[desp4help]

Originally Posted by Hairyarmadillo

I HATE it when that happens. This will pass. I remember initially I had a lot of days like that, but even the worst ones passed. As more time progresses, the bad days will get fewer and more time will be between them. You essentially have to talk yourself through these times. Keep telling yourself that this is a phase of your recovery and you are going to beat it. Find something positive to do-a fun activity or a mindless television show. Soak in the tub. BABY yourself. Hang in there.

How long were you on the Lex and how long have you been in withdrawal
I read a blog that said this can last up to 2-3 months is that true??

[Ohwell]

Many on this site say the physical withdrawals begin ending upon the 2nd month. (right about where I am) Then some say you have another phase that can hit at the 3-4th month based more on emotional issues of withdrawal. (hope I'm spared).

The only withdrawals I continue to have are...

fatigue
low appitite
throat issues
Liver enzymes elevated (hoping its from Lex.)

Good Luck Desperate. Keep reading this thread. I'm on page 150, its taken about a month so far to read that far (since I found it). Lots of good ideas and info. to help you. oh well.

[Shakespeare]

Thanks for replying. What I find so frustrating and incomprehensible with this, is that I felt fine in month 3 and 4 after tapering. No more fatigue and night sweats, only some zaps and a little head ache. Now, 5 months and 3 weeks out, it all seems to have returned: More zaps, night sweats (bouts; especially under my feet, anyone else experienced this?), tingling feeling in my legs, fatigue, terrible head ache and continuous ringing in my ear. Why is this happening? I had all of this symptoms when I started on Lexapro and the first 2 months after I tapered down very quickly. Is this still "normal"? Anyone who has any answers?

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by Hairyarmadillo

I HATE it when that happens. This will pass. I remember initially I had a lot of days like that, but even the worst ones passed. As more time progresses, the bad days will get fewer and more time will be between them. You essentially have to talk yourself through these times. Keep telling yourself that this is a phase of your recovery and you are going to beat it. Find something positive to do-a fun activity or a mindless television show. Soak in the tub. BABY yourself. Hang in there.

Thanks......It does seem to be better today, up until now.
Jesus do I hope to recover.

[salomome]

It sounds as if we are feeling the same thing, and are on about the same time frame. My advice is to ride it out, although it's not the message aunty is promoting here. I am almost off for two weeks now (I don't really keep track, but I am pretty close within days). I am all for cold turkey.

I am STILL feeling the side effects, and, unfortunately, they are worse on weekends. Why?? During the week I eat right, run almost daily, and stay off alochol. My vice is caffiene in the middle of the day, and when I sip my diet coke the zaps and buzzing come back strong. I almost told a collegue the other day that I just got finished doing cocaine instead of a diet coke, we even laughed about it, the mere presence of the caffiene was addictive and intoxicating. I felt fine all week, relatively so, and was able to cope with the zaps. Tonight I am having wine and my kids' Halloween candy; needless to say the symptoms are increasing.

Sorry to say, my scientific study has concluded: diet, exercise, no alcohol, little caffiene = feeling a bit better.

[Ohwell]

Hope you have a great weekend. Lets hope all our misery is from the Lex. I am feeling better today, just so weak at times. Went to a friends to let out her Lab. for her and it nearly pulled me all around the entire yard. Seems when I do too much, I get esp. tired. I have been trying not to do too much. I have also been taking some salt water rinses for my throat in the evening. Gargling seems to help my throat. I am taking 2 omega-3 fish oils a day now. (carlsons brand). And since I've been off Lex. for 2 months now, I have added milk thistle to try and help my poor liver out. Hope it helps! Aunty said it might. I have been good and no refined sugar for 2 weeks now. (no caffine either). trying to get HEALTHY! oh well.

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by desp4help

How long were you on the Lex and how long have you been in withdrawal
I read a blog that said this can last up to 2-3 months is that true??

