[erinkj]

Originally Posted by 8monthslater

Thanks for the encouragement and reminders that I need to take care of myself. All of my problems started when I lost a baby in my second trimester. I had years of struggles trying to conceive (it took 2 years and 2 miscarriages before I had my son and 2 years and 2 more miscarriages before I had my daughter). I have been trying to get pregnant, pregnant or nursing during that whole time. Now that I am no longer trying to have another baby and no longer nursing maybe my hormones can get back to normal. I really think that all of that is what triggered my panic and anxiety.

My question is this: Do you think I am slowing down the healing process if I take a .25 mg xanax when I need it? I never do it everyday (although I have done it 4 x in the last week). I just don't want to mess up my brain any more than it already is. What about xanax and serotonin? Does it affect serotonin? From what I understand it affects GABA, but I am not completely sure about this. I just want my brain to heal, but sometimes I just really need some help. Thanks.

Yes xanax affects GABA (the feel good/ reward center in your brain). Xanax boosts GABA which brings about the calming effect. You are NOT abusing your xanax! I understand your worry and reluctance to take it but, you are not even taking as much as you are prescribed to take which is great. You are not taking it for fun and you are on a very low dose. So, as long as you take it only as needed (which is what you are doing) then, you need not worry or feel guilty about it. Of course you can try some of the natural remedies like those aunty listed if you would prefer not to take xanax but, that is up to you. If you do try any of those, please let me know if they help as I am rather curious about their effectivness. Peace...Erin

[erinkj]

Hello, how are you doing? does the panic continue to get better? and how are your moods? Also, do you take the inosotol? and have you tried any of the anti-anxiety remedies like the bach fower? I would love any feedback on these as I am quite strapped for cash after my vacation and I really cannot afford to spend the money right now just to try something to see if it helps. Any advice?...Peace....Erin

[Darth41]

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.

All I can say is that everyone will react differently during the weaning off. I have been weaning of 10mg of Lexapro since Sat. 3/8. I reduced it 50% to 5mg and will reduce it another 50% to 2.5mg this Saturday for two weeks. After that I'll do 1.25mg for two weeks, then totally quit. So far I've noticed pins and needles sensations in my right leg around my knee that comes and goes, but that's the only symptom so far. I've been on Lexapro for 4 months. I've decided to wean myself off because of the weight gain. After about 2 1/2 months on it full strength, I gained 10 lbs. and constantly craved junk food. However, I am an avid exerciser, so thank goodness for that or else I would easily be 20-25 lbs heavier.

It sounds to me like you are tapering off slow and steady. Follow what you think is best. I understand what you are going through...I too want to get off this stuff and get back to a normal weight. I'm seeing a psychologist and practicing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques which is working great. I haven't had any panic/anxiety attacks since and I feel great. It's just the weight gain that I hate, and it's mainly fat. My BMI shot up from 18% to 25%in less than 2 months!!

Good luck to you.

[Unbelievable]

My fiance told me something last night and I have no memory of it whatsoever. Which is troubling.

Also, I flew off the handle today at something minor.

Symptoms of W/D are something else? Anyone else experience angry outbursts?

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by Lori Jo

Hi, everyone! Wow...so nice to find such an active board on Lexapro withdraw! I have been on Lex for 2 1/2 years, with GREAT success, except I can't handle the weight gain and sexual side effects anymore so I want to taper off. My daughter tapered off this past year very successfully and is doing absolutely great. I tried to taper last year and did it too fast and it did not work so I am going to do it much more slowly this time, over at least 4 months, if not more. I am only on 10 mg. I am afraid to do this without some sort of natural supplement to take after I am off the Lex, so I ordered Amoryn to help me. I wanted to use the Amoryn while tapering but read this is dangerous. Has anyone else tried a natural supplement after tapering off the Lex? I went on the Lex only because I had terrible insomnia, would be awake every night worrying about stupid things, obsessing, my mind not turning off. No sleep and total exhaustion made me anxious and depressed and moody during the day. I thought the doc would give me a sleep aid but he put me right on the Lex. I can't say it doesn't work, it does, but the side effects are no longer acceptable to me.

Also, are there any safe natural supplements I can take to help with the tapering/withdraw effects?

WOW! Your story sounds similar to me, but I've been on for almost four years. I tried the fast taper also and am now doing a second go round with it...
The Lex worked well for me, but I became somewhat robotic (appathetic) and I really should have been put on a short term benzo drug instead.
Yea, the weight gain and sexual side effects stink. I recently found out that although the number 10 (as in mg) sounds small, this is not true for this drug. Some MD's have the attitude of "it's ONLY 10mg, thats a small dose, just go ahead and go off" (this was an actuall quote from one doc I saw--- not twice, though)
For the insomnia and anxiety, you might want to check out 'body calm'; it is a passion flower suppliment. I did not have alot of faith in suppliments making a "real" difference (other than just being good for your overall health), but I am using Barley and omega 3 for fatigue and it really has helped.
If you go back through past postings on this sit, take some notes and go out there and research.
I would definitely do your OWN research and try some things and see what works for you.
If the anxiety is a real problem, a short term (and occasional) use of a xanax type drug may help you over the bumps.
Happy Dad recommended the book "When Panic Attacks" about cognative behavioral therapy techniques. You can also Google "The Linden method" and see what it can offer to help the panic stuff.
Most importantly, be patient, go slow, and try a variety of suppliments to see what works for you.
Good luck and keep us posted!
COHiker

[link20]

