[Julia77]

Well I am really intimidated by this post It seems like I developed bad breath while I was on Lexapro( I think it might be connected, not sure though). Even though it seems to dissipate now, I still have it I know it's not my gums or teeth - I take good care of that, I don't smoke and don't eat junk food. It's not too bad and goes away when I eat and chew gum.
Has any of you guys experienced that and do you think there is a link between being on SSRIs and having bad breath? The reason I think so is because we have serotonin receptors in our tummies, and I had severe stomach cramps when weaning off, especially when missing my meals.

[8monthslater]

Originally Posted by Julia77

Well I am really intimidated by this post It seems like I developed bad breath while I was on Lexapro( I think it might be connected, not sure though). Even though it seems to dissipate now, I still have it I know it's not my gums or teeth - I take good care of that, I don't smoke and don't eat junk food. It's not too bad and goes away when I eat and chew gum.
Has any of you guys experienced that and do you think there is a link between being on SSRIs and having bad breath? The reason I think so is because we have serotonin receptors in our tummies, and I had severe stomach cramps when weaning off, especially when missing my meals.

I have this as well. BUT I also have chronic sinusitus. My doc said that it was "significant" and that my right maxillary sinus was completely opacified on the x ray. I took Levaquin for 12 days and it did not clear it. He put me on Augmentin XR for 20 days and Prednisone for 10 days. I started yesterday. Now I was really freaked out about taking the Prednisone, but he really thinks my ear and shortness of breath problems are related and caused by some sort of inflammatory process caused by the sinus infection. I have taken the Prednisone for 2 days and am already feeling better (I was very concerned about side effects but so far so good). I am breathing better than I have since October! I think the Lex actually contributed to the sinus problems which in turn have contributed to the bad breath. My husband says he hasn't noticed it, but I definitely do. Maybe he is just being nice. My doctor said that my sinusitus would not clear up "until it snowed in July" if I didn't take the Prednisone. Wierd thing, I have felt almost normal since I started taking it. No anxiety! Huh?

[ivysphotomom]

Hi All,

I've got some questions I'm hoping maybe some of you can help me with...

Since being on Lexapro, I've become really shaky! I'm getting really annoyed by how shaky my hands are much of the time. Actually, it seems to be my entire body that seems shaky, or twitchy. When I try to write, often my shoulders kind of jerk. I've been resorting to filling out contracts for clients on the computer, because my handwriting is so terrible!!!

Has anyone else had this symptom while on or coming off lexapro?

Here's my dosage history... My GP put me on 20mg last August after the sudden death of my best friend. I took it at bedtime, as directed at first. I felt wired - could only 'half' sleep!!! So after 3 days, I cut down to 15mg. and started taking it in the morning, rather than bedtime. Did that for about a month. Then cut down to 10mg. Did that for about 3 months. Then in December, cut down to 5mg for 3 days, then stopped cold turkey. After about a month of being off lexapro, and feeling like hell, I found these boards.

I decided about 5 weeks ago to go back on 5mg...

For the first week or so, I noticed an improvement. But then eventually, I've begun to feel 'withdrawal' symptoms again! After reading a lot of posts here, I'm wondering if I should up my dosage, to 7.5, to get closer to the 10mg I was on, rather than starting to taper downward?

Also, I've had these sore spots on my body, that feel like bruises, but have no bruises. So I googled fibromyalgia. Bingo. Am certain that's what I've got. Not in a major way, but I read that often it's triggered by extreme stress. And it mentioned this sleep disorder - 'alpha wave interrupted sleep pattern' that is common in people with fibromyalgia. I've been telling people ever since going on Lexapro, that I either feel like I'm half sleeping, and can only get like 5 hrs sleep, or some days, I need to sleep like 12 hours!!! So some of the pieces are starting to come together. The sleep problems may not be Lexapro related, but due to fibromyalgia? Does anyone else out there have this condition as well?

Finally, this is just a really weird question, but what the hell...

For a few years, some mornings I wake up, and the outside part of my hand (pinky and ring finger) are asleep. Doesn't have anything to do with pressure. I could be laying on my back. I've asked my Dr. about it, and she has no clue. It's not carpal tunnel syndrome. It's just really weird.

OK. I started this letter at 5pm Friday! It's not 2:30 Saturday! Had a photo shoot to do, and daughter's elementary school talent show to run to!

Thanks for any feedback,

~Mary

[ivysphotomom]

I just copied this from this link: http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00079.html

Thought the mention of seratonin would be of interest to some of you as well....

Oh, I've also been diagnosed with intermittent IBS...

~Mary




Fibromyalgia
From MayoClinic.com
Special to CNN.com

Introduction

You hurt all over, and you frequently feel exhausted. Even after numerous tests, your doctor can't seem to find anything specifically wrong with you. If this sounds familiar, you may have fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by fatigue, widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, and multiple tender points — places on your body where slight pressure causes pain. Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. Previously, the condition was known by other names such as fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism and tension myalgias.

