[Justapill]

http://www.globaldnasolutions.com/body-calm.htm

[Justapill]

http://www.sourcenaturals.com/products/GP1204/
(magnesium malate) I think Aunty says that it can also be found at the Vitamin Shoppe...

[Justapill]

Hairy..... I am waiting on my Body Calm and I am desperately hoping I have the same reaction as you. My NutraSleep just ain't doing the job!

[laurafish919]

Shnauzer i had dizzyness a lot--thats still what i get for about a minute in the morning and a minute at night--and i definitely had hot flashes but i thought it was because i had a bad flu/cold but now that its been TWO MONTHS of this cold i'm pretty sure its just symptoms.

i'm SO excited you said you lost some weight though. i have been reading message board after message board--in other forums/websites too and people say verbatum what i say about EVERYTHING. about the weight gain, the vertigo, ...i keep trying to make my boyfriend read this because he thinks i'm making stuff up. I don't get it though. Ive never complained about being sick before and he just assumes when i do i'm lying?

but anywyas, so i'm at 1.25 mg right now and i have noticed a lot of anxiety has returned which is the first thing i miss from the lexapro. I'm having major computer issues and I didn't return something within 30 days and so i think i'm stuck with a broken, 90 dollar power charger --which i only had to buy because the stupid place kept not correctly fixing my charger. what was the point of buying a 300 dollar warranty if they take your computer for months and dont fix it? anyways so i'm sooo angry about it and this is the sort of thing lexapro helped me calm down about. I mean whats the point of obsessing, right? That's just a minor issue, and not even the reason i was put on lexapro but i do miss having a much calmer, more rational sense about this sort of thing! But i'm just trying to remind myself how silly it is to be actually EMOTIONAL about a silly power charger, and 90 dollars isn't the end of the world, and none of this is life-altering so stop even wasting time worrying about and just take care of it!

oh well, at least tomorrow is a day off of work. Does anyone have exciting 4th of July plans? or is everyone hoping to just not be dizzy and sick?

[Joslyn]

Hmmm. I just sat down with a calculator and realized if I taper very slowly, in 3 weeks at 10% increments of each CURRENT dose, it will take me almost two years to taper. But at the age of 40, I probably don't have two years to wait before trying to get pregnant. So now I am left with a difficult decision.

Try to get pregnant while on a low dose of lex (which doesn't sit well with me), do a faster taper so I can at least try to conceive some time in 2008, or, say, oh well, I guess we can't even try to have a child, since my dr never, ever warned me about withdrawals or how long it would take to come off without side effects. I just remember him blithely saying that SSRIs are not toxic and not addictive.

If they are not addictive, then why withdrawal effects?

It was only in the past year that he mentioned discontinuation syndrome (nice euphemism for withdrawal) when I was the one who asked about getting off meds. He never volunteered the info.

How would he like it if he and his wife had to choose between having a med-free pregnancy or having his wife go through brain zaps? How would he like having a wife who feels asexual?

Am I not expected to have a full sex life or children, because, oh well, you've been depressed three times in your adult life, so you should just keep taking meds and be happy you don't get depressed again, don't ever get greedy and ask for the things other people in life have, like, your sexual self and children.

(Of course, pdoc would say many people on SSRIs have healthy babies, but I just don't think I can take that chance with another life.)

Thanks for letting me vent.

[skyer]

EM: Miss Lee from way back on the boards had the same problem with loss of weight. You might want to go back and read some of her posts. At first I gained a little (carb craving) and then I lost some (loss of appetite) and then I gained some. Lately, I've been dealing with some major bloating. It's freaking me out, but I read on Paxil Progress that this is common. Still, it has not been this bad before...and now nine months out?? I was fine on Saturday, but a few days before and since I've been really uncomfortable. I eat very little, but get full right away. My tummy just sticks out.

You know, when you described the weakness it reminded me of Mr. Spock from the boards way back when, too. Did you ever read his posts? He had CFS, too, and that coupled with withdrawal made him feel like lead. I wouldn't say I'm weak, but I've had terrible fatigue throughout this. I'm so sick of being sick.

