[Ci Ci]

I have been on antidepressants for 10 years. I stopped the Lexapro I was taking after tapering off for a few months. It has been a little over a month now and I am struggling to maintain a balance. I feel very anxious and depressed. I knew going into this that there would be some element of anti-depressive withdrawal involved. I am having a really hard time with this but I do NOT want to go back on the drugs. Can someone suggest an alternative treatment?
Has anyone ever tried acupuncture? I wonder if that would work. I feel like I live one day at a time not knowing if I will have a mood swing from one minute to the next because I am VERY sensitive.
Am I fooling myself????
Does anyone know how long this will last?
Is there any hope for recovery?
I am so lost in this.
thanks

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by jca1928

I havent taken any thing for ADD since i was 16 i hated ritilin cause it made me nervose. i'm now 27 and bout to turn 28 in april. the reason I decided to go and get treated again was because i had quit smoking and was having mega troble contolling my thoughts. after about five months of that. went to my doctor asked about being treated again for ADD. he sent me to Nolton wich is supose to specialize in mentle disorders. the doctor there kept telling me that she thought it was GAD. so tried stratera for the ADD and it made me feel realy sick so I stoped taking it after the first dose. went back to my doc a month later and she started pushing for me to try lexapro. so started on 10mg. the lexapro did take away most of the GAD systems and did help with keeping things stait in my mind but still did have some problems with focusing on what i was doing. and on top of that it killed my sex drive. so after about 3 weeks of taking it stoped not knowing that you were supose taper. I started to get all the nasty side efects and didn't know what was going. my mother who is an RN told me that i needed to start taking the lexapro again. so stared up again. but was only taking 5 mg and stayed at that for about 10 months. and wasn't feeling to bad either + got some of my sex drive back. the thing is now that i'm dating some one and we both are very much in love and looks like were going be together for a long time hopefully for rest of lives. i would realy like to get off this stuff for good. my famly doc is weeing me off of the Efexxor XR that he put me on about 2 weeks ago. and i'm supose to go back on the lexapro a week after i'm done with the efexxor xr cause i'm not doing to well on it. it makes me realy nervose and sick in the stomach. i read that it can act like stimualnt. if i would have nown that i would not have stared it. i don't do to well with stuff like that. if could i would take my old life back in a minute rapid thoughts and all. i'm starting think that the medical profesion is trying make us all the same. like we all came out of the same mold or some thing. and the world just isn't like that. they need to quit trying to play GOD. thanks in advance AJ

Hi there! Sounds like you developed GAD because you were trying to quit smoking. Normal thing, you know. You don't need those drugs. If I were you, I would taper off Effexor slowly and recover from AD and never touch them again. Plus, kids who take Ritalin and more susceptible to depression and mental distress once they stop. Their brains do heal in time, though.

Rapid thoughts - I know what you're talking about. You might want to try yoga, belly breathing, vigorous exercising . They all help. Fresh air, redirecting your mind to positive thoughts, and expecting the best life can offer. Sounds like a tough job, I know that. But eventually you have to learn it, we all do. It's so much more preferable than taking SSRIs.

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by Ci Ci

I have been on antidepressants for 10 years. I stopped the Lexapro I was taking after tapering off for a few months. It has been a little over a month now and I am struggling to maintain a balance. I feel very anxious and depressed. I knew going into this that there would be some element of anti-depressive withdrawal involved. I am having a really hard time with this but I do NOT want to go back on the drugs. Can someone suggest an alternative treatment?
Has anyone ever tried acupuncture? I wonder if that would work. I feel like I live one day at a time not knowing if I will have a mood swing from one minute to the next because I am VERY sensitive.
Am I fooling myself????
Does anyone know how long this will last?
Is there any hope for recovery?
I am so lost in this.
thanks

For a 10-year veteran anti-depressant you are going to go thru a very rough time withdrawing. Please read this thread, it has so much valuable info in it.
You are not fooling yourself. W/d last UP to 18 months. Sorry I've been so brief, but it's been a long day today

Read this thread please. You will find lots of valuable info. You should have tapered at least for one year to minimize your w/d, cold turkeying will make you suffer w/d. I understand and respect your decision not to go back to those drugs, but you should have an idea of what you MIGHT expect.

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by HappyDad

Recap: I was on 15mg of Lexapro for 2.5 years and then tapered off over a period of 6 weeks. I'm a 45 YO male. Married w/ two great kids ages 9 and 11. I have a great job with a supportive boss. I have been on 1mg per day of Clonazepam (taken nightly) to help with the withdrawal symptoms since I first began weaning off of the Lexapro.

