[erinkj]

Originally Posted by quietgirl_12

i've been taking lexapro for a year and a half. i can't believe a doctor put your daughter on 20mg. i started out at 2.5mg cause my body seems to be sensitive. i am very small. 10mg, made me so groggy and fatigued i couldn't walk all i did was sleep like 18 hours a day, i would of slept for days if i didnt have to go to class, i'm in college. i recently missed a couple of days of taking my 5mg every other day because my prescription ran out. when i started taking it again i started having panic attacks, bad ones, i passed out twice. so i have been tappering off. taking 2.5 every other day, then twice a week. my withdrawals were brain shimmers and dizziness and hot flashes and anxiety. i've been off of it now for two weeks. panic is coming back, and anxiety, dreams are weird and scarey, i have 2 or 3 a night. i can sleep, but if too long it's a like a state of panic in my sleep. i can't tell the difference between dreams and reality. i strongly suggest tappering off the lexapro. and since she is on such a high dose i think it will take her months to get off of it, maybe a year. according to my experiences, it has taken months to get off just 5-10 mg. i didn't know that lexapro was so hard to get off of or i wouldn't have taken it. it's very addictive. i feel like i'm crazier getting off of it then i was before i started taking it. good luck!

How are you doing? how is the panic? better...worse? are you on any medication currently? was panic/ anxiety what you were given Lex for? I would realy like an update as your post is a bit alarming. Intence panic like that is no walk in the park and I would like to know how you are ...Thanks...Erin

[erinkj]

Thanks for sharing and welcome

[erinkj]

How are you doing? Did you have a good holiday? Are you caught up on all that laundry and house work yet .

[8monthslater]

Originally Posted by Julia77

I actually thought you were off all the meds. If you are still taking benzo, you are not off. Do you feel like you need them? Why don't you try to taper?

Julia, I was off all meds for eight months. I just started taking the clonazepam 1 month ago because I was feeling sooooo anxious about the head noises, the visual disturbances, and the burning tongue sensation. I thought if I tried the benzo that maybe all of my symptoms would disappear and that would prove to me that it was only anxiety. Unfortunately all the symptoms remain and now I have to try to come off another drug. Now I am really upset. I plan to taper. I am taking .25 mg in the am and pm. I am going to cut those halves in half. Ex- I will continue to take the .25 in the am and cut the afternoon in half for awhile. Then I will cut the morning dose in half for awhile. Then I will drop the pm dose and lastly I plan to drop the am dose. I just don't know how long I need to take between each taper.

[GiGi MacMurray]

Hi Erin, thanks for all your helpful and nice responses to our emails. You are now the "Den Mother" for us all. I didn't have to skip Christmas this year, which was good. Fun to see my younger nieces and nephews all excited about opening their gifts and playing with them.

Thanks for your insight about the sinus problems I've been having. I don't want to feel like I have a cold the rest of my life, however.
It's sunny today, so it will feel less like winter.

[8monthslater]

Originally Posted by 8monthslater

Julia, I was off all meds for eight months. I just started taking the clonazepam 1 month ago because I was feeling sooooo anxious about the head noises, the visual disturbances, and the burning tongue sensation. I thought if I tried the benzo that maybe all of my symptoms would disappear and that would prove to me that it was only anxiety. Unfortunately all the symptoms remain and now I have to try to come off another drug. Now I am really upset. I plan to taper. I am taking .25 mg in the am and pm. I am going to cut those halves in half. Ex- I will continue to take the .25 in the am and cut the afternoon in half for awhile. Then I will cut the morning dose in half for awhile. Then I will drop the pm dose and lastly I plan to drop the am dose. I just don't know how long I need to take between each taper.

Do you think this is a good idea of how to taper from the clonazepam? I don't want to go too fast. Would 2 weeks in between each taper be enough time? I have only been on clonazepam for 1 month and 4 days. I really think I could do as Erin suggested and just take xanax as needed. I mean I went 8 months without any drugs quitting Lex cold turkey. I would hope that I went through the worst of my withdrawals med free. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Erin, thank you for your knowledge, experience, and kind words. I know everyone really appreciates your support. It really helps to have a cheerleader even though we've never met.