Although the intensity of your symptoms may vary, they'll probably never disappear completely. It may be reassuring to know, however, that fibromyalgia isn't progressive, crippling or life-threatening. Treatments and self-care steps can improve symptoms and your general health.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary, depending on the weather, stress, physical activity or even the time of day. Common signs and symptoms include:

Widespread pain. Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain in specific areas of your body when pressure is applied, including the back of your head, upper back and neck, upper chest, elbows, hips and knees. The pain generally persists for months at a time and is often accompanied by stiffness.

Fatigue and sleep disturbances. People with fibromyalgia often wake up tired and unrefreshed even though they seem to get plenty of sleep. Some studies suggest that this sleep problem is the result of a sleep disorder called alpha wave interrupted sleep pattern, a condition in which deep sleep is frequently interrupted by bursts of brain activity similar to wakefulness. So people with fibromyalgia miss the deep restorative stage of sleep. Nighttime muscle spasms in your legs and restless legs syndrome also may be associated with fibromyalgia.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating associated with IBS are common in people with fibromyalgia.
Headaches and facial pain. Many people who have fibromyalgia also have headaches and facial pain that may be related to tenderness or stiffness in their neck and shoulders. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which affects the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, is also common in people with fibromyalgia.

Heightened sensitivity. It's common for people with fibromyalgia to report being sensitive to odors, noises, bright lights and touch.

Other common signs and symptoms include:

Depression
Numbness or tingling sensations in the hands and feet (paresthesia)
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes
Chest pain
Irritable bladder
Dry eyes, skin and mouth
Painful menstrual periods
Dizziness
Anxiety

Causes

The specific cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. However, doctors believe a number of factors may contribute. These factors may include:

Chemical changes in the brain. Some people with fibromyalgia appear to have alterations in the regulation of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. This may be particularly true of serotonin — which is linked to depression, migraines and gastrointestinal distress — and substance P, a brain chemical associated with pain, stress and anxiety, as well as depression.

Sleep disturbances. Some researchers theorize that disturbed sleep patterns may be a cause rather than just a symptom of fibromyalgia.
Injury. An injury or trauma, particularly in the upper spinal region, may trigger the development of fibromyalgia in some people. An injury may affect your central nervous system, which may trigger fibromyalgia.
Infection. Some researchers believe that a viral or bacterial infection may trigger fibromyalgia.

Abnormalities of the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system. Your autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Your sympathetic nervous system releases norepinephrine and influences the release of epinephrine from the adrenal gland. The sympathetic nervous system also controls bodily functions that you don't consciously control, such as heart rate, blood vessel contraction, sweating, salivary flow and intestinal movements.

Changes in muscle metabolism. For example, deconditioning and decreased blood flow may contribute to decreased strength and fatigue. Differences in metabolism and abnormalities in the hormonal substance that influences the activity of nerves (neuroendocrine) may play a role.

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by ivysphotomom

Hi All,

I've got some questions I'm hoping maybe some of you can help me with...

Since being on Lexapro, I've become really shaky! I'm getting really annoyed by how shaky my hands are much of the time. Actually, it seems to be my entire body that seems shaky, or twitchy. When I try to write, often my shoulders kind of jerk. I've been resorting to filling out contracts for clients on the computer, because my handwriting is so terrible!!!

Has anyone else had this symptom while on or coming off lexapro?

Here's my dosage history... My GP put me on 20mg last August after the sudden death of my best friend. I took it at bedtime, as directed at first. I felt wired - could only 'half' sleep!!! So after 3 days, I cut down to 15mg. and started taking it in the morning, rather than bedtime. Did that for about a month. Then cut down to 10mg. Did that for about 3 months. Then in December, cut down to 5mg for 3 days, then stopped cold turkey. After about a month of being off lexapro, and feeling like hell, I found these boards.

I decided about 5 weeks ago to go back on 5mg...

For the first week or so, I noticed an improvement. But then eventually, I've begun to feel 'withdrawal' symptoms again! After reading a lot of posts here, I'm wondering if I should up my dosage, to 7.5, to get closer to the 10mg I was on, rather than starting to taper downward?

Also, I've had these sore spots on my body, that feel like bruises, but have no bruises. So I googled fibromyalgia. Bingo. Am certain that's what I've got. Not in a major way, but I read that often it's triggered by extreme stress. And it mentioned this sleep disorder - 'alpha wave interrupted sleep pattern' that is common in people with fibromyalgia. I've been telling people ever since going on Lexapro, that I either feel like I'm half sleeping, and can only get like 5 hrs sleep, or some days, I need to sleep like 12 hours!!! So some of the pieces are starting to come together. The sleep problems may not be Lexapro related, but due to fibromyalgia? Does anyone else out there have this condition as well?

Finally, this is just a really weird question, but what the hell...

For a few years, some mornings I wake up, and the outside part of my hand (pinky and ring finger) are asleep. Doesn't have anything to do with pressure. I could be laying on my back. I've asked my Dr. about it, and she has no clue. It's not carpal tunnel syndrome. It's just really weird.

OK. I started this letter at 5pm Friday! It's not 2:30 Saturday! Had a photo shoot to do, and daughter's elementary school talent show to run to!

