[erinkj]

Originally Posted by Shakespeare

I have been feeling better the last week so I haven't seen any reason to post anything. But as before, some of my symptoms are coming back; swooshing in my head, brain zaps, fatigue and lethargy, especially, as always, in my hands, starting with my forearms and thumbs. Sometimes I also have this strange nervous and anxious feeling in my stomach (two places in my guts!) I feel this nervousness is not really me, because it just pops up from nowhere, even as I am feeling perfectly calm, even as I am resting.
My problem is that I am deep into the seventh month of this ordeal, after tapering rather quickly from 10 mg on my doctor's advice. So, my question is: Are there any others who have suffered these symptoms so late and "recovered"? Is there any hope that I am going to be relieved of these symptoms one day? It's really starting to worry me a lot. It just comes back and back, and today it's just awful again. It's like I can't tolerate any kind of stress, then I am immediately in trouble.
What a never ending nightmare this Lexapro withdrawal is. And the worst part is that no doctors anywhere are willing to acknowledge the symptoms! It's really a lonely fight through a fog of fear, confusions, frustration and fatigue! Sometimes I truly feel as Josef K in Kafka's The Process. How can you fight an enemy you can't see and nobody even wants to acknowledge is there!

You are fighting the good fight! Im just trying to get stable so I can wean off again. ( the right way this time) GP's dont want to know about these problems they are already stretched to thin, and I think most specialists would rather throw pills at our problems so they dont have to help us deal with them. What ever happened to taking pride in what you do? I thought people became Dr.s so they could HELP people. Turns out most are in it for the money. On the other hand, if the medical community admits that antidepresants are this much of a problem then they will have to take responsability for prescribing all the meds. I dont see any of them doing that in the near future. Have you tried Inositol? I have been reading up on that and looks like that could help with the anxiety. I wish I could tell you that it gets better. Fact is I dont know, I hang on to the hope that it will and just get through each day as best I can. 11 yrs of these meds have kicked my butt. 7 months off is encouragement to me. I hope you feel better soon! Erin

[auntybiotic]

Hi,

Just checking in to see how everyone is..................you are all doing SUCH a GREAT job offering support and advice. Oh Well, you are so dedicated and take so much time answering every poster....Thanks for keeping this board going.

Tavee,

My daughter is doing fine but I am noticing the tapers are harder the lower her dose. She can only taper about 2% now and still be able to function, get A's in school and continue to take college entrance exams and work her part time job. The first week after a taper are a nightmare even at 2%.

I will check in the next day or two if anyone has a question that has not been addressed. Possibly I may be able to help.

aunty

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by GiGi MacMurray

I'm in Dubai now. Hot, sunny, tons of trash on the streets and sidewalks. Still getting brain zaps now and then, lightheadedness. I went out exploring with my 2 male pilots. Very few women out, so being in a Muslim country, I covered my arms and legs with long clothinhg. I was getting stared at big time. I don't think it was because they knew I was coming off the Lex. I am in week #2, and have a constant headache. I've been treating it with Motrin, tons of water, and finally, I was able to take a 2 hour nap. Ahhhh, that was great. But the headache remains. I am also quite emotional, and talked about quitting my job to the pilots. I am overworked at my job, and they say they understand, but also are adding that I complain a lot. Ugh. I would have said the same things even when I was on the Lex. My boss (CEO) on the private jet was such a jerk yesterday. He was angry at me that his DVD collections of "24" were missing off the plane, and said it was my responsibility to make sure they are there at all times. He probably took them off the plane and they are at one of his homes. When he finds them, do you think he will admit guilt and apologize? Of course not. So we had Fed-Exed from the States a brand new DVD collection. Like I said, an entitled child. Ugh. I was tearing up when he was lashing out at me. And then he didn't like any of the food I was preparing for him. And you wonder why I want to quit my job?
I love hearing from the older (in time passing, not in years) members who are telling us that yes, we will successfully feel back to normal. My sister is tapering off her Effexor now. So I just read what her symptoms will be, very similar to mine. She can be difficult, so this Christmas might be extremely tense.
Now about my headache...