Originally Posted by erinkj

I feel for you dear. Deppression can be very tricky to treat especially when suicidal ideation is present but, you do have options, several infact. I admit freely that most of us will not advocate the use of anti-deppressant med's or other psych drug's as many of us are trying to get off of them or recover from their use. However, I cannot totally vilify these med's as they can benefit those who TRULEY need them. I am not a doctor and am not fully aware of your history, etc but, I can say with some knowledge that Lexapro is NOT the best med choice to treat deppression! From what you said about your paxil experience and what you are experiencing with lexapro I think that SSRI's may not be the best med's for you and they could actually be making your problems worse. I know that fatigue is a very common symptom of deppression but, it is also a VERY common side effect of ALL the ssri med's. Do you have anxiety or panic attacks with your deppression? If you do not have those problems and you are not overly sensative to stimulants like caffeine then, you may be a good candidate for an SNRI med. Honestly, I hate to tell anyone to use these med's and I am not telling you to do so but, if you are going to treat your deppression with medications then you deserve to be informed and actively participate in your treatment. SNRI medications have a higher succes rate in the treatment of deppression because they work through the serotonin and norepinephrine pathways in the brain. stimulating the norepinephrine reuptake has a bit more of an up or energizing type effect which seems effective in helping to lift deppression but can be overstimulating and problematic to those of us with panic problems. Cymbalta is one of several SNRI medications that is commonly used for deppression and you may want to re-search it and others in the SNRI family. I think that lexapro has much potential to make the deppression worse! We are all different and thus react differently to medications so, please do you'r re-search and discuss ALL of the options with you'r doctor. I also recomend that you talk with a pharmacist about the medication options and get their opinion as well. If you are not happy with your psychiatrist you should look for a new one. If that is not an option for you then you should talk to a counselor at your school as they may be able to reffer you to a deppression support group geared toward other's your age who can relate to what you are going through. There are also many natural supplements available that are helpful in treating deppression and this is another avenue of treatment that you may well benefit from exploring. At the very least you need to be taking a fish oil supplement EVERYDAY. Scientific re-search has PROVEN it's effectiveness with deppression. I think the recomended dose for deppression is 2 gel caps 3 time's a day but, check that as I may be wrong. Also, continue to post here as you will recieve all the encouragement and help we can give. Please, keep us updated and let us know what you decide and how you are doing. All my best wishes to you...Erin

thanks for the support. my friend had suggested cymbalta so i'll talk to my dr about it. one of my problems ( i think) is that my mom doesn't believe me about the withdrawl symptoms or that 5mg is a big difference with this medication. i am thinking about asking my friend about his therapist. my friend says that he likes him.
i dont get panic attacks too often.i do sometimes but only when something very stressful shows up. for example, at the moment i am in danger of failing out of at least two classes in my last semester of high school because i can't pull myself together and actually do my work. i have always had prooblems with doig my work but now it's a whole lot worse. i have a termpaper rough draft that is late. that i have barely started. the final is due friday. but for some reason when i tried to get some of it done during one of my free periods today, before i could even type 3 words, i exted word and went into the cafeteria and took a nap. this is a real problem for me because it's driving my mom crazy and whenever she tries to get me to work on it we both just get mad and all i can think is "she wonders why i want to kill myself." i know that i shouldn't be thinking that and right after i take the medicine i dont have any suicidal thoughts for about an hour. it just feels wrong for some reason though. i know this isn't good but i only feel like myself when i want to kill myself.

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by link20

thanks for the support. my friend had suggested cymbalta so i'll talk to my dr about it. one of my problems ( i think) is that my mom doesn't believe me about the withdrawl symptoms or that 5mg is a big difference with this medication. i am thinking about asking my friend about his therapist. my friend says that he likes him.
i dont get panic attacks too often.i do sometimes but only when something very stressful shows up. for example, at the moment i am in danger of failing out of at least two classes in my last semester of high school because i can't pull myself together and actually do my work. i have always had prooblems with doig my work but now it's a whole lot worse. i have a termpaper rough draft that is late. that i have barely started. the final is due friday. but for some reason when i tried to get some of it done during one of my free periods today, before i could even type 3 words, i exted word and went into the cafeteria and took a nap. this is a real problem for me because it's driving my mom crazy and whenever she tries to get me to work on it we both just get mad and all i can think is "she wonders why i want to kill myself." i know that i shouldn't be thinking that and right after i take the medicine i dont have any suicidal thoughts for about an hour. it just feels wrong for some reason though. i know this isn't good but i only feel like myself when i want to kill myself.

Please talk to someone about the sucidal thoughts. Ask you Mom or go to a Vitamin Shoppe and order Bach's Cherry Plum Flower Essence ( the cost is about $9.00)..it is great for those wanting to harm themselves and that have suicidal thoughts. It is four drops under your tongue at least four times a day. You will notice the thoughts will go away after you take the Cherry Plum Flower Essence.

Lexapro can cause suicidal thoughts especially at higher doses, are you at 15 Mg still? Please ask your mom to get you the Carson's Onega 3 Fish Oil for your depression. If you give me a way of reaching you I will have my daughter who is your age and is going hru the same fatigue and not wanting to do homework thing........I will have her contact you offline and you and she can help one another.

Remeron is the only other antidepressant that I would let a loved one use.............it is not hard to get off of and works great for many with depression. It comes in 15, 30 or 45 Mg. I know others have decreased their lexapro dos e and added a small dose of remeronI to wean off of the lexapro. You have only been on lexapro a very short time but if it has increased your sucidal thoughts to twice a hour it is not the right antidepressant for you . I am not a doctor SO PLEASE LET YOUR DOCTOR KNOW about the increase in your sucidal thoughts ASAP!!!!

First of all do not worry yourself about the lexapro, you have only been on it for six weeks..................the first thing is to talk to your doctor about your sucidal thoughts. GET THE CHERRY PLUM FLOWER ESSENCE ASAP to help you thru this crisis!!!
Talk to people your age that understand, my daughter would be excellent because she could help you as she has been thru hell with lexapro (she was put on 20 Mg for TMJ ( clenching her jaw) I started this thread to understand lexapro and to help her get thru the withdrawals.

