[catie25]

CA Dreamin - I have been taking Lexapro now for 5 weeks and it's been helping me quite a bit for depression. I am only on 5 mg/day right now but am unclear what to expect as far as increasing dose over time, etc. I don't want to stay on this forever either and now after reading the posts here I am scared to go off of it too! I wonder what the usual length of treatment is? And I wonder at what point did those who had a bad experience with this drug start feeling the negative symptoms? During treatment, withdrawing, or both?

[Lori Jo]

Went from 7.5 mg to 5 mg today. OMG it was tough. I absolutely love my job, every minute of every day and everyone I work with but today was busy and stressful and manic and was NOT a good day to drop down another 2.5 mg! My brain is "zappy" and I'm antsy and I feel short-tempered and a bit unfocused. I'm also very chatty today for some reason. I wonder if that is because Lexapro helped me to THINK before I spoke and that is slipping away. I am trying to stop and think things through before I react to something, sometimes it is difficult. I just want to get through this and onto the other side. But I must admit, if it weren't for the sexual side effects and the weight gain, the way i'm feeling now I would go back on the Lex in a second.

[Ohwell]

Night sweats are common with hormonal imbalances, how close to menopose are you? You can also get night sweats with depression/anxiety. Sometimes thryoid problems can also cause them, esp. hyperthryoid. Don't worry, its probably the withdrawls. IF they continue, esp. with a fever, then you may want to be checked out. (my opinion)...ohwell.

[Ohwell]

If it helps any, I have been having night sweats for the past week....just mild ones so far and no fever....but it is scarey. Esp. for me, (i've had C)>...
ohwell.

[Unbelievable]

I'm now one week completely off Lex. Some things complained about: night sweats - - I had those when I was on Lex. They have stopped. I am beginning to think that the Lex did more harm then good. Yes, it controlled my panic attacks but everything else went downhill. Looking back, I can see that I lost motivation at work, gained weight, was always tired, became very apathetic in general...this was over a period of 1 year and 4 months.

I have PMS right now and I was a bit worried about this time. PMS = panic attacks for me. So far, I have only had one and it wasn't terrible. I am taking 0.5 clonazapen as needed (i.e., if panicking). I am sleeping better and the nightmares are starting to subside.

I haven't lost any weight but I'm not gaining. I have noticed that I am very emotional...weepy a lot. Songs make me cry. Shows on TV make me cry. I got very emotional watching a show on Martin Luther King, Jr. and the anniversary of his death tomorrow, and I was in a public place. I seem unable to control my weepiness and never know when it will happen.

Other than that.....no physical symptoms. I keep waiting for these zaps and other things that honestly scare me to death when I read of them. So far none, but who knows what's to come.

[Donnalyn]

I just found this site and I am really glad. I have been going through h---
since discontinuing the 10mg Lexapro that I was on for 8 months. The doctors had no idea what was happening to me! I tapered over a period of one month....apparently, that was too fast for me. I had horrible agitation, vibrations in my head, burning sensations going down my arms and just felt terrible in general. The nausea and flu-like symtoms lasted about two weeks. The rest just kept getting worse until I ended up checking myself into the hospital 30 days after my final dose of Lexapro. I was having unbelievable anxiety and head "vibrations", which I see now are very common.
They diagnosed me as BIPOLAR, although I had never had a manic or hypomanic incident in my life! NO ONE could understand my symtoms.
This company and the people that prescribe these meds. without REALLY informing the public should be sued. If anyone knows of a class action suit against the company, please let me know. It's been 48 days, and I am finally feeling relief from this terrible situation.

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by Unbelievable

I'm now one week completely off Lex. Some things complained about: night sweats - - I had those when I was on Lex. They have stopped. I am beginning to think that the Lex did more harm then good. Yes, it controlled my panic attacks but everything else went downhill. Looking back, I can see that I lost motivation at work, gained weight, was always tired, became very apathetic in general...this was over a period of 1 year and 4 months.

I have PMS right now and I was a bit worried about this time. PMS = panic attacks for me. So far, I have only had one and it wasn't terrible. I am taking 0.5 clonazapen as needed (i.e., if panicking). I am sleeping better and the nightmares are starting to subside.

I haven't lost any weight but I'm not gaining. I have noticed that I am very emotional...weepy a lot. Songs make me cry. Shows on TV make me cry. I got very emotional watching a show on Martin Luther King, Jr. and the anniversary of his death tomorrow, and I was in a public place. I seem unable to control my weepiness and never know when it will happen.