I was on Lexapro for approximately 2 years, with a short break in between from trying to cold turkey off it. Of course, at the time, I didn't know it was cold turkey, thought I could wean off it within a month's time-had a relapse of depression and anxiety because of it. I have been off it for 7 months now. I did a slower withdrawal this time so within about 2 weeks of stopping my final tapered dose, I didn't feel any physical effects. However for 2 months I experienced some degree of emotional effects-nervousness at times, feelings of depression returning, especially bad during PMS times. This has improved. I am still hit sometimes with days of depression but it turns around quickly, even though when it first hits, it doesn't seem it will go away. But I have learned it passes and just go on. I have found if I take the Omega 3 regularly, avoid caffeine that I do better. I get cocky sometimes and drink coffee for several days, lay off the Omega 3 thinking "hey,I am back to normal" and then get knocked down by a bout of anxiety or depression.
It does get better. The main thing is to keep telling yourself it will pass-i promise it does!!

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by Hairyarmadillo

I was on Lexapro for approximately 2 years, with a short break in between from trying to cold turkey off it. Of course, at the time, I didn't know it was cold turkey, thought I could wean off it within a month's time-had a relapse of depression and anxiety because of it. I have been off it for 7 months now. I did a slower withdrawal this time so within about 2 weeks of stopping my final tapered dose, I didn't feel any physical effects. However for 2 months I experienced some degree of emotional effects-nervousness at times, feelings of depression returning, especially bad during PMS times. This has improved. I am still hit sometimes with days of depression but it turns around quickly, even though when it first hits, it doesn't seem it will go away. But I have learned it passes and just go on. I have found if I take the Omega 3 regularly, avoid caffeine that I do better. I get cocky sometimes and drink coffee for several days, lay off the Omega 3 thinking "hey,I am back to normal" and then get knocked down by a bout of anxiety or depression.
It does get better. The main thing is to keep telling yourself it will pass-i promise it does!!

Hi! Was Lex the only drug you were at? I think i read a couple of postings of yours and you mentioned you took something else.

So are you drug free now?

[Julia77]

What do you guys think - is it possible to recover from depression? Or is it a diagnosis that if once you had it, you are doomed to have it over and over again?

I am one of those people who think it's possible to beat depression, with the attitude to life and events happening around you, right nutrition and exercises.
What do you think?

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by Julia77

Hi! Was Lex the only drug you were at? I think i read a couple of postings of yours and you mentioned you took something else.

So are you drug free now?

I took Paxil for several years, tried prozac, went back on Paxil, then got off it for about a year or so, got on Lexapro. I am drug free now but I can't say that Lexapro is finished with me yet. I occaisionally have a bad day or bad couple of days that remind me of when I was getting off Lexapro initially. But it does pass. I feel so much better though otherwise. It had gotten so bad that I had difficulty thinking straight-it was like navigating through a thick fog just to produce simple thoughts. That is better.

I don't think someone is necessarily doomed to depression once they have experienced it. I do think some people are more susceptible and may have to be more vigilant with "fighting it off". Somewhere way back on this thread was a post about something called (and I am not 100% certain this is the term so someone please correct me if not) cognition therapy where a person trains their thought patterns. I don't think this is always easy but I do think it can be done. As for the biological aspects of depression, I am HOPING they can be battled through the supplements (Omega 3 etc)proper nutrition, rest and exercise. I am interested in seeing how these things work for me. But I am reluctant to admit defeat to it.

[Ohwell]

Hey Julia, I think we all need to think of others before ourselves. Focus on others more. But that is hard to do when you feel ********************py. I know. Love yourself, as I believe the Golden Rule applies to us too. Accept yourself. If you tend to be depressed sometimes....oh well. But yes, I believe people can certainly recover from anything, esp. with Gods. help! The Bible says with God, anything is possible.

I am feeling esp. weak today. Tired. Sure pray for some energy! 2 months off Lex. (after a 3 week taper from 10 mg. taken for 1.6 years.) oh well.

[tavee]

Hey There!!
I Hope U Are All Fine.

