and just weaning off of it. Please talk to your doctor before you make any decisions to just not take a pill. Our side effects are bad, yes, but you may genuinely need this pill.

- Sympathetic pre-med student and Lexapro dropper ()

[the_walking]

Originally Posted by Hairyarmadillo

Yes, this is from the Lexapro! I cannot remember who on here has had that, but it does go along with the Lexapro. I am thinking the magniesium malate may help with that but am not sure. Someone else want to chime in here??
I sure wish we would get some kind of smiley that symbolizes "help, everyone"

Are you serious? I've noticed that a short time ago too! I was wondering why I did it... I used to grind my teeth when I was young so I figured it was anxiety or a nervous tic... The more you know!