Lexapro Withdrawal

[Spinal_tap19]

Hey everyone, im new to the site. I started taking lexapro during my second semester up at school around 6 months ago.The last month or so ive been weening off lexapro. I was at 20mg and cut it down to 10mg and took that for two weeks. Had no side effects and felt the same. I then cut that down to 5mg for about two weeks, i was feeling great. So i decided to skip the step of 5mg every other day for a week and just get off it. The second day after stopping i had the classic withdrawal symptoms that everybody on this site has had : very irritable, fatigued, brain zaps, hot flash's, sweating, headache, tingling sensation, upset stomach, difficulty concentrating and focusing. The thing that pisses me off the most is that i was never informed about how hard it is to get off this stuff. I would of greatly reconsidered taking this drug for anxiety relief and minor depression if i knew i would be miserable for so long after......anyways since everybody seems interested in how long it takes to feel better, i've gone through 4 days of lexapro free and will update my progress.

[Atlasmark]

I am over the 2 week mark and I am feeling great - relative to what I had been feeling....
I am still having trouble sleeping, but the dizziness has almost stopped. I have more energy, and overall I am in good spirits.

Don't know if I would have made it without all of you sharing your experiences - Thank you all so very much.

[SchnauzerTime]

Good to see you again! I'm sorry you've been feeling tired and drained lately, but I bet it IS the Lexapro. This past couple days or so I've been soooo tired I can barely keep my eyes open sometimes...I feel like I could sleep all day. At first I thought it was cause I switched vitamins with less Vitamin B...but now I'm thinking it is probably just another lovely Lex side effect from starting it back. It's ALOT better than being jittery and shaky though...that drove me nuts! I hope you feel better and I bet you will in time...it may take awhile but I've learned the most important thing on this stuff is patience. It's hard sometimes though to have patience when something has gone on for so long. Take care .

Aussiegirl

I agree with Hairy that it sounds like the Lex withdrawal. 35mg in 4 weeks is VERY fast...I'm surprised you don't have worse withdrawals than you do. If you are already on the other medicine it should get better when that gets into your system more I would think...but I am not sure since I've never switched from Lex to anything else. I was on Paxil for about 10 years then switched to Lex cold turkey cause my lovely doctor said it was ok to do that. Then I was in bed for almost a month with extreme nausea and couldn't barely lift my head off the pillow ...lost 15 pounds in a couple weeks from not eating. Anyways, it should get better but if it starts getting worse you should see your doctor. This is just my opinion, I'm no doctor. Good luck!

[Justapill]

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.

Schnauzer - I asked you before.....are you covered by insurance at all? Even if it is a bad plan....do you have insurance?

If not - I suggest you find an osteopath and ask him to prescribe it. You will have tp pay for a visit but it is worth it.

If you are covered - call the insurance plan's customer service department. Tell them your doctors are not working with you. You are trying to get off a medicine and they are in effect keeping you on. Explain the liquid is only short term. Do not waste time with that clinic.

[Aussiegirl]

Good to see you again! I'm sorry you've been feeling tired and drained lately, but I bet it IS the Lexapro. This past couple days or so I've been soooo tired I can barely keep my eyes open sometimes...I feel like I could sleep all day. At first I thought it was cause I switched vitamins with less Vitamin B...but now I'm thinking it is probably just another lovely Lex side effect from starting it back. It's ALOT better than being jittery and shaky though...that drove me nuts! I hope you feel better and I bet you will in time...it may take awhile but I've learned the most important thing on this stuff is patience. It's hard sometimes though to have patience when something has gone on for so long. Take care .

Aussiegirl

I agree with Hairy that it sounds like the Lex withdrawal. 35mg in 4 weeks is VERY fast...I'm surprised you don't have worse withdrawals than you do. If you are already on the other medicine it should get better when that gets into your system more I would think...but I am not sure since I've never switched from Lex to anything else. I was on Paxil for about 10 years then switched to Lex cold turkey cause my lovely doctor said it was ok to do that. Then I was in bed for almost a month with extreme nausea and couldn't barely lift my head off the pillow ...lost 15 pounds in a couple weeks from not eating. Anyways, it should get better but if it starts getting worse you should see your doctor. This is just my opinion, I'm no doctor. Good luck!

Thanks Shnauzer Time, its heartening to hear someone else say that too. I thought that going down that fast was too quick myself but these doctors seem to think it can be done that quickly, I guess they never experience the side effects for themselves though!