You remind me of one of my friends everytime I read that you are somewhere else. I had children and married young which is what he wanted to do. He went to college, lucrative career involving world wide travel which is what I wanted. We have often laughed about this over the years how we each ended up doing what the other wanted. Now I am almost finished with my degree at 34 and have some pretty great career prospects, 1 child is in college, 1 in high school and the other in jr high. I have traveled extensivly in the US and canada and in recent years with my hubby to mexico/ carribean with many more adventures planned. My friend is now 2 years married at 39, fed up with travel/ career and finally has his first child who is now 1. Weird. I wouldnt change it for the world though. If you are truly unhappy with your current job, look around.....You have enough experience and refrences behind you that I doubt you would have much trouble finding empoyment elsewhere. If you have any vacation time built up, you may want to consider taking some ASAP, It sounds like you could realy use some R and R. Your first priority is to yourself. After 1 week off of Lex I was very irritable and increasingly agressive. I had to restrain myself with great difficulty from hitting someone in one of my classes one day. And that is not like me at all! Only you know whats best for you! In the mean time, hang in there and get some sleep. Erin

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by auntybiotic

Hi Everyone,

Just checking in to see how everyone is..................you are all doing SUCH a GREAT job offering support and advice.....Thanks.

Tavee,

My daughter is doing fine but I am noticing the tapers are harder the lower the dose. She can only taper about 2% now and still be able to function, get A's in school and continue to take college entrance exams and work her part time job. It cold be a lot worse.

I am glad you are feeling well.

I will check in the next day or two if anyone has a question that has not been addressed.

aunty

You have been missed! I am glad to hear that your daughter is hanging in there. This is all pretty tough on you to. So, how are YOU doing? Erin

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by Ohwell

You lead an exciting life! My biggest challenge is to go to walmart before the afterschool rush....ohwell..

My thoughts exactly, how exciting! It can't be easy traveling while going through the withdrawl though. I cannot fathom how well I would hold up to that.Erin

[Ohwell]

I also think you should have your thryoid tested....the "motor running" symptom reminds me of Hyperthryoidism...

I did have one eye that had pain while "on" lexapro. I thought I was going blind in that eye or something....even went to the eye dr. and got it checked out, everything fine, just some weird pain....as soon as I got off lex. the painful eye went away? weird. Welcome! ohwell.

[Ohwell]

So good to hear from you. I do enjoy checking the posts everyday. I am still reading the past posts, on page 201 now! Almost caught up on the reading. You learn alot from everyone. I am doing well today. In the 3 month off period now, having a tad of depersonalization, bad at walmart!
But "so far" thats all. My sinus drip is improving finally as are my throat issues! I'm hoping since This is my first ssi I won't have much more "suffering" to look forward too! God willing......ohwell.

[Ohwell]

Just finished reading Page 201 on this site...Hopeful posted it a few months ago. It has great info. on what not to take while withdrawing from Lex.
Also has many links to visit that are helpful! God Bless. ohwell.

[Laila_431]

Hi,

Thanks to everyone who has posted on this forum throughout the past few years. Together you've put together a valuable resource for lexapro users and people withdrawing from lexapro as well.

Thought I'd post a bit on my process of quitting. First off, I want to say that I can't believe my school nurse had the authority to prescribe me something that would make me feel this bad- seems like only a psychiatrist should be able to do this. Second, I can't believe that the medical community is turning a deaf ear to the thousands of ex-lex users who say that yes, this drug does in fact have miserable withdrawal symptoms. I suppose it works better for the drug companies though, if people think lexapro only helps and doesn't hurt to go off. Better for them, worse for me!