Thanks for any feedback,

~Mary

Your life sounds as crazy as mine. Here are some thoughts I had reading your post:
* Have you ever suffered from mono or Epstien-Barr virus? (I should use my spell check before I send these out, sorry) Have your blood levels checked to see if you have any indicators for these that could be responsible for moderate to severe fatigue and sometimes odd nerve feelings. A good friend of mine went through this and had a tough time getting a definative diagnosis.

* I know that CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers almost always have a comorbidity of depression (chicken and egg argument there). Something to consider along with the adrenal stuff (?)

* The numbness in the pinky side of the finger could be coming from your neck (due to some nerve impingment) or from unlar nerve entrapment (similar to carpal tunel, but different nerve) that could be related to some occupational stuff. If you know a good chiropractor (and be sure and find a good one) who does good cervical and extremtity work, you could get some relief from that symptom. Or if you so have the EB virus or mono, it could be a residual from that.

Depending on how patient you are, you could try going back up to the 7.5mg and see if you feel better and then start the process all over again with a slower taper this time around. I'm not the most patient girl in the world, but I do not want to be slowed down by the fatigue and headaches that came calling with the 5 mg dose, so I will stay here for awhile until I'm back track with my energy level. I am using the Power Barley from the 'the road back' program and my fatigue is much better the last couple of days. Still not back to my 'normal/baseline' level of activity, but getting there. I still do all the minimal stuff that needs getting done in a days time with part time work and a very busy family, but no exercise beyond gentle yoga and no burning the candle at both ends, that's for sure. I hate being slowed down!

Find a good Dr. who is willing to take your symptoms seriously. My friend who had the E-B virus is married to an M.D. and got wonderful care from his partners. They were very persistant in getting her diagnosed and it took nearly four months of testing

Good Luck and let me know how it goes,
CoHiker
PS As before.. these are only my opinions

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by ivysphotomom

Hi All,

I've got some questions I'm hoping maybe some of you can help me with...

Since being on Lexapro, I've become really shaky! I'm getting really annoyed by how shaky my hands are much of the time. Actually, it seems to be my entire body that seems shaky, or twitchy. When I try to write, often my shoulders kind of jerk. I've been resorting to filling out contracts for clients on the computer, because my handwriting is so terrible!!!

Has anyone else had this symptom while on or coming off lexapro?

Here's my dosage history... My GP put me on 20mg last August after the sudden death of my best friend. I took it at bedtime, as directed at first. I felt wired - could only 'half' sleep!!! So after 3 days, I cut down to 15mg. and started taking it in the morning, rather than bedtime. Did that for about a month. Then cut down to 10mg. Did that for about 3 months. Then in December, cut down to 5mg for 3 days, then stopped cold turkey. After about a month of being off lexapro, and feeling like hell, I found these boards.

I decided about 5 weeks ago to go back on 5mg...

For the first week or so, I noticed an improvement. But then eventually, I've begun to feel 'withdrawal' symptoms again! After reading a lot of posts here, I'm wondering if I should up my dosage, to 7.5, to get closer to the 10mg I was on, rather than starting to taper downward?

Also, I've had these sore spots on my body, that feel like bruises, but have no bruises. So I googled fibromyalgia. Bingo. Am certain that's what I've got. Not in a major way, but I read that often it's triggered by extreme stress. And it mentioned this sleep disorder - 'alpha wave interrupted sleep pattern' that is common in people with fibromyalgia. I've been telling people ever since going on Lexapro, that I either feel like I'm half sleeping, and can only get like 5 hrs sleep, or some days, I need to sleep like 12 hours!!! So some of the pieces are starting to come together. The sleep problems may not be Lexapro related, but due to fibromyalgia? Does anyone else out there have this condition as well?

Finally, this is just a really weird question, but what the hell...

For a few years, some mornings I wake up, and the outside part of my hand (pinky and ring finger) are asleep. Doesn't have anything to do with pressure. I could be laying on my back. I've asked my Dr. about it, and she has no clue. It's not carpal tunnel syndrome. It's just really weird.

OK. I started this letter at 5pm Friday! It's not 2:30 Saturday! Had a photo shoot to do, and daughter's elementary school talent show to run to!

Thanks for any feedback,

~Mary

Hi Mary,

You will be diagnosing yourself with the craziest conditions ever, until you finally realize, that all you're coping with is withdrawals. For me it was fibromyalgia, major depressive episodes, anxiety, feeling of being overwhelmed and doomed, painful memories of the past, OCD thoughts, sugar intolerance and symptoms of insulin crushes, and many, many more. I still have some of them now, but they're dissipating - it's my second months off after a most careful taper. The doctors are not going to tell you that, but 99.9% of them are withdrawals.

Stop evaluating the situation now. Stop looking into it, knowing that you're not going to get a clear picture of what's going on with you until you're many more months past those drugs. Real healing does not happen unless we're completely off and lots of time has passed.

You might want to tell me that 5 mg is not a reasonable dose to worry about, but here I am, having had extreme difficulties tapering off my 2.5 mg - took me 7 months. And oh my goodness, did I have trembling hands not being able to hold a cup.

