[tavee]

Hates::
I Just Finished Repairing This Situation And You Again Just Opened Up A Can Of Worms.

Please. This Is A Forum Where We Are Trying To Recover And Help Others. If U Have Nothing Good To Say Please Do Not Say Anything At All, Sweetie.

This Was A Big Misunderstanding Between Two People On This Forum. If You Read Carefully You Can See That Things Were Misunderstood And Taken Out Of Context. You Probably Just Read The Bad Post And Wanted To Attack Which Is A Natural Thing To Do. Please Be Careful When You Write Things. Dont Upset The People On This Forum.

Normankay- Whatever You Do Do Not Respond To This Person's Post. She Or He Probably Read The Response You Had Previously Wrote To Shakespeare, And Did Not Read The Initial Post Of Shakespeare Which Was All A Big Misunderstanding.

Again Hates Do Not Get Everyone Fired Up Again. We Are Trying To Heal And Stay Away From Negativity.

Good Luck To You
Tavee

[Shakespeare]

Originally Posted by tavee

Hates::
I Just Finished Repairing This Situation And You Again Just Opened Up A Can Of Worms.

Please. This Is A Forum Where We Are Trying To Recover And Help Others. If U Have Nothing Good To Say Please Do Not Say Anything At All, Sweetie.

This Was A Big Misunderstanding Between Two People On This Forum. If You Read Carefully You Can See That Things Were Misunderstood And Taken Out Of Context. You Probably Just Read The Bad Post And Wanted To Attack Which Is A Natural Thing To Do. Please Be Careful When You Write Things. Dont Upset The People On This Forum.

Normankay- Whatever You Do Do Not Respond To This Person's Post. She Or He Probably Read The Response You Had Previously Wrote To Shakespeare, And Did Not Read The Initial Post Of Shakespeare Which Was All A Big Misunderstanding.

Again Hates Do Not Get Everyone Fired Up Again. We Are Trying To Heal And Stay Away From Negativity.

Good Luck To You
Tavee

Don't worry, Tavee. I believe there is room for strong reactions in this forum, too. Besides, people have the right to state their opinion, even with harsh language. I disagree with "Hates's" words and the way he expresses himself, but I will defend his right to say what he wants, even in this forum. Normankay went too far with his accusations and demeaning words. Another thing that we must not forget is that SSRI withdrawal truly IS gut wrenching. It's hell. It's pain. Its frustration. It's endless nights and days with hot flashes, confusion, fear, dizziness, brain zaps, fury, insomnia, tears, restless legs, fatigue, severe head aches, despair and horrific nightmares. It's no tea party. There is nothing pretty about it. Nothing nice and dandy. Yes, we can talk about vitamins and supplements, and I believe that is important, very important. I believe that sharing our feelings is important, too, as well as sharing our experiences. But, that said, my withdrawal has also been anger, deep resentment towards the SSRI companies and my doctors who didn't inform me about side effects and withdrawals. Occasional outbursts of anger, and accusations, are not constructive in any way, but I understand them. I truly do. And I will not hold it against anyone who are on these pills or trying to taper off of them.

[Hates_SSRI's]

Originally Posted by tavee

Hates::
I Just Finished Repairing This Situation And You Again Just Opened Up A Can Of Worms.

Please. This Is A Forum Where We Are Trying To Recover And Help Others. If U Have Nothing Good To Say Please Do Not Say Anything At All, Sweetie.

This Was A Big Misunderstanding Between Two People On This Forum. If You Read Carefully You Can See That Things Were Misunderstood And Taken Out Of Context. You Probably Just Read The Bad Post And Wanted To Attack Which Is A Natural Thing To Do. Please Be Careful When You Write Things. Dont Upset The People On This Forum.

Normankay- Whatever You Do Do Not Respond To This Person's Post. She Or He Probably Read The Response You Had Previously Wrote To Shakespeare, And Did Not Read The Initial Post Of Shakespeare Which Was All A Big Misunderstanding.

Again Hates Do Not Get Everyone Fired Up Again. We Are Trying To Heal And Stay Away From Negativity.

Good Luck To You
Tavee

To tell me not to "upset people on this forum" is extremely entertaining considering some of the other things posted and the inability of most on this forum to respond to someone new. No one ever answered or even responded to my very first post, but darn if they can't respond to this one.

By the way, I am a she.

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by Julia77

It's hard to overestimate the importance of your sharing the story with us...those who are struggling more than you are every day.
You mentioned feeling depressed as a child, what do you think is another solution to that chemical imbalance (if there is one?)
Have you ever looked into homeopathy? Do you think it might be helpful.
I stopped taking 2.5 mg in late June -early July. My way of tapering was cutting 2.5 mg into zillions little parts and taking that sliver. Funny, I know, but I didn't know any different. In August I went into physical withdrawals and was prescribed 0.1 mg ( one hundredth of 10 mg) from a compounding pharmacy. I found it helped me for a month or so until I started to cut it off even more. I diluted it in water and cut 20% of that 0.1 mg. I've been feeling the results of that cut off ( or maybe coldturkeying 2.5 mg in July??) for the past 6-7 weeks or so... Now I am seriously considering to quit taking even those drops I am on now because not sure they are not the reason I am feeling those emotional shakes ( the compounding pharmacy might be fluctuating as I learned).
The only thing stopping me from quitting taking it altogether is because I am scared I wouldn't be able to function...yeap... and I need to be sane because of school and work demands.

