[sctschk]

Carolleah, ... make sure you get plenty of rest/relaxation - for some, too much activity stimulates the symptoms, while quiet makes them lessen, and increases the brains ability to heal -- but everyone is different, that's just how it's been for me...

I totally agree with this. I've always noticed that when I'm tired, or staying up really late, that all the symptoms and freakishness starts up or intensifies. Every time. Like right now - I'm up at almost 2am - I'm exhausted but am too jittery to sleep and my body is going a little whacko...

While through withdrawal - get LOTS of sleep!!!

-Jo

[sctschk]

Hi there. First of all, if you believe in your heart that you will be better off the Lex (which I 100% agree with you), and you're willing to go through some tough withdrawals (or really long tapering), then you're totally in the right place. You do what's right for you, regardless of your wife's opinion, or your doctor's. It's your life and you deserve to do with it as you see fit.

As for 100% withdrawn and 100% better, I think you would have to find a post from someone who's at least 1 to 1 1/2 years off the Lex to get a true answer. Many of the posters now here are well under that, but we're all striving to get to that 100%. I do know that for me, when I was at rock bottom that first month and a half of torture hell (I tapered too quickly) that I am 90% better than I was then. So, recovery is definitely possible. I'm at 5 1/2 months. I have a long way to go, especially since I had a toxic reaction to the drug, but I am much, much better. While slow, I believe I will recover 100%. It just takes time - no one really knows how long each person will take.

They say the rule of thumb is to not count any chickens until at least 18 months out. If I can eliminate one troubling side effect of Lex every three months or so, I consider that successful. It varies per person, but you have to take that first step to find out!! I now believe there are other ways to deal with conditions that Lexapro is supposed to treat more effectively - and Lex is just poisoning us. Go for it - we'll be here to support you along the way!!

-Jo

[sctschk]

Originally Posted by KarenRB53

Hi: I did post just yesterday but no reply so hope you don't mind my asking you a question. I've been on Lexapro 5mg for only 6 wks and want to stop because its definitely not helping. I previously had been on Prozac for 6 yrs and want to go back to the Prozac. Because its only been 6 wks, can I just stop the Lexapro and start the Prozac right away or do I have to taper off the Lexapro? Thanks for any advice.

Karen

Hi Karen. I would seriously NOT do that - don't cold turkey. I was only on Lex for 6 weeks at 5mg too. I had a major toxic reaction to it while on it (body started jerking, major problems...) and my docs told me to keep taking it. They said my dose was so small it wouldn't cause problems. WHA? That didn't sound right and I WAS having problems, so without any instruction, (before I found this place) I thought it would probably be best to taper at least a week (Hah! WAY too short!) and cut my 5mg in half for a few days. Then I cut it in quarters for a few days. Then I was off.

BIG MISTAKE. WHAT A NIGHTMARE. I am now at 5 1/2 months and STILL having problems. No matter how short a time you were on, and how small the dose, DON'T JUST STOP.

Read the previous posts about tapering and do that. It will take you longer to do than to just stop, but you'll be glad you did!!! PS - Welcome!

-Jo

[carolleah]

Sctschk

Thanks for commiserating! It seems as though we are experiencing some of the same types of symptoms. Weird tingling, weird headaches, anxiety out the whazoo. Do you also get irrational thoughts and worries? I am quite sensitive to any type of rejection or negativity. Also, my multitasking and getting things done ability is reduced down to minimal. My house has been a mess for months now. I find myself needy to talk to friends for consolation and comfort, which is also why I find the people in this forum so wonderful, it makes me feel less alone. I had thought that the worst was in the third month, but now in the fifth month it is still bad. I can't sleep through the night, I struggle with all of these symptoms and wish soooooo badly to just be back to myself. I used to be a very secure person and now that is all gone. AND I still have to struggle with making amends or trying to with all of the people that I lashed out at when depressed. Many of those turned into lost relationships.

Anyway, it can be quite discouraging. Even now I am getting those weird twitches in my head. The problem is that it is so chronic and relying on friends can tax them.