By the way, Lexapro even took away my period for 5 or six months and my doctor was about to talk about early menopause ( 29 years old am I!

The good news is that it all dissipates when we taper off slowly and one day have courage to take that last dose and hope for the best. Even then many of us still stay in w/d, until LOTS of time passes.

Lots of healing....

P.S. And here is something else - if I were you, I would wait until you're somewhat 'normal' - ( you're not going to be 100% normal on those drugs, so don't load yourself with unreal expectations!) and start weaning off slowly. It's up to you to decide, but the longer you're on those drugs, the more difficult it takes.
And, it's my suggestion that you DO NOT go to doctors now to avoid being medicated for lots of other symptoms and overload your medical history, like I did. I was clever enough not to add any medications for my 'new' diagnoses, but many people do, and end up being on multiple drugs, because their drugs 'stop working'. In reality what you're trying to heal is the side effect of your current med
In case you decide to taper, the day you're off the drug, you should be able to see that your current condition is produced by your med.

And my hands are still 'dying' sometimes! It's all Lex related.

[8monthslater]

Originally Posted by Julia77

Hi Mary,

You will be diagnosing yourself with the craziest conditions ever, until you finally realize, that all you're coping with is withdrawals. For me it was fibromyalgia, major depressive episodes, anxiety, feeling of being overwhelmed and doomed, painful memories of the past, OCD thoughts, sugar intolerance and symptoms of insulin crushes, and many, many more. I still have some of them now, but they're dissipating - it's my second months off after a most careful taper. The doctors are not going to tell you that, but 99.9% of them are withdrawals.

Stop evaluating the situation now. Stop looking into it, knowing that you're not going to get a clear picture of what's going on with you until you're many more months past those drugs. Real healing does not happen unless we're completely off and lots of time has passed.

You might want to tell me that 5 mg is not a reasonable dose to worry about, but here I am, having had extreme difficulties tapering off my 2.5 mg - took me 7 months. And oh my goodness, did I have trembling hands not being able to hold a cup.

By the way, Lexapro even took away my period for 5 or six months and my doctor was about to talk about early menopause ( 29 years old am I!

The good news is that it all dissipates when we taper off slowly and one day have courage to take that last dose and hope for the best. Even then many of us still stay in w/d, until LOTS of time passes.

Lots of healing....

P.S. And here is something else - if I were you, I would wait until you're somewhat 'normal' - ( you're not going to be 100% normal on those drugs, so don't load yourself with unreal expectations!) and start weaning off slowly. It's up to you to decide, but the longer you're on those drugs, the more difficult it takes.
And, it's my suggestion that you DO NOT go to doctors now to avoid being medicated for lots of other symptoms and overload your medical history, like I did. I was clever enough not to add any medications for my 'new' diagnoses, but many people do, and end up being on multiple drugs, because their drugs 'stop working'. In reality what you're trying to heal is the side effect of your current med
In case you decide to taper, the day you're off the drug, you should be able to see that your current condition is produced by your med.

And my hands are still 'dying' sometimes! It's all Lex related.

You are so good at realizing your situation. I wish I could just convince myself that I am just having w/d from my cold turkey. If I could do that maybe I would stop spending so much time and money seeing every doctor I can to get some answers. Somehow I just can't convince myself that my symptoms are Lex related entirely.

[ezrider]

so, if i was to try some some bachs, or body calm for my panic attacks and anxiety, is it harmful to to take my xanax with these products until they take effect? and which bachs would someone think is the best to use? i have described my symptoms on the prior page.. thanks dean

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by ezrider

so, if i was to try some some bachs, or body calm for my panic attacks and anxiety, is it harmful to to take my xanax with these products until they take effect? and which bachs would someone think is the best to use? i have described my symptoms on the prior page.. thanks dean

Bach's essences are safe and fine to use with the xanax, not sure about the Body Calm but I will check out how it is metabolized. If you need to know right away Google Passionflower and the P 450 cytochrome system. If it is metabolized by the P 450 in the liver by the same pathway as xanax....I would say do not use it.

I would think the Whitechestnut would be a good essence to use during the day and the cherry plum at night. Bacg's take several days to notice a effect but you should see your racing thoughts and anxiety diminish. I am not a doctor so you can check out the flower essences by Googleing Bach's Flower Essences.

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by auntybiotic

Bach's essences are safe and fine to use with the xanax, not sure about the Body Calm but I will check out how it is metabolized. If you need to know right away Google Passionflower and the P 450 cytochrome system. If it is metabolized by the P 450 in the liver by the same pathway as xanax....I would say do not use it.

I would think the Whitechestnut would be a good essence to use during the day and the cherry plum at night. Bacg's take several days to notice a effect but you should see your racing thoughts and anxiety diminish. I am not a doctor so you can check out the flower essences by Googleing Bach's Flower Essences.

If your fears are of unknown causes and are free floating anxiety which can turn into full blown panic attacks and sweating, trembling and sleeplessness, then Aspen would be the better choice in the flower essence,

If your feelings are extreme fear followed by a mental paralysis as a result then Rock Rose will calm the panic attacks that can arise from deep fear This remedy usually works within minutes of being given and will restore a sense of calm.
The flower essences are to be given 4 drops on the tongue at least four times a day.
I am not a doctor so please research. I got this info from The Secrets of Bach Flower remedies by Jeremy Harwood.