Update: Well, I've been Lexapro free for three months now. The first two monts were an emotional roller coaster (hell) and then things began to get better. The anxiety and depression began to lift and the crying spells became less frequent and less intense. I've never experienced real depression until I was introduced to SSRI's. During the past 4 weeks (month 3) things have become more tolerable. I have only experienced mild depression a few times (few hours each) and I've only had 1 crying spell (last Friday). I've experienced a few spells of low level anxiety (non-situational). It was uncomfortable, but tolerable. I have had several days in a row where I've felt great and then the typical w/d symptoms returned...burning eyes, flu type feeling, fatigue, stomach cramps, headaches, etc. Just when I thought I was past the w/d I'd have another ********************py experience. There are days when I experience joy and have lots of energy and then there have been days when I think it's never going to end. It's still a roller coaster, but the ups and downs are not quite as extreme. My current Dr. has been very supportive with my decision to get off of Lexapro, but I believe that he agrees with the leagues of other Dr.s who all but refuse to accept that withdrawals can last more than a few weeks. He hasn't stated this belief verbally, but he's told me that I must be one of the few rare individuals that experience long term w/d.

It's really strange, I've had days when things were going so well and I was really enjoying my kids or watching a movie, etc. and all of a sudden the w/d crawls all over me like a giant bear. An hour or so later I feel good again. The best word I can use to describe this whole mess is EXHAUSTING! Week 9 & 10 were my best weeks so far, those weeks really boosted my hope and faith. Weeks 11 and 12 were a bit more rocky. I spoke on the phone with a psychiatrist by the name of Dr. Shipko who told me that withdrawals can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 12 months and that Dr.s that say otherwise are either uninformed or untruthful. He also said that SSRI's have the potential neuro-toxic effect of heroine for some people. He said he only uses SSRI's in extreme cases! He's the author of a book on this stuff and claims to be an expert on the subject...(shrug). All I know is that I'm ready for the mess to end.

On the subject of supplements, I don't know for sure if these supplements have helped me or not, but it sure hasn't hurt. I've been drinking a lot of green tea (Celestial Seasonings DECAFF) and taking Magnesium Citrate along with Omega 3. I've tried the Sealogix brand and Omega Brite omega 3 products. Both are Pharmaceutical grade products ($ cha ching) with the difference between the two being the EPAHA ratio. If you care to, you can read about high end Omeg 3 here >> http://www.fishoilreview.com/

Exercise! Vigorous exercise is the biggest help. Do it at least 3 times per week. Don't wait until you feel better, do it now regardless of how you feel. You WILL feel better within 2-4 weeks. The time is going to pass weather you exercise or not so you might as well do it...it WILL help.

Stay focused (read a book or write in a journal), stay busy (clean out a closet or you flower bed) and meditate. I'm a Christian so I meditate on scriptures...more now than I ever have (yes, I'm a hypocrite just like everyone else). I don't know what I would do with God in my life. If you have no religious affiliation (it's never too late) then I'd suggest meditating on something that brings you joy.

I hope this post helps at least one person. Remember, you're not alone. There are hundreds of posts from people sharing an experience similar to your's.

Shamless plug: It doesn't matter if you believe in God or not, he still believes in you. If you believe, but wonder why you're not receiving immediate healing then your in the same boat I'm in. I have to remind myself daily that God does things with his timing not mine. Like me, you're not being punished for some wrong you've done, you're just walking through one of life's unfortunate trials. I plan on coming out of the other end of this whole mess as a better person and I pray the same for you. Do not give in and do not give up!

- Jeff

Jeff,

Thanks for sharing this with us. We really appreciate when people who have been thru this stuff share...kind of a testimony.

Just to make you feel better - you're going thru a normal healing! What you are describing is how healing comes. You start to get good windows, then those windows get bigger and bigger until you've realized those windows become days, and then weeks and months.

I know what you are describing exactly. It's when my husband calls me to find out I am ok, and comes home in a couple of hours to find me in tears.

You will get better and better. All you are saying is really helpful, and trust in God, or Creator, is crucial. Don't know what I would have done without it. Exercising is awesome, too.

Wish you well.

[Ohwell]

Good to hear from you! I'm not suprised you are having ups and downs.
In my opinion withdrawal can last awhile, esp. if you have any other medical conditions involved.

I too thank God for helping me through.

Now if my rash would just go away! ohwell.