ETA: I plan to start tapering Jan 1.

[8monthslater]

I just wanted to let you guys know that I am leaving today to go out of town for two nights to see some old friends from college. It should be a fun time. Hope you all have a nice weekend and I'll check back in in a couple of days. Thanks for responding to all of my posts. The more I read this thread, the more convinced I am that everything I am going through is all Lex related.

[jc545]

After tapering off for two months, I recently went to zero dosage. The first five days got progressively worse, but I carried on. The sixth and seventh day were a real shock. I was literally debilitated with vertigo, and I could not stay awake. I took a sick day, and slept for 16 hours, but the next day was even worse. I was unable to sustain any kind of thought, or focus. It was by far the weirdest day I can remember. I always thought of myself as pretty tough, but this kicked my butt, and I finally realized I needed to redose with Lexapro, and regroup.

I took 5mg Lexapro, and began feeling better after about 6-8 hours, then slept, woke up and dosed 5 mg again. I can literally feel myself normalizing again.

I will taper again, but I have come to respect this medication as very potent. It seems that the taper from 2.5 mg to zero is the real test, and I need to taper as low as .5 mg at a time for maybe 3-4 weeks for each step.
Anyone else experience this severe of withdrawal at the last step? WOW!

[erinkj]

Have fun this weekend, you deserve it..Remember that alcohol and benzo's dont mix! So, if you do have a drink, sip it very slooow and no more than one. Even hours after taking your dose....It will increase the effect of alcohol and make you puke horribly. ....Your taper scheduale sounds good. You have only used it for one month so, I believe that you can safely taper off in slightly less time..I will find the recomended schedual and post it for you...Be safe...But ENJOY yourself ...Erin

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by jc545

After tapering off for two months, I recently went to zero dosage. The first five days got progressively worse, but I carried on. The sixth and seventh day were a real shock. I was literally debilitated with vertigo, and I could not stay awake. I took a sick day, and slept for 16 hours, but the next day was even worse. I was unable to sustain any kind of thought, or focus. It was by far the weirdest day I can remember. I always thought of myself as pretty tough, but this kicked my butt, and I finally realized I needed to redose with Lexapro, and regroup.

I took 5mg Lexapro, and began feeling better after about 6-8 hours, then slept, woke up and dosed 5 mg again. I can literally feel myself normalizing again.

I will taper again, but I have come to respect this medication as very potent. It seems that the taper from 2.5 mg to zero is the real test, and I need to taper as low as .5 mg at a time for maybe 3-4 weeks for each step.
Anyone else experience this severe of withdrawal at the last step? WOW!

Everything that you just said is an all to familiar experience for almost everyone on this thread! Julia is still not completely off and has been tappering for quite some time. She can better help you with what to expect. Ohwell has been off for 4 months now I think and can give you more advice on what to expect in the future. I had to re-instate meds after 4 and a half weeks off because I tappered far to quickly and it made me very sick. ( same symptoms you are having along with intense panic attacks) I did NOT go back on Lexapro though. I am taking celexa which is the parent drug of Lexapro. they have a similar chemichal composition however, the celexa is more mild and less selective than Lexapro, I also have fewer side effects while on celexa. Lexapro was far to potent for me. Lexapro is quite strong which is why most people can only tollerate small dose reductions over a period of time. If you can get it in liquid form that will make it easier to taper and is easier to measure and reduce dosage with. Because you want off of this med you realy, realy need to be taking a multi-vitamin and fish oil at least. These supplements will help to heal the nuero transmitters in your brain that have been affected by Lex. I was a bit skeptical about supplements at first however, I have researched this EXTENSIVLY. I have read several of the scientific abstract studies on fish oils/ omega 3s and it all supports these claims. Fish oil will also help with deppression and stress reduction and is beneficial to your entire body. I have been taking it for 3 weeks now and I definately feel the difference. I firmly believe that you need to begin supplementation prior to tappering as it helps to jump start the healing process and may help minimize withdrawl. I will post the research as soon as I can, within the next 2 days..Hang in there man...Erin

[jc545]

Thanks for the insight. Couple of questions for you? During the period when you changed to Celexa, what type of side effects were there? How long were you off the Lexapro before starting the Celexa? Was there a long run up to full strength like Lexapro? Overall, do you like the results of the new medication over the Lexapro? I guess that's more than a couple questions.

