[Craigre]

What foods don't piss off your liver? I am having a hard time finding food that is appetizing for me and I don't have much of a selection at my house. I usually don't have breakfast because I am tired of making eggs all the time and cereal will give me gas for days. Since i work at a pizza place and get pizza 50% off or free, i usually eat alot of pizza ... i know its bad for me but it seems like there is nothing eatable at my house. Even if i do make some food it probably is ticking off my liver.

What foods are good for the liver and what foods are bad?

[bodyelectric]

Steamed greens and whole grains. But really, the most important thing is to listen to your body and give it what it wants. People have reported chocolate cravings, and turns out chocolate is good for this sort of thing. So if you crave pizza, eat it. If you have a choice of a whole wheat crust with a pesto sauce and quality cheese, that'd probably be your best bet. Oily things like crab, olives and anchovies are good for your brain, but I don't know about the liver. And remember, oil & fat = good, fried = bad.

You might want to invest in a macrobiotic and/or Mediterranean cookbook. Both are way healthy and don't have to be expensive.

[oceangrl]

Hey guys-

I've been off lex for a little over a week now.. I've noticed I can actually get up early now if I have too.. before snooze was the only option! I still get weird head rushes from time to time and feel like I'm going to lose my balance and fall over?? Also, I feel like my heart skips a beat every now and then.. usually coincides with the weird head rush feeling. Anyone experiencing this? I'd be interested in why this is happening if anyone knows.

Also, has anyone noticed they feel better after taking omega-3? I was thinking about getting some since I never eat fish or seafood. Any thoughts would be appreciated! thanks!

[auntybiotic]

ocean girl.

The head rushes are called the zaps. It is the misfiring of the neurotransmitters in your brain. This happens because your brain has not had a chance to readjust to the lower serotonin level. Read Dr. Ann Blake Tracy;s book on SSRI's to learn more.

Lexapro does not cause more serotonin but rather causes the receptors in your brain to soak longer in the serotonin that you have. That is why the SSRI are known as serotonin reuptake drugs.

Try the Omega 3's, everyone is different but they seem to help many in withdrawal.

[Craigre]

oceangrl,
I am feeling the same way and I have been off for little more than a week. I think those head rushes are actually different than the "zaps" that other people have. I have that had that same feeling of my heart skipping or an extra hard beat and kind of a weird loss of balance. You explained it perfectly. That hasn't happened today for me though. Now I just feel like my head is slightly pressurized and warm. My heart seems like its under control but I think my blood pressure is high. 150/95

[Craigre]

I just got my blood test bill from a month ago. Does anyone know if these tests would show how well I metabolize SSRIs? That is one of my big concerns right now because I am going to start zoloft tonight.
They did:
Basic Metabolic Panel
Drug Screen Abuse
CK-MB (does not include total CK)
Myoglobin
Troponin-I
Blood Smear Without Manual Diff
Complete CBC Automated

Then they did CK-MB and Troponin-I again the next day.

They said my blood work looked normal so I guess I metabolize stuff normally if that was checked. I don't know what any of those tests mean though.

[mccain91]

quote:Originally posted by Runningman

I replied further up the thread a couple of times about weaning off this drug. I'm now feel that I'm completely free of it! I'm drug-free for just over 2 weeks now and the mild fatigue and light-headedness I was experiencing is 99% gone. I noticed the dizziness dissipate just about the end of the 2 weeks. I feel like I'm probably 99% back to normal with no remaining side-effects!

I don't know if my wean-down plan will work the same for anyone else as it did for me, but at least it gives somebody else a plan to try if you'd like. I went from being on 10 mg for 6 months to 7.5 for a week, then 5.0, 3.75, 2.5, 1.25 all for a week, then 1.25 every other day for a week and stopped. I only experienced mild fatigue and dizziness that didn't really affect me at all until most of it disappeared after about 2 weeks.

I broke 10 mg pills into quarters by hand with no problem and used an Exacto knife to cut the quarters into 1/8ths. Sometimes they got a little crushed, but just make the pieces (crushed portions) fairly even and you'll be OK.

I'm Free!! Hopefully, never to return!