It Has Been 16 Days Off Lex And It Took Me A Year To Do Folks!! I Have Been Fighting This Cold For A Bout A Week Too.

Friday I Had A Little Bit Of Dizziness And I Dont Know If It Was From The Cold.
I Am Tired Too. The Funny Thing Is That At The Beginning Of The 16 Days When I Went Off Lex I Was Dizzy And Then It Went Away. Aunty- Is It Possible To Feel Anything Now?? I Mean It Is Not Unbearable But When I Get Dizzy I Have To Sit Down Or Lie Down To Feel Better.

Im Hoping Maybe Im Pregnant And Im Feeling This Way????? I Will Find Out In A Week So We Will See!!

Take Care Everyone.

[Shakespeare]

Thanks for replying. What I find so frustrating and incomprehensible with this, is that I felt fine in month 3 and 4 after tapering. No more fatigue and night sweats, only some zaps and a little head ache. Now, 5 months and 3 weeks out, it all seems to have returned: More zaps, night sweats (bouts; especially under my feet, anyone else experienced this?), tingling feeling in my legs, fatigue, terrible head ache and continuous ringing in my ear. Why is this happening? I had all of this symptoms when I started on Lexapro and the first 2 months after I tapered down very quickly. Is this still "normal"? Anyone who has any answers?

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by Shakespeare

Thanks for replying. What I find so frustrating and incomprehensible with this, is that I felt fine in month 3 and 4 after tapering. No more fatigue and night sweats, only some zaps and a little head ache. Now, 5 months and 3 weeks out, it all seems to have returned: More zaps, night sweats (bouts; especially under my feet, anyone else experienced this?), tingling feeling in my legs, fatigue, terrible head ache and continuous ringing in my ear. Why is this happening? I had all of this symptoms when I started on Lexapro and the first 2 months after I tapered down very quickly. Is this still "normal"? Anyone who has any answers?

No one knows when your bouts are going to hit you, IMHO. From what I know you are especially susceptible to 'bouts' your first 6 months after you cold turkied. Don't worry, they will go away. This is what I learned from my and others' experience. Just be patient and wait it out. Those are all withdrawal 'waves' hitting you.

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by tavee

Hey There!!
I Hope U Are All Fine.

It Has Been 16 Days Off Lex And It Took Me A Year To Do Folks!! I Have Been Fighting This Cold For A Bout A Week Too.

Friday I Had A Little Bit Of Dizziness And I Dont Know If It Was From The Cold.
I Am Tired Too. The Funny Thing Is That At The Beginning Of The 16 Days When I Went Off Lex I Was Dizzy And Then It Went Away. Aunty- Is It Possible To Feel Anything Now?? I Mean It Is Not Unbearable But When I Get Dizzy I Have To Sit Down Or Lie Down To Feel Better.

Im Hoping Maybe Im Pregnant And Im Feeling This Way????? I Will Find Out In A Week So We Will See!!

Take Care Everyone.

it's great to hear from you! Tavee I am convinced they are withdrawals - remember Aunty was posting that you might have slight withdrawals, but they will not be life altering. That sounds like the symptoms you are having now. Don't worry, think positive light thoughts and don't panic. Even if those are withdrawals, so what? Wait them out, you know they go away.

Good luck with the pregnancy, if this worked out for you... those might not even be withdrawals.

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by Hairyarmadillo

I took Paxil for several years, tried prozac, went back on Paxil, then got off it for about a year or so, got on Lexapro. I am drug free now but I can't say that Lexapro is finished with me yet. I occaisionally have a bad day or bad couple of days that remind me of when I was getting off Lexapro initially. But it does pass. I feel so much better though otherwise. It had gotten so bad that I had difficulty thinking straight-it was like navigating through a thick fog just to produce simple thoughts. That is better.