Please, can you tell me hope to cope with some of these things. Keeping my sense of positivity can be quite hard. I am glad to find that you write many times. Knowing that I can write as much as I need to, like others do, helps me feel less alone with it all.

EM

Thanks for words of advice and kindness. Your posts are very supportive and comforting. How many months along are you from withdrawing? Do you deal with anxiety? How do you cope with it?

Thank you to everyone in this forum. I am grateful to have found it. It gives me hope and encouragement. I have an eleven year old son that has gone through so much because of all of this. I am trying to hold myself together for him, but at time can be excrutiatingly difficult. I have unfortunately learned much about depression in all of this, not that I really wanted to. It's sad because all I really needed was kindness and support from friends and family in order to cope with the losses in my life. Now I know that the only way to deal with overwhelming problems is to turn to others for support, and those others can be strangers as in this forum, but as long as they are caring and kind, that's all that matters. Compassion is a funny thing. It is not always easily found. But I feel very fortunate because I have a best friend that is compassionate and caring, and all that it really takes is one in the whole entire world in order to go forward. I had lost all belief in myself at one point. Now I am fighting for it back. And it comes very slowly. Even more slowly having to deal with all these horrible withdrawal symptoms.

Anyway, I just want you all to know that you've been terrific in showing such wherewithal and courage in dealing with withdrawal, without turning back. Having emotions and empathy is worth the fight of it all.

[KarenRB53]

Thanks so much and thanks for the welcome also. I will do as you suggest. A question...should I start the Prozac while I'm tapering off Lexapro or wait until completely off the Lexapro?

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. So glad I found this site again.
Karen

[SchnauzerTime]

I switched cold turkey from Paxil to Lexapro and would NOT suggest it. I think alot of people are successful if you lower your dose of Lexapro and add the Prozac at the same dose...for example, if you are on 10mg Lex and lower the dose to 9mg (10 percent reduction, which is safest), then you can also add 1mg of Prozac to equal the full 10mg and keep doing that every couple weeks.

Does this sound right Aunty?

Don't do this yet...wait to see what Aunty says...she is the most knowledgable one here on this stuff .

[SchnauzerTime]

How are you today??? Aunty is totally right! I didn't know you went from 1.3mg to 1mg...that is 30 percent..no wonder you feel bad! I bet if you go back on 1.3 you'll feel ALOT better soon like Aunty said. Then you should taper slower again and I bet you won't have any more problems. PLEASE trust us and yourself...don't go to those dumb doctors, they'll just pile on more meds!

Write back and let us know how you are .

[SchnauzerTime]

How are things going with Benny??? No news is good news? I hope everythig is o.k. and he is feeling better now!

Aunty

How is your daughter doing? What dose is she on now? Are her tapers going well and everything? I have been thinking about her and hope she is doing well and not having much withdrawal.

Catherine is calling me tomorrow afternoon for a phone consult...I'm REALLY anxious and nervous...I just hope she can figure out what to do for me!

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by KarenRB53

Thanks so much and thanks for the welcome also. I will do as you suggest. A question...should I start the Prozac while I'm tapering off Lexapro or wait until completely off the Lexapro?

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. So glad I found this site again.
Karen

I am not advising on this but I have read an article where Prozac can aid in avoiding the withdrawals affects for lexapro but have never known anyone personally that did this. It seems on a way earlier post someone had mentioned this also.
I don't think I would take them at the same time though.


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.

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by KarenRB53

Thanks so much and thanks for the welcome also. I will do as you suggest. A question...should I start the Prozac while I'm tapering off Lexapro or wait until completely off the Lexapro?

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. So glad I found this site again.
Karen

I have read that many doctors will have you skip one day of the lexapro and supplement it with a 10 MG dose of prozac then continue you regular tapering off of the lexapro.inabout two weeks supplement another prozac dose for a lexapro dose and continue tapering until you are off.

The theory is that the prozac will remain in the system to make the taper off of lexapro easier but you must not try this after you have alreday been unsuccessful tapering off the lexapro with The severe withdrawals.