[Rosalinde]

Hi everybody. I have a question for the people who have weened completely off the drug the slow and steady way. (10% at a time). I have been doing this and am down to 1.8 mg from my original 10mg. I am really impatient to be done with this. I have had very few wd symptoms and have become more like my energetic self each time I go down another 10%. Wouldn't you think my dose is low enough now that I can speed up the tapering? I gained 35 pounds on this stuff and it doesn't want to budge even with eating right and exercise. I really want to get the weight off but I can't until I'm done the Lexapro. I have been thinking about going down 10% every week instead of every other week, or perhaps going down 20% instead of 10. What about once you get under 1 mg? I am thinking I should go down .9, .8, .7, .6, etc until .1 and then stopping. Can I get some opinions on this from the folks who have successfully tapered off? I would appreciate any advice or experience stories on tapering at the very end. Thanks.

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by auntybiotic

If your fears are of unknown causes and are free floating anxiety which can turn into full blown panic attacks and sweating, trembling and sleeplessness, then Aspen would be the better choice in the flower essence,

If your feelings are extreme fear followed by a mental paralysis as a result then Rock Rose will calm the panic attacks that can arise from deep fear This remedy usually works within minutes of being given and will restore a sense of calm.
The flower essences are to be given 4 drops on the tongue at least four times a day.
I am not a doctor so please research. I got this info from The Secrets of Bach Flower remedies by Jeremy Harwood.

Hi Aunty,

That's wonderful info, thanks, I saved it 'in case'.

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by Rosalinde

Hi everybody. I have a question for the people who have weened completely off the drug the slow and steady way. (10% at a time). I have been doing this and am down to 1.8 mg from my original 10mg. I am really impatient to be done with this. I have had very few wd symptoms and have become more like my energetic self each time I go down another 10%. Wouldn't you think my dose is low enough now that I can speed up the tapering? I gained 35 pounds on this stuff and it doesn't want to budge even with eating right and exercise. I really want to get the weight off but I can't until I'm done the Lexapro. I have been thinking about going down 10% every week instead of every other week, or perhaps going down 20% instead of 10. What about once you get under 1 mg? I am thinking I should go down .9, .8, .7, .6, etc until .1 and then stopping. Can I get some opinions on this from the folks who have successfully tapered off? I would appreciate any advice or experience stories on tapering at the very end. Thanks.

Hello Rosalinde,

Do not speed up the tapering by the end, rather slow it down a little bit. The rule is: the lower you get, the more difficult it becomes to make cuts. So, do not rush it. The slower you taper the better off you are, however, don't overkill it, knowing that small doses produce unpleasant side-effects. Go with your gut feeling once you get below 1 mg. I wouldn't suggest stopping there, but maybe you will be able to stop at .5 instead of .1.

Tapering that slow you're doing yourself a big favor. Do not cut 20% at a time...please. You might not feel it right away, but w/d will catch up on you. And the good news is that the weight does come off once you're fully away from the drugs.

[HappyDad]

Well, for those of you that have seen my previous posts, you know the pure hell I went through getting on and off of Lexapro (I was on Lexapoison for 2.5 years). I've been off for a little over 4 months now and things are really starting to get better. The withdrawal has been miserable and at times (most of the time) I felt like giving up, but I kept reminding myself to measure my improvement in weeks rather than days. I fought through it and forced myself to exercise (Race walk, Jog) 3 times per week and this past week was the best I've in over a year. The "window of relief" keeps growing and I'm actually seeing a bright light at the end of the tunnel. I still experience some anxiety, but it's manageable. The headaches are much less frequent and severe and the flu like symptoms are gone. I still feel a bit of fatigue, but it has greatly diminished as well. I remind myself how much better I feel now than a month ago and it fills me with joy and peace. I started reading a book titled "When Panic Attacks" and it's been a great help as well. Don't let the title mislead you. It deals with anxiety, depression and panic. It's basically a CBT manual, but it's a fun, easy and very helpful read. I'll check back in a couple more weeks.

God bless and remember, if I can get through this then you can too.

Take care!

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by HappyDad

Well, for those of you that have seen my previous posts, you know the pure hell I went through getting on and off of Lexapro (I was on Lexapoison for 2.5 years). I've been off for a little over 4 months now and things are really starting to get better. The withdrawal has been miserable and at times (most of the time) I felt like giving up, but I kept reminding myself to measure my improvement in weeks rather than days. I fought through it and forced myself to exercise (Race walk, Jog) 3 times per week and this past week was the best I've in over a year. The "window of relief" keeps growing and I'm actually seeing a bright light at the end of the tunnel. I still experience some anxiety, but it's manageable. The headaches are much less frequent and severe and the flu like symptoms are gone. I still feel a bit of fatigue, but it has greatly diminished as well. I remind myself how much better I feel now than a month ago and it fills me with joy and peace. I started reading a book titled "When Panic Attacks" and it's been a great help as well. Don't let the title mislead you. It deals with anxiety, depression and panic. It's basically a CBT manual, but it's a fun, easy and very helpful read. I'll check back in a couple more weeks.

