[SchnauzerTime]

Justapill and EM

He is not the only doctor there in that building who has refused to give it to me...my doctor was out of town and I called in about it and another doctor there told me "there is no need for the liquid" and so forth. That's the same answer my doc gave me when he got back from vacation. Even though I left a message with the secretary to tell him I had tried to go off it his way and got horribly sick. His answer was "it shouldn't make you sick...there is no withdrawal from this medication."

So what should I do? I AM really nervous about trying to make the liquid myself but will do that if I have to. Who do I need to call and where do I find that kind of information?

Thanks alot for the support...I absolutly despise those doctors and am going to switch to a different division when I can. I also saw no "big deal" in asking for the liquid since it's the same medicine.

[Atlasmark]

Originally Posted by skorpeo72

I am currently on month 2 of going cold turkey 20mg/day for four years.
And I will not lie to you ...Its going to get a bit worse before it gets better.

The point that had me sooo close to going back to the lexapro was in week 2 were i started losing control of the fight.

But you hang in there because I can tell you it took about a month but then everything was fine.
I had every side effect to horrible purportions during the second week...But it passes...just remember that ..You will probably need to repeat it a lot to yourself.
Im not saying this scare you ..I just want you to know it is possible.
Like I said Im 2 months off and living life as normal again.
Once in a while ill get a little dizzy spell or get the electric shock sensation(of which Ive grown fond of)
But over all ...the difference of being off the lexapro is amazing.

It seems you and I are a lot alike where we just want to be free of the meds all together and i never went back on that and am glad.
The tapering to me just seems to drag things out and a month is a small price to pay to be free.

Some other points to remember:
No caffiene - Cannot stress this enough ..a cup of coffee may send you straight over the edge!
smoking- Im a smoker and had to cut back for simalar effects as the caffeine.
although I couldnt just drop them...Damn those ciggys!!
Rest- take naps if you get the chance
drinking dairy products as well as Mona Vie really helped me out.

Other than that if it gets really bad just remember my name and ill try and give you all the support i can..

It will be tough! Trust me I know...But it will pass.

I am still hangin in there!!!! It is getting easier...not as many dizzy spells and tingle spells.
I feel totally exhausted most of the time. I am not working for a couple of weeks, so I have the good fortune of being able to take lots of cat naps.
I think this Monday is my 2 week mark, so hopefully the ride will get a little smoother from here on out.
Good thing I like Milk - I will try more dairy.
Coffee and Cigs are gonna be tough though.

I appreciate the support!!! Let me know if I can be of help in any way.

[brenee2244]

Originally Posted by Atlasmark

I am still hangin in there!!!! It is getting easier...not as many dizzy spells and tingle spells.
I feel totally exhausted most of the time. I am not working for a couple of weeks, so I have the good fortune of being able to take lots of cat naps.
I think this Monday is my 2 week mark, so hopefully the ride will get a little smoother from here on out.
Good thing I like Milk - I will try more dairy.
Coffee and Cigs are gonna be tough though.

I appreciate the support!!! Let me know if I can be of help in any way.

I stopped taking Lexapro 10mg cold turkey about 2 weeks ago (I had been taking it for panic attacks for about 1 yr). It seemed to work well for the most part for the panic, but I gained about 30-40 lbs due to the drug, so I stopped. I was fine for the 1st few days, other than some anxiety. The beginning of this week, I had severe nausea and stomache cramps for 1 day, and have just felt depressed for the remainder of the week. I am really tired all of the time and have been taking naps (which is hard b/c I work 40 hours a week and am a fulltime grad student). I don't feel like doing much, other than what I have to do (i.e., work, school, etc.). I have been making myself work out 4-5 days per week (cardio and yoga/pilates), but am not feeling the "good" feeling that I usually feel after a workout. I'm just extremely unhappy, and am THIS CLOSE to going back to the Lexapro, but I don't want to b/c of the extreme weight gain. I am trying to get in with a psychiatrist to discuss some alternatives, but I probably won't get in for another month or so. I've been looking into some natural medicines for anxiety and depression, but am not sure if they will actually work. I know everyone's experiences with stopping the med is different, but I really want to know how long this withdrawal period is going to last, and if I should try the natural medicines that are available. I really am just looking for some support too. I have great friends and family, but they really don't get what I'm going through (which is another reason I'm here). Any suggestions??!! (P.S. I attempting to figure out how to just post a comment on here; not just posting a reply...)