So it was a Prozac 10 Mg dose about every two weeks for those that are tapering off of the lexapro and want to switch to prozac. Please check with your physician but I have read of many that have had easier withdrawals with the addition of a supplemental prozac (low dose of 10 Mg). I am not a doctor and am relay info from a article that I read in the past.

[tavee]

Hi Guys!!

I Contacted Catherine On Yahoo And She Emailed Me Back.i Joined That Withdrawal Aand Recovery Group.

I Am Better Today. I Havent Gone Out Yet But I Know I Wont Taper Maybe For Another Week.

I Took 3 Omegas Today And I Will Continue To Do That. I Am Looking In To The Bach Flower Essence Also.

Anyone Who Hasnt Seen The Group On Yahoo.. Wow.. It Is So Worth It. There Is A Lot Of Good Medical Info And What To Do .

Just Reading All The Info Made Me Feel Better. I Feel Like There Is Hope If I Follow The Rules.
Duhhhhhhhhhhhhh

My Next Taper Will Probably Be .9 And Then .8 And Then .7.
Screw That If I Am Going To Rush.
Conception For A Baby Can Wait~

I Will Keep U Guys Posted Later.

Thanks For Being There For Me And Guiding Me.

Thanks Aunty!! I Love U!!

Ps Ok I Gotta Go Cuz Im Feeling Dizzy Again From Being On The Computer.

[SchnauzerTime]

Soooo glad you are feeling better today! Im sure now that you are going back to the 10 percent tapers everything will work out and be o.k. It might take awhile for this last taper to even out since you went too fast but if you're already feeling better that's great! Sounds like you wont' have to reinstate to 1.3mg so that's really good.

Good to hear you joined the Withdrawal and Recovery group. I'm still getting used to it...I posted my story like 3 or 4 days ago and it's still not up there. Catherine says she doesn't put the posts through until she has time to answer them, but she is going to call me tomorrow with a phone consult so hopefully I'll find out everything on what I should do then. I think she got a little frustrated at me cause I sent her some emails about the phone consult...I missed a portion of the info telling how to pay her and she said she didn't have time to write all these personal emails. I hope I didn't make her mad or anything, she seemed annoyed at me .

Anyways, I'm glad she is helping you it sounds like and I hope to see you on there sometime...my name is Lizabeethia on there and my real name is Beth .

[elizabethmaria]

Hi Carolleah,
So glad you are here, and hanging in there - it really will get better, I promise! I was trying to think back which was worse, month 3 or 5, and honestly, a lot of things got worse at month 5, but then they start to improve... after month 5, it's a real funny stage.. there are real good times, then horrible ones, but an overall sense of true improvement that I didn't feel before... I'm at exactly 8 months in a couple days! yay! The emotional/stuff hits hard in that time your at, but it does improve...
Actually, anxiety/insomnia is one symptom I never had during this, which is nice! But I had SOOO much while on the drug, and with my whole drug reaction prior to it, that I think I had my fill - I remember in the hospital praying (that deadly day) Lord, I don't care what happens to me the rest of my life, but please let me have PEACE! And, He did ~ Thank you LORD!!! I got seizures instead LOL! ok.. enough joking around, but anyways.

[Hairyarmadillo]

YEY! You sound 100% better. Yeah, good for Aunty about that 30% decrease-that was probably the whole problem. You really are close to the finish line and have come a long way. Glad you are feeling better able to fight through this. You did have me worried!!

[KarenRB53]

Originally Posted by SchnauzerTime

I switched cold turkey from Paxil to Lexapro and would NOT suggest it. I think alot of people are successful if you lower your dose of Lexapro and add the Prozac at the same dose...for example, if you are on 10mg Lex and lower the dose to 9mg (10 percent reduction, which is safest), then you can also add 1mg of Prozac to equal the full 10mg and keep doing that every couple weeks.

Does this sound right Aunty?

Don't do this yet...wait to see what Aunty says...she is the most knowledgable one here on this stuff .

Thanks so much. I'll wait to see what Aunty suggests as you said.