[Hairyarmadillo]

I typed a llllllllooooooong post last night but because of my internet issues, it was lost. Now I can't remember what I was saying in the first place-lol

Elizabethmarie I know! IMO is in my opinion. My favorite (because I didn't know it and thought someone was being silly once) is MOO which means My opinion only. In fact I typed up a little disclaimer to put at the end of each of my posts and I HAD to stick in MOO. I found a site once that defined all the acronyms because I only know a few. Should have put it in my favorite links. sigh

Joslyn I smiled at your comment on religion. It just has to pop out doesn't it? And let me tell you, not only has this site kept me sane when people do interject religion, it has always came at a time when I needed it and it was influential. HE works in HIS own time and HIS own way. I try not to preach at people but when I feel the calling, it has to come out. I would rather err at offending people, than offending HIM. If you should decide to do a quicker taper then do take the supplements. They will help long the way. Still, do stretch the tapers as much as possible. It makes a difference. Oh on the sexual issues. I bet if he hadn't had an orgasm in 10 years, your doctor would feel differently-ahahaha! Like you all want to know about my sad sex life. Sorry. It is getting better though!!!

everybody My key words for today are Body Calm. WOW! I am going to have to cut back to one at night to see if I have more energy throughout the day. I am getting a wee bit too relaxed IMO. Wish I had this the other week when I was wigging out with anxiety spells.

Disclaimer: My opinions only-MOO! My posts represent my personal opinion based on my experiences and does not claim to be information given by a physician. Any decisions regarding prescribed medications should be discussed with the prescribing physician.

[laurafish919]

Have you guys felt at all that you've had a lot of friendships suffer through this? I mean, I used to be pretty happy (ha, before i went on ANTI depressants) and i felt so lucky to have so many friends. And now, I am angry or hurt by everyone and i'm still sane enough to realize its probably ME that is the problem and not the whole world turning against me. It's just hard to keep reminding myself of that...I just keep feeling abandoned or something... overly sensitive? is that the lexapro? or is it just that now i feel like a weaker and fatter person and i'm less fun and more annoying?

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Hairyarmadillo, Laurafish,
Thanks for the definition! I've been wondering for a long time.. was starting to think they were some words I just didn't know... !
Laurafish - you are tapering by 50% ~ that is REALLY fast... remember, normal is 5-10% to avoid most adverse symptoms, that's 5-10% of your current dose... if you have been going from 2.5 to 1.25, that's a huge jump, so it's not surprising that you have troubles... It's up to you if you want to try to taper more slowly, but it will definitely make it easier -- just don't like to see you in more pain than you need to be! just a thought.. Yes, this definitely will test your friendships, with me, to the utmost! It really showed who is there for you, 'believes in you' and stands by you through anything.. Really painful realizations sometimes, about who isn't a true friend, but beautiful discoveries about who is - I was never close to my aunt and her family, thought they didn't care for me much.. but when I was soo sick and alone, she came and stayed with me, never left my side -- even though I was have nuts, seizures, etc.. prayed with me and over me - now we have a relationship that I will always hold very dear, it was very wonderful.. so, both good and bad! other friends I thought were my best friends, knew I was sick, and never even called once. others I had put on the back burner, came out and were there for me - my boyfriend, though mostly just a friend, never stopped calling, even at my worst... sooo, definitely it's a test of true friendship! Slowing your taper however, will abate much of the worst symptoms for you, and you won't feel so 'crazy' and out to lunch - lots more in control... more able to be there for people too I'd bet... wasn't a choice for me, though -- so ask Hairy and other taperers about the best way!!
take care, !
Elizabethmarie

Hi Skyer, Very sorry to hear about the bloating, that sounds like no fun at all .. That's what I keep asking myself - how could it be this bad so far out??? but, what is, is.. The weakness is probably due to a combo as you said, of CFS and withdrawal - the CFS probably accentuates the withdrawal weakness - never had this like this with CFS alone.. not that bad, especially since have been doing so much better with that. Boy, it IS hard though.. I guess asthenia (the name for it I think? neurological periodic weakness) is like that..yucky -- how is your sleep doing? I know you still have vivid dreams, but is your sleep a little deeper now? Mine has gotten better too - though it wasn't ever really a problem - I can just feel it's getting more 'normal' which is so nice! I hope yours has improved much, as you haven't mentioned it lately as a problem ... I know it's hard to be sick for so long! I'm right with you there, it's so tough... but again, we could have terminal brain cancer or something, or lupus, or progressively worsening parkinsons, or ?? we're very very fortunate to have something that is KNOWN to improve over time.. that's a good thought, and something to be very very thankful for...
hope that your store is coming along great!
still hanging in there - still really rough, but I'm still alive too! (I think? ...
love,
Elizabethmarie