[Julia77]

8 months later:

I know so little about benzos. All I know they make the situation only worse, and the sooner you taper the better. For relief of anxiety there is so much natural stuff.....be sure to stay away from herbs thought at least for a year after you stopped your antidepressant treatment. But there are lots of support groups for tapering from benzoes, try this one maybe: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/benzo/

Erin:

I would say no, don't up your dose. How are you feeling? Are you doing any better? If you do, wait some more time and start tapering. Erin, I myself am on a minuscule dose - you'll laugh if you hear. 0.05 mg of Lex. Those are custom made pills and they seem to help a bit with my condition. I plan to stop soon though.

Everyone:

Do you guys know if dull, bored and disinterested mind is a symptom of withdrawal. I feel like my brain has shrunk to a size of a walnut...It feels like that even talking requires too much of an effort. I also have feelings as if the air and everything inside me is soooo dry.. I wonder if those are withdrawals or I am strongly dehydrated. (I drink lots of water though).

[GiGi MacMurray]

Everyone:

Do you guys know if dull, bored and disinterested mind is a symptom of withdrawal. I feel like my brain has shrunk to a size of a walnut...It feels like that even talking requires too much of an effort. I also have feelings as if the air and everything inside me is soooo dry.. I wonder if those are withdrawals or I am strongly dehydrated. (I drink lots of water though).[/quote]

Hi Julia, Yes, I have cotton mouth, even though I am drinking massive amounts of water. And yes, I have the dull, bored, disinterested mind as well. And I'm very well educated and sharp as a whip. And have to concentrate sometime to make my sentences. I know all LEX related.
I had an acupuncture appointment to help with the insomnia, anxiety, and now, sinus problems. No fun to get the needles stuck at my sinuses, but the gag feeling I have from too much mucus is even worse.
I had very dry, and itchy skin right after I finished my 2 week taper. So I rubbed in very thick emollient cream after showering. That helped.
Keep drinking the water. It's the only thing I drink. I cut out the diet Coke (that was terrible to drink anyway, but even worse during the beginnings of the withdrawal process), and do not drink any alcohol or dairy product. Just tons of water.
Time for an evening session on the treadmill. Exercise seems to help a lot.
Tomorrow morning is a deep tissue massage. I'll ask her to also work on the sinuses.
I sometimes find myself choking on nothing. Like I forgot to tell my brain to swallow. Brain fog=Lexapro withdrawal.
Hang in there everyone.

[GiGi MacMurray]

jc545, sorry this is kicking your butt. Don't feel bad or defeated about re-instating to try it again. I didn't even know why I was feeling so rotten (I was on an international trip to China at the time), until I found this web site. All your withdrawal symptoms are from the cessation of the LEX. I know, it kicks butt. But keep reading other posts and we are all with you in your next attempt.

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by jc545

Thanks for the insight. Couple of questions for you? During the period when you changed to Celexa, what type of side effects were there? How long were you off the Lexapro before starting the Celexa? Was there a long run up to full strength like Lexapro? Overall, do you like the results of the new medication over the Lexapro? I guess that's more than a couple questions.