Karen

[KarenRB53]

Originally Posted by Hairyarmadillo

I am not advising on this but I have read an article where Prozac can aid in avoiding the withdrawals affects for lexapro but have never known anyone personally that did this. It seems on a way earlier post someone had mentioned this also.
I don't think I would take them at the same time though.


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.

Thanks for responding. This site is great.

[SchnauzerTime]

If you are still on here, scroll up the page...AUntybiotic's post is there with an answer to your Prozac question....saying that you can take a 10mg dose every 2 weeks while you taper off your Lexapro I think.

[KarenRB53]

Originally Posted by auntybiotic

I have read that many doctors will have you skip one day of the lexapro and supplement it with a 10 MG dose of prozac then continue you regular tapering off of the lexapro.inabout two weeks supplement another prozac dose for a lexapro dose and continue tapering until you are off.

The theory is that the prozac will remain in the system to make the taper off of lexapro easier but you must not try this after you have alreday been unsuccessful tapering off the lexapro with The severe withdrawals.

So it was a Prozac 10 Mg dose about every two weeks for those that are tapering off of the lexapro and want to switch to prozac. Please check with your physician but I have read of many that have had easier withdrawals with the addition of a supplemental prozac (low dose of 10 Mg). I am not a doctor and am relay info from a article that I read in the past.

Thanks for your advice. I've very grateful to have found this site once again and will keep reading and learning from it.

Karen

[Hairyarmadillo]

Schnauzertime I am trying to catch up on all the posts I have missed and just came across your post about the dizziness and birth control pills. Totally amazing! I know when I messed mine up, it through me for a curve but I never would have thought that about the dizziness either. There are so many unknown variables affecting SSRIs-I mean, who would ever think that foods you eat can make the symptoms worse? And still, 19 weeks after stopping Lexapro, if I eat the wrong thing, I am messed up. It isn't as noticeable but still. Once I feel a little less than normal, I start to panic thinking it will all come back. Honestly, though, it does improve. With each passing day, it gets better. I thought i was doomed to the terrible effects every pms but now I forget pms time. The main thing is to persevere through it all.

Tavee Did you get my email? I wrote a loooooooooooong one and it got sucked into cyberspace, so I went back and did another through my bellsouth account. Hope it made it to you

[SchnauzerTime]

I just caught something I've been doing...I've been spelling your name wrong! LOL...I've been reading the Harry Potter series and have "Harry" on my mind, too funny!

Anyways, I'm glad you are doing good and things keep easing off and getting better for you...it IS weird about hormones bringing on side effects...I wish I would have know that about 8 months ago but oh well. And the eating thing is pretty weird too...but I've been trying to eat really healthy now and it's helping some.

I'm not having a very good night...some of the dizziness is coming back, but at least the nausea is about all gone I guess. I just can't wait til tomorrow when Catherine calls and hopefully tells me what is going on. I just don't get why I'm still so sick after almost 5 weeks of reinstating my full dose...all I know is something weird is going on. I just HOPE she knows what to do so I can start tapering and do something! I feel so "stuck" right now...not doing anything, just hoping and praying to feel better.

Sorry for the whining, needed to get that out of my system I guess, lol. Have a good night .

[anna bella]

Thanks for your reply.... Unfortunately i have stopped taking the pill and suffered withdrawals but i hope others can learn from it....Although i have to say it has helped me stabalize my weight...Also it can be a side effect for a loss of libido which many attribute to lexapro....It can be both but everyone should be aware of every drug they put into their body....

I am now tapering down to 4.5mg..... it's a bit daunting but i think it needs to be done..Any way just wanted to say thanks......

take care

[Newtome]

My daughter is 8 and has been put on Lexapro. 2.5mg for a week then 5 mg for the next 9 months. Does everyone w\ho takes this drug experence these severe withdrawl symptoms or might she have none at all?

[SchnauzerTime]

WHY was your 8 year old child put on this drug? I would SERIOUSLY consider switching doctors...there is NO reason I can think of to put someone this young on this type of medication...I don't care WHAT the child has been through/going through. At that age no telling what this medicine will do...her brain isn't even fully developed until MUCH later...late teenage years or so.