Also I had a similar experience to yours with Paxil-Lex when I came off Effexor - in bed for a week, doubled over with cramps/nausea and felt like a junkie! Never again! A friend of mine had to hospitalised for 2 weeks when she came off it! Again, the doctor mentioned nothing about any withdrawal symptoms.

Have you tried Cipramil at all? Its in the same family as Lex but I found it to be 100 times better. It worked for me for 6 years and I had no side effects or withdrawals... just a thought. Take care and I hope your symptoms improve..

[Hairyarmadillo]

CDC: Antidepressants most-prescribed drugs in the U.S.

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Dr. Ronald Dworkin tells the story of a woman who didn't like the way her husband was handling the family finances. She wanted to start keeping the books herself but didn't want to insult her husband.

Antidepressants such as Paxil, Prozac and Lexapro are among America's most-prescribed drugs.

The suggested she try an antidepressant to make herself feel better.

She got the antidepressant, and she did feel better, said Dr. Dworkin, a Maryland anesthesiologist and senior fellow at Washington's Hudson Institute, who told the story in his book "Artificial Unhappiness: The Dark Side of the New Happy Class." But in the meantime, Dworkin says, the woman's husband led the family into financial ruin.

"Doctors are now medicating unhappiness," said Dworkin. "Too many people take drugs when they really need to be making changes in their lives."

DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS
Could you be depressed? Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many.

Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood

Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex

Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

Restlessness, irritability

Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

Source: National Institute of Mental Health
For Dworkin, the proof is in the statistics. According to a government study, antidepressants have become the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. They're prescribed more than drugs to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, or headaches. CNN's Elizabeth Cohen discusses the CDC study on antidepressants »

In its study, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at 2.4 billion drugs prescribed in visits to doctors and hospitals in 2005. Of those, 118 million were for antidepressants.

Many psychiatrists see this statistic as good news -- a sign that finally Americans feel comfortable asking for help with psychiatric problems.

"Depression is a major public health issue," said Dr. Kelly Posner, an assistant professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. "The fact that people are getting the treatments they need is encouraging."

She added that 25 percent of adults will have a major depressive episode sometime in their life, as will 8 percent of adolescents. "Those are remarkably high numbers," Posner said.

While Posner says genuine depression is driving the prescription numbers, Dr. Robert Goodman, an internist in New York City, says the real force behind skyrocketing antidepressant prescription rates is pharmaceutical marketing to doctors and to consumers. "You put those two together and you get a lot of prescriptions for antidepressants," he said.

He questions whether all those prescriptions are necessary. "It's hard to believe that number of people are depressed, or that antidepressants are the answer," he said.

Goodman is the founder of a group called "No Free Lunch," a group that encourages doctors to reject gifts from pharmaceutical companies. He added that patients sometimes see ads for antidepressants on television and ask doctors for the drugs -- and that studies show these requests work.

In a study published two years ago in the Journal of the American Medical Association, actors pretending to be patients went to doctors in the San Francisco area and said they were depressed.

The "patients" who asked for an antidepressant were significantly more likely to get a prescription for one than patients who didn't ask for an antidepressant.

"Patients' requests have a profound effect on physician prescribing in major depression and adjustment disorders," concluded the study's authors.But Posner's concern is about under-prescribing, not over-prescribing.

"Fifty percent of African-Americans who have depression don't seek treatment for it," she said. "Not enough people are getting the treatment they need."

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/07/09...nts/index.html

Interesting read.

[Aussiegirl]

Dear Hairy

Very interesting article and indicative that maybe doctors are getting lazy as well as getting kickbacks from the drug companies?

I live in Australia and am shocked to read that some of you are paying $170 or so (presumably a month?) for your medications! Does your government not cover a portion of the cost of these medications through taxes?? We pay a portion of our taxes towards a government health system which results in most medications costing about $30 Australian per month. I've noticed some of you mentioned 'insurance' for these medications - does this cover the full cost for you?

[Hairyarmadillo]

Dear Hairy

Very interesting article and indicative that maybe doctors are getting lazy as well as getting kickbacks from the drug companies?

I live in Australia and am shocked to read that some of you are paying $170 or so (presumably a month?) for your medications! Does your government not cover a portion of the cost of these medications through taxes?? We pay a portion of our taxes towards a government health system which results in most medications costing about $30 Australian per month. I've noticed some of you mentioned 'insurance' for these medications - does this cover the full cost for you?