While I many be wrong, I no longer feel my depression was a chemical imbalance. I always assumed that children did not get depressed but have since had a student who was in a negative home situation and exhibited symptoms of depression. He was only in kindergarten!! Things have improved and he is starting to react normally to everyday activities, actually seems excited about life. Anyhow, to make a long story short,my depresson had vanished when I left the environment. I realized that, even though significant life events had brought on my depression, there were also a lot of daily life issues I wasn't dealing with. I was, in effect,suppressing the fact that I was not satisfied with some things in my life and, instead of facing an confronting these situations, I passively allowed them to go on. I had tried many natural remedies for depression but have come to the conclusion that,in my case, I needed to actively "fix" situations in my life and start asserting myself more. Oddly enough all the things I thought the antidepressants had helped me deal with, surfaced once I was off. There were events I had not gotten angry over years ago and one day as I was getting ready for work, I suddenly felt incredibly pissed off at someone over something that had not phased me initially. This was a major epiphany for me and I realized that I had to face up to things and deal with the emotions brought on with situations whether or not the emotions were pleasant. Ironically, the majority of emotions that I suppressed and lead to my depression were events that caused deserved anger but I had conditioned myself not to get angry. Yet, if you don't deal with emotions, they will deal with you!!

[Shakespeare]

Originally Posted by Hates_SSRI's

To tell me not to "upset people on this forum" is extremely entertaining considering some of the other things posted and the inability of most on this forum to respond to someone new. No one ever answered or even responded to my very first post, but darn if they can't respond to this one.

By the way, I am a she.

I would be very interested in learning about your experiences, and I promise to respond, as long as you understand I am not en "expert" on this topic, despite my 6 months of withdrawals. Despite your harsh words (justified, in my view) you seem like a very fair minded, intelligent woman who has been through a lot. I would be very happy to hear what you have to say.

[auntybiotic]

I have spent over two years answering posts on this forum. I am a single parent, I own my own home, I work in the medical profession and I have a teenage daughter going thru lexapro withdrawls. Finding even a hour a day to answer posts was not always easy.

I am not paid or compensated in any way for my research or the hours of my time I have given to all of those that have received answers to their many questions regarding lexapro withdrawals. It would be impossible for one person to answer every question, but I always tried my best, sometimes even giving up an hour of my sleep to give a reply.

I have enjoyed contributing to this forum and reading others experiences have actually given me strength to help my daughter thru this ordeal. Posting here is often a thankless endeavor and lately posts have been abusive.


Touche'
Mr. Sea World certainly knows how to call people names. You can dish out nasty remarks but can you take them, anyone can play in the dirt. So glad Mr. Sea World cleans the scum out of the pools at Sea World and does not have to deal with human beings. I am sure you were the class bully and probably kick the seals now! Most women that are abused by men are fearful and do not reply.................I am not one of them.

Normally I would do as Tavee suggests and not say anything if I do not have a nice reply..............this is an exception. People need to put jerks like SEA SCUM in their place or he will continue abusing others! Hiding behind his keyboard as he spews out his missplelled remarks! Peolpe like you deserve no respect just as I am giving you! The pools are dirty at Sea Word, get your scouring pad out! Maybe it is the bathrooms you clean, that is unless you are lying about even having a job.

I am happy that Hate SSRI's put you in your place. So Sea Scum, why don't you continue answering posts on here until you get addicted to your opiates again! Everyone is capable of being nasty, it just takes a illiterate jerk like the Opiate Addict from Sea World, to bring it out.

I want to thank those posters that have kept this forum so active. If one reads this thread start to finish, you should be able to get all the answers to questions you may have regarding tapering. Hopefully others will offer support and answer any questions you may have. This will be my last post. I do have a very busy life and can use the hours I devoted here for something more enjoyable.

Good Luck

Aunty

[tavee]

AUNTY- PLEaaaaaaaaaaaaaase do not abandon us here. WE ALL NEED YOU. YOU ARE THE ONE THAT STARTED THIS FORUM AND HAVE HELPED MANY PEOPLE INCLUDING ME.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ALL YOU OTHER PEOPLE. CANT U JUST BE CIVIL AND KEEP NASTY REMARKS TO YOURSELF. NOW WE ARE LOSING THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON ON THIS FORUM CUZ CERTAIN PEOPLE WANT TO ACT LIKE THEY ARE IN HIGH SCHOOL STILL. GROW UP PEOPLE!!!

I HOPE THAT YOU CAN FIND IT IN YOUR HEART TO FORGIVE THE NEGATIVITY AND CONTINUE TO BE THE ANGEL THAT YOU ARE. WE LOVE YOU AUNTY.


HATES SSRIS- PLEASE POST YOUR SITUATION AND WE ALL HERE WILL BE ABLE TO HELP YOU TOO. WE APOLOGIZE IF WE DID NOT RESPOND TO YOUR POSTS AND ONLY TO THE NEGATIVE ONE. THIS IS A NORMAL REACTION TO RESPONDING TO A POST THAT GETS PEOPLE FIRED UP.(ESPECIALLY US SINCE WE ARE ON THESE MEDS). I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT I WAS VERY ANGRY WHILE TAPERING AND A HAD A LOT OF OUTBURSTS AND RESENTEMENT TO THE COMPANIES. BUT YOU GET BETTER AND YOU LEARN TO DEAL WITH EVERYTHING. WE CAN HELP YOU HERE TOO. GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

TAVEE

PS IM SORRY ABOUT MY ABOVE OUTBURST.