God bless and remember, if I can get through this then you can too.

Take care!

Happy Dad,
Thanks so much for sharing your good news! It is so nice to have some hope. These have been my main problems (headaches and fatigue since my taper to 5 mg). I also have been on many years (close to 4). I'm really glad you are having longer stretches of good times.
Could you please share what you thought was most helpful for you? I have an awesome and supportive family, so I 've got that on my side.
Thanks for the title of the book. I will check it out for sure!
Again, it is really super to hear of your good news and it does offer a bright spot- that makes facing continued tapering more tolerable!
God Bless and please keep the positive news coming,
COHiker

[cjk2002]

Hi,
I was prescribed 10 mg of lexapro after a visit to the ER for a panic attack. After being on it for 6 weeks, I do not feel any better or worse. I have not had any attacks except for the one that brought be to the ER.

I called my OB's office and he won't allow me to wean until I seen him which is in 1 1/2 weeks. I don't want to wait that long. Tonight I decided to reduce it from 10mg to 7.5mg. I'm actually seeing my OB's partner whom I don't like and he is the type of person that will insist I stay on it longer. When I was first prescibed it, he told me I should stay on it for at least 4 months. I've alreay gained 6lbs in 6 weeks. I eat everything in site...all day long. I have two month old twins and would like to start losing the baby weight but after reading many of these posts, it seems pointless until I get off this sh*&! I'm also tired all the time and I feel it's because of the lexapro. The twins sleep for 5hrs at night, I get up once around 3 a.m. to feed them for about 1/2 hour and then they sleep for another 4 so I can't blame it on them.

How long should I do this until I reduce it to .5 and then after that, how low do I go? If my Dr. won't allow me to reduce I am going to do this on my own. I'm hoping since I have not been on it for a long time, I will be off of it soon.

I did not want to on this in the first place and I'm very angry that nobody tells you about the withdrawl and is only concered about getting you on the drug.

Thanks!!

[No More Meds]

To HappyDad, thanks for the encouraging news. I hope to be there soon!

I'm on my 4th week and I still have the dizziness, pressure in my head and ears and this uncomfortable feeling in my chest/stomach/throat area. My good spirit days are being more frequent though. I've started taking walks around my house and it encourages me a bit.

[offlex]

Update I have been off lexapro for 7 months and all the weight is gone (all 40 pds). I still have anxiety a lot but I think some of that is because of what I going thru with my family. My mother is 68 yrs old and is in the last stage of Alzheimer’s. My brother in law has cancer and the doctor has given him 2 to 4 months. My 23 yr old son will be going to Kuwait in September for 6 months. So If I can get through all of this without meds I know I will be ok. With Gods strength I will. My daughter told me she was glad to have her mother back, which makes going thru all of this worth it. She is a senior in High School so she keeps me busy. God Bless all of you.

[hope for the best]

Originally Posted by HappyDad

Well, for those of you that have seen my previous posts, you know the pure hell I went through getting on and off of Lexapro (I was on Lexapoison for 2.5 years). I've been off for a little over 4 months now and things are really starting to get better. The withdrawal has been miserable and at times (most of the time) I felt like giving up, but I kept reminding myself to measure my improvement in weeks rather than days. I fought through it and forced myself to exercise (Race walk, Jog) 3 times per week and this past week was the best I've in over a year. The "window of relief" keeps growing and I'm actually seeing a bright light at the end of the tunnel. I still experience some anxiety, but it's manageable. The headaches are much less frequent and severe and the flu like symptoms are gone. I still feel a bit of fatigue, but it has greatly diminished as well. I remind myself how much better I feel now than a month ago and it fills me with joy and peace. I started reading a book titled "When Panic Attacks" and it's been a great help as well. Don't let the title mislead you. It deals with anxiety, depression and panic. It's basically a CBT manual, but it's a fun, easy and very helpful read. I'll check back in a couple more weeks.

God bless and remember, if I can get through this then you can too.

Take care!

HappyDad it's great to hear you are doing so well. I went back and re-read your previous posts and it occurs to me that perhaps your fast taper contributed to your problems. It looks like you did a slowish taper (6-7 weeks) then went back on for several months then just did a 2 week taper to get off 10 mg. I'm glad it's working out for you now.

I try to follow along since I'm still working on the tapering off for my daughter. She's at 5 mg down from 10 mg and has had practically no problems (went to 7.5 for about 2 weeks then to 5 mg.) She's been at 5 mg. for several weeks and they want her to stay there until she's out of school (2 months) then off. She's actually better at 5 than she was at 10, more energy etc.

Anyhow....congrats on your progress I'm happy for you!

[erinkj]

Hello everyone, I am back from Mexico. Got in late last night and now I have to be in classes this morning so, no time to catch up yet. I will read all that has been posted while I was away and give my update this evening (I HOPE). TONS of laundry to do, unpacking and all the other fun stuff that come's with a return to reality . I hope that everyone is well and continue to be strong. The sunshine did me a world of good, I miss it already . Catch everyone later...Have a great day...Erin

[Aeroman]

I've been following all of your posts and it really helps knowing I am not alone. I posted a week ago about my story so please feel free to check it out. Today is day 13 off the Lexapro.