When my deductibles are met, some of my prescriptions get down pretty low but even so if it adds up. Then, just when my deductibles are paid and I am enjoying the lower prices, the year is up and I have to meet the deductible again.
Off the subject but have you ever heard of Timtams? Someone on another forum I post on is from Australia and has mentioned some candy named that and says it is great.

[Aussiegirl]

When my deductibles are met, some of my prescriptions get down pretty low but even so if it adds up. Then, just when my deductibles are paid and I am enjoying the lower prices, the year is up and I have to meet the deductible again.
Off the subject but have you ever heard of Timtams? Someone on another forum I post on is from Australia and has mentioned some candy named that and says it is great.

Dear Hairy

Oh OK, so its its like some sort of safety net needs to be reached before you can enjoy the lower prices, that's a bummer...

Yes, Tim Tams are a very popular chocolate-coated cookie which consist of two rectangular shaped chocolate biscuits (cookies) sandwiched together with chocolate cream and then completely dipped in milk chocolate - delicious! I hear there is some website you can buy them from, my friends in NY have used it. Maybe Google "Tim Tams"?

[SchnauzerTime]

I called my insurance company about the liquid Lexapro (Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina) and they said there is nothing they can do about that. They said if my doctor said I could go off the pill form then he must know what he is talking about...but even if he was wrong, there is nothing the insurance company itself can do. She just suggested going to another doctor.

[SchnauzerTime]

Dont' know if you read my post on the previous page. How long should I do the hot compresses on the place behind my ear? It is still hard after 8 days now.

Also, is there anything else besides fish oil for moods like irratibility or depression/worry?

[Paul Stanley]

Can someone tell me about this. Last year my wife and I had to confess certain indescretions in our marriage and have been dealing with depression ever since. Last year she had decided it was time for a divorce. I talked her out of it because I knew we would over come it and keep our family together. I am on 300mg of Wellbutrin and last month she started taking 10mg of Lexapro. Since she started taking this medication she has turned into the girl I married all over again............4 days ago she ran out and would not go get anymore. Last night she started calling me names and talking about divorce again. Is this the medication talking. Which one is the real her? She wants a divorce but the meds make her stay or she does not want to leave and the meds make her realize that. How does this medication contol your way of thinking and is this normal for people who just stop taking it.

[Paul Stanley]

Can someone tell me about this. Last year my wife and I had to confess certain indescretions in our marriage and have been dealing with depression ever since. Last year she had decided it was time for a divorce. I talked her out of it because I knew we would over come it and keep our family together. I am on 300mg of Wellbutrin and last month she started taking 10mg of Lexapro. Since she started taking this medication she has turned into the girl I married all over again............4 days ago she ran out and would not go get anymore. Last night she started calling me names and talking about divorce again. Is this the medication talking. Which one is the real her? She wants a divorce but the meds make her stay or she does not want to leave and the meds make her realize that. How does this medication contol your way of thinking and is this normal for people who just stop taking it.

[auntybiotic]

Paul,

I am sorry to say the medications numb you and give you a I don't care attitude. Even if you are truly unhappy, with medication she will stay in the relationship because they make her apathetic.

I would say the "real wife" is that before the medication. Lexapro makes you numb to feelings whether good or bad. Imagine the Stepphard Wives, the husbands drugged them up so that they were wonderful wives that did not complain.

SSRI's only put a Blanket over the situation and when she tries to get off of the SSRI's, that could be when the real problems come into play.

Again this is my opinion, but basically SSRI medicated people do not care about anything. It seems that the emotional part of their mind is numb.

[realitedious]

Paul,

First of all your wife started having these feelings of depression AFTER you confessed. Which means that she has issues with your behavior that she needs to tackle and deal with. The lexapro numbed her to those feelings it did not solve the problem. Now that she is off the meds the problem is still there. My suggestion is couples counseling to deal with the underlying issues in your marriage. And also for her own sake, your wife should NOT quit Lexapro cold turkey. It can cause withdrawals which can affect her well being. A gradual reducing of the drug will help be much more beneficial to her.

[Paul Stanley]

Not exactly what I had hoped to hear. I wonder what the real difference between the two drugs are without all the scientific mumbo jumbo. I think the dose I am taking is very high but I have a doctor who will give you whatever you want with a phone call. I would like to switch to Lexapro but dont' want the same sexual side effects that I had with Zoloft. Anyone know how severe these sexual side effects are in men and do they go away?