[kimberoo]

Brenee2244

Good to have you here, you've come to the best place possible for guidance. I am new to all of this & my experiences are through what my husband is experiencing. That said, I'd like to offer at least my opinion. You have way too much on your plate in your personal life (I don't know how you manage to add in working out?), and going through the withdrawal, however mild it may seem in comparison to others, will eventually catch up with you and you'll burn out. My advice is to reinstate at least to 5mg to start feeling better,believe me it won't happen overnight, but at least this way you can start to taper slowly, let everyone on here teach you how. And as for posting, go to either the top of the page or the bottom and click "Post Reply", you'll be able to post without having to quote someones previous post. I hope you find peace!

SchnauzerTime

Thank you, yet again, for helping to ease us through this transitional period. I agree, he has to take 15mg from here on out. I wish that he could just have some patience and ride this out a little further until he feels better, but desperation is setting in. Your experiences though have been helpful, I appreciate the consoling.

About the liquid Lexapro, I totally sympathize with you. I went through the same horror with our Dr. I ended up crying on the phone with his receptionist. (You can find that whole story in one of my previous posts, I was a basket case!) He gave in because I forced the receptionist to have him call me and I pleaded on the phone. Groveling works! lol I wish you luck in getting, I haven't filed our Rx yet as he keeps going up and it costs $172! I'm calling the pharmacy tomorrow to see how long they'll hold it for me. Have you tried crushing it like Aunty said, with the cranberry juice? If all else fails, a mortar & pestle might be easier to get a hold of. Good luck!

Kimberoo

[SchnauzerTime]

Aunty

What are all the supplements for again? I am taking a fish oil , a different one than I normally take, just got it yesterday and OMG...it's the NASTIEST vitamin I've ever taken in my life! It left a fish taste/metallic taste in my mouth ALL day that got worse and worse and I burped up fish constantly . It was alot stronger dosage than my last ones...but anyway it made me nauseous it was so nasty! Do I HAVE to take fish oil, lol?

I'm also on Magnesium Malate and forgot what it is for too...maybe I need something for my memory LOL. That has gotten way worse since I've started back my full dose too. Also, explain to me all the other vitamins like Lecithin and Noni juice again please...I forgot what they do too. I just want to be prepared for when I start to taper. Thanks Aunty!

Brenee

I'm no Doctor, but I have to agree with Kimberoo on this one. You quit cold turkey and the withdrawals won't "catch up" with you for probably another week or so. TRUST ME....I accidently tapered way too fast and was basically a cold turkey off of it. I had the anxiety for a few days along with depression too...THEN it turned into EXTREME nausea for weeks and also extreme weakness...I couldn't get out of bed for weeks or eat. You do what you feel is right for you...BUT, if you start getting worse and feel like you need to reinstate go back up to at least 5mg or even 8mg. Nothing helped me feel better until my full dose of 10mg (I'm on 10 also)...then it took 2 weeks on that for me to start feeling better. I'm not trying to discourage you but alot of people have tried to quit cold turkey and the side effects are horrible. However, some people have done it without being sick for months and months...so everyone is different. I'm just giving a warning...I hope you DO continue to feel only tired...that's alot less than most people go through. (Oh, I had tremors also..those were bad). Good luck!

Kimberoo

I'm glad my personal experiences have eased your mind a little. Yeah, he really does just need to give it time...but like I said I tried lower doses to try to stabilize at first and stayed on them for at least a week at a time and nothing made me feel better except my full starting dose. But hopefully the closer he gets to 20mg the better he'll feel. Tell him to stay on the 15mg for at least a week...it took me 2 weeks to feel better, but he should see SLIGHT improvements after a week , but if he keeps feeling worse and worse it's not enough Lex for him. I REALLy hope he feels better soon. I've found out patience is key through all this...although I know sometimes that's very hard to have when you feel like throwing up or are so dizzy or in pain. I'll be thinking about you both .