Thank you for sharing your weaning off plan. I am in the 3.75 stage and am feeling much better than when I tried to go every other day taking a whole pill. The side effects were horrible, and I couldn't function on a normal level, which is scary! I never imagined that going on these for "situational depression" would mean that my body could become addicted to these pills. I am looking forward to being Lexapro free, and will not go on any type of this medication again. It did help me feel better during rough times a year ago, but going off is not a fun time! I am praying the Lord will give me strength to make it through this process! Can't wait to be Laxapro free!!!

[mccain91]

quote:Originally posted by Runningman

I replied further up the thread a couple of times about weaning off this drug. I'm now feel that I'm completely free of it! I'm drug-free for just over 2 weeks now and the mild fatigue and light-headedness I was experiencing is 99% gone. I noticed the dizziness dissipate just about the end of the 2 weeks. I feel like I'm probably 99% back to normal with no remaining side-effects!

I don't know if my wean-down plan will work the same for anyone else as it did for me, but at least it gives somebody else a plan to try if you'd like. I went from being on 10 mg for 6 months to 7.5 for a week, then 5.0, 3.75, 2.5, 1.25 all for a week, then 1.25 every other day for a week and stopped. I only experienced mild fatigue and dizziness that didn't really affect me at all until most of it disappeared after about 2 weeks.

I broke 10 mg pills into quarters by hand with no problem and used an Exacto knife to cut the quarters into 1/8ths. Sometimes they got a little crushed, but just make the pieces (crushed portions) fairly even and you'll be OK.

I'm Free!! Hopefully, never to return!

Thank you for sharing your weaning off plan. I am in the 3.75 stage and am feeling much better than when I tried to go every other day taking a whole pill. The side effects were horrible, and I couldn't function on a normal level, which is scary! I never imagined that going on these for "situational depression" would mean that my body could become addicted to these pills. I am looking forward to being Lexapro free, and will not go on any type of this medication again. It did help me feel better during rough times a year ago, but going off is not a fun time! I am praying the Lord will give me strength to make it through this process! Can't wait to be Laxapro free!!!

[mccain91]

I have been reading all the previous posts, and am wondering about what people are talking about with the vitamins. Are they helping? I would definitely take some if I knew they would help! I have a B complex in my cabinet, will that help?
This forum has been a huge help. I was told by a pharmacist that the withdrawals aren't as bad as paxil, so I should be fine. I didn't really appreciate that, he has no idea what it's like, obviously, to go off of Lexapro! I have experienced horrible headaches, extreme fatigue, and the dizziness is crazy, but slowly weaning seems to be working better for me. Why am I so tired in the day, yet can't sleep very well at night??? I am amazed at the lack of knowledge in the medical field about these medications!! What is the deal?

[Craigre]

Paxil is VERY painfull to stop. It probably has the worst withdrawals out of all the SSRIs but that doesn't mean that Lexapro doesn't get serious withdrawals too.

Vitamins will help alot! Just get a good multivitamin and some omega 3 supplements. For me, the multivitamin gave me a little extra energy throughout the day and the omega 3s boosted my mood overall. There are other supplements that you might want to look into for more specific symptom relief but don't go overboard with taking millions of supplements.

[TrishCA]

Days free of Lexapro: 37 days

I have not written in two weeks. I had laptop problems.
First, I want to thank (again) Aunty and Bodyelectric, you guys have helped me thru a very difficult time in my life. This forum is a God send!
I am feeling great After a month off lexapro, the brain zaps are all gone and have better control of my reactions/emotions. I am full of energy and able to multi-task again. I have the clarity of mind and focus to work on financial tasks that I could not handle before. Getting off Lexapro after 3.5 years was the best decision I have ever made. THANK YOU to all of you for your support and advice.

As far as the vitamins/supps - I swear by them: (1) Vitamins n Minerals (2)Omega 3-6-9 Borage/Fish/Flax (3) 5 HTP - (as Bodyelectric said - can't take 5 HTP unless you've been completely of any SSRI for at least 2 weeks) (4) Milk of Magnesia (thanks Aunty!). For me, the combination of taking all these supplements PLUS being part of this forum - helped me get where I am today. As far as weight, I have lost 5 pounds Yoga, like any other exercise activity, helps me deal with whatever life throws at me. I just sweat it off!!