[laurafish919]

Elizabethmarie i am an IDIOT. oh my gosh. I can't believe i did this--i, for some reason, was thinking when i got to the lower dosages that i was tapering slowly--And other people have mentioned it and i didnt know what they were talking about. you are COMPLETELY right. that is so funny. I knew going from 10 to 5 was a mistake, and then i think i was thinking that i just shouldnt drop 50% again--that i could drop a smaller percentage off from the original 10. I'm almost impressed with my stupidity, considering how many hours of the day are dedicated to thinking about lexapro. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I really am embarrassed.

Joslyn I am so sorry for your situation. I am so nervous about being able to have children one day and now you have to be both worried about the biological clock and this horrible medication. Maybe i'm not well versed enough in your own personal situation, but is there anyway you can go through a speedier tapering off situation? its so unfair that there isnt even clear information on what is likely to happen with a quick withdrawal--
I dont know. I hope everything works out for you. My mom was 40 when she had my sister and 38 when she had me. Once you kick the lexapro, things hopefully will go perfectly. You deserve a break after all of this.

[Joslyn]

I tapered from 10 mg to 5 mg about 4 years ago. I do remember using the liquid lexapro, but I highly doubt that I spent 3 wks on each taper. (This was several years ago, before there was much info on tapering or withdrawing.) I did feel a little depressed again...not terrible, but a little bit of it, and that was enough to scare me, so I went back on the 10 mg.

I have no idea how I will react to a taper. Two weeks ago I went from 10 to 8.75 and I feel ok, but as the dose gets lower, the tapers will be smaller, since they will be 10% of smaller amounts.

I don't think lexapro is a terrible drug. But I also don't want to make it a lifetime drug, unless I really have to. And the only way to tell is to withdraw and see what happens. There is no safe way to find out ahead of time what will happen.

If I do go off lexapro and get severely depressed again, then I will go back on it, and at least then I will know I really need it. I just need to know!

[elizabethmaria]

Laurafish,
Yes, it IS confusing! It's 5-10% of your Current dose.., so the increments get smaller and smaller - helps as you go lower cause for some reason symptoms get worse... I bet if you go back up to a 10% taper from 2.5, plus get the liquid Lex so you can be really accurate and not get ups and downs, you'll feel a whole lot better -- ask Aunty - she knows everything about tapering and stuff..!
So glad that that is straightened out, that would have been no fun!
take care, love,
EM

[elizabethmaria]

Hi all,
Am starting this past while to feel a trend, which I HOPE is a good sign... (been looking hard for a good sign lately!).. I've definitely found that when I'm real quiet, resting my mind, I feel much better - no obsessive thoughts as much, irrational thinking/fears, depression etc etc.. less dystonia/seizure activity... but when I attempt to use the brain too much (very little at this point everything comes back, .. before, it was just there all the time, seemingly unrelated, with good / bad periods coming unexpectedly..I'm hoping that my brain is healing to a point, where mental exertion triggers symptoms mostly, but just left alone, it is in a better more normal state -- and that that will build and strengthen over time.. That's what I'm hoping, so that when things get bad, I can know I just have to rest and be quiet, and they'll go away -- hopefully.. but we'll just have to see. Just hoping it's somewhat that way - I remember with my CFS that that was how/when I began to see the light - small moments of quiet and feeling better, but overexertion brought everything back.. and slowly those windows expanded...
Hoping hoping hoping ! I'll let you know if that is the case.. my boyfriend/friend is coming to visit tomorrow - please pray that I have an ok couple of days so that I am able to at least speak to him, poor thing!
love,
Elizabethmarie

[HelpMe58]

I am finally in my second week off Lexapro. I weaned off very slowly like everyone suggested. That is the only way to do it without losing your mind. Should I be over the worst? I only have dizziness sometimes. Are you completely off?
When will I lose the 40 pounds I put on...please tell me it will go away now!
Hi everyone, I finally figured out the new format for this forum..haha
HelpMe

[skorpeo72]

Ok...its been a month ...YAY!!
No more side effects and I cant beleive how alive I really feel.
It has been years since I think I felt anything at all. It is really amazing.
was on the Lexapro for over 4 years 20 MG a day.

I just hope my wife doesnt find me a completely different person.