I started Lexapro about 4 years ago. After changing jobs and loosing my health insurance I could not afford Lex at $72.00 per month so, my dr put me on celexa the parent drug of Lex because it was available as a generic and much cheaper at $16.00 per month. Lexapro caused acid reflux real bad for me and I had to take nexium while I was on it or else, I also feel that the Lexapro caused more emotional numbness for me than I have had with celexa also the fatigue doesnt seem as bad either. Celexa like Lexapro may take up to 4 weeks for full effect although, if you re-instated with it you should feel some improvement almost immediately. ( as you did when you took a Lex after being off for awhile) When I got insurance again I was switched back to Lexapro ( wish I would have just tappered then, hindsight is 20/20) Having had experience with both meds I can tell you that the celexa has been alot less problematic for me. Even though the chemical composition of the two meds are quite similar, Lexapro is still stronger, more selective and far more potent. (my opinion) I take the celexa generic which is citalopram and have never taken the actual name brand celexa. Theoreticly the generics are as good as the name brand however, generics do not work for some people. Example: I took paxil brand for 6 years until a generic (paroxetine) became available, the generic did not work for me at all. Oh,I have also had bizzare dreams on these meds. The dreams were much more vivid and creepy on Lex though and were almost nightly. My dreams are more normal on celexa and less frequent although they can still be wierd. I went back on celexa(citalopram) one month ago and I felt better daily. I am still feeling as though I am improving . I tappered the wrong way. Now, I am just trying to get 100% stabilized and as normal as I can before I start a much more gradual taper. I think that the celexa will be a little less harsh to come off of. ( I hope) If you choose to explore this med, keep in mind that the dosing is different than Lex; so you do not get alarmed at what may seem like a double dose. example: 10mg Lexapro = 20mg celexa....15mg Lex= 30mg celexa and so on. Also, according to my pharmacist celexa is easier for them to get in a liquid than Lexapro is and is alot cheaper. I plan to do the end stages of my taper with a liquid. I hope this info helps. The most important thing that I have found with trying to get off SSRI's is that you need to be stable when you begin your taper and to taper very slow in small incraments...Otherwise we get overwhelmed with discontinuation symptoms and our lives are miserable. If your symptoms are to much ( mine were) then you may need to re-instate. Dont feel bad or beat yourself up if you have to go back on the meds...I had to as have many others before me. It is a long and difficult healing process but, you can and will get through it..Keep me posted on what you decide to do and how you are...I hope this has helped some...Erin

[erinkj]

I will not laugh at your dose. You have been tappering for some time now which makes sence to me that your dose is so low. Also, I know that you took a lower dose than I have to begin with. I know from experience that what is theraputic for some is to much for others. Also, that not all meds affect everyone the same. . I am feeling much better now than I did while I was off Lex. I really do feel the celexa is less harsh. I am still at the 20mg of celexa (=10mg Lex) I have not uped it to 30mg as the psych recomended. I am going to give it at least 2 more weeks at this dose. I think I will be able to stabilize on this dose without going up. I will wait it out. My plan is to wait for a full month once stable and then start the taper. I am going to switch to the liquid for the taper. I am feeling better every day. I am just a bit impatient and frustrated as I wish I could start the taper now...sigh...My day will come. Let me know how you are doing as you stop the Lex. How much longer until you are off? ...Erin

[erinkj]

You should also do a search on this site for celexa and one for Lexapro. Look at the concise or detailed info versions. You can copy/ paste them onto word pad to print, that way you can do a side by side comparison of the two med info sheets. Comparing the med info is a big help when trying to decide what to do. Good Luck...Erin

[erinkj]

The dry skin hasnt gone away? has it gotten any better?

[lexdetox]

I had to get back on the 10mg after 6 absolutely miserable weeks. thought i made it but not only did the dizziness get me but began to feel real depressed, and all that nasty stuff. cant tell if it was depression or withdrawl that got me but i can wait to "get back to normal", only thing is i dont know what that means anymore. I wiill taper in the spring when i think ill be ready

[kmck]

I have been currently taking Lexapro for about 2 years for anxiety. I started at 10mg and went up to 20mg. About 6 months ago I tapered down to 10mg by taking 20 then 10 every other day for two weeks and then taking 10. I want to completely go off of Lexapro. I did not have any problems lowering my dose down to 10 mg. Is it safe to do it the same way, or should I try and do it slower. I do not want to go through the bad withdrawal symptoms that I have been reading.

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by kmck

I have been currently taking Lexapro for about 2 years for anxiety. I started at 10mg and went up to 20mg. About 6 months ago I tapered down to 10mg by taking 20 then 10 every other day for two weeks and then taking 10. I want to completely go off of Lexapro. I did not have any problems lowering my dose down to 10 mg. Is it safe to do it the same way, or should I try and do it slower. I do not want to go through the bad withdrawal symptoms that I have been reading.