[Ohwell]

Have you tried vigorus exercise to tire your muscles? sometimes if we don't use our muscles enough throughout the day, they don't get enough use and in my opinion can then 'cramp' . Exercise helps relax the muscles. Maybe it would help? Let me know how you do. I think about you and prayed for you last night. My hives are still here, boo hoo. ohwell.

[Ohwell]

I have heard great things about acupuncture. Can't afford it myself, but if I could I'de be there! You need to take some natural supplements to help your brain heal. Omega 3 fish oil is a good one to start....I like carlsons brand.....many here take Magnesium Maltate with a meal for anxiety.
Many here drink camolie tea to relax. And many here do calcium before bed.
Please read some past pages, esp. page 188 for more info. ohwell.

[erinkj]

Ohwell: Does your rash in any way resemble welts? or look like a bee sting? If so, it is hives. If it is more like small bumpy red patches then it may be a contact rash. Have you recently made ANY changes is laundry soaps, bath soaps, dryer sheets? think about that carefully as the slightest changes, even in foods you eat; especialy when your immune system has been overtaxed/compromised (chemo) can bring about rashes. Could be a withdrawl issue but, you should rule out other possabilities. Please let me know if you come up with anything. Erin

[erinkj]

Julia: It seems as though you are doing quite well and feeling much better. I am so very happy for you. It is good to see you posting so frequently . Bedtime for me, had a very, very long day. Goodnight...Erin

[Xolias21]

Leaxpro Withdrawal I've had: Headaches, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, skewed reality, depression, anxiety, fear, and horrible vivid nightmares.

This is my story.

I had been on lexapro for a month, because my girlfriend wanted to see if an anti-depressant would help me feel happier, and improve our relationship. I had taken Zoloft before, and decided to get off because I was doing better.

Anyway, I had quit on the 14th of january (did 5mg for a week then I stopped). but I had a horrible dream on the 20th, so I decided I would get back on for a bit longer. I took 10mg again for 7 days, and on the 8th day I took 5mg, and ran out of meds, so I stopped.

So I had quit on the 1st or something, and since then I haven't been able to fall asleep until around 4am. I am tired the whole day, and my perception of reality has been quite skewed. The sleep that I do get usually consists of odd dreams. Today I awoke at 5:45am after sleeping for an hour, an hour that seemed like 5 in te dream world. My dream was so vivid and frigtening, and I woke up (but not really, I was still in the dream) and I was paralyzed and blind. I finally scrambled awake, and scribbled on a peice of paper writing "MY DREAM IS KILLING ME". Then I actually woke up from the dream, and I was really out this time, but I still felt horribly scared, and my hearing was strange.

I'm still in a dream like state now, sort of disconnected from reality still.

I've had headaches, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, skewed reality, depression, anxiety, fear, and horrible vivid nightmares.

Lexapro withdrawal sucks. Yeah...

[jca1928]

hi julia77 thank you very much for the info. i'm kinda mad at my doctor at this point why the heck she couldn't she have just told me what you did. I ask her a few times if it was from quiting smoking and she just kinda tossed it out the windows. and saide i needed to be put on something. my problem is i'm not realy sure how to do a taper with the effexor xr. it is in capsule form unlike the lexapro wich was a solid pill. that's why i was thinking of going back on lexapro and tapering off of it. MY famly doctor has had me taking the effexor xr 33.7 mg every other day since sunday and i'm supose to stop when i'm out wich will be this thurs day then i'm supose to wait one week and start up the lexapro. in a way i would like to go back on the lexapro just to get my head straight and then do realy slow taper off of it. iv'e gotten realy good at cutting the pills up for that one ihad started cutting my self back to half of the 5 mg i was one but it was around christmas so went back to 5mg cause i didn't want to mess up christmas. then my doctor told me not to that and just to take it ever other day for 2 weeks and then stop. i'm realy thinking i don't trust them to much any more. my famly doctor or the one from nolton. as always i thank you lots for the info and your time AJ

[Ci Ci]

Thanks a lot for the replies. I am hanging in there in spite of a failed relationship and two small children to take care of. I am moving in with my mom this weekend because I am in a very unhealthy, and unsupportive environment right now. I cannot be around any negativity. I am lost. This has been so stressful for me. But I refuse to go back on the drugs.
I have so much to lose if I sink into a major depression again. I am fighting this every minute of every day.