[Winner2001]

So it seems that everyone here is into fighting about some idiot, but I really need some help!

Ive been on Lexapro 20mg for about a year now. Its been making me become an insomniac so last week, the doctor said he was going to have me start tapering off Lexpro and at the same time start me on this medication called Remeron which I was supposed to take at night b/c it makes you drowsy. On Tuesday of last week, I took my first dose of Remeron at 11PM. At 11:30PM, I was hit so hard by drowsiness that I literally couldn't stand up and had to literally crawl into bed. I was concerned about this so I went to my doctor the next day ( still compeltely knocked out from the meds) and he basically told me he neglected to tell me that the first two doses are extremely sedating. I was extremely mad at the doctor and decided to try not being on meds for a while b/c I have been feeling great for a while now. So I literally slept through the next two days while the effects of Remeron wore off.

At this point, I was tapering off Lexpro to 10mg a day for 2 weeks and on Thursday, I took my last dose of Lexapro and have been experiencing the withdrawal effects ever since. The world is constantly appearing dizzy, like my brain is jumbling. I alsmot feel like my equilibrium is off. I can't concentrate at all due to this bizarre diziness. I know its normal from reading all the posts, but I really need some help or reassurance or something.

How long will this last? Is there anything I can do to lessen these effects?

Thanks to anyone who helps!

[Ohwell]

Hey, I was on Lex. for 1.6 yrs. at 10mg. I didn't taper long enough, only 3 weeks. I was very sick for the 1st month and the 2nd month had horrible fatigue. I now have some lingering swollen glands and throat issues.
(off for 2 and a half months now)...

Please read some of the older posts (I'm on page 182 now). It takes awhile, but you will gain lots of insite.

You said you tapered, but most here agree tapering shouldn't be rushed.
Tapering can take a full year! Esp. at the dose you were on. In my opinion, you should begin at your 10 mg dose right away and try to stablize. Then in about 3 weeks or so go down to 9mg. And stay there for another 3 weeks, then taper to 8mg, and so on. You can see if you do this it will take longer, but you won't get so sick.

Ask your dr. to call in some liquid Lex. from your pharmacy to help you get the correct doses. Please don't suffer, withdrawals can last MONTHS!
Its good to go off Lex. but do it SLOWLY! Let your brain heal. ohwell.

[Ohwell]

Please reconsider. I so enjoy hearing your comments. I have gotten more information here than at my dr. office. The supplements are helping me.
I need you Aunty. I understand if you don't return....Having read the past pages (almost completely).....I understand nothing like these neg. posts have ever happened before. I am shocked as well. But most here are not like that. The rage Lex. gives some (me included at times) can be hard to contol. Things that are worth while aren't easy. And in my opinion this site is really worth while! Please forgive and forget everyone and lets move on!
I think we should remember Aunty started this forum and has been happy to help us. Lots of people help us everyday, but Aunty has done 2 years of research for us. She gives help each and every day! In my opinion she is more knowledgeable than my own dr. ohwell.

[jbesthoyt]

I have taken almost every anti-depresent there is. My suggestion is to taper off slowly. Cut the 20mg pills in half and try that for awhile, then go down to none and see if that works. If that doesn't, I would talk to your daughter's doctor or even a pharmacist and see if they have any suggestions.

Whenever I've gone off anti-depresents, my doctor had always prescribed new ones, so I've never gone off cold-turkey, and I would suggest doing that either.

Good Luck.

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by Winner2001

So it seems that everyone here is into fighting about some idiot, but I really need some help!

Ive been on Lexapro 20mg for about a year now. Its been making me become an insomniac so last week, the doctor said he was going to have me start tapering off Lexpro and at the same time start me on this medication called Remeron which I was supposed to take at night b/c it makes you drowsy. On Tuesday of last week, I took my first dose of Remeron at 11PM. At 11:30PM, I was hit so hard by drowsiness that I literally couldn't stand up and had to literally crawl into bed. I was concerned about this so I went to my doctor the next day ( still compeltely knocked out from the meds) and he basically told me he neglected to tell me that the first two doses are extremely sedating. I was extremely mad at the doctor and decided to try not being on meds for a while b/c I have been feeling great for a while now. So I literally slept through the next two days while the effects of Remeron wore off.

At this point, I was tapering off Lexpro to 10mg a day for 2 weeks and on Thursday, I took my last dose of Lexapro and have been experiencing the withdrawal effects ever since. The world is constantly appearing dizzy, like my brain is jumbling. I alsmot feel like my equilibrium is off. I can't concentrate at all due to this bizarre diziness. I know its normal from reading all the posts, but I really need some help or reassurance or something.

How long will this last? Is there anything I can do to lessen these effects?

Thanks to anyone who helps!

I KNOW you are not going to want to hear this, but the best thig to do is go back to your original dose and start tapering gradually. It takes at least a week for the symptoms of withdrawal to kick in and it does get worse. You need to taper off it slowly and stay on the tapered dose about 3 weeks to allow your body to adjust before decreasing again. What you are doing by dropping the dose so quickly is too harsh of an adjustment on your body. You can avoid this torture by tapering slower.

[Shakespeare]

Originally Posted by auntybiotic

I have spent over two years answering posts on this forum. I am a single parent, I own my own home, I work in the medical profession and I have a teenage daughter going thru lexapro withdrawls. Finding even a hour a day to answer posts was not always easy.