It is very good that you were able to drop your dose successfully. Many people are not so lucky. Not all people react the same to medications or have these adverse affects when discontinuing them. You may be one of the lucky people who do not suffer such symptoms . As no one can tell you for sure that you will or will not experience a discontinuation syndrome, I recomend that you er on the side of caution and taper this last 10mg more slowly. How have you been doing on the 10mg? Did you feel any different after reducing your dose? There are some things that you can do to help minimize withdrawl type symptoms should they arise. Keep us posted on your progress. If you have any questions please, ask away ...Erin

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by lexdetox

I had to get back on the 10mg after 6 absolutely miserable weeks. thought i made it but not only did the dizziness get me but began to feel real depressed, and all that nasty stuff. cant tell if it was depression or withdrawl that got me but i can wait to "get back to normal", only thing is i dont know what that means anymore. I wiill taper in the spring when i think ill be ready

Dont beat yourself up about going back on the meds . You made it longer than I did. I got to 4 and a half weeks and just about lost my mind completely . I felt alot better after just a few days back on. I am one month back on now and doing pretty good. I think yor deppression was likely the Lex withdrawl. I got that to and I was not deppressed before. Good Luck, you should feel better soon....Erin

[MarilynMegson]

Originally Posted by shocker

I've been lowering my lexapro dosages from 30mg to 0 by 5mg per week. I've been experiencing shocking sensation to my head and then to my arms and feet with dizziness to. Iwas wondering if anyone else who is lowering their dosage is experiencing the shocking sensation to their head. Could this be the dizziness everyone is describing?

These are called brain zaps.... everytime you blink it feels like electricity is running through your body type thing.. those suck. But it will go away, its just really scary... but it does stop.

[W33251]

I was on lexapro 10 mg for 4 years, was shot on duty as police officer, and was told i PTSD, after about four years i didnt feel antyhing anymore and decided to just stop, after about a week i got stomach pains and pressure saw a doctor ran a bunch of test of course didnt find aything, said i had IBS,, and should go back on the drug which i did for about two weeks then started getting chest pain felt like pressure, thought it was the drug so i stopped again, then about 2 weeks later i got this burning pain in my ribs the pain was about a 10 had to go the ER they said i had a stressful job and that was causing it, the pain got worse went back to another er they said the same thing, thought i was crazy, tried taking pain killer but didnt do anything was sleeping because of the pain, finally three days later i was again in the ER this time they admitted me of course found nothing,, seemed the burning kind of went away even thought its still there in some for or another, still have the constant chest pain and pain throughout my ribs, my sleep is terrible, recently get numbess in my hands and feet,, both are cold,, its been about 3 1/2 months off the drug and still feel like bad, the pain is constant i have no energy, used to work out everyday run twice a day, have gained about 15 pounds, sleep maybe 3 hours thats with out something to help sleep, did have the palpitations, high pulse rate and blood pressure,,the brain zaps,, does anyone know how long this is going to last? or how long does it take to totaly get out my system? this is crazy a saliva test said my cortisol is really high and serotonin is very low this was about 2 months ago, hoping eventually it will get back to normal,, just started amino acids, that are suppost to help to detox my body have to wait and see,, and suggestions? how come every doctor says its not withdrawls? and have seen so many doctors had just about every test which comes back negative....

[kmck]

Erin,
I have been doing great on the 10 mg. I noticed a little bit more anxiety then when I was on 20mg, but it is not so severe where I can not function, like it was before I started Lexapro. I have also gained about 15 pounds since being on the Lexapro. I wasn't sure if it is from the medication, or from not being so anxious all the time. I am now trying to go down to 5mg. I am trying to do it the same, I just started last night, by taking 5 then 10 for 2 weeks. I will probably stay with the 5 mg for a few months before I go down from there. What are some things to do to minimize the symptoms if I have them? Thank you for replying to my message.

[GiGi MacMurray]

W33, very sorry to hear about your latest health issues. Yes, it's from the LEX. Especially when all the tests come back negative. If it were something else, it would show up in the tests. Doctors who haven't been on anti-depressants, and haven't had the withdrawal symptoms don't understand. The 3 hour sleeps without any kind of pain reliever or sedative sounds about right. You're body is going through withdrawal and has manifested itself with the symptoms you are describing. Did they test your thyroid? Some of those symptoms you've described could be from a low functioning one. I've been tested 3 times for the same thing, and each time it comes back negative. Keep us posted with how you are doing.