As far as my dumb doctor goes...maybe I do need to call and try to talk to just him....he's such a pain though he probably will still say no, lol. I have ordered a mortar and pestle so I may still go that route. It's still going to be another couple weeks or so before I start tapering...I want to get completely stabilized from my too fast taper. Oh also, tell your hubby not to feel depressed that he's having to up his dosage. I am starting completely over...but I have a sense of knowing I can do it this time if I taper really slowly. I'm alot more confident actually...so tell him not to feel like he failed...cause I felt that way at first. So what if he has to go slower? At least he'll feel TONS better doing it that way and one day (sooner than he thinks) he'll be off it for good! Take care .

[SchnauzerTime]

Everyone

I looked through the side effects that Hopeful posted and metallic taste was in there...so that is the Lexapro for sure. But, the burping fish taste is definatly the fish oil. The combination is horrible, lol! I hope this metallic taste goes away soon...it's really gross .

[kinglax]

so Ive tried zoloft and welbutron and none work, recenlty I got fluxoxetine. Does anyone know anything about it?

[HelpMe58]

Tavee,
Hi, its HelpMe! It takes two weeks for Lexapro to get out of your body and I would say wait two more weeks after that..
I went off Lexapro completely when I was down to 1 mg. It has been a month now and I am a little dizzy and a little sad...probably because my mother is not well and my son is leaving for college! I would be sad anyway. It was much easier than when I quit at 10 mg! That was hell.
My question to everyone is....is it common when withdrawing to have a headache that will not go away! I have had like a cluster or tension headache for a week! Is it Lex or the weather?
Tavee, I agree with the answer to your post. I would not get pregnant until I was off this stuff!
Take care and keep in touch!
HelpMe

[auntybiotic]

What Fish Oil are you taking? Go to my name and press the link to my posts and you will come up with a link that will take you to carson's Fish Oil lemon or orange flavored with no afterstaste.

I am on my way out so I have only a minute. You can check my posts on the supplements for more in depth explanations.

Fish Oil for Moods and depression, Magnesium Malate for anxiety and muscle tension, Lecithin for those that have the muscle twitching and movements. a good multiple vitamin and mineral, inisitol repairs cells and transmitters that were damaged by lexapro but there are more in depth explanations I have written many many times in my posts. Go to my name and check posts written by me......................you will come across many with links to explain the supplements.

Again I am not a doctor so check with your physician.

[auntybiotic]

Can you give me a idea of your tapering schedule down to 1 MG. I may then be able to offer a explanation as to the headaches. They are not usually normal.

[SchnauzerTime]

Aunty

I ordered the Carlson's brand fish oil...I'm going to try it , but if I continue to burp and feel nauseous I don't think I'll take fish oil anymore. I noticed it has kept me at a more stable mood...but I think now that I'm back on my full dose that should help too. I'm going to continue taking the Magnesium malate if it does indeed help with anxiety and muscle tension. Also, the Body Calm and the multi-vitamin.

I noticed in your previous posts you mentioned liquid multi-vitamins. Are these better than your average multi-vitamin pill?

Also, how long does it take those lumps behind the ear to go away? It's getting pretty aggravating! THanks again Aunty .

[SchnauzerTime]

Aunty or Anyone

Sorry for all the questions lately...seems like I keep thinking of things to ask!

My husband has been having horrible insomnia this past couple weeks...I think it is due to worry about me and his family...he also has bad anxiety but is on no medication.

My question is what can help him? He doesn't like swallowing pills, vitamins especially, cause they are so big I think. But, is there anything he can do or take to help him? He is taking over the counter sleeps meds now (Unisom) but they help him get to sleep at first, then he wakes up all through the night and still has a bad night of it.

Also, does the Omega 3 fish oil help dizziness? I seem to have read that somewhere...or is it just for mood? And if not, does anything help dizziness at all? I get it at night alot when I try to relax...as soon as I lie down it starts, with the hot flashes and heart palps too.