If you can figure out a way she can contact you. Create a new email that you would not mind posting, let me know your IM or My Space name, anyway...........I will have her talk to you.

Do NOT give up............you will get thru this!!! You have a Full and Great Life................this is just a pebble on your path thru life.........................please talk to someone about your feelings. I will listen, my daughter will understand as she is your age and is still withdrawling from lexapro. Talk to your doctor. You can get a 504 at school and for college that will help you have more time to finish tasks and assignments.

Have your mom read this forum so she understands. People love you and want to help you.
You can ask the forum director to send a email to me privately ( It is OK with me) or give me a way to reach you.
DO NOT HURT YOURSELF...................and do not worry about the lexapro. Sucidal thoughts are a side effect of SSRI use for many. Let your doctor know ASAP and try the Cherry Plum Flower Essence to help get a handle on the sucidal thoughts. Please write here daily for support and let us know how you are.. I will check here everyday to see how you are doing. Withdrawaling by more then 3 to 5% of your lexapro dose can cause severe fatigue and depression. I am NOT a doctor but please talk to a doctor or someone that you trust about your feelings.
aunty

[link20]

thank you very much for your concern. the odd thing is i dont; think i am in danger of hurting myself i've thought about it but it dont think i would actually do it. it's kind of confusing. but you don't need to worry about me.
yes i am still at 15mg. what's a 504? i'm not sure i can get it at private school. i set up a g-mail account if you really want to contact me. hisohiso.no.mi@gmail.com

[Lori Jo]

Originally Posted by COHiker

WOW! Your story sounds similar to me, but I've been on for almost four years. I tried the fast taper also and am now doing a second go round with it...
The Lex worked well for me, but I became somewhat robotic (appathetic) and I really should have been put on a short term benzo drug instead.
Yea, the weight gain and sexual side effects stink. I recently found out that although the number 10 (as in mg) sounds small, this is not true for this drug. Some MD's have the attitude of "it's ONLY 10mg, thats a small dose, just go ahead and go off" (this was an actuall quote from one doc I saw--- not twice, though)
For the insomnia and anxiety, you might want to check out 'body calm'; it is a passion flower suppliment. I did not have alot of faith in suppliments making a "real" difference (other than just being good for your overall health), but I am using Barley and omega 3 for fatigue and it really has helped.
If you go back through past postings on this sit, take some notes and go out there and research.
I would definitely do your OWN research and try some things and see what works for you.
If the anxiety is a real problem, a short term (and occasional) use of a xanax type drug may help you over the bumps.
Happy Dad recommended the book "When Panic Attacks" about cognative behavioral therapy techniques. You can also Google "The Linden method" and see what it can offer to help the panic stuff.
Most importantly, be patient, go slow, and try a variety of suppliments to see what works for you.
Good luck and keep us posted!
COHiker

Thank you for the reply!! I did start Omega-3 the day I started to taper (this Monday) but I want to add the Barley. Thanks for the sleep help suggestion! So far, so good and I seem to have a ton of energy. I am hoping that the slow tapering gets me off. I wish the doctor would have just given me something to help me turn off my brain at bedtime before putting me on the Lex.

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by erinkj

Hello, how are you doing? does the panic continue to get better? and how are your moods? Also, do you take the inosotol? and have you tried any of the anti-anxiety remedies like the bach fower? I would love any feedback on these as I am quite strapped for cash after my vacation and I really cannot afford to spend the money right now just to try something to see if it helps. Any advice?...Peace....Erin

Erin, welcome back! I am much better than I was in the beginning. I almost have no low moods and no panics whatsoever.
Check Aunty's post on the previous page on Bach's remedies. You might find info there. I tried only one of them and it did work (don't remember the name..) Well, I am much, much better, so much better than when I was on Lex. I would've never made it without this board!! It's been 7 weeks now. I just convince you to start to come off them slowly and gradually and have your life back. And I promise you will. But while you;re still on them I would suggest working on your life's attitude and change some of your life habits if you have some trends to put yourself under too much stress ( all of us do - those who ever had panics). Learn to love yourself and take good care of yourself, learn to meditate and pray and get that attitude that only things that are meant to happen will happen. This all is helping me a great deal.

Well, I am not 100% back I guess, but I still need more time I think. The only thing that's bothering me is that I am way too irritable. ( Well, the cup in the sink is not washed - disaster, LOL). I wonder if this is ever gonna vanish... hopefully it;s a w/d and not OCD. Also, my immune system is down a bit - I had a virus and now a sore throat and sinus. And I refuse to take anything but only things from Health Store, LOL.
I still take my Fish Oil and Magnesium. How are you feeling?

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by Julia77

Erin, welcome back! I am much better than I was in the beginning. I almost have no low moods and no panics whatsoever.
Check Aunty's post on the previous page on Bach's remedies. You might find info there. I tried only one of them and it did work (don't remember the name..) Well, I am much, much better, so much better than when I was on Lex. I would've never made it without this board!! It's been 7 weeks now. I just convince you to start to come off them slowly and gradually and have your life back. And I promise you will. But while you;re still on them I would suggest working on your life's attitude and change some of your life habits if you have some trends to put yourself under too much stress ( all of us do - those who ever had panics). Learn to love yourself and take good care of yourself, learn to meditate and pray and get that attitude that only things that are meant to happen will happen. This all is helping me a great deal.