I was put on Paxil after my mom died at age 11...even someone close to the child passing away (like my mom dying) is no reason for this medication at that age...it does MORE HARM than good.

I'm not trying to scare you but I would go ahead and start taking your child off this drug. If you keep her on it for the full 9 months it will just be harder for her to get off it in the end.

Have you already raised her up to 5mg? If not, KEEP her at the 2.5mg. It will take alot less time to get her off that dose. How long has she been on it so far?

I can't answer your question about withdrawal because it depends on how long someone has been on the medication and if they taper slowly or go off it cold turkey...do NOT take her off it cold turkey. PLEASE start tapering her at 10 percent intervals...get liquid lexapro if you can and do it that way...if not we can tell you on here how to crush the pill and mix with juice and make a liquid yourself...it is the SAFEST way to come off the Lexapro.

And yes, she will probably get some withdrawal still but hopefully it won't be that bad if she is on a low dose still and you taper her slowly with the 10 percent tapers every 2 to 3 weeks. I am OUTRAGED that your doctor put her on this...I can't express enough anger at that...it's ridiculous.

Please write back and tell us what dose she is on, how long she's been on it and WHY she was put on it in the first place. And remember DON'T raise her dose if she is still at 2.5mg.

[tavee]

Hi Honey!!

No I Didnt Get Ure Email. It Might Have Gotten Lost.
I Did Read Ure Post Here Though.
Im Sorry. That Sucks When U Are Totally Into Ure Email And Then Poof!! Its Gone. Dont Worry About It Though.

I Hope U Guys Are Doing Well.

I Am Doing Ok Today Except For A Sore Throat, But Like Elizabeth Says What The Heck, Withdrawals Are Worse. This Sore Throat Is Nothing Compared To What We Are Going Thru!!!usually I Am A Total Baby When I Get Sick And Whine And Complain.
Thanks Elizabeth For Instilling That In Me!!!

Schnauzer- Any News From Catherine Yet???

I Just Want To Tell U Guys That If It Werent For U This Weeknd I Dont Know What I Would Have Done. Thanks For Encouraging Me And Making Me Not Give Up.
Schnauzer- U Were Right. U Knew It Was Going To Be A Few Days And Then It Would Pass, And It Did.

Hairy & Elizabeth- U Dont Know How Strong Ure Words Are When U Guys Write To Me And How Much They Motivate And Encourage Me. Wowwwwwww!! Hairy- Its That Teacher Thing We Have!! Right???? Lol.
Thanks My Angels!!!

Schanuzer- U Had Asked Me On A Previous Post Why I Am Tapering?? Well, I Am Trying To Get Pregnant Again. I Originally Went On Lex For Postpartum.
Arent U Trying Too?? I Think U Had Mentioned That Right?? Or Am I Confusing U With Someone Else???

Well Guys!! Have A Good Sunday And I Love U All With All My Heart.

Oh Yeah! Is Anyone Taking Bach Flower Essence??? I Am Going To Purchase The One For Anxiety. Any Feedback???


Love U Guys
Tavee

[kimberoo]

Long time no write!! lol

Hi everybody!! Gosh, so much can happen here in just a few days!!
Thanks for asking about us SchnauzerTime! I'd like to give a little update before I start asking questions.

Benny started the 15mg on Tuesday, after 4 days on 20mg and being in severe withdrawal on his full dose.

His first day on 15mg went well as did days 2 through 4. On Wednesday he had his blood drawn for the p450 genotyping test. The hospital called us later and wanted to be sure that we still wanted the testing as the cost of the testing was $5,000. Our insurance is covering $3,200 of it (we are responsible for the deductible and then 20%). We, of course, said yes, we'd come this far there was no turning back now. That night he decided to wash all of the carpets in the house, which was great for me because I was able to jack up the music and clean my house, which I haven't been doing the best job at since he has been sick. It kinda took it's toll on him that night but it passed.

Thursday and Friday went well, he still had slight dizziness and zaps but nothing major and to be totally honest I was just so happy to be able to have my husband back....practically normal!