I was a musician and artist my entire life and when I started the lexapro I completely lost interest.
I am now seeing beauty and started playing instruments again and writing music ( Who knew it was still there)

I know the time that I had used the Lexapro I did need it , I was having a lot of personal issues back then and it sent me into a turmoil of panic attacks.
I have not had one since Ive been off, But I dont also have the stresses I used to have as I own a business and have a family now -Where as back then I was single and pretty much floating.

I dont know what more to say other than it is amazing what is out there and it is good to be me again

[Joslyn]

That is great news! Good to hear success stories, especially about creativity....

Anyway, finally got to talk to my psychiatrist about tapering off. It was a rather unsettling conversation, since he basically said, "we don't really know much at all about going off these medications...there are no reports written about it." hmroo? I am not a doctor, but I am sure I have stumbled across such reports myself...not to mention all the Internet first-person accounts, but I was smart enough not to talk to a doctor about my "internet research," LOL. Just don't think that will go over well.

Anyway, his schedule was much, much less conservative than anything else I have heard or read. I didn't write it down, because it was so fast I knew I would go slower anyway, but I'm pretty sure that he said to take one pill one day, then half a pill the next day, then one pill the next day, alternating between one pill and half a pill. Then go to half a pill. Then, after a month, that will be enough time to go off. Oh yeah, he also said, "there are no physical dangers with going off, the problem is that your depression can come back."

I consider my dr to be a smart, caring person, and he seems to know a lot about how the drugs work when you take them, but frankly, I was surprised by his plan on how to stop taking them. And he has never, ever heard of "physical dangers" going off this?

I know that people probably do come off these fine, but think of all the people on different sites posting about withdrawal problems. How has it escaped the attention of doctors?

I did ask him about brain zaps, and he said that only happens when you come off a really high dose of something, and usually only with effexor.

I said I would like to go slower than his recommendation and he said that was fine.

The good thing is, he is going to call in the scrip for liquid lex. So that's really all I need.

It's just kind of scary...I want my doctor to be right, and for one month to be enough, but I just do not feel right about that. I would rather go much slower.

I do worry about the depression coming back, but if it does, I will go back on lexapro, and add Remeron back in too. Those two things together have kicked me out of depression before pretty fast, considering.

But what if I don't get depressed again? Couldn't a positive outcome be just as likely?

Of course, depression itself causes brain damage. So living with it causes its own damage.

I wonder if the reason the drs don't have a lot of SSRI withdrawal reports is because they really want people to stay on them, most likely because they truly believe people need them, so the area isn't researched much. And why would drug companies put a lot of research into how to stop taking their product? From a business standpoint, it doesn't make sense.

I am no hero...if I truly need these meds, I'll take them the rest of my life. But my life and my way of thinking has changed so very much...and I don't think it's just because of the meds. What about therapy, Gody, the new relationships I have formed....things have changed and I have worked really hard on myself. So do I really still need the meds? I want to know. I just wish there was some easy, no-risk way to find out.

[Hopeful 285]

Hi Skyer, Elizabethmaria, Aunty, Hairyarmadillo, Tavee and everyone.

I have Hashimoto's thyroid disease which is a autoimmune disease. The doctor said this is a very common disease.

SSRI's are protein binding and can change the cells so your body doesn't recognize them and your body tries to destroy them according to Dr. Ann Blake Tracy.

They can cause different autoimmune diseases.

In this case my body has formed antibodies against my thyroid. I just found this out last week. I knew something was going on with my thyroid but it took 3 months to get into the endocrinologist.

Dr. Peter Breggin also says that these drugs attack your thyroid.

If anyone else has developed autoimmune diseases, I recommend reading:
Living Well With Autoimmune Disease -Mary J. Shomon

Sometimes it takes years to find out you have an autoimmune disease. Patients go from doctor to doctor trying to find out what is wrong with them. Once you are off Lexapro for a period of time and if you are still having balance problems, vertigo, dry skin, hair loss, swollen ankles, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, or any health problems that persist, you may want to read this book.

A friend of mine that has been on SSRI's also has a thyroid problem.

I don't want to scare anyone but if anyone does have a problem, there is help.

My hormones are still normal. They found out by doing a test to see if I had antibodies and they also did an ultrasound and discovered nodules.