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by kmck

Erin,
I have been doing great on the 10 mg. I noticed a little bit more anxiety then when I was on 20mg, but it is not so severe where I can not function, like it was before I started Lexapro. I have also gained about 15 pounds since being on the Lexapro. I wasn't sure if it is from the medication, or from not being so anxious all the time. I am now trying to go down to 5mg. I am trying to do it the same, I just started last night, by taking 5 then 10 for 2 weeks. I will probably stay with the 5 mg for a few months before I go down from there. What are some things to do to minimize the symptoms if I have them? Thank you for replying to my message.

Weight gain is a very common side effect of all SSRI medications. Because we all have seretonin receptors in our gut the theory is that as these meds alter seretonin levels they affect our metabolism. This is not yet proven but, I buy it. Having taken Lex for anxiety myself, I am giving you the "heads up" that your anxiety will likely increase with each dose reduction. That dose not truely indicate a relapse to the anxiety condition though, as anxiety is a very common symptom of SSRI discontinuation even for those who have never had it before. The taper you are attempting is to quick for most people....It was WAY to quick for me. The key is to be stable and as symptom free as possible before each dose reduction. If you feel well enough then go for it, if in doubt; taper slower. If it gets rough once you quit Lex, you may re-instate it at any time and taper slower later on. Again, you may not have symptoms....Because SSRI change the way that the neuro-transmitters in your brain work they need help to heal and get back to normal. This thread offered me the advice I am giving you now, I also did some more in depth re-search into the supplements which more than supports thier usefullness. For now you need to be sure that you take a good multi-vitamin, fish oil twice a day with food...The Omega 3's will help support brain function/ tissue regeneration/ focus/ stress reduction/ help ward off deppression and the list of benefits goes on; for now the neuro support is key. Also a calcium supplement. These will help you to get a jump start on healing and may help with symptom reduction. There are other supplements you may use for specific symptoms should they arise, you wouldnt need them unless you have trouble. So, keep us all posted on your progress and any symptoms, that way we can direct you to the proper supplements and offer support/ advice. Good Luck, I hope this taper works well for you....Erin

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by W33251

I was on lexapro 10 mg for 4 years, was shot on duty as police officer, and was told i PTSD, after about four years i didnt feel antyhing anymore and decided to just stop, after about a week i got stomach pains and pressure saw a doctor ran a bunch of test of course didnt find aything, said i had IBS,, and should go back on the drug which i did for about two weeks then started getting chest pain felt like pressure, thought it was the drug so i stopped again, then about 2 weeks later i got this burning pain in my ribs the pain was about a 10 had to go the ER they said i had a stressful job and that was causing it, the pain got worse went back to another er they said the same thing, thought i was crazy, tried taking pain killer but didnt do anything was sleeping because of the pain, finally three days later i was again in the ER this time they admitted me of course found nothing,, seemed the burning kind of went away even thought its still there in some for or another, still have the constant chest pain and pain throughout my ribs, my sleep is terrible, recently get numbess in my hands and feet,, both are cold,, its been about 3 1/2 months off the drug and still feel like bad, the pain is constant i have no energy, used to work out everyday run twice a day, have gained about 15 pounds, sleep maybe 3 hours thats with out something to help sleep, did have the palpitations, high pulse rate and blood pressure,,the brain zaps,, does anyone know how long this is going to last? or how long does it take to totaly get out my system? this is crazy a saliva test said my cortisol is really high and serotonin is very low this was about 2 months ago, hoping eventually it will get back to normal,, just started amino acids, that are suppost to help to detox my body have to wait and see,, and suggestions? how come every doctor says its not withdrawls? and have seen so many doctors had just about every test which comes back negative....