Well, I am not 100% back I guess, but I still need more time I think. The only thing that's bothering me is that I am way too irritable. ( Well, the cup in the sink is not washed - disaster, LOL). I wonder if this is ever gonna vanish... hopefully it;s a w/d and not OCD. Also, my immune system is down a bit - I had a virus and now a sore throat and sinus. And I refuse to take anything but only things from Health Store, LOL.
I still take my Fish Oil and Magnesium. How are you feeling?

The irritalibity is due to the fact that the body is not making normal amounts of natural serotonin yet. Remember that lexapro caused serotonin receptors to die off due to not being needed because of the reuptake of the serotonin so before they regenerate, which may take a year.............you will experience moodiness and irritability.
I would suggest the bach essence impatiens to get you thru the next few months.( You will have to order this from the Vitamin Shoppe or you can buy online from a Bach Essence distributor for about $9.00.

I also think AIRBORN which is available at the drug store is a great immune booster when you feel that you are coming down with a virul, cold or flu.
More on Bach Esences for those that want to learn about them.
There is virtually no physical, chemical plant material in the essences, so there is almost no risk of allergies or adverse effects. Brandy is used in the essences as a preservative, but as a dose is only four drops, and these can be administered in warm water, the alcohol can be evaporated before the remedy is taken. For someone sensitive to brandy, the essences can be prepared in another preservative like glycerine or vinegar.
These remedies have the advantage of being completely safe. They contain little if any organic material to cause physical ill-effects. All of the energies involved are positive, and if an inappropriate remedy is chosen, the effect wears off quickly. Therefore, self prescription can do no harm, as long as serious conditions that need medical attention are not ignored. One can learn about the effects of the essences by trying them out without taking any risk. I suppose that an overdose of lovingness might induce one to do something s/he might regret later...so I advise strongly against taking more than the suggested dose of four drops at a time.

Unlike homeopathic remedies, flower essences are not effected by aromatics such as coffee or mint; they can be taken with food or any other substance and be effective. Their benefits for the emotions are not based on any sort of physical effect on the nervous system so they are non-addictive.

However, flower essences work on the emotions and spirit, and their effects can take some time to manifest on a physcial level. If one is open to change, their effect can be dramatic indeed, but if one resists the nudge they give the emotions, they may have little visible effect in the short run.
I edited this to add that I am not a DOCTOR so please research any advice read on the internet.

[auntybiotic]

I forgot to add to my last post that I am not a doctor so please research before following any advice on the internet.'
Bach Flower Essences:
EMOTIONAL GROUP

If you are feeling.....
FLOWER REMEDIES

Try one of the following ........

If You are Generally despondent or in despair..................TRY one of these
Larch, Oak, Crab Apple, Star of Bethlehem, Willow, Elm, Pine, Sweet Chestnut, Mustard

If You feel A lack of interest in the world around you ......................TRY one of these:
Olive, White Chestnut, Wild Rose, Honeysuckle, Chestnut Bud, Clematis

If yo are Fearful ..............TRY one of these:
Mimulus, Red Chestnut, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose, Aspen

If you feel Uncertainty ..............................Try one of these:
Hornbeam, Gorse, Gentian, Scleranthus, Wild Oat, Cerato

If you are feeling Over-sensitive to others .......Try one of these:
Holly, Centaury, Agrimony, Walnut

If you are feeling a Over-concern for others .......................Try one of these
Vine, Vervain, Beech, Chicory, Rock Water

If you are feeling Lonely ........try one of these:
Heather, Impatiens, Water Violet




Bach Flower Remedy



If you.....

Then Try:

Agrimony
Put on a cheerful face to hide problems; if you have mental worry or torture; attempt to forget mental torture through drugs and alcohol

Aspen
Have unexplained fears and worries; have vague fears of unknown origin (often irrational); are nervous and anxious

Beech
Are critical and intolerant of others; desire to change others; have a judgmental attitude

Centaury Have difficulty in saying no and are anxious to please; have weakness of will; are easily influenced and exploited - 'the doormat'

Cerato
Doubt your own ability to judge situations; distrust self; constantly seek advice

Cherry Plum
Fear losing control of your behavior, of the mind giving way; have thoughts of suicide

Chestnut Bud
Fail to learn from experience, repeating the same mistakes; are impatient to move ahead

Chicory
Are overly possessive and expect others to conform to your values; are full of indulgent self-love; are full of self-pity

Clematis
Daydream and generally have a lack of interest in the present; are inattentive; are unconscious; have an out-of-the-body feeling

Crab Apple
Have a poor self-image and are ashamed or embarrassed by unpleasant physical symptoms, characteristics or features; feel mentally or emotionally unclean or unacceptable; feel self- condemnation; are congested; are over-fixated on trivia - 'the great cleanser'

Elm
Are overwhelmed or burdened by responsibility; have temporary feelings of inadequacy - "I can't let them down"

Gentian
Are easily discouraged, hesitant and despondent; lack faith; are full of doubt and pessimism; are depressed from a known cause; are weak following an illness

Gorse
Feel hopelessness and despair and are pessimistic; are depressed from illness of a long-term duration - "I give up"

Heather
Feel self-absorbed; dislike being alone, and talk incessantly about self - "What about me"

Holly
Have feelings of extreme jealousy, envy and suspicion; have feelings of revenge

Honeysuckle
Absorbed in memories of the past; feel homesick or nostalgic

Hornbeam
Get the 'Monday morning' feeling, doubting your ability to face the day's work; lack strength - "I don't think I can cope"

Impatiens
Are impatient and easily irritated; have extreme mental tension; are unable to co-operate

Larch
Lack self-confidence and feel inferior; will not try because you expect to fail

Mimulus
Have a fear rooted in known causes, e.g. spiders, flying, death, etc.; are shy and timid

Mustard
Experience unexplained deep gloom and/or melancholy

Oak
Are driven by a strong sense of duty and struggle on even though exhausted; suffer the effects of the limitations of illness; despair but never give up