The reflex problem behind my left knee is because of the Hashimoto's.
The actual falling that I have been experiencing is because of Lexapro. I feel a zaps in my head and fall to the floor. (happening a lot less)
The Hashimoto's also makes my feet numb and it gives me vertigo problems.

I'm reading this book and praying and I am going to beat this.

Take care

[sweet-thang]

I have found this anger/irritability thing disturbing too. I'm a typical female in that I really like to try and be as _nice_ as possible...so feeling so hateful and angry is so hard. It makes me feel like I"m a bad person. But I'm trying to think of this as just a physical symptom nothing more, which helps.

I'm also wondering if since ssri's kind of mess up our cortisol/insulin/adrenaline responses contributes to this. Because notice how you feel when you get angry and irritated...it's like your body is sending a huge (inappropriate) surge of adrenalin....it would take a Herculean effort not to react to this much adrenalin. It's way out of balance to what is actually happening (usually something minor)...but yet your heart is racing, hands shaking...and you feel so ANGRY...remember adrenalin is about fight or flight...it makes you FEEL like it's life or death (even if it's not).

Just knowing this helps me. Because what can happen is that I feel really angry (adrenalin rush) and then I panic because I'm feeling so angry and that produces MORE adrenalin. So I just try and calm down about the whole thing, knowing that will help my body.

I think our bodies cortisol is all screwed up and it just has to go to extremes before it balances itself out....and tapering very SLOWLY helps too.

[Hairyarmadillo]

skorpeo72 Congratulations!! Isn't it amazing how alive you feel? I am constantly amazed as the little things that had "gone away" begin emerging again. I thought I had turned into an grouchy old lady. And if I am like that at 38, what was the future going to be like? I am about 80% certain at this point that I am not doomed to that-lol. I'll know for sure when the new school year gets here. I am thankful that I am getting my empathy and insight back. I had lost that. It all keeps getting better.

Joslyn I am glad you are going to be able to wean slower. My doctor gave me some quick taper plan before on Paxil and it was then I realized that doesn't work well for everyone. This will improve your chances for not having the emotional side effects to such a strong degree. You mentioned your faith also-that can help tremendously. I was concerned about having to go back on the SSRIs but am hoping that I can keep myself built up with supplements.

Hopeful You always post the best information! That is interesting about the body trying to destroy the cells in the body. Explains a lot, doesn't it?

Happy 4th, everyone! I hope you all are out having a wonderful, healthy day.

[laurafish919]

Josyln:

was your depression very extreme before the medication? I really think lexapro puts one in a better mood--but I would only ever take it again if i had a specific thing I had to deal with, because I also think it sucked my ability to learn away from me--something like that. I don't think it would help me through consistent depression--well, of course it would. but I'm scared to depend on medication myself, at least after this experience. How bad was the depression though? I do think it is great if you had some really bad thing you're dealing with because it can curb that and let you enjoy life a little better...
Maybe if you can just try to stay one step on top of depression--like preemptively attack it... That is my plan for the future. Its funny because I mean, I really did love running--but when you're depressed, it's pretty hard to climb out of the couch and RUN. its hard enough to shower on a regular basis. --But my plan is to just try to include the most pitiful 15 minute walks in my life because I remember I had a great year, with very little depression and I'm trying to think of what happened then---I did not have any huge major life issues, which obviously was the most important thing. but i used to walk for a half hour almost everyday for my lunch break--to be honest, I started to walk so I could sneak somewhere and smoke a cigarette but then it turned into just enjoying getting out of my chair. Plus, it cleared my head and I felt imaginative...
I also had lots of hobbies I stuck with that year--even if it was silly and short-lived...
I was more social that year than normal. I became sort of intertwined with people and even when I didn't want to go out AT ALL, I felt obligated but it was amazing because I think going out forced me to dodge depression..

i dont know. any other ideas?
i dont think we have to be chained to our negative dispositions. But again, i havent ever been suicidal. The only time I felt bad enough for a long enough time to really lose interest completely in life was a bad break up, which sounds pathetic, but that's what did it for me so far...
eh, whatever. there are a million articles like this online --but when you're actually in that depressed state, very little can take you out of it...I just hope I have the discipline to beat it before it hits!

[tavee]

Oh My God Helpme How Are U?????

It Has Been Sooooooo Long. I Left U A Couple Of Messages In The Past And Im Not Sure If U Got Them.

How Are U???

So U Are Off Lex Huh?? That Is So Good. Did U Taper The Slow Way?? How Did U Do It?