I was on 10mg for 9 months for anxiety while recovering from serious illness. My doctor suggested weaning off by doing 5mg for 2 wks, and then going off completely. For 4 days of that first week at 5mg, I felt moderate dizziness, nausea, and had headaches and ringing in my ears. By the end of the 2 weeks, I felt fine again. Within 24 hours of taking my last dose 8 days ago, I started to feel the effects. It was like my body knew it was time for the drug. The first two days off of it were surprisingly unproblematic- mild nausea, headaches, and ringing in my ears. Then after the first two days drug-free, I started getting a lot more nauseous, got "shifty" vision (it was like my vision happened in frames, like a movie clip on a slow internet connection), and disconcerting brain zaps (like a static sound for a split second, where my mind went blank). Needless to say, this impeded my concentration and lowered my quality of life very much. The 3rd and 4th day were the WORST. Dizzy 80% of the time, and brain zaps esp. when I was lying down.

after the 4th day, it started to subside, and has been on the decline ever since. It's still disruptive and deeply unpleasant, but now I can work out at the gym and cook, so that's good Talked to a friend who is a Nurse, and she said that withdrawal symptoms last about 1 week. I'd say they're super-unpleasant for 1 week, and then mildly nauseating afterwards... But I'm only at 8 days.

To all the people starting withdrawal and wanting to know how long it lasts, be patient with yourselves and your body. It's not your fault that you're suffering right now. The drug companies need to be more honest with their customers, and tell the truth about what withdrawal can be like, even with tapering the dose.

One thing I've found that helps stave off dizziness, is to eat regularly. Nausea took away my appetite, but eating anyway helped to reduce the nausea.

I read this thread last week when I took my last dose, and it was really helpful & comforting to read other peoples' stories!

[GiGi MacMurray]

Laila, You and I are at the exact same stage of this withdrawal. You described your symptoms very well, in fact, I will use them to explain what I'm feeling to people who I want to know. Slow Internet connection, exactly. I know my problems are only compounded by being away from home, and having the extra strain of constant traveling and incredible jet lag. I just want to sleep and sleep now, but no, back out to the plane to take Mr. Grumps back to Dubai. And then fly home the 16 hours. And then I have just so many errands and things to do after being away for 3 weeks. Can I have all of your permission to skip Christmas this year?

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by erinkj

You have been missed! I am glad to hear that your daughter is hanging in there. This is all pretty tough on you to. So, how are YOU doing? Erin

Thank you for asking about me...................somehow I managed to pick up the FLU while out Christmas shopping.......................so I feel horrible. Hopefully it will not last too long. I am dealing with my daughter's withdrawals , I so wish it could be me enduring all the pain and not her.

aunty

[Ohwell]

If you continue having withdrawals you may want to reinstate to your previous dose *(if it is less than 6 weeks off Lex)...and once you feel better, then begin to taper more slowly....5-10% every 3 weeks. Tapering "right" should take almost a year! But that extra time allows your body to re-adjust to the lower dose and allows your brain to heal and "re-grow" its own sertoin makers...(what the drug is making for you)...*I'm not a dr. just my opinion. Sometimes withdrawals can last longer than we'de like 1-18 months is what most research I've read says. But if you taper slowly, the withdrawals are very mild. Good luck! ohwell.

[Ohwell]

I've heard you say that often..."I wish it could be me enduring the pain"...
I know what you mean,,, but we all have things we must go through. Give your daughter the "vibe" that she is really strong, and you know she can do this...and that we all go through things....sometimes if a person suffering feels we feel "sorry" for them...it can make them more "sick"....

I know when I was in the thick and heavy of my sickness (cancer)...it was the folks who told me "your going to get through this" or "I'll get a stick and beat you if you don't go to your chemo" (my mom)! who helped me the most. Be strong for your daughter in a new way....sometimes tough love is the best, when we are weak.....we need strong folks to tell us WE are strong, and to "suck it up" and do what we have to do....so to speak. Just an idea. ohwell.