I don't think someone is necessarily doomed to depression once they have experienced it. I do think some people are more susceptible and may have to be more vigilant with "fighting it off". Somewhere way back on this thread was a post about something called (and I am not 100% certain this is the term so someone please correct me if not) cognition therapy where a person trains their thought patterns. I don't think this is always easy but I do think it can be done. As for the biological aspects of depression, I am HOPING they can be battled through the supplements (Omega 3 etc)proper nutrition, rest and exercise. I am interested in seeing how these things work for me. But I am reluctant to admit defeat to it.

It's called CBT ( cognitive behavioural therapy). BTW, I took it. It really helps. It teaches you to think differently, however, I am not the 'depressive thinking' type of person. I always managed to find good in both good and bad. Well, maybe my case of depression was situational.
By the way, maybe someone knows what the proper nutrition should be. I had declined meat options for some time, but when I became depressed I started to include it in my diet - something was telling me my body needed it. Are there any specific foods helping to prevent depression and anxiety?

[Julia77]

Today was a relatively good day in terms of withdrawals and our friends came over. I decided to sip some good red wine.. oh well I must tell you. 5 min after a SMALL sip I was freaking out with the anxiety attack moving up and down my spine. My head was shaking and I got muffled ears. About 30 minutes after it dissipated though.

I am pretty indifferent to alcohol but I am wondering if I would ever be able to enjoy it from time to time... any experience with that anyone?

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by tavee

Hey There!!
I Hope U Are All Fine.

It Has Been 16 Days Off Lex And It Took Me A Year To Do Folks!! I Have Been Fighting This Cold For A Bout A Week Too.

Friday I Had A Little Bit Of Dizziness And I Dont Know If It Was From The Cold.
I Am Tired Too. The Funny Thing Is That At The Beginning Of The 16 Days When I Went Off Lex I Was Dizzy And Then It Went Away. Aunty- Is It Possible To Feel Anything Now?? I Mean It Is Not Unbearable But When I Get Dizzy I Have To Sit Down Or Lie Down To Feel Better.

Im Hoping Maybe Im Pregnant And Im Feeling This Way????? I Will Find Out In A Week So We Will See!!

Take Care Everyone.

Tavee,

I hope you are pregnant but I think this may be the tail end of the withdrawals. Remember that lexapro is protein bound so your liver can release small amounts of lexapro which can cause the "waves" of symptoms.

They should be somewhat mild in comparison........................ but your brain is missing even the small drops of lexapro you were down to....it should pass and not be too bad, Please keep me informed. I did think you would have withdrawals. I even think your "cold" is a withdrawal.

[tavee]

Thanks For Ure Response Aunty!!

I Also Wanted To Tell U That Yesterday I Had Like Slight, Slight, Slight Zaps. Not Even Like The Ones I Felt 2 Years Ago When I Cold Turkeyed. It Was Almost Like A Jolt. Do U Think That Is Part Of It Too??

I Just Hope That I Dont Have A Relapse Of Symptoms. It Cant Be Since I Tapered Soooooo Slow. Dont U Think??

So Thats What Is Going On. I Will Let U Know How Everything Goes Once This Cold Goes Away Too.
I Should Also Find Out This Week If I Am Pregnant Which I Doubt. U Cant Get Pregnant With One Time At The Age Of 37??? Lol

Hugs
Tavee

[salomome]

Originally Posted by Julia77

Today was a relatively good day in terms of withdrawals and our friends came over. I decided to sip some good red wine.. oh well I must tell you. 5 min after a SMALL sip I was freaking out with the anxiety attack moving up and down my spine. My head was shaking and I got muffled ears. About 30 minutes after it dissipated though.

I am pretty indifferent to alcohol but I am wondering if I would ever be able to enjoy it from time to time... any experience with that anyone?

Alcohol does make my side effects worse, but not to the point where I stop drinking it. Dumb, yes, but for me it's a great weekend stress reliever. Two weeks ago I was having drinks every night, and my symptoms were terrible. Since then I have quit drinking during the week. So, I guess it all depends on if the effects are worth it. My guess is that it may be a while before you can do it symptom free.