Olive
Feel exhausted in body and mind

Pine
Feel full of guilt and blame yourself for other people's mistakes; have feelings of self-doubt and reproach

Red Chestnut
Are over-anxious or over- concerned for others

Rescue Remedy
Are in a demanding or stressful situation

Rock Rose
Experience terror; are frozen in fear and feel helpless

Rock Water
Are inflexible, setting yourself very high standards; desire to be an example to others; are in self-denial; are repressed; are a martyr

Scleranthus
Suffer from indecision; are hesitant; feel an imbalance

Star of Bethlehem
Have experienced shock, grief or a fright

Sweet Chestnut
Are at the limits of endurance and in deep despair; have extreme mental anguish; have reached the limits of endurance (not suicidal)

Vervain
Are over-enthusiastic, argumentative with fixed principles and ideas; desire to persuade others; are incensed by injustices

Vine
Are strong-willed with a tendency to be domineering or inflexible; are too ruthless

Walnut
Fear major life changes and are in need of protection from the influences of others; the 'Link Breaker'

Water Violet
Prefer to be alone or are proud and aloof; feel others do not understand you

White Chestnut
Have unwanted thoughts, preoccupations and worries; have mental arguments - "I can't get it out of my mind"

Wild Oat
Are uncertain of the correct path in life, dissatisfied with your current lifestyle and cannot decide which path to follow

Wild Rose
Make little effort to improve situations; are resigned to whatever happens; are apathetic; do not care about anything

Willow
Are bitter, resentful and have feelings of self-pity - 'poor me'; blame others for your mistakes; are unable to forgive

Again I a m NOT a doctor

Floral essences are available from a number of sources. Some lines, however, may include plants excluded by Dr. Bach, or offer other herbal therapies prepared using the Bach method.

[ivysphotomom]

Hello there,

Nice to 'meet' you finally! I'm somewhat new here. Founds these boards in Dec. when I tried to quite lexapro, and feel into an abyss...of sorts!

That was great you posted all that info about Bach Flower Remedies. We've been using homeopathic medicines in our family for 16 years now. I've got 4 children, 16, 12, 8 and 4. They've done wonders. However, if a kid needs stitches, of course we take them to the ER! (Along with some arnica, and maybe aconite ;-)

I'm wondering if maybe you could give me some advice. Since I can't seem to find a competent psychiatrist in my insurance network, who is willing to only do med management. (I'm seeing a really good psychologist who is using EMDR with me, who I don't want to stop seeing.)

About a year and a half ago, I started getting anxiety before photographing weddings. I've done it for 4 years, so it was unexpected. My GP gave me some Buspar and Xanax. I only used the xanax occasionally. Started seeing a holistic therapist, exercising, breathing, etc. Was slowly getting better.

Then, my best friend of my entire adult life died unexpectedly on Aug. 1. I had an emotional break down. My GP puts me on 20mg (yeah, 20) of lexapro. I did that for 3 days. Was wired. Cut down to 15mg for a month. Didn't like how it was messing with my sleep, etc. Cut down to 10mg, which I did for about 3 months. Then cut down to 5mg, which I did for 3 days, then quit. I've learned here, I basically went 'cold turkey' So around the end of Dec., I started back on 5mg. I'm feeling w/d symptoms the last month or two. Is it because I need to be on a dose closer to the 10mg I was on for the longest? I certainly want to eventually get off this drug.

I'm finding I need to take one or two whole .25 xanax a day. They really seem to help. I'd like to take more, but don't want to become addicted.

The last psychiatrist I saw, said to try maybe Buspar, or Remeron. I took Buspar for maybe 2 days. Didn't notice anything. I know both of these take weeks, but I am skeptical, and nervous, about introducing other drugs.

I read above, you recommended the Remeron to someone. I also have adrenal insufficiency. I'm not sure if starting a SNRI would be helpful, or the opposite. I also have Hashimotos Thyroiditis, and think I may also have fibromyalgia (which is the least of my worries or concerns.)

I feel like I'm sliding back into a funk, where it takes me most of the day to feel like I'm NOT living in a nightmare.

Oh, finding out about possibly having the fibro. was a relief, as I read it could explain being tired all the time (not being able to go into deep sleep), and also the IBS I've had off and on for years.

I'm taking fish oils. And also Sweet Chestnut, and Rescue Remedy.

Any advice you could offer would be great.

Oh, my first psych. wanted me to switch to Effexor, around the time I cut down to 5mg. I read about how hard it is to get off that one, and said, no way!

Thanks again for any advice,

~Mary

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by ivysphotomom

Hello there,

Nice to 'meet' you finally! I'm somewhat new here. Founds these boards in Dec. when I tried to quite lexapro, and feel into an abyss...of sorts!

That was great you posted all that info about Bach Flower Remedies. We've been using homeopathic medicines in our family for 16 years now. I've got 4 children, 16, 12, 8 and 4. They've done wonders. However, if a kid needs stitches, of course we take them to the ER! (Along with some arnica, and maybe aconite ;-)

I'm wondering if maybe you could give me some advice. Since I can't seem to find a competent psychiatrist in my insurance network, who is willing to only do med management. (I'm seeing a really good psychologist who is using EMDR with me, who I don't want to stop seeing.)

About a year and a half ago, I started getting anxiety before photographing weddings. I've done it for 4 years, so it was unexpected. My GP gave me some Buspar and Xanax. I only used the xanax occasionally. Started seeing a holistic therapist, exercising, breathing, etc. Was slowly getting better.