[lexdetox]

Thanks for the words of support. sometimes i actually feel ok and then something new pops up. now sore throats and blurred vision and emotions are pouring through> it great to "feel" again. Biggest problem is the zaps, vertigo and brain dead feeling. I cant take time off from work and people are noticing that I zone out and people have to repeat themselves and raise there voice to get my attention. I really dont want to go back on the stuff but is ther any other suppliments,foods,etc that can help when I have to function. Water and exercize have helped alot.

[Ohwell]

Forgot to say "get well soon"! Hope your family is helping take good
"chicken soup" care of you! ohwell.

[Ohwell]

Are you tapering, or did you quit cold turkey?

Page 188 on this site has great info. on supplements to take.

Most here agree Carslons Omega 3 fish oil is great to
help you through withdrawal. I take 2 a day.

Most here also agree coral calcium before bedtime helps with sleep.

Many here also take Magnesium Maltate with a meal to help
with anxiety and sleep.

Most here also take a good multi-vitamin.

Stay away from (page 201 on this site for complete list)
soda, caffine, violence, junk food.

Get as much rest as you can. If you cold-turkeyed you will be sick awhile.
Good Luck. ohwell.

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by auntybiotic

Thank you for asking about me...................somehow I managed to pick up the FLU while out Christmas shopping.......................so I feel horrible. Hopefully it will not last too long. I am dealing with my daughter's withdrawals , I so wish it could be me enduring all the pain and not her.

aunty

Oh the beautiful pain of motherhood! At times I could gleefully strangle my offspring yet, I would walk through the fires of h*ll for them without a second thought! You may not be able to do this for her but, you have been with her every step and walked through the h*ll by her side, as well as tapping every available resource to help ease her suffering. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE! You give so much of yourself to others, be proud of yourself. I know this is a busy time of year but, you are sick so; take care of YOU now! Get as much rest as you can, lots of liquids, vaporizer with vicks, curl up in a comfy spot with a book or good movie and just let the world fend for itself for a day. As mothers we tend to put our selves last and feel guilty when we take time out. ( if we ever do) Today, put yourself FIRST, you have earned it! I hope you get to feeling better soon. Happy Holidays...Erin

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by Ohwell

Just finished reading Page 201 on this site...Hopeful posted it a few months ago. It has great info. on what not to take while withdrawing from Lex.
Also has many links to visit that are helpful! God Bless. ohwell.

I did and printed off alot of info. Actually, I have been going through past posts as time allows and printing alot for reference. The more I learn here, the better armed I become to fight through this. I have found no other place on the net that is near as helpful as this thread. cheers...Erin

[erinkj]

So, I reinstated meds. made the switch to celexa though. I am at 20mg (=10mg lex) I have been back on the med for 14 days. I am still not optimal although I am better. I realy hope that I wont have to go back up to 40mg (=20mg lex) which is the dose that worked for me before, time will tell. My question is: How long after I get back to "normal" should I wait before I start to taper? 1 month? 2 months? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We are getting a new psych Dr here to replace the idiot who tried to kill me. ( I guess "Kill" is a bit strong) I have a follow up with the new guy jan 7th. I am going to give him a chance, if I dont agree with him my GP is more than happy to moniter my progress. I am ultimately responsible for my care and wellbeing. I will no longer just sit there and agree.....I want off this poison. Any timetable oppinions would be great. Thanks and Happy Holidays to all. Erin...

[erinkj]

Christmas? skip away my dear. Can I skip it with you?
Erin

[erinkj]

Welcome. I hope that you find all that you are looking for here. There is soo much info in this thread. Good Luck...Erin

[erinkj]

I came off of Lex way to fast. I made it 4 weeks and had to reinstate so that I can taper the right way. Listen to Ohwell, she knows what she is talking about. I fought REAL hard against going back on the meds. I just kept getting sicker and sicker until I did not have much choice. The longer you are on an SSRI, the harder it is to quit. I have been on them for 11 years now. I think that is why
I got so sick when I quit to fast. You will get through this! Good Luck...Erin

[erinkj]

I just found this warning below under Lexapro info for professionals. Funny they dont tell us this when they prescribe it. Erin


Discontinuation
When discontinuing treatment, taper the dose to avoid adverse reactions. If treatment is to be discontinued or the dose reduced, gradually taper dose and monitor patient for withdrawal symptoms (eg, abnormal skin sensations, agitation, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, dysphoric mood, irritability, nausea, sweating). If significant withdrawal symptoms develop, reinstitute previous dosing schedule and attempt a less rapid tapering regimen after patient has stabilized.