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Schnauzertime,
I had the same problem with insomnia - it's what started this whole mess thing in the first place. And you know what caused it, over the counter sleeping meds...! will do it every time.. read any sleep clinic research website and they'll tell you it's one of the number one causes of insomnia over time. Totally screwed me up! I can't even tell you the agony! Days with no sleep...takes weeks to reset your sleeping clock, but have your husband go off everything, and as weeks/months pass, it will be gone. Trust me - don't ever let him take that stuff, it totally messes with your mind. It often causes (for me) a great increase in cortisol, which, over time, makes you not sleep, then, you're worried about not sleeping b/c your mind is out of sync, which makes things worse.. etc. etc. Check out the national Sleep Foundation website - for help with insomnia, and how to practice good sleep hygeine. It works. Since off drugs, I haven't missed a night or even had a bad night of sleep since! that's like 8 months almost! and I thought I had this problem.. I even have a brain disorder that makes sleep difficult anyways, and now I sleep like a baby because of the good sleep hygeine, and being drug free - never even worry about it, it's like a miracle for me...
Just hope to help, as I've been through the pain, and would hope to spare anyone else!! Tell him not to worry if he continues to miss some sleep, or even some nights, as he stops taking anything, and practices good sleep hygeine - that's normal - just wait it out, and the reward is IMMENSE..
take care,
love, Elizabethmarie

[auntybiotic]

The liquid vitamins are easier to "digest" or get into the sytem, often lexapro messes up the metabalism and the hard vitamin pills often do not work.

[HelpMe58]

I tapered 10% every two to three weeks down to 1 mg.

[brenee2244]

Thanks you guys for the suggestions!

I agree that I have a lot on my plate, but unfortunately I feel like this is what I need to do in order to get into a place that I want to be. Weirdly enough, its what keeps me busy that gets me through how I am feeling. I still have time to sit and think, watch tv, hang out with friends, family, etc. too. Although I know the physical side effects are real enough, I also think that my mind plays a part in this also, which is why it is important for me to (I think, at this point) keep myself busy and not focus on my anxiety and such (basic cognitive-behavioral tactics). Again, I have only been off for 2 1/2 weeks or so, but my experience with my anxiety, as well as my schooling (I am in grad school to become a counselor), has shown me that I can overcome many things much better with the right mindset. I may be regretting this soon (I hope not), but I really think that what I am doing is best (i.e., not letting the withdrawal symptoms debilitate me, going on with my life, working out (a really good idea for anyone with anxiety, depression, etc.)) Fortunately, I don't seem to have as many major withdrawal symptoms as some. I don't want to be on meds if I don't have to. Unfortunately, I think that many people are on meds or went on meds (including myself) to get a quick fix for our anxiety, depression, etc., but that is just what it is - a quick fix! Hopefully I can get through this period of my life, and move on!! I have to say that joining this forum and just writing about what's going on has been extremely rehabilitative (even in the past 24 hours). Some people may think I am extremely crazy to go off cold turkey and keep off (SO FAR), but I hope that my suggestions/ideas above have an impact here!!

[Viriatus]

Hmmm.. No one have an opinion about my case?

[Atlasmark]

Viriatus,
All I can tell you is to read all the posts on this thread and then decide for yourself. Also, It might help if you described what you are feeling......Many people on this thread had major problems while on Lexapro and some are just upset that they are having major withdrawal symptoms when they stopped taking it (doctors never told us there might be severe withdrawal symptoms). There are several folks that have posted messages about feeling bad on lexapro, so I suggest you go back to the beginning of this thread and read their comments. I only took lexapro for a year, and I got sick of feeling sick all of the time. I had no motivation and I was getting brain zaps. My house was a total mess and I would just look around and be at a loss as to what to do. I also gained 15 pounds and I am very vain.(My doctor told me I wouldn't gain any weight.) I decided to stop taking it about 2 weeks ago cold turkey ( a small amount of tapering off). The withdrawals are pretty severe, but they are beginning to get milder for me. Someone else may be able to give you more insight, but that is about all I can come up with. Also - check your previous posts - I think they were posted on another thread.
Good Luck

Hello all - 3:40 AM and I am still awake - thank you very much......Had a pretty good day today though, very few dizzy spells.