Then, my best friend of my entire adult life died unexpectedly on Aug. 1. I had an emotional break down. My GP puts me on 20mg (yeah, 20) of lexapro. I did that for 3 days. Was wired. Cut down to 15mg for a month. Didn't like how it was messing with my sleep, etc. Cut down to 10mg, which I did for about 3 months. Then cut down to 5mg, which I did for 3 days, then quit. I've learned here, I basically went 'cold turkey' So around the end of Dec., I started back on 5mg. I'm feeling w/d symptoms the last month or two. Is it because I need to be on a dose closer to the 10mg I was on for the longest? I certainly want to eventually get off this drug.

I'm finding I need to take one or two whole .25 xanax a day. They really seem to help. I'd like to take more, but don't want to become addicted.

The last psychiatrist I saw, said to try maybe Buspar, or Remeron. I took Buspar for maybe 2 days. Didn't notice anything. I know both of these take weeks, but I am skeptical, and nervous, about introducing other drugs.

I read above, you recommended the Remeron to someone. I also have adrenal insufficiency. I'm not sure if starting a SNRI would be helpful, or the opposite. I also have Hashimotos Thyroiditis, and think I may also have fibromyalgia (which is the least of my worries or concerns.)

I feel like I'm sliding back into a funk, where it takes me most of the day to feel like I'm NOT living in a nightmare.

Oh, finding out about possibly having the fibro. was a relief, as I read it could explain being tired all the time (not being able to go into deep sleep), and also the IBS I've had off and on for years.

I'm taking fish oils. And also Sweet Chestnut, and Rescue Remedy.

Any advice you could offer would be great.

Oh, my first psych. wanted me to switch to Effexor, around the time I cut down to 5mg. I read about how hard it is to get off that one, and said, no way!

Thanks again for any advice,

~Mary

I am not a doctor but I can tell you what I would do for myself if I were in a similiar situation. You are currently on 5 Mg lexapro (not sure about any Buspar?) and you are getting depersonalization as a major withdrawal symptom? How long have you been back on 5 Mg trying to stabalize? How long were you off lexapro comlpetely, less then 6 weeks?

If it has been more then two weeks since you reinstated at 5 Mg and you do not feel "much better", then I would think the lexapro dose may not be enough to take you out of the withdrawals. If I were in your situation I would go up to 7.5 or 8 Mg of lexapro, if you have the liquid and are able to measure out the dose pricesly, this would be good.

I would wait two weeks and see if I felt stable on 7.5 mg, if not then 10 Mg may be the dose that will help. Once stable, I pesornally would reduce the lexapro by 5% of the current dose and wait two to three weeks inbetween reductions to feel stable. Reducing quicker only is harder on your body.

I know that Noni juice has worked well for many with depersonalization. Also eating a hanful of walnuts about a hour before bedtime.... will help with blood sugar levels and enable one to sleep better. Many withdrawls are cause by a lack of REM (deep) sleep. SSRI's increase cortisol levels which interefere with the natural sleep cycle especially the deep REM sleep. I feel Lexapro can also cause gallstones or pancreatitis so those with cramping and stomach pain keep this in mind.

I am NOT a doctor so please check with the doctor you are seeing before following any advice. Xanax is definately addictive, even at low doses so try not to take it EVERY DAY!
Have you tried passionflower for anxiety?

Have you had 24 hour cortisol testing done by your physician. Lexapro doubles the cortisol rate and causes a excess of adrenaline, especially at night when the corisol level should be low...this will cause adrenal fatigue and burnout. If you can get your cortisol levels evened out you would feel much better.

Many withdrawls from lexapro are not the chemical staying in your system but the changes lexapro has caused to your hormones, neurotransmitters and adrenal glands...............these trying to regulate are many of the "horrible lexapro withdrawls" that are felt. Changes made by lexapro in the body can take 12 to 18 months to get back to normal.

I am not giving any medical advice only sharing what I have learned so please run any suggestions you may want to follow by a doctor.
aunty

[auntybiotic]

Lexapro use messes with the hormones and can actually feel like a women has gone into early menopause while the body is healing after weaning off of lexapro. Lexapro use, in my opinion, causes adrenal fatigue. Read more about adrenal fatigue.
Adrenal fatigue — the effects of stress and high cortisol levels
by Marcy Holmes, Women’s Health NP, Certified Menopause Clinician

Here are the topics covered in this article:

The role of healthy adrenal glands
How chronic stress causes adrenal exhaustion
The effects of adrenal fatigue — cortisol and DHEA
Should you have your adrenals tested?
Restoring adrenal health naturally
Our patients’ most common symptoms are fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, and depression. Does that sound like you? If so, your underlying problem may be adrenal fatigue.

Every woman who comes to our clinic with these symptoms gets an adrenal fatigue test, which consists of a series of tests of cortisol levels. And the results — in over thousands of cases — are remarkably consistent: only 1% have cortisol levels indicating healthy adrenal function, while 99% suffer impaired function, ranging from significant adrenal stress to complete adrenal exhaustion.

The effects of adrenal dysfunction can be profound: fatigue and weakness, suppression of the immune system, muscle and bone loss, moodiness or depression, hormonal imbalance, skin problems, autoimmune disorders, and dozens of other symptoms.

The good news is that adrenal fatigue can almost always be relieved. Let’s look at the relationships between stress, high cortisol levels and adrenal fatigue, and then we’ll look at how you can give your adrenals more support.

Tips for Personal Program Success

Party of one. Want to exercise at home but you don’t like videos? Put on your favorite, upbeat, high energy tunes and dance around your house for at least 10 minutes a day. Work your way up to dancing for 20 or 30 minutes. The point is to choose exercise that you love, so you’ll stick with it.
The original, life-saving role of the adrenal glands

To understand how adrenal fatigue develops, it is important to understand the original, evolutionary function of the adrenal glands. The adrenals are walnut-sized glands located on top of each kidney, and are important control centers for many of the body’s hormones. The outer layer of the gland, called the adrenal cortex, produces hormones including cortisol, DHEA, estrogen and testosterone. The centers of the glands produce adrenaline, the hormone named after them.