I Am At 1.5ml So I Have About A Few Months To Go Till I Am Completely Off.
I Am Feeling Ok Doing It This Way. I Am So Happy To Hear From U. I Was Wondering How U Were Doing With All This. How Is Ure Mother?? Is She Out Of The Hospital??? Is She Ok?

Please Keep In Touch And Let Me Know How U Are.

I Have Been Tapering About 5-10% Every 2 Weeks.
This Week I Will Attempt To Go Down From 1.5 To 1.3ml. The Lower U Get The Harder It Is, Butim Going To See How I Am With This Taper.

Hairy, Elizabeth, Aunty, Skyer And Everyone- Happy Fourth Of July And Next Year This Time May We All Be Off Lex And Feeling Healthy And Wonderful!!

I Love U Guys!!

Tavee

[mh4]

Can anyone tell me how I should taper off lexapro? I am now on 5mg per day. I took effexor in the past and NEVER had any side effects coming off effexor. Is effexor an SSRI? do all SSRIs have these severe side effects?
I still cannot believe what severe side effects I had coming off lexapro. I tapered for one month. What are we supposed to do, taper for one year? any advice would be appreciated b/c I don't think most doctors know.

[mh4]

hi tavee,
how do you get 1.5ml of lexapro? I am on 5 mg. and it is the smallest i can go with pill splitting. thanks, mh4

[mh4]

Originally Posted by skorpeo72

Ok...its been a month ...YAY!!
No more side effects and I cant beleive how alive I really feel.
It has been years since I think I felt anything at all. It is really amazing.
was on the Lexapro for over 4 years 20 MG a day.

I just hope my wife doesnt find me a completely different person.

I was a musician and artist my entire life and when I started the lexapro I completely lost interest.
I am now seeing beauty and started playing instruments again and writing music ( Who knew it was still there)

I know the time that I had used the Lexapro I did need it , I was having a lot of personal issues back then and it sent me into a turmoil of panic attacks.
I have not had one since Ive been off, But I dont also have the stresses I used to have as I own a business and have a family now -Where as back then I was single and pretty much floating.

I dont know what more to say other than it is amazing what is out there and it is good to be me again

Dear skorpeo72, it was great to read what you wrote. I was off lexapro for about 7 weeks with terrible terrible side effects, but in the midst of terrible feelings, i also had glimmers of myself. on lexapro , i feel flat, I don't cry, I am a bit bla, i have also gained about 50 lbs and just don't feel excited about life. I liked reading your post. thanks, mh4

[mh4]

Originally Posted by Hopeful 285

Hi Skyer, Elizabethmaria, Aunty, Hairyarmadillo, Tavee and everyone.

I have Hashimoto's thyroid disease which is a autoimmune disease. The doctor said this is a very common disease.

SSRI's are protein binding and can change the cells so your body doesn't recognize them and your body tries to destroy them according to Dr. Ann Blake Tracy.

They can cause different autoimmune diseases.

In this case my body has formed antibodies against my thyroid. I just found this out last week. I knew something was going on with my thyroid but it took 3 months to get into the endocrinologist.

Dr. Peter Breggin also says that these drugs attack your thyroid.

If anyone else has developed autoimmune diseases, I recommend reading:
Living Well With Autoimmune Disease -Mary J. Shomon

Sometimes it takes years to find out you have an autoimmune disease. Patients go from doctor to doctor trying to find out what is wrong with them. Once you are off Lexapro for a period of time and if you are still having balance problems, vertigo, dry skin, hair loss, swollen ankles, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, or any health problems that persist, you may want to read this book.

A friend of mine that has been on SSRI's also has a thyroid problem.

I don't want to scare anyone but if anyone does have a problem, there is help.

My hormones are still normal. They found out by doing a test to see if I had antibodies and they also did an ultrasound and discovered nodules.

The reflex problem behind my left knee is because of the Hashimoto's.
The actual falling that I have been experiencing is because of Lexapro. I feel a zaps in my head and fall to the floor. (happening a lot less)
The Hashimoto's also makes my feet numb and it gives me vertigo problems.

I'm reading this book and praying and I am going to beat this.