[RedPA]

quote:Originally posted by TrishCA

Days free of Lexapro: 37 days

That is great, TrishCA! I hope to be where you are at some point.

I've been taking Lex for 2 yrs - was at 10 mg then up to 20 mg after a couple months. Prescribed by my GP for anxiety. I no longer have health insurance, so the weaning off Lex started a week ago. I'm at 15 mg for the 6th day. So far, I do feel a slight headache each day.

I've been taking Omega 3 Fish Oil (1200 mg) the last several months - but do not like the taste/breath from that. I am thinking of adding vitamins after reading the posts here.

My weight has increased about 40 lbs this last year, I thought it was due to a thyroid mass, but after I had surgery to remove the thyroid and its cancer, and have been on Synthroid, there is no change. And I feel less puzzled by all these things with my body since reading this forum. The last two years, I felt in a bit of a fog, and a friend said it was getting older (I'm in my 30s). It was a noticeable change to me as I've always had excellent attention to detail and memory. I do feel like it affected my job, which my position was "eliminated" (after a couple yrs) this past April - but one of my bosses had said I was not focused as they needed me to be. I had a hard time understanding that feedback, as it had never been an issue.

I'll look forward to the postings here.

[butterfly3]

Hi everyone,

I've been on Lexapro for six months now and I believe it actually saved my life. I am feeling much better now and I think I will start getting off it at the end of the year. I find it very disturbing reading about all the withdrawal symptoms, especially since my GP and all the other books and pamphlets I came across claim that it is not addictive. I guess it has to be done very gradually. I also heard from a bipolar sufferer who was on a different medication that since he started taking Omega3 for cholesterol 12 months ago his mood has incredibly improved (although it made no change to his cholesterol level!).

RedPA, I've been noticing the same side effect as you. My memory used to be perfect, but since I have been on Lexapro my short-term memory has significantly deteriorated and I find it harder to concentrate. I am not complaining though since in my case the benefits of Lexapro make disadvantages negligible.

Good luck to everyone!

[Miss Lee]

Days Free Of Lexa-poison- 53

Wow, this is a wild ride. I (after being extremely hyper-sensitive or allergic) am feeling better. My personality is coming back as well as my appetite. I am still on an all organic diet, but i have been eating more. I got test results back that said my blood sugar is low (a high low). Could the Lex have caused this? I still need a good understanding PDoc, but am so weary after my horrible experience last Friday.

Symptoms I still have:
After acupuncture the heighten (release of toxic bile in liver)
Trembling
Stomach Distress
Body Shocks (shivers)
rapid thoughts

These seem great, after what i have been through. I believe that I have developed a bit of anxiety about this whole traumatic situation, which I feel is normal. Exercise helps with liver function and anxiety. Hang in there. Most of you will be short-timers, only 3% of the pop. have reactions like me.

Where ya been Aunty? Body??

Miss Lee

[auntybiotic]

Hi Everyone,
I a, here but have torn miniscus in each knee and am having trouble getting around. Hoeshold chores that I could complete in a couple of hours are taking all day. I have surgery on one of the knees NOv. 4th.

So I don't have that much free time with trying to get daily activities done takes amost the entire day.

Ms. Lee,
My daughter gets the terrible stomach distress each time I reduce her dose. Cramping and excessive gas. Primal Defense will improve these symptoms by about 75%. It really is amazing. It is Primal DefensePriobonic Formula by GARDEN OF LIFE. It runs about $40.00 a bottle but is worth every cent.

Mc Caine,

B Complex Vitamins may not be right if you notice a increase in your nerverousness, like do you jump at noises, get scared at movies that would not of previously bothered you. If this is your case....no to Vitamin B.

Trish,

Sounds like you are doing so well. Don't get discouraged if a month or two from now you seem to relapse. The Lexapro is held in the liver in bile. AS you exercise the bile can release some of the Lexapro and toxins and cause withdrawal symptoms to reappear. This may happen on and off for the first year. THose doing acupuncture will notice this effect much less as the liver is getting cleansed of the Lexapro and toxins.

I still read everyones post, just have not been able to answer nmuch. I could use a few prayers for a sucessful knee surgery. With two bad knees, it really is hard to walk.