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by jca1928

hi julia77 thank you very much for the info. i'm kinda mad at my doctor at this point why the heck she couldn't she have just told me what you did. I ask her a few times if it was from quiting smoking and she just kinda tossed it out the windows. and saide i needed to be put on something. my problem is i'm not realy sure how to do a taper with the effexor xr. it is in capsule form unlike the lexapro wich was a solid pill. that's why i was thinking of going back on lexapro and tapering off of it. MY famly doctor has had me taking the effexor xr 33.7 mg every other day since sunday and i'm supose to stop when i'm out wich will be this thurs day then i'm supose to wait one week and start up the lexapro. in a way i would like to go back on the lexapro just to get my head straight and then do realy slow taper off of it. iv'e gotten realy good at cutting the pills up for that one ihad started cutting my self back to half of the 5 mg i was one but it was around christmas so went back to 5mg cause i didn't want to mess up christmas. then my doctor told me not to that and just to take it ever other day for 2 weeks and then stop. i'm realy thinking i don't trust them to much any more. my famly doctor or the one from nolton. as always i thank you lots for the info and your time AJ

So if I got you right you are actually going to start Lex because tapering is easier???? Switching SSRIs is hell. Pure hell. First, you will experience w/d from Effexor, second, you will suffer from side effects when starting another anti-depressant. Please think twice.

If I were you, I would just taper off Effexor ( which is pure hell as well). It's one of those producing strongest w/d effects while tapering.

To taper off it, you need to open a capsule and count little pieces in it. Then figure out how many of them will constitute 10%, count them, and throw them out. Take the rest of the capsule. That's how you will ensure 10% tapering is taking place. 10% are to be reduced every 3-4 weeks, depending on how you feel. That should take you a whole lot of time, but it's a worthwhile effort. There is nothing like out there to be drugs free.

Please be aware that when tapering this way you will still experience withdrawals, but they will not be too debilitating. THis way you should be able to keep on working and school, if this is something that you do. IF you cold turkey, you will be in debilitating w/d for a long, long time, especially talking about Effexor.

If you switch SSRIs, you will take long to w/d from Effexor and get used to Lex. Then you'll need to taper from Lex, which doubles your time.

If you need guidance, we are here to help you. However, please note that I have no medical education whatsoever, and any advice rec'd might need to be researched....

Peace,
Julia

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by erinkj

Julia: It seems as though you are doing quite well and feeling much better. I am so very happy for you. It is good to see you posting so frequently . Bedtime for me, had a very, very long day. Goodnight...Erin

Hello love,

I am withdrawing.......Today I had a huge anxiety wave and yelled at my students. They stared at me like 'what's going on here' because I never yell I felt so bad after that I almost cried. I also got a nervous splitting headache.
I generally feel overwhelmed, like dealing with things is too much for me now. I wonder if it's new me forever or w/d.........

I think the biggest problem is that this is how I felt when I was put on SSRI!!!! I am so confused if it's w/d or the real state of things.

But I have no other choice but to wait out. Ohwell mentioned acupuncture and I might want to try that ( it's in my medical). I would try whatever to be myself again.

But I am not depressed, which is good.

[Rosalinde]

Hi everybody!
I pop in every so often to give an update on how I am handling Lexapro withdrawal. I figure it might help somebody out there.

I got on Lexapro June or July of 2006. It worked great for about six months and then I turned into an unresponsive blob who did not care about anything or anyone. I also began a horrendous weight gain and ended up gaining 35 pounds in 5 months. This is with exercising 6 days a week and hiking up to 11 miles most weekends.

The weight gain is what convinced me to quit Lexapro. I've come to believe that messing about with our brain chemistry with drugs that doctors do not fully understand is a pretty dangerous thing to do.

I started tapering July 2007. I am using the Road Back system. Some have said that is too expensive, and I fully understand. It is expensive, but I have found supplements that are the same or similar to theirs that are cheaper. Before beginning the taper, I built up to 9 tsp of barley a day, 3 tsp of protein powder, 8 Carlson fish oil gels and 1 Vitamin E 250 mg. I noticed an immediate improvement in my energy and mental clarity, though I still had a loooong way to go.

My original dose was 10 mg. I asked for the drug in liquid form so I could taper 10% every two weeks. This has worked very well for me, keeping the withdrawals at a minimum. When I got down to 5.3 mg, I began to feel things again and to act more normally like myself. Since then, every taper brings me a little more back to life. I smile again, I love my husband again and my hobbies and interests are interesting to me again. I'm no longer confused, dull and sleeping all day.

I am currently down to 2.3 mg. When I get down to 1 mg, I am then going to taper 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, and then 0.1

I will be done July 2008, and I cannot wait.