Saturday we decided to take our son to the go-karts as he has really done nothing this whole summer. Inside there is lots of noise from video games and of course fluorescent lighting everywhere. When we left he started feeling bad again. He spent the rest of the evening on the couch. A few hours later the old feelings came back. The dizziness, the zaps, goosebumps, near passing out etc. He had to take a klonopin again.

Today he has similar symptoms again. I've noticed a pattern that he always feels worse in the morning and late evening. His blood pressure has been relatively low, last night it was 94/61. What is too low? Even whenever he lays down on the couch, once in awhile, without moving his head or any movement at all, he feels dizzy. He feels like inside his head is moving, yet he's not. And the goosebumps are always there. Then there's the headaches too. Whenever he feels like this he takes a .25mg klonopin and it seems to help, he has needed it less this week though. Is it too fast to feel good at this point?

Aunty

I, of course,had some questions regarding the testing since you had it done for your daughter. What should I expect from the results? Will it be able to show if there is an interaction between Sectral and Lexapro? If he is a slow metabolizer what do you think will be suggested? Also, Sectral & Lexapro run through 2 different pathways according to Dr.Black (2D6 for Sectral & Paxil and 2C19 for Lexapro), they can still interact even if they run through different pathways? I remember you stating that your daughter on the time was on 20mg of Lexapro and the Biaxin raised the level to 37 mg in her system. Did the test show you that? I'm gonna drive you nuts on this one, I know, and I apologize in advance. This test, I assume, is going to affect any medications that run through these two pathways, so understanding the Flockhart Table will probably be my best bet right now, yes? I'm curious as to why Dr. Black mentioned that Paxil runs through 2D6, maybe he's thinking that if he's a slow metabolizer there too that a lot of Benny's problems began 13 years ago, what do you think? You understand this so much better than I, I thank you for your guidance. By the way, did the website ever ever forward my email to you? I hope so.

You were speaking about switching to Prozac up above. I'm concerned that when we go Johns Hopkins next Tuesday that the docs there may want to switch him to something else. In your experience, is Prozac the best antidepressant to be switched to. Everything changes now for him if he is a slow metabolizer, I realize now that I really need to understand the p450 system even better than I thought I did.

I'll be in touch!! SchnauzerTime give us an update on your phone consult!

Truly,

Kimberoo

Take care everyone!

[SchnauzerTime]

Hey everyone!

Well...good news and bad news, heh. The good news is I know what's wrong with me now...the bad news is I am suffering through not one, but 2 cold turkey withdrawals at the same time .

I had switched from Paxil 10mg to Lexapro 10mg with no tapering because my doctor said to and Catherine said that is considered as a cold turkey off the Paxil. I ALSO stopped my Wellbutrin 300mg at the same time which was ANOTHER cold turkey...soooo I'm in for a loooong recovery looks like.

Catherine told me vitamins to take and to eat healthy...she also said to get back on my birth control to see if that helped any...she wants to get me stabilized then worry about coming off the Lex. It may take months or even years for me to get through this since I'm going through 2 withdrawals.

I'm kind of bummed out, but in the back of my mind I thought it was this cause I'll feel better for a week or 2 then sick again...back and forth all the time. I'm going to try to stay positive and not dwell too much on it....and hey, it's already been 6 months so that's time ticked off the calender for me.

In the meantime, I will keep coming on here and checking on everyone and rooting for everyone's progress in coming off the Lexapro...I hope I'll get through this soon so I can come off it too .

Thinking of you all and bracing myself for a "long haul" as Catherine put it, lol.

[SchnauzerTime]

I think through withdrawals and since your hubby is so sensitive to meds, there will be ups and downs for sure. I'm SURE since he shampooed the freakin' carpets he is going to feel that even if he wasn't sick! Tell that man to take care of himself and not do anything that physically taxing. And going out in bright lights would bring on symptoms for sure...and noise, crowds and such.

If he just takes it easy and does SIMPLE chores around the house, lol, no shampooing carpets!...he should do good.

I know he wants to do stuff he normally would before he got sick, but try to explain to him it will be awhile before he can do that without getting sick from it.