Thanks,
Aunty

[Brewer]

Hello to all. I am new to this board and have been reading for so much information and help!

I've been on Lex for 3 years and was also on Norpramin. This was supposed to help with my post partum and GAD/Panic.

All was well until early this year when my breasts began to grow and I started lactating again! My baby was 2 1/2 and weaned at 1 year old!

I've seen multiple specialists and office visits and finally found a doctor that has me off Norpramin and Lexapro. I'm going to try cold turkey off Lex, I did it with Norpramin 4 weeks ago with no side effects.

Now I'm wondering about the weight gain. I've been fit all my life. After I had my first baby 10 years ago I was put on an SSRI. Slowly but surely the weight has piled on.

I'm probably 20 pounds heavier than I was and I'm a health nut! It's actually my specialty. I even buy my own wheat and grind it to flour to make our organic bread.

It all makes sense now. The problem is I am like a deer in the headlights. I see the problem, I know what I need to do BUT WHAT ABOUT RESULTS!!??

Will the GAD/Panic return?
Will the weight go away?
Will the boobs go back to normal or will I be Elsie forever?

Any encouragement would be great. TextTextTextText

Brewer was here

[curiousNY]

I'm glad to have found your post...I've never posted anything online but the side effects I'm experiencing after discontinuing lexapro has caused me some concern. I have been taking 10mg for about 6 months and dropped down to about 5mg for about 3 weeks before totally stopping the med. Within about a day or so, I threw up for about 14 hours straight and have been dizzy/off-balance and experience nausea on and off for the past 5 days. I didn't expect many withdrawal side effects given the small dose though I'm thinking this is not the case...can anyone else relate?

quote:Originally posted by oceangrl

Hey guys-

I've been off lex for a little over a week now.. I've noticed I can actually get up early now if I have too.. before snooze was the only option! I still get weird head rushes from time to time and feel like I'm going to lose my balance and fall over?? Also, I feel like my heart skips a beat every now and then.. usually coincides with the weird head rush feeling. Anyone experiencing this? I'd be interested in why this is happening if anyone knows.

Also, has anyone noticed they feel better after taking omega-3? I was thinking about getting some since I never eat fish or seafood. Any thoughts would be appreciated! thanks!

[TrishCA]

Hi Aunty,
Thanks for the heads-up on what I may be feeling later. I hope that everything goes well with your surgery. I did say a prayer for you. I wish you a speedy recovery.

I am very interested in learning more about how accupuncture helps the liver get rid of this drug. I would like to give it a try if I know more about it. Can anyone please enlighten me on this subject?

[auntybiotic]

Trish,
Thanks for the prayer, If I have time over the weekend I will post a few links on acupuncture and the liver.

CuriousNY,

What you are experiencing are definately withdrawals. You may speak to your doctor about prescribing phenegran for naseau. For the dizziness, you may consider taking dramamine or Bonnie, non drowsey formulas. Both are seasick medications avalable at any drug store and have helped many with Lexapro dizziness. A word of warning, you may get moodiness, crying and a depersonalization as the weeks pass by, all related to Lexapro withdrawal. Let us know.

[Miss Lee]

Hey all-

Aunty- Get well soon. I will send a prayer up for you!

I just read a something that in some people fish oil can cause heightened anxiety??? Anyone ever heard of this?? How can you check if that's you?
I need some back-up on this one

Miss Lee

[Craigre]

If omega3 does cause anxiety in some people I bet that side effect is very rare. The side effects that I got were 1 or 2 fishy burps throughout the day and a slightly greasy face. After taking the omega3s for about a week I felt like I had a better mood. For me a better mood means less anxiety.

I don't think it will hurt to try. Ask your doctor if you are really concerned.

[TrishCA]

Greasy face??? I was wondering why my face was so greasy!! I just switched to Oil-Free Acne wash (Neutrogena). It seems to help.

[TrishCA]

Miss Lee,
I was prescribed Lexapro to treat anxiety. I am taking the fish tablets and have not experienced any anxiety.
By the way, my fish tablets don't leave any after taste at all and do not smell fishy at all. They are Ultra Omega 3.6.9 (borage, fish, flax) By KAL Molecularly distilled fish oil

[Miss Lee]

Thanks for the imput! I am doing an experiment. I only took 1 pill today. Fish oil affects adrenline and for depression it works to get people moving, but sometimes with anxiety it increases the feelings if you have too much for your system. Who knows I am like a walking petri-dish these days with all the testing and strange residual effects. i'll keep ya posted!