Finally, it seems my weight is responding. When I started this drug, I was a slim and tight-muscled 127 pounds, wearing a size 4/6. I am now 161 pounds, wearing a size 12. I have lost 3 pounds in January, with lots of consistent exercise and healthy eating. I know decreasing the drug is helping. My goal is to be back to 127 pounds by July!!! I truly hope I can make it, and that my metabolism will return to normal quickly!

I wish you all the best and hope we all reach a stable state free of mind altering medications!!

[COHiker]

Here goes...

I have been on 10 mg of Lexapro for 3.5 years. I do have a family history of mild depression and GAD. I was put on Lexapro as a "coping mechanism" for some situational stuff happening in my life. Pretty normal life stuff, but just wasn't dealing very well. The MD made it sound like since I had a family history that this was something I should consider taking for the rest of my life "better on than off" attitude.
I had no trouble begining the drug and it has been extremely effective at leveling out the "rage" during PMS and for curbing anxiety. In many ways it has been an awesome drug of choice. I sleep well (occasional wierd dreams) and have none of the side effects that some people have had (or so I thought)

THE PROBLEM:
I had been chalking all the side effects up to the normal aging process. I am a 43 y.o. female and in the past few years I have gained about 16 lbs. No matter how much I diet or exercise, it only goes up. I have just a few of the night sweats (but troubling when they do happen). Again, I attributed this to age. I have begun napping every Sat and Sun for at least 2-3 hours and still go to bed early. Also something that I just blamed on 'getting older'. The sexual side effects were AWFUL (NO drive and I had to really 'work' to achieve an orgasm, this I knew was most likely the drug).

As I have had several changes of MD over the years (military health system) , I have no MD that can follow anything closely and they keep refilling the script.

So, I needed a new refill and asked the MD if he really thought it was necesaary for me to be on this drug. After some questioning, he recommended that I INCREASE to 20mg for a trial. [I should mention that I did try to wean off of this drug about a year and a half ago and I did not notice any of the physical side effects, but I felt like I was completely falling apart- literally. My poor family was bewildered at my behavior. There was nothing going on in my life at that time and felt "safe" getting off the drug.]

So here I am again, wanting to wean off the drug and really frightened about going back to that place where I was last time I tried to wean (a beautiful day out hiking with a lovely family and I sat at the side of the trail and began to sob--OVER NOTHING!!!!)

Things are so good (emotionally speaking). I have the life most people dream about (I am not kidding) and I would love to resume an active sex life with my husband and lose those 16 lbs that I cannot seam to shed and feel less fatigued.

I think I have a good idea about how to do this slowly (I've read quite a bit here) and I think I've braced myself that the physical withdrawl can be nasty.

QUESTION: Has anyone tried a short term drug (eg.. xanax, klonapin, etc) to get them over the emotional "rollercoaster bumps"???? I can stomach the physical stuff, but I DREAD the emotional backlash. I got on this drug becaus the MD who perscribed it did NOT want to give me the "quick fix" dugs like xanax. Which, in hind sight, is exactly what I should have been prescribed for a short term use.
OR..
Has anyone tried any type of non prescription treatments that helped them out (harbal treatments, nutritional programs... heck, at this point I'd try voodoo- ok, not that far...yet)
I cannot bear to put my family through any emotional stuff.....

Please help!!

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by Rosalinde

Hi everybody!
I pop in every so often to give an update on how I am handling Lexapro withdrawal. I figure it might help somebody out there.

I got on Lexapro June or July of 2006. It worked great for about six months and then I turned into an unresponsive blob who did not care about anything or anyone. I also began a horrendous weight gain and ended up gaining 35 pounds in 5 months. This is with exercising 6 days a week and hiking up to 11 miles most weekends.

The weight gain is what convinced me to quit Lexapro. I've come to believe that messing about with our brain chemistry with drugs that doctors do not fully understand is a pretty dangerous thing to do.

I started tapering July 2007. I am using the Road Back system. Some have said that is too expensive, and I fully understand. It is expensive, but I have found supplements that are the same or similar to theirs that are cheaper. Before beginning the taper, I built up to 9 tsp of barley a day, 3 tsp of protein powder, 8 Carlson fish oil gels and 1 Vitamin E 250 mg. I noticed an immediate improvement in my energy and mental clarity, though I still had a loooong way to go.