I was on 10mg and weened down to 5mg to nothing. Three or four days after my last pill, I felt "weird". I had trouble concentrating and very irritable. My wife noticed it and I told her please hang in there with me - I conscientiously know this is not me. My psychiatrist did warn me about possible withdrawals and if it got too unbearable, he would give me Prozac to help with the symptoms. I guess Prozac stays in the system a lot longer than Lexapro?

Lately, my breathing has been a bit tough - I have asthma and use Advair as a maintenance drug. I've been dealing with a slight headache and slight nausea, not too bad. I woke up at 4am this morning feeling a bit anxious but I used the exercise Dr. Weekes explains in her book, Help with Nerves or something like that. Anyway, hang in there everyone. Yes, it sucks but sooner or later, this all shall pass. I think about God and it makes a world of a difference!

[No More Meds]

Has anyone tried acupuncture or heard anything about it for the withdrawal symptoms? I would like to know opinions on this. Thanks.

[Unbelievable]

I have been on Lexapro since November 2006 for panic attacks. My LPN (?) at the time actually suggested I increase up to 30 mg whenever I told her I still experienced panic attacks on the drug. At one point, I increased to 20 mg but did not like the way I felt and went down to 15 and then 10. I have been steady at 10 mg for the last 9 months or so. I had absolutely no idea about withdrawal. If I had done the research I should have done and come across boards like these, I never would have started taking the medication. Since November 2006, I have gained 20 lbs. It was gradual and I did not make the connection (I was sick with mono and stopped working out so I figured it was that). Now, I am regularly working out - even with a trainer - and eating healthily, and I cannot lose the weight!! I thought maybe I had a thyroid problem...nope.

This past weekend, I mentioned to my friend, a pharmaceutical rep for a different drug, that I was on Lexapro. Her reaction was, "oh! That's why you gained weight! We call the Lexapro reps the fat pill pushers."

Wow. I cannot believe I didn't realize. And now I could have permanently damaged not only my metabolism but some of my brain functions?!?! I am furious! I am slowly weaning starting tonight, but I am absolutely appalled that I was never told about withdrawal. I feel like I am going to be a drug addict. I have a full time job. How do you work full time while going through withdrawal? I am absolutely in shock and also quite worried about how I will handle my panic attacks in the future, because I know they will come back.

I have read through many of your posts and know so many of you are already dealing with what I am about to go through. I am hoping we can help each other.

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by offlex

Update I have been off lexapro for 7 months and all the weight is gone (all 40 pds). I still have anxiety a lot but I think some of that is because of what I going thru with my family. My mother is 68 yrs old and is in the last stage of Alzheimer’s. My brother in law has cancer and the doctor has given him 2 to 4 months. My 23 yr old son will be going to Kuwait in September for 6 months. So If I can get through all of this without meds I know I will be ok. With Gods strength I will. My daughter told me she was glad to have her mother back, which makes going thru all of this worth it. She is a senior in High School so she keeps me busy. God Bless all of you.

Hi Offlex,
How did you manage the weight loss? Did you do any specific dieting or did the weight just drop off? I'd love to know...
Sorry about your family (68 is very young!) I hope your mother and brother-in-law find their peace and that your son stays safe.
I wish you all the best,
COHiker

[offlex]

Originally Posted by COHiker

Hi Offlex,
How did you manage the weight loss? Did you do any specific dieting or did the weight just drop off? I'd love to know...
Sorry about your family (68 is very young!) I hope your mother and brother-in-law find their peace and that your son stays safe.
I wish you all the best,
COHiker

I drink lots of water and the weight just drop off. I have a hard time with my muscles if I did anything they hard (burn and muscles spams) so I have not been able to work out. Hang in their it will happen. God love you and will get you through this.

[SL500]

Hi All,

I post randomly on this site but haven't for a while since I put my Lex taper on hold until I taper off my benzo (clonzapan). Well, I am doing a turtle taper for my benzo and am now halfway through (now .125 clonzapan - if anyone is familiar with that). About two weeks ago I decided to also lower my lex (I am in my third week of the cut). From 10 to 8.75 (I dry cut the 5mg pills). Anyways, I know I am having withdrawl effects from the clonzapan, but was feeling really well last week (after I also cut the lexapro). This week so far has been hell for me (and I also decided to put a hold on my clonzapan taper). It is not the physical symptoms, its more mental - anxiety, racing thoughts, feeling of being "not really here" (I think thats called derealization or something), scared for no reason. So my question is, after two weeks of a lex cut, has anyone had to deal with mental anguish? And if so, how long has it lasted for?

Thanks,
SL

[orchidlover]

This site has really helped me deal with my Lexapro withdrawals-at first I thought I was going mental.