[realitedious]

I reread and it appears you both confessed to indiscretions which changes things not in the least because my advice is still couples counseling. Express your concerns for the family and your desire to keep it intact. You have to show how important the marriage is to you, and that something worth keeping is worth working for. Also she personally will find that her over-all well being is improved by tapering. Reading the forums here about lexapro withdrawal will show you that.

[Korky328]

ok, 1st off i want to say that i am sooooooo glad that i found this forum. I am a 20 year old engineering student who has been on Lexipro for a little over a year. About a month ago my doctor decided that i need to switch to Zoloft for some reason. For the last month i have been slowly going down from 20mg to 5mg. Ive been taking the 5mg for 8 days now and i just added in the Zoloft. Everything has been going fine until this morning. I woke up feeling drained and floaty. Since then i have been feeling worse and worse. I currently feel jumpy, dazed or floaty. I have a horrible headache and am experiencing a weird swooshing sensation when i stand up or move my head quickly. Having read some of the posts, i can assume that the Zoloft is not to blame for these feelings. My real question is, is there any reason that any of you are aware of, of why my doctor switched my meds? Things were going fine with the lexapro. And if things were going fine, should i call my dr and see if i can just get put back on it?

Courtney

[skyer]

Hi EM: How are you doing? Any changes? I got through that really horrible stomach mess that went on for three weeks and my stomach has been feeling really good for three days now. I started to get better Sat and by Sun I was pretty good. They say after a really bad spell you often come out better than before. I guess some major healing was going on. I really hope you get some windows soon! I noticed some major change around month nine, I think. Anyway, am posting today to check up on you and to list my current and post symptoms for anyone who might be following my progress. I think when people get better they stop posting on these sites and it's hard for those us in the thick of it when we can't find posts detailing progress/success. I guess I feel about 70 - 75% through this. Still struggling, though. But much better than six months ago, even three months ago!

It's been almost 10 months since I stopped Lexapro. Took the poison for only six weeks; 10mg.

Current symptoms:

depersonalization (50% better)

slight dizziness at times

black floaters in eyes (50% better)

tired/fatigue (probably from REM sleep disturbance)

vivid dreams

anxiety (better, but still have when under stress or in the morning/evening)

sensitive nervous system (hard time in crowds, traffic, big stores, etc.)

hormone changes

still too hard to go far/drive/go places on my own (mostly due to anxiety/depersonalization/fatigue/ fear of getting hurt because I think my immune system is weak due to this withdrawal)

Despite all those symptoms, I have very little depression and am healthy enough to get a lot done during the day now. Am even working on my business with help of fiance and a friend. I even felt well enough to go out to dinner last night. And I enjoyed it and was calm the whole time. May sound like a small accomplishment, but I have been so sick -- especially in the evenings -- that there was no way I could do this for months.

Symptoms that have (or mostly have) resolved:

headaches

bad eye pain

sinus/cough

chapped lips

tingling

buringing under skin

very bad depression/apathy

severe weakness

severe stomach cramping

inability to handle ANY stress

severe fear

anger

manic/racing mind and thoughts sometimes

23-day cycles

sweating/severe hot flashes (and I'm only 32 yrs old)

[Justapill]

Schnauzer - if you are with the Blues - there is nothing stopping you from using the internet to find a doctor that works with you. I know that it maybe be frustrating to have to do this (not sure if you have a ppo/ffs or an hmo type plan) and will cost you some money - for at least the initial visit.

However this winter I was not happy with my treatment (I also have a Blue policy - mine has a high deductible) and I found an Osteopath who was more in tune with my goals. He is both an Osteopath and an Internist. He wrote me the script for liquid lexapro.

I know that money can be issue and even shelling out an unexpected $200 for an additional visit to a new doctor can hurt (try to find one that is part of the Blue network). But the way to think about it is as an investment - much like you would money placed in the stock market.

I would also call your current doctors and tell them that you are disappointed in their ability to work with you and that you have made it clear to your insurance company that their service has been less than satisfactory. Explain that you will be taking your future business elsewhere. (I have worked in the industry and customer service ratings are very important to doctors when insurance companies are doing network reviews).

You are a customer! If you got lousy service from a restaurant - would you go back?