My original dose was 10 mg. I asked for the drug in liquid form so I could taper 10% every two weeks. This has worked very well for me, keeping the withdrawals at a minimum. When I got down to 5.3 mg, I began to feel things again and to act more normally like myself. Since then, every taper brings me a little more back to life. I smile again, I love my husband again and my hobbies and interests are interesting to me again. I'm no longer confused, dull and sleeping all day.

I am currently down to 2.3 mg. When I get down to 1 mg, I am then going to taper 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, and then 0.1

I will be done July 2008, and I cannot wait.

Finally, it seems my weight is responding. When I started this drug, I was a slim and tight-muscled 127 pounds, wearing a size 4/6. I am now 161 pounds, wearing a size 12. I have lost 3 pounds in January, with lots of consistent exercise and healthy eating. I know decreasing the drug is helping. My goal is to be back to 127 pounds by July!!! I truly hope I can make it, and that my metabolism will return to normal quickly!

I wish you all the best and hope we all reach a stable state free of mind altering medications!!

Dear Rosalinde,
I just looked at 'The Road Back' program today. I would be interested in knowing if you did the preweaning program and what products you found that are comparable.
Thanks
COHiker

[Ohwell]

your voodoo comment made me laugh! How funny.

good luck~ ohwell.

[Ohwell]

No welts. Just small red flatish itchy rash. I did a bit of research on armor side effects and turns out you CAN have itchy rash/hives as a side effect of it. Not common, but can happen. Can also cause increased anxiety. ugggh.
I think I'm going to go back to my levothryoxin thryoid med.

I know its all the rage to be on the natural thryoid, but I have felt sick for 2 months while on the armor....I miss my old synthetic pal.....at least I never had a rash on it! I am at 6 months off Lex. now! Looking forward to

feeling good soon. ohwell.

[erinkj]

I have read all the post's and have so much to say to everyone. Unfortunately, the last 2 day's have been a bit busy and quite trying for me, and I have appointments, classes and such the rest of the week. If we ever get done shoveling all this blasted snow then, I will find some time to chime in. I hope you all stay strong, posting on this thread is a big step in the right direction and offer's support. Hang in there everyone...Erin

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by Julia77

Hello love,

I am withdrawing.......Today I had a huge anxiety wave and yelled at my students. They stared at me like 'what's going on here' because I never yell I felt so bad after that I almost cried. I also got a nervous splitting headache.
I generally feel overwhelmed, like dealing with things is too much for me now. I wonder if it's new me forever or w/d.........

I think the biggest problem is that this is how I felt when I was put on SSRI!!!! I am so confused if it's w/d or the real state of things.

But I have no other choice but to wait out. Ohwell mentioned acupuncture and I might want to try that ( it's in my medical). I would try whatever to be myself again.

But I am not depressed, which is good.

I know! This is all very hard to take. I am so proud of you though. After aunty replied to my post, I upped my celexa from 20 mg to 30 mg and I am feeling a bit better. It is the constant anxiety, tweaky, shakey feelings, racing heart etc, that just knock you on you'r butt. I struggle with that same worry as you about wether it will be relapse hell or just withdrawls and being able to know the difference. I guess we just have to wait it out and see. It is going to be several months, if not a year for me to be off the SSRI completely. Aunty thought I may even need to go back up to the 40 mg celexa (20mg lex) before I completely stabelize. I hope the 30 mg does the trick. I am not so irritable and grouchy as I was,etc. Still lacking motivation, don't FEEL like doing anything really. Just kind of flat. Don't beat yourself up about yelling in class....Even though it is uncharectaristic of you, EVERYONE has those moments. Sometime's, enough is just enough. I understand you'r worry dear, I have the same thoughts and fears about panic disorder. It is a quality of life issue realy. I am going to do my best to stay off SSRI med's for life but, who know's what to do If relapse occurs?! SOO confusing. If I come up with any answers you will be the first to know. Stay strong Julia, I believe you can do this! Big Hug...Erin

[erinkj]

Sound's like you found you'r culprit! yeah! Now if the anxiety and crawly feelings go away after you switch back to you'r old med, that would be awesome and ease you'r mind about withdrawl reoccurance. Let me know how the switch goes....Hopefully, it will be all uphill from here. God bless....Erin

[lifelesslump]