I am not paid or compensated in any way for my research or the hours of my time I have given to all of those that have received answers to their many questions regarding lexapro withdrawals. It would be impossible for one person to answer every question, but I always tried my best, sometimes even giving up an hour of my sleep to give a reply.

I have enjoyed contributing to this forum and reading others experiences have actually given me strength to help my daughter thru this ordeal. Posting here is often a thankless endeavor and lately posts have been abusive.


Touche'
Mr. Sea World certainly knows how to call people names. You can dish out nasty remarks but can you take them, anyone can play in the dirt. So glad Mr. Sea World cleans the scum out of the pools at Sea World and does not have to deal with human beings. I am sure you were the class bully and probably kick the seals now! Most women that are abused by men are fearful and do not reply.................I am not one of them.

Normally I would do as Tavee suggests and not say anything if I do not have a nice reply..............this is an exception. People need to put jerks like SEA SCUM in their place or he will continue abusing others! Hiding behind his keyboard as he spews out his missplelled remarks! Peolpe like you deserve no respect just as I am giving you! The pools are dirty at Sea Word, get your scouring pad out! Maybe it is the bathrooms you clean, that is unless you are lying about even having a job.

I am happy that Hate SSRI's put you in your place. So Sea Scum, why don't you continue answering posts on here until you get addicted to your opiates again! Everyone is capable of being nasty, it just takes a illiterate jerk like the Opiate Addict from Sea World, to bring it out.

I want to thank those posters that have kept this forum so active. If one reads this thread start to finish, you should be able to get all the answers to questions you may have regarding tapering. Hopefully others will offer support and answer any questions you may have. This will be my last post. I do have a very busy life and can use the hours I devoted here for something more enjoyable.

Good Luck

Aunty

Dear Aunty,
As far as I can see in this thread, you have done a remarkable job, helping lots of people with their Lexapro issues. Why make one person (Normankay) so important? In doing that, you give him the power to decide what you really want to do! Is he so important? I would think not. In every chat room there will be people like him, you can't really avoid it. And so what? Most people are intelligent enough to just laugh and/or stop reading the post of such people. "Hate SSRI" gave him a reply he wont forget soon, and so did you. More power to you! And if he posts more abusive comments, maybe others will set him straight, too. Then, soon, he will be forgotten. No big deal. You are a very valuable person for many in this forum. That should be your main focus. Anyway, Mr. Sea World will probably soon be eaten by one of those Killer Whales. :-)

[lost...]

Hello Everyone,
I have just spent the last week reading all of your posts. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience here. It makes me feel better to know that I am not alone... yet at the same time I am scared for what's ahead. I wish I had found this forum sooner!!!!

I have been on Lexapro for 1 year and 9 months. A brief history:
Was on 2.5 mg for 3 months
Dr. upped to 5 mg, stayed at that level for about 6 months
upped to 10 mg every other day, stayed at that about 3 months
Couldn't sleep so dr. added .5 mg alprazolam
upped to 10 mg daily and was on that for 8 months

About a month ago told Dr. about the fatigue, apathy, weight gain (20 lbs in a year and I only weighed about 100 lbs to begin with), and depression. He added 150 mg of Wellbutrin to my regimine and cut down the Lexapro to 5 mg. I've been experiencing slight withdrawals from the Lexapro - dizziness and nausea and the occasional zap.

My question is How Do I Get Myself Off All This????? I don't want all this poison in my system... I just want to get back to the person I used to be. I got the fish oil and magnesium malate that is recommended, but not exactly sure how to use it. Do I continue to taper of the Lexapro then tackle the wellbutrin after that? What about the alprazolam?

Please help... I know that there has been some tension on the forum recently and I would really appreciate any support and advice you can offer.

Aunty... please don't leave now...

[elizabethmaria]

Dearest Aunty,

We know how much you have put into this forum - you have saved lives, I am sure, and you saved me of incredible distress and unknowing and fear... Please reconsider -- I just came on here and saw what you wrote - It is extremely terrible that anyone would write anything on here that is hurtful to anyone at all... I just wanted to say though, that people do need to be reported in for bad, rude and unkind comments - I was on another very secure site (I'm not on the internet much, but that was one other I was on) and I had to report someone - they were immediately removed and apologies were made by the site staff ... these are public forums and there are courtesies and rules that do apply for the protection of posters and readers. - If people begin writing hurtful comments, they should just be reported, ... and not replied to until removed...in order to keep respect for all posters and not frighten anyone away.

I'm sorry that I am unable to post here much - as you know, it has been so hard, I have to stay away at this time in order to continue to heal - it just has been very traumatic..

To anyone here - Aunty has been an angel to so many, like myself, who have suffered SO MUCH. I have had a TERRIBLE reaction to these meds, given mistakenly, and it will take me years to recover fully from the movement disorder I have now, even though I took for only a few days. These meds are extremely dangerous, especially to some who genetically have incapability of metabolizing these and many other medications. That is why the MAYO clinic requires all patients to have genetic testing prior to medication by their doctors because they are so aware of the differences and dangers of adverse reactions and tolerances.

Aunty is so informed, has done so much research, has so much experience - to many who are suffering, she has been the only light and hope and way out -- yes, these drugs will probably be off the market someday soon, but as the word is still coming out, this forum offers so much help for those who are suffering but don't know what's happening/happened... with Aunty being the source of that...

We love you Aunty! I hope that you won't be hurt by people who are unaware - I just want you to know how much you've saved me from, again (I know, I said this before)... I just hope that you don't leave ...