Like GIGI said "doctors dont know unless they have taken these meds", and most have not. The medical world likes to operate on absolutes so, doctors and pharmacists will all tell you that you are not experiencing withdrawl, Because they are all soo picky about terminology. Lexapro is systemicly eliminated within 36 hrs meaning that it is no longer present in your body. I am told that after 36 hrs it is no longer considered withdrawl ( sure ) but that at this point it becomes a "discontinuation syndrome) try that term on a dr and see what they say . The big problem here is that there has not been significant research done to determine the long term affects of SSRI use or the lingering affects post use...The truth is that medical science is not exactly sure how these meds even work. ( a statement usually found in the litterature that comes with the scripts) Ever notice that the info says " It is THOUGHT that this medicine"...yadda,yadda,yadda. Meanwhile, Lex has affected the natural function of your neuro-transmitters and disrupted their normal uptake pattern, primarily the seretonin uptake. When the Lex is stopped the transmitters that have been taken over with the Lex are essentially very confused. The entire brain and endocrine system affect every inch of your body in one way or another hence, the problems/symptoms post use. There are many receptors in the human gut which link to your brain (seretonin among them) which seem to be at the root of gastric, bowel, etc symptoms. Lexapro is infamouse for causing elevated cortisol levels. As you may well know by now, high cortisol=trouble. The most important thing for you to do now is to help your brain heal, until it heals you will continue to have problems. Unfortunately no one really knows how long that healing process will take..we are all different. At this point you should be taking a minimum of: daily high potency multi-vitamin, fish oil x's 2 daily, calcium supplement, milk thistle for liver detox and probiotics for your gut. ( you are on enzyme therapy? forget the probiotics then) There are other helpfull supplements ,these are just the main staple. Meletonin supp's may help regulate your sleep though I recomend you research that before using it. Magnesium may also help with sleep and anxiety. You may also get some sleep inducing benefit from the calcium. Are you taking any other meds? ....Erin

[jc545]

Thanks for the helpful information on Celexa. I've now stabalized since my failed attempt to taper off Lexapro. Today I feel near 100% again. I went to the gym which would have been impossible two days ago.

I'm intending to remain at 5mg Lex for awhile, and .5 Alprazolam in the evening for sleep. I'm considering the possibility that I should not have tapered completely off Lexapro, but reduced my dosage, which is effectively what I ended up doing. I've been as high as 20 mg. It was clearly to much for me, even as a 230 lb person.

I want to treat the symptoms that led me to Lexapro in the first place, but I don't want to lose my own personality in the process. Sounds like a contradictory statement, but I think some may relate to this thought.

I noticed your comment, and others regarding dreaming. In general I've experienced these weird dreams a lot on Lexapro, but they were really over the top during withdrawal. Very vivid, with always some element of reality to them. Very, very strange experience! I woke up and had to check out where I was for a minute! What is also strange about this type of dreamimg is that I had full recall of the dream, like I read a book, or saw a movie. I literally got up one night, then went back to sleep and continued the exact same dream. Now that was a strange experience! Next morning I could have wrote it all down, but no way! SOme of it was just to weird.

Last night I slept and dreamed within a more normal range (whatever normal may be?).

Anyway, life is good today, and I feel in control again. I decided not to let it bug me that I failed the taper. I'll just keep reading and educating myself. Thanks all for being here.

[erinkj]

You are welcome. I am glad I have been able to help. Of all the SSRI meds I have tried, Lexapro is the worst for dreams. Like you said "vivid" It is almost like closing your eyes and watching a realy freaky movie. I have done that waking up and continuing the same dream later also....Only on Lex. I also had night sweats, BAD on Lex; woke up with my shirt soaked, I get that on celexa to just not nearly as bad or frequent. Lex gave me unbearable acid reflux and was on 3 meds to deal with that but, no probs on celexa..wierd. Lexapro is so potent that I dont think it takes high doses for most people to get the effect. I am glad that you are starting to feel better. Let us know when you are ready to drop your dose again. As strange as it seems even the slightest dose reduction can mess you up, this is why it needs to be done so slow to minimize the misery. Also, I have been doing ALOT of indepth research into the natural approach to treating anxiety/ panic symptoms in case I should have continued problems after I am off the meds. I will let you know what I find if you are interested. 11 years is to long for me to be on this junk. I have no intention of ever using another SSRI med the rest of my life...I will try the natural approach later if needed. Good Luck...Erin