The basic task of your adrenal glands is to rush all your body’s resources into "fight or flight" mode by increasing production of adrenaline and other hormones. When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release your energy stores for immediate use, slow your digestion and other secondary functions, and sharpen your senses.

Let’s emphasize two points about this healthy stress response. First, it takes priority over all other metabolic functions. Second, it wasn’t designed to last very long.

Stress and the adrenal glands
Unlike our ancestors, we live with constant stress. Instead of occasional, acute demands followed by rest, we’re constantly over-worked, under-nourished, exposed to environmental toxins, worrying about others — with no let-up.

Every challenge to the mind and body creates a demand on the adrenal glands. And the list of challenges is endless: lack of sleep, a demanding boss, the threat of losing your job, financial pressures, personality conflicts, yo-yo dieting, relationship turmoil, death or illness of a loved one, skipping meals, reliance on stimulants like caffeine and carbs, digestive problems, over-exercise, illness or infection, unresolved emotional issues from our past or present and more. The result is adrenal glands that are constantly on high alert.

The destructive effect of high cortisol levels

What is cortisol? In its normal function, cortisol helps us meet these challenges by converting proteins into energy, releasing glycogen and counteracting inflammation. For a short time, that’s okay. But at sustained high levels, cortisol gradually tears your body down.

Sustained high cortisol levels destroy healthy muscle and bone, slow down healing and normal cell regeneration, co-opt biochemicals needed to make other vital hormones, impair digestion, metabolism and mental function, interfere with healthy endocrine function; and weaken your immune system.

Adrenal fatigue may be a factor in many related conditions, including fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, premature menopause and others. It may also produce a host of other unpleasant symptoms, from acne to hair loss. (Please click here to see a list of adrenal fatigue symptoms and related conditions.)

The loss of DHEA production
When the adrenals are chronically overworked and straining to maintain high cortisol levels, they lose the capacity to produce DHEA in sufficient amounts. DHEA (the full name is dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor hormone to estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and is necessary to moderate the balance of hormones in your body. Insufficient DHEA contributes to fatigue, bone loss, loss of muscle mass, depression, aching joints, decreased sex drive, and impaired immune function. (For more information, read our article on DHEA.)

Testing for adrenal fatigue
Conventional medicine is truly wonderful at treating disease-state conditions. Unfortunately its focus on drugs also tends to suppress early-stage symptoms rather than treat their underlying causes. This can have the effect of delaying treatment until a disease state has developed. This is true in the case of adrenal fatigue cortisol testing. In the conventional standard of care, any cortisol level within a very broad range is considered normal, and anything outside that range indicates disease.

In our practice, we measure cortisol levels at several points in the day to track the adrenals’ day–night pattern (called the “diurnal rhythm”) using a panel of simple saliva tests. We hope to see cortisol elevated in the morning to help you get going, lower but steady throughout the day to sustain energy, then fall in the evening to support restful sleep.

In the early stages of adrenal dysfunction, cortisol levels are too high during the day and continue rising in the evening. This is called “hyperadrenia.” In the middle stages, cortisol may rise and fall unevenly as the body struggles to balance itself despite the disruptions of caffeine, carbs and other factors, but levels are not normal and are typically too high at night. In advanced stages, when the adrenals are exhausted from overwork, cortisol will never reach normal levels (“hypoadrenia”).

Conventional medicine will detect only the extremes of these conditions, when damage to the adrenals has already occurred (Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease). Within those extremes, you can feel miserable and still be told your cortisol levels are normal. But by responding to early-stage symptoms of adrenal fatigue, we can reverse the developing dysfunction.

Should you get an adrenal test?

In general, if you feel happy and well, have steady energy and emotions, sleep soundly seven to nine hours a night, wake up feeling rested, recover well from stress, and maintain a healthy weight without dieting, then your adrenals are probably doing well.

On the other hand, if your energy lags during the day, you feel emotionally unbalanced much of the time, you sleep poorly or less than seven hours a night, can’t lose excess weight even while dieting, use caffeine or carbohydrates as “pick-me-ups” — these are all red flags indicating adrenal insufficiency.

Natural adrenal support — how to restore healthy adrenal function
The first step is to have a full physical exam to rule out disease or other factors. In our experience, women with mild to moderate cases of adrenal fatigue can see significant improvement through these steps:

Dietary changes to enrich your nutrition and reduce carbohydrates and stimulants. We also recommend the addition of high-quality nutritional supplements, including essential fatty acids from fish oil.
Stress reduction, including moderate exercise and taking more time for yourself. It’s helpful to make a list of your stressors, especially those that are constant.
Get more rest. Your body needs time to heal.
Women with more severe symptoms, or those who have reached complete adrenal exhaustion, usually need greater intervention.

It’s important to emphasize the role of emotional factors. Guilt, pain from past hurts, self-destructive habits, unresolved relationship problems — your past and present emotional experience may serve as an ever-present stressor. Dealing with these problems directly is much more beneficial than trying to compensate for the stress they create, in the same way that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

In all but the most extreme cases, we expect to see dramatic improvement within about four months. For mild to moderate adrenal fatigue the turnaround can be much faster. Remember, you may feel too tired to make changes now, but by moving forward in stages, you’ll build the strength you need to stay with it. You will love how you feel when you do!