And like I said, expect ups and downs anyway...it sucks, but when he is going through the "ups" treasure that time and just help him get through the downs...he'll get better in time I'm sure and I'm thinking of you both .

[sweet-thang]

Originally Posted by elizabethmaria

Had another thought...Tavee, others

Withdrawal actually works to our advantage.. actually, the worse it is, the more advantageous it is!!! Why on earth? Because, once you actually GO THOUGH withdrawal, and all it's terrors, and extreme confusion and difficulties, you are being FORCED to develop incredible skills to handle EXTREME emotions, and extraordinary situations. This may be all in your own body, mind, but the difficulties are the same. SO, when you're finally free, and your brain is recovered, which is proven it will, you AREN'T even the same person you were before the medication! So, you can't say, 'what if it all comes back', because withdrawal is LIVING to the EXTREME, and when you're back to your normal self, the old stuff that used to bother, upset you terribly, etc will seem like NOTHING! withdrawal, tapering, it all is living, it all is NOT taking the easy way out, it all results in incredible growth, and perseverance, and strength and wisdom and all these things. To recover from these drugs and go through some rough times, definitely heals one of 'not being able to handle' such and such, or whatever... It changes you, and so to be scared and keep going, is actually the best thing to do, because that's when you really grow, really change, plus your brain is really healing.. so many things I thought were so important, so scary, so sad, or whatever, now I'm like ha! whatever! I've been to you know where and back again, and you don't scare me a whit! I know what's important now! So, anyways, that's a real good thing to think about...

sorry, I'll stop blabbering now!!!
love, EM

Elizabethmarie....I had a thought along the same lines a week or so ago...I was actually feeling a little grateful for my withdrawals because they gave me an opportunity to notice how I was healing, dramatically. When you feel so ********************ty, on that day 7 or day 14, whatever it is for your situation (for me it's day 7 or 8) and you feel so bad and you think it will never end, and then poof, it gradually fades by day 14....that's healing...if you couldn't actually experience it going from bad to much better, you wouldn't be able to experience yourself healing.....:-)

[auntybiotic]

I do not have very much time as I just walked in the door and it is after 10 PM and I am exhaused. Lexapro is metabolized by 3 pathways not just one as Dr. Black said. I will post the link tomorrow.

The testing will show you how genetially your husband metabolizes the medications. Slow metabolizer and the medications can build up to toxic levels and doseages may have to be adjusted to lower doses to make up for this, fast and the drugs pass thru the sytem and may have no effect.

Medications using the same Pathway as Sectral and lexapro do, can cause one of the medications to build up to toxic levels. To me it sounds as if the lexapro is causing the Sectral to build up and that could be why your husband's blood pressure is so low and he is so dizzy. Instead of taking for example 10 Mg of Sectral, he may be absorbing equivelent to 30 Mg of sectral and a dosage adjustment should be considered by his physician. No wonder he feels so ill with such a low blood pressure. Please take it three times a day and keep a journal..

I do not have time to send the links tonight but Lexapro is metabolized by three pathways in the liver not one!!! Sectral is also metabolized by at least one of the same pathways that is why there is the interaction which I had previously sent you the link on. I know this for a fact because I researched the two drugs for you.

I also know for a fact that lexapro is metabolized by three Pathways in the liver not just one, maybe the other two pathways metabolize lexapro to a lesser extent but lexapro does use 3 pathways. More about that tomorrow, I am off to bed. I may not be a physician but I have researched lexapro for two years and do know for a fact that it uses three pathways in the liver.

What health insurance do you have? I know Blue Cross Blue Shield covered all the costs as long as you went to a hospital lab that was on their provider list and that hospital HAD A AFFILIATION with Mayo. Did you possibly not check into this aspect. I really think Blue Cross should cover all expenses if they are your carrier. The price you ahve to pay is outragious!!!
Here is some reading to keep you busy. LOL!!

http://www.ahrq.gov/downloads/pub/ev...450/cyp450.pdf

[auntybiotic]

Lexapro


LEXAPRO
Escitalopram oxalate

Chemical name:
S(+)-1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-carbonitrile hydrogen oxalate.