[salomome]

Originally Posted by tavee

Thanks For Ure Response Aunty!!

I Also Wanted To Tell U That Yesterday I Had Like Slight, Slight, Slight Zaps. Not Even Like The Ones I Felt 2 Years Ago When I Cold Turkeyed. It Was Almost Like A Jolt. Do U Think That Is Part Of It Too??

I Just Hope That I Dont Have A Relapse Of Symptoms. It Cant Be Since I Tapered Soooooo Slow. Dont U Think??

So Thats What Is Going On. I Will Let U Know How Everything Goes Once This Cold Goes Away Too.
I Should Also Find Out This Week If I Am Pregnant Which I Doubt. U Cant Get Pregnant With One Time At The Age Of 37??? Lol

Hugs
Tavee

Tavee - Oh yes you can! I conceived my girl at 37 after missing my pill. Had relations with my hubby once unprotected during that time, and wallah...beautiful little surprise! Having a three year old at age 40 is killing me though (thus, the antidepressent meds!!)... It's all good though.

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by salomome

Alcohol does make my side effects worse, but not to the point where I stop drinking it. Dumb, yes, but for me it's a great weekend stress reliever. Two weeks ago I was having drinks every night, and my symptoms were terrible. Since then I have quit drinking during the week. So, I guess it all depends on if the effects are worth it. My guess is that it may be a while before you can do it symptom free.

When I was on Lex I used to drink occasionally. Isn't it funny that now almost off it I am having such a drastic reaction. I am NOT touching alcohol again until I completely recover.
How are you doing anyways?

[friendly mom]

Just checking in.

I followed the "correct" method of tapering off (~10% at a time) but now I wonder if there was any benefit to it at all.

I went from 20 mg to ~ 5.5 mg over 6 weeks with few problems, but from that point on, it has been hell.

At ~ 5.5, I started feeling the brain zaps. I stayed at that dose for a while, and then tried to bring it down to 4.5, riding through the zaps.

Sometimes the tingling from the zaps is so intense it feels like my wrists and fingers are tingling. This is crazy.

I should also mention that I see NO corelation between food, wine, caffeine, etc. and the zaps.

I feel they are brought on my any thought pattern that involves stress (e.g. reacting to emergency situations while driving, stressful conversations, multi-tasking with the phone and other activities, etc.) . . .

It's hard to describe, but at my worst moments I worry that my brain has been damaged from this drug. I can feel it trying to function again without the Lex (or seratonin) but its pathways are blocked or frozen. (It's almost as though they have atrophied . . . even though I know neural pathways don't atrophy . . . just trying to put this into words). I've read about waiting 2-3 months . . . and it makes me wonder just what the h*ll my brain has gone through that it needs 2-3 months to heal from.

So scary . . . certainly not what I had hoped for when I had finished coping with a temporary crisis and was ready to go off what I believed to be a safe, temporary drug.

[Ohwell]

I don't have the tingling, but have noticed my hands keep falling asleep more often. Esp. during sleep. DO you have this? Anyone? I went to Church today and a short bike ride after. Also made it to the grocery story!
I just want to be well soooo much! Don't you'all get so tired of being tired? Prayed for you all last night. oh well.

[friendly mom]

Originally Posted by Ohwell

I . . .have noticed my hands keep falling asleep more often. Do you have this? Anyone?

No, my hands are not falling asleep per se, but the sensation is very similar.

(Pre-Lex: no problems of this sort whatsoever. EVER.)

[Ohwell]

You were on a pretty high dose of Lex. I only took 10 mg. Can't imagine what I would be going through with 20 mg...oh my. I just struggle so with being tired. Am at 2 months off now. Are you tired Friendly? Anyone else tired?

I am sorry you are having such tingleing sensations. Are you taking the omega 3 fish oil? I think that has helped me not have the zaps. I was taking it before I actually went off Lex. (for my chlosterol). I take 2 fish oils a day. One in the morning and one in the evening. Hope your zaps decrease soon! ohwell.