Well im 18, i currently take 40mg for OCD as well as depression.For OCD you usualy take more than depression with this medication. well i ran out of lexapro a couple of months ago, and could not get a refill until i saw a doctor. so i ran out, and i had to go cold turky with lexapro, do not do this,it is a very powerfull drug. It takes a while to get in your system, as well as getting off it.but I had to because i ran out.A couple weeks later I got my lexapro. what i experienced was many things from withdrawls. Such as extreme anxioty, depression, migraines, time of being very cold, and then very hot, uable to keep a straight thought process, and the worst was extreme dissyness. I got to a point where I could barely stand up, if I stood up to long I would feel light headed and feel like I would pass out. I was basicaly a couch patato for two weeks. Once I got lexapro back in my system the next day I was fine. Now these withrawls where very extreme, this was with 40mg though. 20mg is average. Lexapro has brought me up from suicidal thoughts, and i am doing much better. It is a great drug i would deffinantly recomend it. but the problem is going off it. i would recomend taking a month to ween off it. The first week try around 15mg, the second week 10mg, the third week 5mg, and the fourth week try every other day 5 mg, or if you can chop that thing to around 2.5mg go for it. well i hoped i helped.Just do not go cold turkey.

[ally00]

Hello,
I have read most all the concerns and side effects that Lexapro has done and it's terrible here we think it's going to help us and then it triggers horrible things.
I started lexapro 10 mg last Aug 07 I've been on it for five months. After two weeks of starting lexapro 10 mg I experianced vertigo it last for about 4 days it was so horrible everytime I moved my head the world would spin and I would vomit. I couldn't see the hallway or bathroom. I've been to the ER twice they said I was normal. I had vertigo a few more times after that two other times and that concerns me. I experianced sharp pain in my right arm and thumb numb and tingling sensation it was hard to sleep with the pain. Has anyone felt vertigo with lexapro? I read dizzy could someone explain? I have been very sleepy and my husband has been home during that time to watch my son who's 2 1/2. I slept till 1 pm which is not the norm for me. I'm going to cut down after reading a website on 88 side effects and withdraws no thank you.

Ally

[Tryn]

Originally Posted by mimmie2008

I have been doing better with all of the side effects. The zaps are less frequent and the racing lava in my veins has calmed down. Today is the third day WITHOUT a panic attack and I didn't cry yesterday and so far not today either. I am not depressed today and I am not having panic attacks and oddly enough I am no longer stressed about what I was originally stressed about.

Now, I am just worried about getting all of that blasted drug out of my system and dealing with everything that the pills caused. It will be 3 weeks on Thursday since I took the last of 3 lexapro. I am doing so much better, HOWEVER, yesterday evening while sitting in my recliner I tilted my head over and was consumed with vertigo that lasted a full minute and made me throw up afterwards. It has been doing it none stop if my turn or tilt my head so guess I will have to drag out that neck brace that I used years and years ago. Other than being very weak and jittery and not being able to sleep more than 4 hours at a time, I am feeling much, much better.

I have an appointment on the 15th to see a new doctor that was highly recommended. I am hoping that she will listen to me and not just pat me on my head.

I do have to say that through all of this, you guys have no idea how much having this board has helped me and kept me from doing something terrible. There for awhile I was very lost and only saw one way out of this horrible situation that so many of us are in. I realize now how awful my thoughts were and NOW that I can think clearly, I am so horrified at where it was all leading. I did and do keep a journal and reading back through it now makes me cringe at the thoughts I was having and how far I went to try to carry them out. I know that the problems that I was having is nothing compared to what some of you are going through and I can only pray and send my hopes and hugs and heartfelt best wishes to you. This too shall pass, eventually. Thank you Aunty.

Hello Mimmie...I am so glad to hear things are going better for you. I have been concerned about you. You will start noticing more positive days as the time goes on...hopefully the worst is past you. I was on Lex for five days and have had the same affects you have had and this forum too has helped me tremendiously..especialy it helped me to know I was not insane. Dr's don't know everything as most of us going through this has found out. Keep hanging in there. Take care everyone and God Bless!! Tryn

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by Ohwell

your voodoo comment made me laugh! How funny.

good luck~ ohwell.

Dear Ohwell,

Hey, take your giggles any way you can get them. I wasn't kidding about trying anything out there that will help. I am considering the "The Road Back" method with the suppliments. I'd love to hear from more out there ho have tried this one......
I've had an increase in anxiety just thinking about the tapering process. Like I said, I can deal with any of the physical stuff but have an acute fear of depression.

[Ci Ci]

I bought some fish oil capsules today--do they really work? How long before I start to notice? I am not sure about how much I can safely take in one day. I have also lost a lot of weight. For some reason my body shuts down and I have no appetite. Does anyone know of any sort of appetite stimulant?
I just wish that there was some "magical" cure. I have prayed over this for years and I still feel so alone. I am finding a lot of good advice from this thread and the wonderful people on it.