[erinkj]

I knew this stuff was behind my acne trouble. It was just to coincidental that it all cleared up when I was off for those 4 weeks. Wish I had known this before spending so much money in the last 4 years on acne meds, creams and dermetologists. I have even had skin peels and microderms. (microderms are awesome by the way. Expensive though) Not one Dr in the last 4 years has ever been able to figure out why none of the treatments realy worked. DUH! This is just a heads up in case anyone else has this prob. Erin




Celexa/ citalopram


Skin and Appendages Disorders – Frequent: rash, pruritus. Infrequent: photosensitivity reaction, urticaria, acne, skin discoloration, eczema, alopecia, dermatitis, skin dry, psoriasis. Rare: hypertrichosis, decreased sweating, melanosis, keratitis, cellulitis, pruritus ani.




LEXAPRO

Dermatologic
Rash (at least 1%); erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (postmarketing).

[GiGi MacMurray]

Hi Erin, Thanks for letting me skip Christmas this year.
I was just wondering to myself why I had such incredible dry skin since coming off the Lex,and there you mentioned that it's a side effect. Good thing I brought along a really thick body butter cream to slather on.
Leaving Dubai this evening for NY. 16 hour flight with Mr. Grumps on board. I have bent over backwards to get his US papers (they are a day late, sorry), his DVD collection he didn't bring back to the plane,his requested Lebanese meal, let's see, I'm sure I'm forgetting something. But he'll be sure to let me know with a nasty look or reply that I was negligent in having his pajamas not pressed. I had to take them off the plane and send them off to be laundered. Like I said, he thinks he's a King.
Woe is me...and all this on a Lex withdrawal too.

[Ohwell]

In my opinion, you should begin to taper as soon as you stop having withdrawal symptoms. (when you get your energy back and feel close to "normal")....I would think around the 1st of Jan. would be a great time, maybe your new years resolution! I'm glad you've done some research and now know the correct way to taper. I'm hoping it won't be so hard on your body this time around! Be sure to take your supplements! God bless you.


We have lots of ice here today, and one of our neighbors tree branches fell on our backyard fence. Took out his own power, but spared ours for now. But there are many in our area without power. Hopefully our family will be spared a loss of power! Its cold and nasty here! (midwest)...ohwell.

[erinkj]

Thank you. I will plan on the first of the year then. It helps to have a target date. I live in Iowa so, I know all about midwest winters. It is very cold here and icy today. Not the kind of weather that entices me to walk outside. Hope you keep your power. We have not lost ours yet this winter, and hope we dont. Have a great day. Erin

[erinkj]

Have a good flight and try to ignore Mr.Grumps as much as you can. ERGH, I cannot stand people like that. I call it "Entitlement Syndrome" or the "Silver Spoon complex" ha,ha. Erin

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by lexdetox

It is my 2d week of detox and its getting worse. Dizzy, moody, sleepy, constant zaps. I have been on this stuff for years and have failed at prior detox attempts. I am using suppliments such as fish oil, coQ10, milk thistle, L-Carnatine, ginko, advil and lots of H20 and exercise. I think i will make it through this time because of the suppliments. I will take anything to ease this along but dont want to resort to any suppliment or med that will again regulate seritonin levels. Would it help to use Sam-e or st Johns wort or will i have trouble detoxing off that stuff too?

Do NOT take Same or St. John's wort until you are completely free of ssri for about a year or so........ it's deadly!

They somehow seem to make things even worse.

[8monthslater]

I am terrified that the humming and visual problems will never go away.