I was prescribed 10mg of Lexapro back in March of 2007 because I needed something to help me get through my college graduation and wedding. I have always suffered from severe panic attacks and have tried everything under the sun to manage them. Nothing seemed to work until Lexapro came knocking at my door. Lexapro really was a wonderful drug for me. I had maybe three panic attacks while on it for the past year, however, I have decided to get off of it because I can typically deal with my attacks when big life events aren't in the picture. Plus, I did gain about 40lbs in the past year....not fun. I called my doctor to see how I should taper off the drug. The doctor was on vacation and her nurse told me to just stop taking them-they don't have side effects. Well, I consulted the internet and the pharmacist at Walgreen's instead and decided tapering would be a better option for me. I went from 10 mg to 5mg for two weeks and then quit. Last Friday was my first day completely off the meds. I felt fine until Monday. Monday was a terrible day. I was so dizzy, nauseous, and kept feeling what I like to refer to as zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzaps. It was TERRIBLE. The zaps were in my mouth. I literally felt like I was getting a low voltage shock. Today is Wednesday and all side effects have subsided except the zaps. It doesn't seem like many people experience these, or maybe they confuse them with dizziness. I also felt like I was going to burst out into tears for no reason yesterday. It's just been a very awkward feeling especially since I've never been a depressed person-just high strung.

Can anyone tell me honestly how long the side effects last? Some people say months, some people say weeks. I'm looking for someone who has a similar situation to me. I'm hoping this ends in about another week....I can deal with the electric zaps but having the dizziness, nauseousness and zaps together is a killer combo. It makes me feel helpless.

Please respond with any advice. Thanks!

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by orchidlover

This site has really helped me deal with my Lexapro withdrawals-at first I thought I was going mental.

I was prescribed 10mg of Lexapro back in March of 2007 because I needed something to help me get through my college graduation and wedding. I have always suffered from severe panic attacks and have tried everything under the sun to manage them. Nothing seemed to work until Lexapro came knocking at my door. Lexapro really was a wonderful drug for me. I had maybe three panic attacks while on it for the past year, however, I have decided to get off of it because I can typically deal with my attacks when big life events aren't in the picture. Plus, I did gain about 40lbs in the past year....not fun. I called my doctor to see how I should taper off the drug. The doctor was on vacation and her nurse told me to just stop taking them-they don't have side effects. Well, I consulted the internet and the pharmacist at Walgreen's instead and decided tapering would be a better option for me. I went from 10 mg to 5mg for two weeks and then quit. Last Friday was my first day completely off the meds. I felt fine until Monday. Monday was a terrible day. I was so dizzy, nauseous, and kept feeling what I like to refer to as zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzaps. It was TERRIBLE. The zaps were in my mouth. I literally felt like I was getting a low voltage shock. Today is Wednesday and all side effects have subsided except the zaps. It doesn't seem like many people experience these, or maybe they confuse them with dizziness. I also felt like I was going to burst out into tears for no reason yesterday. It's just been a very awkward feeling especially since I've never been a depressed person-just high strung.

Can anyone tell me honestly how long the side effects last? Some people say months, some people say weeks. I'm looking for someone who has a similar situation to me. I'm hoping this ends in about another week....I can deal with the electric zaps but having the dizziness, nauseousness and zaps together is a killer combo. It makes me feel helpless.

Please respond with any advice. Thanks!

Hi and welcome....
Look back through this site and you will get alot of good advise about tapering. You will probably learn that you may be better off reinstating to maybe 7.5 mg (or wherever you do not have symptoms) and then try to taper off slowly. I went from 10mg to 7.5 without any problems and then down to 5mg. At 5mg I had a few tough weeks of fatigue, headaches and about three days of fairly minor zapping (man, that one was annoying as hell ). I've got the liguid lexapro on order so that I can be fairly precise with the dosage at the smaller numbers.

Exercise is ABSOLUTELY key during this time, even if you have to fight your desires to crawl in bed. Even if it is just walking for at least 20-30 mins a day. If you need some suppliments and can afford to spend a few dollars, look into the theroadback.org. I've been taking the barley and fish oil and have had really good results.

There is a book that Happy Dad recommended called "when panic attacks", apparently it has some cognative behavioral therapy techniques for anxiety, panic, and depression. You can also check out the Linden Method (google this one)- this one also helps those who suffer with panic.

Most of all, be patient eith this process and good luck. I think reading through these past threads and taking some notes will be very helpful. Don't let it scare you or get you down. You will get through this and be stronger for it all because you will learn how to manage your panic attacks and maybe even eliminate them for good!!
Let us know how it goes....
COHiker

[Catfish42]

She was on Lexapro for about 5 months. We noticed that she became very "unfealing" and lost her sex drive completely. I started reading on the board and convinced her to wean off the medication. We went as gradually, but not quite as gradually as was suggested. It has been about a year since she completed her weaning and I believe she is pretty much back to normal. It did take some time. She had no physical symptoms that I know of. I just wanted to share our experience since, I believe, most people who go off Lex probably just go on their merry way and have no nead to go back on this forum. I am very thankful for the advice given on this forum. Who knows what might have happened if she had gone cold turkey.

[orchidlover]

Thanks for the advice. Today was better than yesterday....I can feel the weight coming off too. I'm just glad I found this website....Thanks!!!