Take care

dear hopeful 285, I also have hashimotos and was diagnosed about 6 years ago. I am on synthroid everyday (75mg). This Lexapro dibacle has been harrowing. I still cannot believe my severe side effects that I experienced after tapering off 20mgs for a month. a month was not slow enough. Did you say that SSRIs attack your thyroid? I would like to learn more about this. Thanks for your post and thanks to everyone's posts.
mh4

[HelpMe58]

Tavee,
Things are ok. I am completely off Lex..this is the second week. I heard it takes two weeks to get out of your system so we'll see. I hope I don't freak out after two weeks. This is an evil drug. I did it the slow way, just like you and Aunty Biotic said. I got the liquid and went down at 10% intervals. I felt like a drug addict measuring out the Lex in tiny increments. So far there is dizziness and a slight "out of this world" feeling but nothing like when I went cold turkey....that was pure hell.
I am ok and my son is getting ready to leave for college next month. He is my only child. My mother is maintaining on the medications and I am praying she can at least have some quality of life left. She needs heart surgery but it is still too high risk. It is a sad week for me. It would have been my husband's and my anniversary. He passed away two and a half years ago...
So..how are you? I left you a message too but was never sure if you got it. Are you still thinking of having another child? I am constantly praying all of us get away from this horrible Lex. I hope I can stay away.
I want to know when this weight will go away. I exercise all the time and there is no change. When the drug is out will the weight go with it? I have never weighed this in my life! Someone give me some encouragement!
Great to hear from you Tavee, keep in touch!
Love,HelpMe.

[HelpMe58]

Originally Posted by mh4

hi tavee,
how do you get 1.5ml of lexapro? I am on 5 mg. and it is the smallest i can go with pill splitting. thanks, mh4

Ask your doctor for the liquid and buy a measured syringe, HelpMe

[tavee]

MH4- it is very difficult to taper the right way with a pill. u might want to ask ure doctor to switch u to a liquid and tell him or her that u are tapering very slow and u want to do it the right way.

the other thing i can advise is to talk to aunty. she is familiar with maybe splitting the pill. she can explain.

again we are not doctors. this is only from personal experience so u must consult ure physician before doing anything.

yes it does take up to a year to taper this way. i started in october ( i was on 10mg). now i am at 1.5 ml with the liquid. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO DO IT IF U WANT TO GET OFF THIS SAFELY.

GOOD LUCK TO U
TAVEE

[skialpsfanatic]

Hi,
I was on lexapro from 9 months for GAD and ODC; it helped me IMMENSELY! However, b/c of the sexual side effects (decreased libido, couldn't achieve orgasm) I recently stopped taking it and am chosing therapy.

My doctor said to take half the dose for one week. I was on 20mg for 9 months and then 10mg for 1 week.

It's been only one week from being completely off of the drug, and ever since i started 'tapering' it off, i've been getting "electric shocks" flashing through my body. They don't hurt, but it's uncomfortable. It's like JOLTS in my brain like 100 times/day.

Does anyone have any suggestions from personal experience? How long will this last?? Sometimes I feel like I shouldn't be driving, and it's frustrating, and uncomfortable, and interfering with my daily activities!!!

[auntybiotic]

Welcome. Sorry to say your doctor tapered you too fast off of the lexapro and that is why you are haing the BRAIN ZAPS that extend to the extremities. These "zaps or jolts" are your brain's neurotransmitters misfiring.
In the next few weeks you may experience more withdrawal symptoms of dizziness, stomach cramping, nightmares, depersonalization, severe mood swings with rage. These can last uo to 18 months because you basically cold turkeyed off of lexapro.

See how you do the next few weeks and if you think the withdrawals are something you can handle..............many cannot. You have up to six weeks after stopping lexapro that you can reinstate the dose and have relief from the symptoms........after being off of lexapro for more then six weeks....reinstating does nothing to help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms.

If you do find that you are unable to cope with the withdrawals you can reinstate to the last dose that you were on before the symptoms were severe. Since it does take seven days after stopping lexapro to even experience the withdrawal it may be challenging to know what dose to reistate if you choose to.

I am sure others will offer you their advice but we are not doctors...............so please check with your physician if you decide to reinstate and ask him to prescribe the liquid lexapro so that you can taper with a 5 Ml and a 1 Ml syringe measuring the lexapro down to the lowest increments. This is the safest way to get off of lexapro.

Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing. Taking supplements often helps with the moodiness, anxiety and twitches and electrical zaps. Read previous posts for details. Again please check with you doctor before following any advice from this site or anywhere on the internet.

aunty