By the way I always thought that Chiropractors and Osteopaths were quacks - well the truth is - they listen to you and work with you - they don't dictate like Gods and let's face it - your body will do all the work of healing - you just need to push off in the right direction. And when it comes to tapering - I would not fool around with crushing up pills when there is a far better alternative - if you just push a little harder. Ok I will get off my soap box now. Good Luck

[hollybean14]

I have just started weaning off of Lexapro 20 mg. (to 10 mg. this week) because we are trying to get pregnant

I really had a good experience w/ Lexapro. I never felt "numb" or apathetic. I just felt "evened out". I do feel that you and your wife (I can't recall your name I'm sorry) need to work all of this out in therapy. I don't believe meds will help with these issues. I do wish you the best though.

Thank you to everyone for posting!! This is great. I'm experiencing headaches and the a slight "slosh head" feeling, but it's manageable for now!

[Justapill]

+My real question is, is there any reason that any of you are aware of, of why my doctor switched my meds? Things were going fine with the lexapro. And if things were going fine, should i call my dr and see if i can just get put back on it? +

Ya think?

How could he change your prescription without even discussing it with you? When did you find out - at the pharmacy? Maybe it was a mental mistake. Do you know how many people die in this country each year because of mistakes like that? You are an engineering student for god sakes - use that big brain of yours....

[SchnauzerTime]

Besides my previous questions further up the page I had one more..I have reinstated the Lex to my full dose and have been on it 3 whole weeks now. I have been getting better and better but this past couple days I've felt worse...and today around 2pm I had a REALLY bad dizzy spell with sweating and nausea. I DO get dizziness as a side effect but not normally that bad.

Is it normal to have a "relapse" like that when reinstating?

Justapill

I do agree I need to switch doctors...I have no idea what an Osteopath is. What do they do?

[Justapill]

Courtney (Korky) - please forgive the sarcasm - I lost a ton of money in the market today

It is just that somehow when it comes to our health we all become brain-dead. No place else in our lives would we put up such arrogance but we accept it from doctors for some reason. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Please give your doctor a call.

[Justapill]

Schnauzer -

Osteopaths practice medicine just like medical doctors. But osteopaths are distinguished by their holistic philosophy. They believe a proper working musculoskeletal system is at the core of a person's well-being. These physicians use techniques like osteopathic manipulative treatment, to help diagnose illness and injury and encourage healing.

I took a quick look at NC and the Blue Cross website and didn't see any listed. My guy is an Osteopath as well as an general internist (MD). However, the Blue networks tend to include most professionals in the state. So I am sure you can find a doctor that will work with you. It is time well spent anyway. Does your Blue Plan have a nurse hotline? Mine does - it is an 800 number that clients can call - to ask questions. They are very nice - explain to them what you are trying to do -

[Hairyarmadillo]

Somebody please remind me that these feelings are normal even at week 16 of being off the Lexapro. I don't know if this is finally the other shoe I have been waiting for, the fact that i have messed up my birthcontrol pills once again this month or the stress from school (which doesn't officially start for 2 weeks but for me, there is already all this special ed stuff I have to tend to as well as some massive changes). I keep saying I will not cave and take the pill but have even gotten to the point of wondering if maybe there is yet another SSRI that I can take that will make the difference without the apathy and the depression that still came with Prozac, Paxil and Lexapro. Deep down I know this is going to pass but right now I am a freaking out emotional wreck. PLEASE someone talk some sense to me.

[Aussiegirl]

Somebody please remind me that these feelings are normal even at week 16 of being off the Lexapro. I don't know if this is finally the other shoe I have been waiting for, the fact that i have messed up my birthcontrol pills once again this month or the stress from school (which doesn't officially start for 2 weeks but for me, there is already all this special ed stuff I have to tend to as well as some massive changes). I keep saying I will not cave and take the pill but have even gotten to the point of wondering if maybe there is yet another SSRI that I can take that will make the difference without the apathy and the depression that still came with Prozac, Paxil and Lexapro. Deep down I know this is going to pass but right now I am a freaking out emotional wreck. PLEASE someone talk some sense to me.

Hi Hairy

Sorry to hear you are feeling bad. Have you tried therapy or a combination of that and meds? I know that a lot of people will disagree with me, but I am of the opinion that some people need to stay on meds long term (I include myself in that) because they simply have a chemical imbalance from years of stress and anxiety. Others don't need meds, they just need to find a good therapist.

Lexapro didn't work for me but as I've said before Cipramil/Citalopram (I think its called Celexa over there) was fantastic for me. If you are willing to go back onto meds, could you ask your doctor to let you try citalopram? Its in the same 'family' as Zoloft and Lex but worked when they didn't, so there's obviously some differences in composition...