Hi everyone...
I have just joined this forum and am so desperate for any kind of help. I took lexapro for 7 days and this has been the worst experience of my life. I have been completely off for 3 weeks and there is no improvement in symptoms. Before the drug I was extremely active and in school with a job. Now I can't get off of the couch. Within hours of taking it I was extremely agitated and felt like I had no control. I cannot sleep at all or concentrate on anything. I have no short term memory. Zero appetite and am losing weight at an alarming rate. I just don't care about anything or anyone. I feel totally zoned out and emotionless. I have never had suicidal thoughts in the past but now they are constant because I just feel like there is no way out... I have been to the ER multiple times and it is always the same blood tests and then out the door. The doctors, my friends, and family all say that these side effects are impossible and I need to just get over it. I wish I had never taken this drug. I am losing everything and the scariest part is I feel totally emotionless about it.
Is there any light at the end of the tunnel? It seems like it takes months and even years to recover. Does anyone fully recover? I feel like I have done long term irreversible damage to my brain. It is difficult to even concentrate on typing this. Thank you for any input and I wish you all the best.

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by Johnnyfriday

Hi everyone...
I have just joined this forum and am so desperate for any kind of help. I took lexapro for 7 days and this has been the worst experience of my life. I have been completely off for 3 weeks and there is no improvement in symptoms. Before the drug I was extremely active and in school with a job. Now I can't get off of the couch. Within hours of taking it I was extremely agitated and felt like I had no control. I cannot sleep at all or concentrate on anything. I have no short term memory. Zero appetite and am losing weight at an alarming rate. I just don't care about anything or anyone. I feel totally zoned out and emotionless. I have never had suicidal thoughts in the past but now they are constant because I just feel like there is no way out... I have been to the ER multiple times and it is always the same blood tests and then out the door. The doctors, my friends, and family all say that these side effects are impossible and I need to just get over it. I wish I had never taken this drug. I am losing everything and the scariest part is I feel totally emotionless about it.
Is there any light at the end of the tunnel? It seems like it takes months and even years to recover. Does anyone fully recover? I feel like I have done long term irreversible damage to my brain. It is difficult to even concentrate on typing this. Thank you for any input and I wish you all the best.

Welcome,

Unfortunately you had a severe adverse reaction to lexapro and I am sure yoou are a slow metabolizer. Look back at Miss Lee she was in the same situation, took it for a few days. There were several that took only one or two and had a long recovery.

The good thing is that you regognized this and stopped the drug, In time you will get better but no onecan say how long it may take, Supplements may help you heal but be wary of ever taking another SSRI EVER AGAIN!!!

Good Luck. We are all here for support.
aunty

[Unbelievable]

I went from 10 mg to 5 mg. It's been an incredibly stressful workweek for me. Plus other situations (car wreck and other stuff). However...I have noticed a marked improvement in my energy level. My coworkers have noticed it. I had been fatiuged beyond belief for over 1 year (thought I might have chronic fatigue syndrome because my blood tests were normal).

I feel more energetic and though I've been too busy at work to exercise more than 2 to 3 times/week, I am no longer gaining. That makes me happy. Normally, lack of exercise = immediate gain. I am stable there. Also, I had to give 2 presentations which normally sets off panic but I was okay. No brain zaps or physical effects (so far).

I am going to cut down to 2.5. I know that's not recommended. I want this drug OUT of my body. I'll try 2.5 and if I get side effects, I will increase.

I am really excited to feel better. I am feeling positive about this while knowing I may go through really bad times. I am ready. I'll probably revisit this post when I feel ********************py in 2 weeks.

Anyway, thanks to everyone who posts here about weaning. Everyone I know (and I speak to people I know now about this) quit cold turkey and went through hell. I am pleased so far and glad I found this site.

Editing this to add: I have been more emotional lately. Not in a bad way. I get touched more easily. I feel ..well.. feelings more. I've cried tears of joy/emotion/just feeling. That is not normal for me in the last 1.4 years on Lex unless I had PMS. I feel grateful to feel emotion.

[Julia77]

You will recover from this, believe it or not. Also, check ElizabethMarie's posts. And keep reading this thread. THere isn't even one person who does not recover!!! Keep your chin up, you're suffering a bad reaction....

What was the original reason you were put on this medication? Which dose did you take?

[Julia77]

Hello Aunty,

Thanks so much for detailed info on Bach remedies... I will check them out for me. I only tried Rescue in the past, and don't remember how it worked on me.

It is SO reassuring to know that even nervousness can last for a year! How is your daughter feeling by the way?

And something else - heart palps are still here. Yeah. ( I know those are still w/d, but it's kind of a bit scary). Sometimes it beats like it's too happy to be alive

MAny of my symptoms were induced by Lexapro, and we treated nothing but side effects of this medication:
-I am no longer claustrophobic
-No scary thoughts of losing control any more
-no panics
-not scared to speak in public
-back again to loving rain and nights ( was getting upset at nights while on Lex!)
-can stand hunger for longer periods of time
-can stand stress like I used to

By the way, about hunger. I still get a little shaky and foggy if I don't eat . I now assume it's adrenalin defficiency or something induced by Lex. I used to open bags in the store while in lines and munch on something because I was scared I would faint there, and my hands sometimes were too shaky to open my purse... It's going away slowly, but not completely.

It's good to know again I am still going to take up to a year to recover.

Lost more weight and lost my cravings of carbs. Can drink some alcohol now

[futurama91]

QUOTE=COHiker;197576]Your post made me smile (local house of herbs? sounds like someplace that Furturama's mother would shop)
[/quote]


heehee. My mom's the lady that bakes the cookies they sell at the house of herbs.

Please, continue.

(And keep in mind that I'm in CA, so they're legal-ish. :-))

All joking aside, my mom was taking prozac for a while, hated it, quit cold turkey, and now has a prescription for said herb. She says it works for her depression and her TMJ (A problem with her jaw that she didn't have until she took prozac.