Chemical Abstracts No.
219861-08-2

Molecular weight
C20H21FN2O, C2H2O4 : 414.42

Description
Escitalopram is the active enantiomer of citalopram. Escitalopram oxalate is a fine white to yellow, crystalline material.

Escitalopram oxalate is sparingly soluble in water, slightly soluble in acetone, soluble in ethanol and freely soluble in methanol. No polymorphic forms have been detected.

Excipients in LEXAPRO: cellulose-microcrystalline, silica - colloidal anhydrous, talc, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, macrogol 400 and titanium dioxide.

Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Biochemical and behavioural studies have shown that escitalopram is a potent inhibitor of serotonin (5-HT)-uptake (in vitro IC50 2nM). The inhibition of 5-HT uptake is the only recognised mechanism of action of escitalopram capable of explaining the pharmacological and clinical effects of escitalopram.

On the basis of in vitro studies, escitalopram is the most selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor yet developed with no, or minimal effect on noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) and gamma aminiobutyric acid (GABA) uptake.

In contrast to many tricyclic antidepressants and some of the SSRI's, escitalopram has no or very low affinity for a series of receptors including 5-HT1A, 5-HT2, DA D1 and DA D2 receptors, α1-, α2-, β-adrenoceptors, histamine H1, muscarine cholinergic, benzodiazepine, and opioid receptors. A series of functional in vitro tests in isolated organs as well as functional in vivo tests have confirmed the lack of receptor affinity.

In healthy volunteers and in patients escitalopram did not cause clinically significant changes in vital signs, ECGs, or laboratory parameters.

S-demethylcitalopram, the main plasma metabolite, attains about 30% of parent compound levels after oral dosing and is about 5-fold less potent at inhibiting 5-HT re-uptake than escitalopram in vitro. It is therefore unlikely to contribute significantly to the overall antidepressant effect.

Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Absorption is expected to be almost complete and independent of food intake (mean Tmax is 4 hours after multiple dosing). While the absolute bioavailability of escitalopram has not been studied, it is unlikely to differ significantly from that of racemic citalopram (about 80%).

Distribution
The apparent volume of distribution (Vd,β /F) after oral administration is about 12 to 26 L/kg. The binding of escitalopram to human plasma proteins is independent of drug plasma levels and averages 55 %.

NOTE THAT THE 3 P 450 Pathways are as follows:
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Metabolism
Escitalopram is metabolised in the liver to the demethylated and didemethylated metabolites. Alternatively, the nitrogen may be oxidised to form the N-oxide metabolite. Both parent and metabolites are partly excreted as glucuronides. Unchanged escitalopram is the predominant compound in plasma. After multiple dosing the mean concentrations of the demethyl and didemethyl metabolites are usually 28-31% and <5% of the escitalopram concentration, respectively. Biotransformation of escitalopram to the demethylated metabolite is mediated by a combination of CYP2C19, CYP3A4 and CYP2D6.


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Excretion
The elimination half-life (t½ β) after multiple dosing is about 30 hours and the oral plasma clearance (Cloral) is about 0.6 L/min.

Escitalopram and major metabolites are - like racemic citalopram - assumed to be eliminated both by the hepatic (metabolic) and the renal routes with the major part of the dose excreted as metabolites in urine. Hepatic clearance is mainly by the P450 enzyme system.

The pharmacokinetics of escitalopram are linear over the clinical dosage range. Steady state plasma levels are achieved in about 1 week. Average steady state concentrations of 50 nmol/L (Range 20 to 125 nmol/L) are achieved at a daily dose of 10 mg.

Elderly patients (>65 years)
A longer half-life and decreased clearance values, due to a reduced rate of metabolism, have been demonstrated in the elderly.


http://www.inhousepharmacy.com/anti-...formation.html

Kimbertoo,

That is why i believe that the Sectral and Lexapro is causing the dose of the sectral to be increased and thereby causing your husband's low blood pressure and extreme dizziness.