If your choice is to stay off meds long term, then stay strong and keep battling, practice relaxation techniques and maybe try cognitive behavioural techniques as well.

If all else fails, order a big shipment of Tim Tams! ;-)

Take care

[kimberoo]

Aunty

I really need your insight, if you don't mind.

It has been 6 days taking 15mg and the zaps are more than ever and stranger than ever. They woke him out of his sleep last night. He hasn't had much sleep at all for the past two days. Dizziness and vertigo are still the same. And, the palpitations had practically disappeared while tapering, but they're back now.

Is it possible that Lexapro just doesn't work for him anymore, that it causes adverse effects now? Do you think that he should be switched to another SSRI at this point so that he can stabilize? Have you ever known of anyone who has done this and tapered successfully, or are we just playing with fire out of desperation?

I can't believe that he has been this way since Father's Day!! If we were to make a decision like this, we'll wait until we go to Johns Hopkins and talk to the psychiatrists there first. I've read that Dr. Healy (sp?) recommends switching to Prozac because of it's longer half life, but then again Prozac doesn't have the best track history either.

He's very afraid about changing meds, but he can't go on anymore like this either. He hasn't had a normal day for 1 & 1/2 months now, nor has he driven or worked. Patience is at it's all time low. I really thought that reinstating him this much would've done the trick. His maximum dosage was 20mgs over a year ago, I can't imagine that 15mg hasn't brought any relief. What do you think?

Kimberoo

p.s.
I originally posted this on Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms (don't ask, I've had a heck of a time just signing on here lately lol), I wanted to let you know, just in case you ever saw it there, it wouldn't confuse you.

[auntybiotic]

Usually one gets relief from reinstating within a week or two. Improvement in symptoms is usually seen in days. I am wondering if your husband is having a adverse reaction because of both the sectral and lexapro using the same P450 cytochrome pathways in the liver, possibly making him a slow metabolizer of these medications.

The Mayo clinic "physc." clinic (DR BLACK) has developed specific testing to determine if patients are slow metabolizers within the P450 cytochrome system.
Most major insurance plans will cover the cost of this testing when it is done thru affiliated major hospitals in your city.

If you are interested in the genenic P 450 Cytochrome testing, call Dr. Black's secretary at the Mayo Clinic and get the correct codes to request the testing thru your physician.

Then call the hospital labs in your area and find out if they have a affiliation with Mayo Clinic, most do.
If they do. then your insurance should pay the cost of the testing. I would also call to verify this thru your insurance. I know my Blue Cross did.

I know most SSRI's will also cause adverse effects if a patient is a slow metabolizer. Possibly your doctor may prescribe Remeron which is not a "selective" SSRI. Some have had success with that antidepressant without the apathy most selective SSRI's cause.

Remember, even when switching SSRI's to another antidepressant, there may be withdrawals from the SSRI being discontinued.

I really think that you should talk to your husband's physician about possibly having the P450 Cytochrome system tested to determine how his liver is metabolizing these medications properly.

Secondly, I cannot help but to wonder why your husband's physician would keep him on Sectral when there is a FDA interaction between Sectral and Lexapro, especially in light of your husband's extreme dizziness. There must be another heart and blood pressure medication that DO NOT USE THE SAME P-450 CYTOCHROME PATHWAY which causes the interaction. Interactions can cause the liver NOT TO METABOLIZE the medications properly.

Possibly John Hopkins can see your husband sooner.

Please consider the Genetic testing and again speak to a pharmacist about the interaction between Lexapro and sectral. I am not a doctor and I am speaking only from my own experiences so please print up the interaction link between Lexapro and sectral and take that to a physician. When two medications use the same pathway in the liver this causes problems metobalizing one or both medications and there can be build ups of one or the other of the medications............this is very important!!! Your husband may be experiencing symptoms due to the interactions.

[SchnauzerTime]

Like I said yesterday, I had a bad dizzy spell and was wondering if people have "relapses" when reinstating to full dose? I was doing o.k. then started not feeling good this past 3 to 4 days then yesterday had a BAD dizzy spell. The nausea is creeping back too. The only thing I've done different is switched multi-vitamins and I'm not taking the fish oil. Could that make me feel worse?

Also, I am ordering supplements from The Road Back and it said on there to not switch from pill form to liquid form of your medication ...that it would cause "adverse side effects". Is it safe to do what you mentioned to me...turning the pill into liquid by crushing it? I'm just wondering why The Road Back said that.