Take care

[SchnauzerTime]

Viriatis

I have no clue about the Milk Thistle, if it will help or not, Aunty may know. As far as the weight gain it's different for different people...but it wont' magically come off once you get off the Lex. It will still take excercising and diet...the key thing is patience. You've only been off it for a couple weeks...it takes UP to 18 months for your brain to heal completely, so of course it's going to take awhile for everything else to fall into place too. Just be patient and hang in there...it will come off but will take time and healthy eating/exercise.

Brenee

The right mindset IS very important and I think it's very good to stay positive. It's your body and only you know what you can handle and what you can't...know that you have 6 weeks to reinstate if you NEED to. After 6 weeks, it will just get worse if you start the Lex back. I'm glad you are not having any major difficulties...like I said, everyone's different and you are lucky you are one of the ones that isnt' extremely sensitive to the stuff. It sounds like you are doing great...just do what you body feels like doing, rest when you need to, and keep up the positive thinking .

Aunty

Don't know if you saw my question on the fish oil...does it help dizziness also or just mood/depression? Thanks

EM

Thanks for all the info! I will go to that site and check it out. My hubby has just been on the sleeping pills for like a couple days...but he's been having trouble sleeping for a month...whatever is wrong seems it won't go away. I know he has anxiety so I think that might be the case...he says he clenches his jaw at night which is a sign of anxiety for sure. Thanks again, going to check out that site now!

[auntybiotic]

Fish Oil does not help dizziness, to my knowledge. Many had had success with Bonnie or Draminine (Sp?) for the dizziness.

There are also wrist bands made for seasickness (dizziness and naseau) that you can buy online that help with the dizziness, for those that are afraid to take any additional medications due to sensitivity. Just basically wear the wristbands and they work on a acupuncture point in the wrist area, to eliminate the dizziness. I have heard good things about them but have not had my daughter try them. She uses Emetrol for naseau.

[SchnauzerTime]

Aunty

Thanks for all the info! I haven't taken the fish oil in 2 days to see what would happen...I haven't noticed my mood changing so that's good, but it does seem like I'm more light-headed but could just be the Lex acting up a little. If it gets any worse I will try the wrist bands because I AM very sensitive to alot of meds.

Thanks so much for all your suggestions! It's really helped me alot...and if I think of any more questions I'll be sure to ask, lol .

[kimberoo]

Hi Group,

I've read about people experiencing brain zaps while being ON Lexapro, but my hubby never had them until he started to taper. Now that he is up to 15mg again (today is the 3rd day) he's been experiencing zaps since last night, so bad that he was awake for most of the night (even after taking chamomile).

He hasn't had any klonopin since he went to 15mg. He had been using .25mg once a day. He's been trying to get by with just meclizine (which is basically Dramamine II).

Even when he went through the worst of his w/d in June he never had zaps after he went to sleep. He says it's like zaps with a flash and of course dizziness & vertigo. He says that it jolts him awake.

Any insights or advice? Anything would be appreciated. Thanks guys!

Kimberoo

[ozzysister]

When you first start on Lexapro you will have soft bowel movements, and feel tired until your body adjusts to it. I found that 10 mg worked for about a year and then i needed to up it to 20mg and that is the dosage that has worked for me. I am not religious with taking it and find that what works best for me is to take 20mg and then skip a day. I have to say that I did gain alot of weight but not sure if it is from lexapro or the stress from my divorce. The big plus is that I used to get optical migraines and find that with Lexi I don't anymore.

Also I know that when I have gone without taking it for more than three or four days( I stink at remembering to take meds) I get all anxious and very cranky and antsy. As soon as I take the pill, withing an hour I am feeling better.

Now, my insurance won't cover Lexipro anymore and I have been given citalopram and I am hoping when I have to start that, I won't have any changes in my mood or have side effects. Has anyone gone from Lexapro to citalopram?

Lisa

[SchnauzerTime]

How long did it take for your daughter's bumps behind the ear to go away? It's been 6 days now and mine is still hard...it hasn't softened yet. But it hasn't gotten any more tender or bigger. How long does it usually take for them to soften up also?

Thanks .

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by SchnauzerTime

How long did it take for your daughter's bumps behind the ear to go away? It's been 6 days now and mine is still hard...it hasn't softened yet. But it hasn't gotten any more tender or bigger. How long does it usually take for them to soften up also?