Take care, you've all been in my prayers, even though I've been a disappearing ghost the last few months!
take care, lots of love and blessings,
Elizabethmarie

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by lost...

Hello Everyone,
I have just spent the last week reading all of your posts. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience here. It makes me feel better to know that I am not alone... yet at the same time I am scared for what's ahead. I wish I had found this forum sooner!!!!

I have been on Lexapro for 1 year and 9 months. A brief history:
Was on 2.5 mg for 3 months
Dr. upped to 5 mg, stayed at that level for about 6 months
upped to 10 mg every other day, stayed at that about 3 months
Couldn't sleep so dr. added .5 mg alprazolam
upped to 10 mg daily and was on that for 8 months

About a month ago told Dr. about the fatigue, apathy, weight gain (20 lbs in a year and I only weighed about 100 lbs to begin with), and depression. He added 150 mg of Wellbutrin to my regimine and cut down the Lexapro to 5 mg. I've been experiencing slight withdrawals from the Lexapro - dizziness and nausea and the occasional zap.

My question is How Do I Get Myself Off All This????? I don't want all this poison in my system... I just want to get back to the person I used to be. I got the fish oil and magnesium malate that is recommended, but not exactly sure how to use it. Do I continue to taper of the Lexapro then tackle the wellbutrin after that? What about the alprazolam?

Please help... I know that there has been some tension on the forum recently and I would really appreciate any support and advice you can offer.

Aunty... please don't leave now...

I am not sure about Wellbutrin and alprazolam. With lex wait until you stabilize on 5 mg, it might take you quite a while, and then go to your doctor and ask for the liquid equivalent. Once you get it, taper 5-10% every two or three weeks. there are people who are not able to taper more than 2 % at a time. so see where you are. It will take you a long time to do it, but you can get off safely.

Regarding the rest of the drugs you've mentioned, please read the forum from the beginning.......there is lots of valuable info and I'm you could find information about that as well.

[Julia77]

I agree with Shakespeare and I even ignored some topics having seen abusive vocab...this is Internet, and lots of people use it as a way of splashing out anger and emotions. Why bother?
Another thing is that you really have other things to do, and not always have time for answering all those posts...I suggest those who are more or less knowledgeable come to help out more regularly.

[Ohwell]

You have alot of questions, maybe Aunty will come back and answer them....

my advice (not a doctor) is to only take what you HAVE to take. Only take what you are comfortable taking. That said...you MUST taper the Lex. slowly. I'm not sure about the other....

Some on this site have gotten off more than one thing at a time.
We know the Lex. has big withdrawals and you seem to have taken that the longest...so be sure to come off that slowly. Do not skip doses, do not "half" pills....if your at 10mg, take 9mg....for at least 3 weeks. Then reduce again to 8mg...etc. etc....Try to get the liquid lex. from your doctor.
It is easier to measure smaller doses.

The supplements are important. Have you looked at "the road back" web site? It has lots of info.

The omega 3 fish oil is best taken with breakfast and with lunch. Aunty says not to take it later, as it can keep some folks up.

Aunty says "carlsons" fish oil is the best. Tested regularly for purity.
I got mine at the local health food store.

The fish oil is good to help regulate your moods. And has so many other benefits too! (google it).

Magesium Maltate is suppose to help with relaxing your muscles. I take one a day.

Green Tea helps detox.

Calcium in the evening may help you sleep. (I take one before bed).

Good Luck Lost, and Let us know what you do and how you are doing.
We care about you, and know you are suffering. withdrawals are very hard and very real. Please taper slowly and let your brain heal. ohwell.

[tavee]

Hi Guys!!


I Am Trying To Help This Woman Who Is On Effexor(75 Or 150mg).
She Wants To Try Tapering And I Am Not Sure How To Go About This.

Aunty- Can U Help?? Is There A Liquid Form Of Effexor And Do U Do The Taper Like The Lexapro By 5% Every 2 -3 Weeks????

Thanks Guys


Aunty-please Come Back To Us. We Need You Here!!

I Hope That You Can Think It Over And Continue To Do The Good Things That U Do.

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by tavee

Hi Guys!!


I Am Trying To Help This Woman Who Is On Effexor(75 Or 150mg).
She Wants To Try Tapering And I Am Not Sure How To Go About This.

Aunty- Can U Help?? Is There A Liquid Form Of Effexor And Do U Do The Taper Like The Lexapro By 5% Every 2 -3 Weeks????

Thanks Guys


Aunty-please Come Back To Us. We Need You Here!!

I Hope That You Can Think It Over And Continue To Do The Good Things That U Do.

I just want to thank everyone for your kind words. With the holidays coming up I need some time and do not have the many hours daily to devote to eveyone in need here. I feel guilty that I cannot answer everyones posts but I am just one person. I will check in, but please, those of you that have read thru the forum can offer advice on tapering and supplements so that everyone that needs support will get it from another on here.

Tavee,

To taper effexor one must take apart the capsule and count the beads inside, if there are 200 beads then you will need to remove twenty beads which equal a 10% taper( remove ten beads for a 5% taper). You can purchase "empty capsules" at the pharmacy that you can reload the remaining 180 beads into or you can mix them in applesauce.


When you get to the next day, take the capsule and count out 180 beads (do not just remove 20 beads as all capsules do not contain the same amount of beads and by just removing 20 you will get a fluctuating number of beads remaining. Always count the number of beads that "remain" and make sure you always take the same number of beads during the three week tapers.