[Ohwell]

Theres no magic cure. sorry. Take 1 fish oil with a meal to start with. See how you do on it. You can build up to a few a day if you like. Don't take them after 6 pm as they can stimulate some. I take 2 a day. One with breakfast and one with a light lunch. They do help your moods and energy and also anxiety in my opinion. They are great for heart health and brain health as well. (like eatting fish). stick with a good brand of omega 3 fish oil to avoid the fish burps! (carlsons is good).


You may not have an appitite durning withdrawal. I didn't. and many here didn't as well. It will return when you feel better. Don't panic, you will be fine. Your brain is healing from a nasty drug that it has gotten used to and now 'Misses'....you may have dizzyness, loose stools, low appitite, sweating, hot flashes, cold flashes, stomach issues, sinus issues, moodiness, crying fits, anxiety, depression, and maybe even skin issues. I'm sure theres more withdrawals, but I can't remember them! ohwell.

[readyforclarity]

Hello Everyone,

I am struggling to gather my thoughts and not vomit as I type this post. I have been on Lexapro for about two years. I went off it cold turkey about a week and a half ago. It was so bad after a few days being off it that I tried to reintroduce it by taking my usual 20mg at dinnertime. I threw up over and over again. Started screaming because my head hurt so bad. My poor boyfriend didn't know what to do. He called my doctor and she said that me being off Lexapro had nothing to do with what I was currently going through. What a bunch of s---! I was so scared! I've never been through such pain, and I've been through herniated back discs before. Now, I thought that was so painful, but compared to my head, I felt like please... someone just put me out of my misery! So much pain, I could barely formulate words so that I could speak. I could barely breath!

So finally my boyfriend took me to the emergency room. After vomiting in front of everyone in the waiting room. One of the nurses scolded me for not getting permission from my doctor to get off it so that I could be weaned off the stuff. Then they made us continue to wait 3 hours. I finally fell asleep and when I woke up we just went back home.

It's been a week and a half now. I feel nausea and sweaty. Very dizzy and the room spins! I'm always tired and I get horrible nightmares. I feel so bad that I can't work on my projects and take care of my home as usual. It's awful! I hate Lexapro and hope that for anyone out there that is considering it, to please research preventative care first. Like regular exercise, eating healthy, and talk therapy. These negative life-changing side effects of Lexapro are not worth it! I wish I could have just gotten high on Life instead of high on Lexapro to cure my then existing problems of panic attacks. I actually look forward to having a clear mind and having occasional panic attacks rather than the zombie state I'm constantly in right now.

I'm also so glad that I found this support forum. Reading everyone else's testimonials helped me realize that I'm not going crazy after all. My family actually did some research on Lexapro Withdrawal from either this forum or one like it and it was from them that they told me about what others have said about the nasty side effects of quitting Lexapro. So to everyone out there, thank you for your feedback and continue to be free from this horrible pill. I'm sick of it and I'm sick of it making me sick!

Best,

Ready for Clarity

[Tryn]

Originally Posted by Ci Ci

I bought some fish oil capsules today--do they really work? How long before I start to notice? I am not sure about how much I can safely take in one day. I have also lost a lot of weight. For some reason my body shuts down and I have no appetite. Does anyone know of any sort of appetite stimulant?
I just wish that there was some "magical" cure. I have prayed over this for years and I still feel so alone. I am finding a lot of good advice from this thread and the wonderful people on it.

Hello CiCi...I too have felt this throughout the whole ordeal. When I read scriptures it generaly gave me sense of peace and comfort..and when I was dealing with the alone feeling...I found not much comfort in it...as a matter of fact..I doubted god at one point..but I kept telling myself..this too will pass..and continued to read them and pray. As for eating...I have read on here how people had gained weight...I too lost it...I have been off lex for four months now and still dont have much of an appetite...some days I have to make myself eat...but...if u feel u can not eat...try drinking some v8 juice and if u dont like that...try the v8 fusion with fruit and veggies..at least ur body is getting its nutrients...it will pass. You will begin to get ur appetite back...what I was told was not to over stimulate my body at this point and time because of how delicate it is...it still amazes me at how much lexapro has messed up my body. As for the Omega fish oil..I take two capsules daily..one with my breakfast..and one with my dinner...I have found it has helped a lot..and I noticed it seemed to be helping within about a week. I wish you and everyone on here the best of luck..and take it from those of us who has been down the road ur at now...it does get better..it just takes a lot of time and patience. God Bless ...Tryn