[RedPA]

quote:Originally posted by Craigre

If omega3 does cause anxiety in some people I bet that side effect is very rare. The side effects that I got were 1 or 2 fishy burps throughout the day and a slightly greasy face.

I took the omega3 fish oil for about a week, the burps were making me self-conscious because I wasn't sure if I smelled. I already am trying to control the sweating. [:I]

[RedPA]

quote:Originally posted by auntybiotic

A word of warning, you may get moodiness, crying and a [u]depersonalization</u> as the weeks pass by, all related to Lexapro withdrawal.

What does that mean for one's personality? I think I may have had it for a couple yrs, during the Lex time.

[Scotty]

Miss Lee,

Am so glad you are seeing daylight from the hellish reaction you had to Lexapro. It gives me hope my similar bad experience to celexa may be over soon.

I can relate to feeling worse after an acupunture treatment. I didn't sleep at all last night with my heart flip-flopping in my chest. Funny how I get a little anxiety along with the heightened agitation during the day but my heart seems to beat calmly and slowly for the most part. Try to lie down and go to sleep and all hell breaks loose. I wonder if it's a psychological tie since I've spent so much time suffering in that bed over the last two weeks. I absolutely dread sleep time now.

10mg of Valium will put me to sleep for 4 hours. I tried Lunesta two nights ago and it surprisingly helped me sleep for 6 hours. Woke up feeling great. Last night after acupunture however, it did nothing for me.

With everything else going on I HAVE to get at least 4 hours of sleep to function at work. Had to take a half day today. Was nasty and biting everyones head off. They were glad to see me go.

Been staying away from benzos during the day and have noticed half a tablet of DRAMAMINE Less Drowsy Formula helps greatly with the agitation.

Any suggestions(anyone, please) for some natural ways that have helped them get some sleep when their adrenaline gland is going crazy at night?

Sleep is essential, I can't deal with this without it. I am afraid if I keep up the way I have I'll either end up addicted to benzos, Lunesta or Ambien or end up the freaking nut house until my reaction passes.

Hoping and healing....day by day....

Scott

[Miss Lee]

Scotty-

I am glad you posted. I haven't heard from you in awhile. I would say (remember I am NOT a doctor, but I play one on T.V., he he he) that with your reaction that the valuim and Lunesta might aggrivate the condition. I know that the Xanex I was taking to try to be even close to NOT CRAZY made the lexapro even stronger. AND I had to withdrawal from both. I did a lot of meditation breathing before bed (I hear ya on the flip-flop.) and constantly repeated IPhilippians 4:6 over an over again: Do not be anxious about anything....Peace that passes understanding. I used it as a mantra. It seemed to get me to sleep for about 3 hours at a time. I usually would wake up for about an hour @ 3 am. I am doing better know. You are dead on about the sleep torment. Sleeping was so bad, that I didn't want to even attemp it. then the anxiety got worse. Just keep telling yourself it is no big deal. I am sleeping better now. Hand in there and really try to drop all the benzo and the sleep aids completely. Your liver needs a break.

Miss Lee

[RedPA]

I'm taking 50 mg of trazodone at night for sleep. I have gone without it once in a while, but then I toss and turn, very tired mind, restless legs. Finally fall asleep about 4am and sleep about 2 hrs. With the Traz, I will sleep about 7 hrs, and not wake up too often, if at all.

Scotty,
The traz really helps me sleep. the first yr of Lex, I began drinking 2 cups of coffee in the a.m. - I've tried to wean off caffeine a few times, but I have such a hard time getting up from the chair, even if I have to go to the bathroom. Way too weak and tired. The caffeine helps me get through until about 3-4pm, then water, and more water. Are you exercising after work, even stretching for about 20 minutes helps the muscles relax?

[Miss Lee]

PS
Anyone new i would urge you to go back and read the whole thread. It will help answer a lot of your questions and keep our "residents" from having to repost info.

Also all apologies for my spelling. When I read my posts I cringe. Lexapro Confusion!!!!!