The next taper, for instance if the capsule contained 200 beads, and your first 10% taper was 180 beads, wait three weeks and the next would be 162 beads and so on until they are off the effexor.
Effexor is very difficult because of the tedius bead counting but this method will work, I have talked to several that have done this successfully. Effexor does not come in liquid.

Thanks again everyone, please help those that you can, this forum has so many people in need that I truly cannot keep up with all the inquiries and still have time for my personal and family life. If there is a problem that is out of the ordinary..............please post it once or twice to my attention and I will try my best to answer it. Please realize that there is not a person in charge of answering all the questions so please help whoever you can offer tapering advice to............... but never more then 10% tapers.


aunty

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by lost...

Hello Everyone,
I have just spent the last week reading all of your posts. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience here. It makes me feel better to know that I am not alone... yet at the same time I am scared for what's ahead. I wish I had found this forum sooner!!!!

I have been on Lexapro for 1 year and 9 months. A brief history:
Was on 2.5 mg for 3 months
Dr. upped to 5 mg, stayed at that level for about 6 months
upped to 10 mg every other day, stayed at that about 3 months
Couldn't sleep so dr. added .5 mg alprazolam
upped to 10 mg daily and was on that for 8 months

About a month ago told Dr. about the fatigue, apathy, weight gain (20 lbs in a year and I only weighed about 100 lbs to begin with), and depression. He added 150 mg of Wellbutrin to my regimine and cut down the Lexapro to 5 mg. I've been experiencing slight withdrawals from the Lexapro - dizziness and nausea and the occasional zap.

My question is How Do I Get Myself Off All This????? I don't want all this poison in my system... I just want to get back to the person I used to be. I got the fish oil and magnesium malate that is recommended, but not exactly sure how to use it. Do I continue to taper of the Lexapro then tackle the wellbutrin after that? What about the alprazolam?

Please help... I know that there has been some tension on the forum recently and I would really appreciate any support and advice you can offer.

Aunty... please don't leave now...

Lost,

I had to answer your post since I was on answering a question for Tavee but I will not be on very frequently. I would not suggest taking the Wellbutrin, unless you plan on remaining on SSRI's indefinately.

The xanax and lexapro use the same P 450 cytochrome system in the liver so please be cautious because the xanax dose will be increased due to this interaction, so instead of being on only .5 the dose could be tripled without your realizing it. Alprazlam/xanax is very addictive and difficult to wean off of ,so please use them with caution.

To get off of lexapro safely, reinstate your original dose of 10 MG and once stable then begin reducing by 10% every three weeks. Ask you doctor to prescribe liquid lexapro and someone here can tell you how to taper using syringes from the pharmacy.

Take the lexapro first thing in the morning to avoid fatigue and to deter the lexapro (which increases cortisol/adrenaline and will keep you wired at night).

If you have already been on the Wellbutrin more then three weeks then thats another story. If this is the case then continue tapering off the lexapro by 2 to 5% at a time of your current dose. You may take several months to get over the initial taper from 10 Mg to 5 M of lexapro but with the addition of the Wellbutrin, I would not think it would be safe to reinstate the lexapro to the original dose.

Once off the lexapro, then tackle the Wellbutrin. How long have you been on the xanax? You will have tp taper off of that as well but when that time comes switching to valium makes the taper easier. Look upp the Ashton Manual.

I am not a doctor so please check with your physician before following any advice.

I am sorry for those posts I did not answer. It is well past my bedtime. I will not be online often so please help each other.

aunty

[Ohwell]

Just checking in, and no one has posted since yesterday?

Hope everyone is doing well.

My fatigue came back a bit today. I had to take a rest this afternoon.
And my glands are hurting again.

2 months off 10 mg. taken 1.6 yrs.

ohwell.

[Shakespeare]

Originally Posted by Ohwell

Just checking in, and no one has posted since yesterday?

Hope everyone is doing well.

My fatigue came back a bit today. I had to take a rest this afternoon.
And my glands are hurting again.

2 months off 10 mg. taken 1.6 yrs.

ohwell.

Fatigue has been my "dark" companion since all this started. Even as we speak, 6 months after i tapered down, I have bouts of fatigue and lethargy. But these days I have long periods of feeling energetic, too. It's the weirdest and scariest thing I have been through all my life. You constantly go around checking your body, and every time you feel something is wrong, you automatically or instinctively believe you have cancer, HIV or some other terminal disease that is slowly killing you. It sounds dramatic but that's how it feels and that's what makes this so gut wrenching (anyone agree?). It's really frightening and very exhausting. Like yesterday I was fine and strong and cocky and energetic, but in the evening I felt a strange anxiety and my hands went almost numb and my heart started to pound. And when I woke up this morning, I felt very weak, weaker in a long time, along with tinnitus and tired hands, tired body. It's really very, very frustrating. You have my sympathy. Please e-mail me if you want. Actually, anyone who has experienced the following (main) symptoms, can e-mail me, I would love to chat one-to-one sometimes: Fatigue, sweating, palpitations, anxiety, head ache and strong tinnitus. I hope you get well soon. Take care. Today I just feel very weak. Like a virus has attacked me. I truly, truly hate this.