Thanks .

Hi,

She would put hot compresses on it and within 10 days it would sofen up and "break like a boil". Once the fluid came out the bump/boil went away. Are you putting hot compresses on it?

[SchnauzerTime]

Oh...no I'm not putting compresses on it,oops! Thought I was suppossed to wait for it to soften up...it's still hard as a rock almost. I'll start doing that and see what happens. How often should I do the compresses?

Also, is there anything else besides the fish oil for moods like irratibility/worrying off and on? The fish oil just seems to make me sick . This past couple days or so I've also been extremely tired, can barely stay awake during the day...but it may be cause I switched my multi-vitamin...it doesn't have as much B vitamin. But at least I'm not really jittery anymore...would cutting down on the Magnesium Malate help me to not be as tired?

[Aussiegirl]

Ozzysister
I was on Citalopram and then went onto Lexapro (opposite to what you're doing). Citalopram (Celenza or Cipramil) worked extremely well for me for over 6 years and only recently I started to become resistant to it. Lexapro did nothing for me. I hope you find it better than Lexapro.

I tried Lexapro which didn't work and now I'm on Tofranil and am suffering some bad side effects - weird dreams, disconnected 'out of it' feeling, tingling/itching skin and insomnia. I'm not sure whether this is because I'm coming off the Lexapro (40mgs down to 5mgs in 4 weeks) or whether its the Tofranil - can anyone offer any advice?

Thanks

[Hairyarmadillo]

I just saw a news report saying the CDC has found antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed medications, even over blood pressure medications. I was waiting for them to say that antidepressants may be overprescribed, but instead it stated this was indicative of depression being a major public health problem. I was encouraged that they added a person should get a physical prior to starting them to rule out other health problems.


SchnauzerTime, I have been having a time with fatigue lately. I have stopped my magnesium but can't tell a difference. I am terrified of insomnia so have continued the BodyCalm (except for one night- I went to sleep but woke up wide awake an hour later) But I am going to try again tonight to go without and do as Elizabethmarie has so wisely advised time and again-go natural. At least I am back in a routine again so maybe it won't be so bad. But I feel lethargic and can't stand that.


Hope everyone is doing well. I have been feeling drained lately so have only read haphazardly but am thinking of you all. It is now 16 weeks off. Woo-hoo! I just wish i didn't feel so drained but hopefully that will pass. I am "discovering" more things about my own emotional responses/outlook that will help me learn better waays of dealing with life. Can't believe I never noticed these things about myself.

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by Aussiegirl

Ozzysister
I was on Citalopram and then went onto Lexapro (opposite to what you're doing). Citalopram (Celenza or Cipramil) worked extremely well for me for over 6 years and only recently I started to become resistant to it. Lexapro did nothing for me. I hope you find it better than Lexapro.

I tried Lexapro which didn't work and now I'm on Tofranil and am suffering some bad side effects - weird dreams, disconnected 'out of it' feeling, tingling/itching skin and insomnia. I'm not sure whether this is because I'm coming off the Lexapro (40mgs down to 5mgs in 4 weeks) or whether its the Tofranil - can anyone offer any advice?

Thanks

I am betting your feelings are coming from the quick decrease in Lexapro, but I am not familiar with Tofranil and of course that is my opinion only, not a medical opinion. The symptoms you described are commonly found with Lexapro withdrawal when it is done quickly. You may want to check with your physician to make certain it isn't a negative reaction to the Tofranil though.

[Aussiegirl]

Originally Posted by Hairyarmadillo

I am betting your feelings are coming from the quick decrease in Lexapro, but I am not familiar with Tofranil and of course that is my opinion only, not a medical opinion. The symptoms you described are commonly found with Lexapro withdrawal when it is done quickly. You may want to check with your physician to make certain it isn't a negative reaction to the Tofranil though.

Thanks Hairyarmadillo, I hope that's the case and its not the Tofranil causing it because I really want to feel 'normal' on the Tofranil, like I did originally on the Cipramil. I never felt 'drugged', like I do now. Its horrible when a good med stops working and you have to go through the whole process of finding something else again!

Has anyone else got any opinion on my side effects/withdrawals?