[Ohwell]

ALso, forgot to tell you....I use castor oil at bed time on anything that hurts. You may try it on your affected Zap areas. Who knows, it may help. You can get it at walmart, just plain castor oil rubbed into the area. Has really helped my neck which hurts at times from withdrawal (I hope).

Also, vicks vapor rub is another product I have used on areas of my body that ache, or hurt. It helps as well. Let me know if you try these and how they work for you! ohwell.

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by friendly mom

Just checking in.

I followed the "correct" method of tapering off (~10% at a time) but now I wonder if there was any benefit to it at all.

I went from 20 mg to ~ 5.5 mg over 6 weeks with few problems, but from that point on, it has been hell.

At ~ 5.5, I started feeling the brain zaps. I stayed at that dose for a while, and then tried to bring it down to 4.5, riding through the zaps.

Sometimes the tingling from the zaps is so intense it feels like my wrists and fingers are tingling. This is crazy.

I should also mention that I see NO corelation between food, wine, caffeine, etc. and the zaps.

I feel they are brought on my any thought pattern that involves stress (e.g. reacting to emergency situations while driving, stressful conversations, multi-tasking with the phone and other activities, etc.) . . .

It's hard to describe, but at my worst moments I worry that my brain has been damaged from this drug. I can feel it trying to function again without the Lex (or seratonin) but its pathways are blocked or frozen. (It's almost as though they have atrophied . . . even though I know neural pathways don't atrophy . . . just trying to put this into words). I've read about waiting 2-3 months . . . and it makes me wonder just what the h*ll my brain has gone through that it needs 2-3 months to heal from.

So scary . . . certainly not what I had hoped for when I had finished coping with a temporary crisis and was ready to go off what I believed to be a safe, temporary drug.

How did you go from 20 mg tp 5.5 mg in six weeks by tapering by only 10%,
My math would have you at about 14 mg plus. It seems that you tapered more then 10 % of your current dose every two weeks. Seems like you tapered about 5 Mg every two weeks which is about 25%.

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by tavee

Thanks For Ure Response Aunty!!

I Also Wanted To Tell U That Yesterday I Had Like Slight, Slight, Slight Zaps. Not Even Like The Ones I Felt 2 Years Ago When I Cold Turkeyed. It Was Almost Like A Jolt. Do U Think That Is Part Of It Too??

I Just Hope That I Dont Have A Relapse Of Symptoms. It Cant Be Since I Tapered Soooooo Slow. Dont U Think??

So Thats What Is Going On. I Will Let U Know How Everything Goes Once This Cold Goes Away Too.
I Should Also Find Out This Week If I Am Pregnant Which I Doubt. U Cant Get Pregnant With One Time At The Age Of 37??? Lol

Hugs
Tavee

Hi,

I am suprised that you would experience the zaps.
I got pregnant once at the age of 33..............so it can happen.

Let me know what other symptoms that you get. I am hopin that in two to three weeks the symptoms of withdrawal should be gone.

[LexRegret]

I wish I hadn't taken that first pill three years ago. I also wish I would've checked out this site before going cold turkey 6 days ago. My depression was never THAT bad, but it's messing with me now. I've also got some serious dizziness, but don't think I've been "zapped" yet. What's bugging me the most right now is how fast and casually this was prescribed to me, but I probably put too much trust in my doctor without doing my own research first.

In any case, I'm not giving up on cold turkey quite yet. It sounds like I'm pretty much in for it no matter how I decide to go, but I'm just sooo resolved to be done with it.

Anyway, sorry to vent on everyone, but I would like to get some advise on something:

My sister, coincidentally, just started Lexapro after dealing with anxiety attacks for about a year now. She first started on Paxil maybe two weeks ago, but had some serious nausea. I think in her case medication might really be necessary. So, is there anything that might get the job done with fewer side affects and withdrawal symptoms?

Thanks to everyone for sharing their information and experiences.