[Hairyarmadillo]

I'm having internet issues and, when I submit a post, it seems to go into cyberspace and hang out there. Elizabethmarie, I was so glad to hear from you-been keeping you (and everyone else in my prayers). Aunty-I sent you an email but just want to say again how appreciated you are. With Thanksgiving knocking on the door, I always like to take stock of my life and the wonderful blessings surrounding me. I didn't think any good would come from the Lexapro experience but then this forum came along. I don't know how I would have made it through this far without the forum-definitely would have been more miserable. I have always felt that this forum is going to have much influence on many people for many years to come. I have seen so many people post since I started in April and can't believe that I once thought I was the ONLY person who had issues with Lexapro. I know, unfortunately, that all the posting we do can't take away the withdrawals of Lexapro but I do pray that people can continue to gather encouragement, strength and knowledge for many years to come. This site has made all the difference in the withdrawal experience for me and I wish the same for everyone else. sniff sniff-just wanted to let you guys know how appreciated you all are.


Ohwell and Shakespeare I am alway shocked when I experience fatigue. I certainly thought I had made it past that. I have found never to get too cocky-lol, who am I kidding? I still do at times. I just feel so wonderful most of the time that, when some symptoms hit, I am caught off guard. I started going through some blue time these past two days, reaching an all time low last night. I was all in the midst of the negative thinking that was continuously running through my head and thought about how this was as bad as when I had first gotten off the Lex. Then it hit me that it was PMS time and, even though I have been fortunate lately, this was the roughest time right after I had gotten off the Lexapro. And I have been naughty with coffee and not taking supplements this month, so I probably will pay the price moodwise. So now I am taking my own advice and "babying" myself and keeping my mind occupied.

[Ohwell]

THanks for the support. I am better today. But everytime I get that really tired feeling, I tend to think ....oh my cancer is coming back. Its hard not to think that. Esp. with my glands being a bit swollen.

I have my "pet" scan in about a week. That will tell the tale so to speak.

I really do think its all been withdrawal. Even my liver stuff.

I just hope when I get to the 3-4th month I won't again begin to suffer. I have felt so good for the past week or so. ITs great.

Do take the supplements though. Esp. the Omega 3 fish oil. It also helps your heart and moods. I will probably take that one forever. I don't eat enough fish to make a difference. So the pill is an easy fix! Its also suppose to help with inflamation, etc.

Thanks for being my virtual friends! How fun.

Sure wish Tracee would check in. She was the one having such sleep issues.
I went through no sleep in the 1-2 month off. Its now been 2 and a half months off for me and I'm feeling better!

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone. And may God bless you. ohwell.

[archer_bach]

Hi All,

Orininally, three weeks ago, I started to go deep into a depression, not wanting to get up in the morning and sleeping all day. That concured to lost of my job witch made me panic a little. Then I read in these posts that my new found depression (the worst in my life) was maybe due to the fact that Lexapro was pooping out on me (20 MG for the past year). So I followed a general trend of thoughts that wellbutrin would be a solution and had it precribed.

But after extensive reading throught these threds and other sites, it occured to me that my depression was mabe due to a too fast tapper off on Lexapro. A few months ago, I started to wean off by getting first 15 mg for a week, than 10 mg for the following month or so. My readings told me that if my depression was worst than before the treatment (I was not even depressed before Lex), the depression was probably just a withdrawl effect.

After all the complaints on Wellbutrin I found here and there, before and after the 8 weeks period, and considering I want off the meds, not adding new, I decided that after two weeks on Wb, it was a good time to just stop.

I did not take my dose this morning and seem to survvive so far. (took a little ativan this morning to ease it) I looked for ways of taffering off Wb and they are virtually non existant, so now is the time I guess.

Of course I'm back to full doseage on Lex since two weeks now, and will wean off gradually (5% every three weeks) when I feel I'm off the woods.

Any comments or advices are welcome, and I will keep you posted on how I'm doing for future references (BTW I’m very big on flax seed oil and fish oil)

Another thing.... I plan to crush my Lex pills into juice to substract 5% every 3 weeks (Thanks Aunty). Is that method better or equal to liquid Lex? I've read liquid Lex can be a problem.

And finally, I would like to hear from Lex users who tappered off the right way (5% 10% decrements), I'd really like to see if they fell good, during the process, but especially after.... Kind of a testimonial



Please reply, I would really appreciate it

God bless

[Hairyarmadillo]

Originally Posted by archer_bach

Hi All,

Orininally, three weeks ago, I started to go deep into a depression, not wanting to get up in the morning and sleeping all day. That concured to lost of my job witch made me panic a little. Then I read in these posts that my new found depression (the worst in my life) was maybe due to the fact that Lexapro was pooping out on me (20 MG for the past year). So I followed a general trend of thoughts that wellbutrin would be a solution and had it precribed.

But after extensive reading throught these threds and other sites, it occured to me that my depression was mabe due to a too fast tapper off on Lexapro. A few months ago, I started to wean off by getting first 15 mg for a week, than 10 mg for the following month or so. My readings told me that if my depression was worst than before the treatment (I was not even depressed before Lex), the depression was probably just a withdrawl effect.

After all the complaints on Wellbutrin I found here and there, before and after the 8 weeks period, and considering I want off the meds, not adding new, I decided that after two weeks on Wb, it was a good time to just stop.

I did not take my dose this morning and seem to survvive so far. (took a little ativan this morning to ease it) I looked for ways of taffering off Wb and they are virtually non existant, so now is the time I guess.

Of course I'm back to full doseage on Lex since two weeks now, and will wean off gradually (5% every three weeks) when I feel I'm off the woods.

Any comments or advices are welcome, and I will keep you posted on how I'm doing for future references (BTW I’m very big on flax seed oil and fish oil)

Another thing.... I plan to crush my Lex pills into juice to substract 5% every 3 weeks (Thanks Aunty). Is that method better or equal to liquid Lex? I've read liquid Lex can be a problem.

And finally, I would like to hear from Lex users who tappered off the right way (5% 10% decrements), I'd really like to see if they fell good, during the process, but especially after.... Kind of a testimonial



Please reply, I would really appreciate it

God bless

Hello! I would bet the depression is an effect of tapering too quickly-that is what hit me approximately 3-4 months after my first quick taper off 10 mgs. (ha-seemed like a good idea at the time) Has your depression lifted? Are you having any other withdrawal side effects still since reinstating the dose? Generally after 6 weeks of being off Lexapro, it does't do any good to reinstate the dose with regards to alleviating the symptoms, but since you are already back on your dose, I would definitely continue with your plans for the slow taper. Stay on your full dose though until absolutely any lingering withdrawal symptoms are gone. Then, do the 5 % decrease and stay on that for 3 weeks before tapering again. Build up your body for the tapering experience by taking Omega3 supplements. Avoid caffeine. There are some other supplements you can take for specific symptoms but I swear by at least taking the Omega 3 regularly.
I don't know about the effectiveness of the liquid lexapro versus crushed lexapro. Frankly, if I had access to the liquid lexapro I would rather take that because of the certainty of the level of medication within each dosage. Anyone else with experience have input on this? At the time I tapered, I was too naive to realize there was a pill to liquid conversion so I was just slivering my pills-NOT the way to go
Tavee has completed the slow taper-any input here, Tavee? And Aunty slow-tapered her daughter off. It definitely seems the way to go. I did a slower taper the second time around and (so far) have not had the major emotional effects I did the first time I went off quickly. I can only imagine the slower you go, the better off you are.

Ohwell I wanted to let you know I have added you to my daily prayers because I can only imagine your concerns with the cancer. I can't imagine having that concern along with the worries of the Lexapro withdrawal. So, when you feel overwhelmed or stressed, I just wanted you to know you have a big Hairy Armadillo in your corner!!!

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by archer_bach

Hi All,

Orininally, three weeks ago, I started to go deep into a depression, not wanting to get up in the morning and sleeping all day. That concured to lost of my job witch made me panic a little. Then I read in these posts that my new found depression (the worst in my life) was maybe due to the fact that Lexapro was pooping out on me (20 MG for the past year). So I followed a general trend of thoughts that wellbutrin would be a solution and had it precribed.

But after extensive reading throught these threds and other sites, it occured to me that my depression was mabe due to a too fast tapper off on Lexapro. A few months ago, I started to wean off by getting first 15 mg for a week, than 10 mg for the following month or so. My readings told me that if my depression was worst than before the treatment (I was not even depressed before Lex), the depression was probably just a withdrawl effect.

After all the complaints on Wellbutrin I found here and there, before and after the 8 weeks period, and considering I want off the meds, not adding new, I decided that after two weeks on Wb, it was a good time to just stop.

I did not take my dose this morning and seem to survvive so far. (took a little ativan this morning to ease it) I looked for ways of taffering off Wb and they are virtually non existant, so now is the time I guess.

Of course I'm back to full doseage on Lex since two weeks now, and will wean off gradually (5% every three weeks) when I feel I'm off the woods.

Any comments or advices are welcome, and I will keep you posted on how I'm doing for future references (BTW I’m very big on flax seed oil and fish oil)

Another thing.... I plan to crush my Lex pills into juice to substract 5% every 3 weeks (Thanks Aunty). Is that method better or equal to liquid Lex? I've read liquid Lex can be a problem.

And finally, I would like to hear from Lex users who tappered off the right way (5% 10% decrements), I'd really like to see if they fell good, during the process, but especially after.... Kind of a testimonial



Please reply, I would really appreciate it

God bless

I heard from some folks that switching into liquid caused some problems.....not sure where I heard that though. I think I would go into crushing the pills into cranberry juice and taper 5-10% at a time. This is a good choice. You should stay on each taper at least 2 weeks, always wait until withdrawals start to kick in and do not taper again until they finally disappear. Yes, and do not start to taper until you've completely reinstated on your dose.

Your depression is obviously a withdrawal effect, especially if you weren't depressed before starting Lex. YOu shouldn't feel those big bouts of sadness if you taper the right way..

Fish Oil is a must to take.
I take magnesium for muscle issues ( neck mostly) and it seems to help me with mood, too.

Stay away from any herb supplements for at least a year when you are completely off Lex.

[Julia77]

I feel you guys are like my family

Hairyarmadillo:
I appreciate you are continuing to post! Thanks a million to those like you who continue to post even after their rocky times are left behind Please do not abandon this thread..

Aunty: I can't thank you enough for all your deeds.. Many people wouldn't make it without you.

Ohwell: I pray for you.. I trust you will be fine.

I am doing much,much better. I can't believe it how well I've been recently, comparing to what I went through.

PS. I will be logging in from time to time to help as much as I can to get this thread going.

[archer_bach]

Difficult to say if the depression has lifted... I'll see what the next days bring... I feel fine now, but mabe this is due to Wellbutrin still acting. My problem now is after all this, my sleeping patern is upside down. I sleep during the day and awake all night. I really wish I could turn it around tonight since I have my baby boy this weekend. I'll buy some Magnesium tonight and probably will have to take ativan to sleep tonight too.

Keep it comming with your testimonials... :-)

God bless