Other than that.....no physical symptoms. I keep waiting for these zaps and other things that honestly scare me to death when I read of them. So far none, but who knows what's to come.

The whole weepy thing is what happened to me when I did a fast taper off Lex a couple of years ago. I had no idea it was a withdrawal effect and figured I was just depressed (which is not typical for me at all!), so I went right back on my 10mg and did not look back into weaning until January 08.

I only had a couple of days with "zapping" and it felt like my brain was itching-very bizzare. Maybe you will get away from any of that stuff. I'm down to 3mg and my biggest compaint is fatigue and muscle soreness.

If PMS gives you anxiety, look into/research some things that will help decrease your PMS symptoms. Take a look at the book "When Panic Attacks", it has some great cognitive therapy techniques; I find I to be very helpful reading.

Good Luck and stay posted here and read what helps others, you may find something that helps you
CO Hiker

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by Julia77

Hi there,
They say yes you can combine Inisitol with Lex. I think Aunty was the one who mentioned it here. Anyways I heard it's safe since it's not herbs.

Which dose are you at now?

For all of you - hang in there everyone. I was on 2.5 mg for 7 months and then slowly tapered for 6 months.. imagine - I am still experiencing mild withdrawals. I've been off for 2 months. Please tell me it's normal... Aunty posted to me that it's still withdrawals, and I do have a gut feeling they are, and not something weird is happening to me.

This stuff is way too strong, and let's all pray it goes by one day.
Ohwell, how are you feeling? Have your moods lifted up? For you, I think Inisitol would be a good option.., have you tried it?
Erin, what's your update?

Thanks for the info. I've read so much great stuff here that I cannot remember everything! I will go ahead and order the Inisitol.
I am on 3 mg and this is where I am having the greatest difficulty
Muscle pain and fatigue- YUK YUK YUK.
It just feels like everything takes so much bloody effort. No depression, thank goodness and no anxiety. Frustrated and a little sad that I feel so rotten.
It is taking me alot of will-power to stay at this dose and not just go down more to get it out of my system. I really want off this stuff, but I know that after taking it for four years that I need to go slow.
I really am grateful when everyone answers my posts, you guys are great. Thanks for the help
CO Hiker

[Ohwell]

Don't hurry your withdrawal. You will only regret it later....take your time. Stay on your current dose until you feel well again. Then, taper just a tad, stay there till you feel well again. and so on. Many of us have gotten into trouble by tapering too fast. Take your supplements and take it slowly! I think to taper longer is better, like a year to get off! Then your brain can heal and make its own seritonin again....good luck, and God bless. ohwell.

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by Ohwell

Don't hurry your withdrawal. You will only regret it later....take your time. Stay on your current dose until you feel well again. Then, taper just a tad, stay there till you feel well again. and so on. Many of us have gotten into trouble by tapering too fast. Take your supplements and take it slowly! I think to taper longer is better, like a year to get off! Then your brain can heal and make its own seritonin again....good luck, and God bless. ohwell.

A BIG 10-4 on that advise. How are you feeling today?
I will be patient, I promise to you and me both. Like I said, four years was a long time to be on the stuff, so I can wait at east 6 months to a year to get off of it.
I am feeling loads better today (day 11 on 3 mg)- Yea! I was watching the news and heard what the pollen counts are and wondered if that might be part of my problem. You see, I do not have the sneezing and watery eyes that many allergy sufferers get. I get headaches and generalized fatigue- YUK. I did notce for about the last 3 weeks I have been waking up with boggy sinuses and a sore throat. Can I get a big DUH!!! here? I started taking Claritin and what do you know..... I fell at least 50% better.
What a kick in the pants I feel like a real ding bat. That I do blame on the lexapro (not thinking real sharp these days). I was able to get through the Yoga class (that I used to 'kick- butt' in) and felt really great afterword.
I am going to order the Inisitol; how ablout you? I did order the Bach remedies (Rescue, Olive, and Oak). I took the rescue at night before bed and I felt like it did help just bring little calm before settling down for the night.
Let me know what you think about the Inisitol if you start it, I will so the same.
Have a great day,
CO Hiker

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by Donnalyn

I just found this site and I am really glad. I have been going through h---
since discontinuing the 10mg Lexapro that I was on for 8 months. The doctors had no idea what was happening to me! I tapered over a period of one month....apparently, that was too fast for me. I had horrible agitation, vibrations in my head, burning sensations going down my arms and just felt terrible in general. The nausea and flu-like symtoms lasted about two weeks. The rest just kept getting worse until I ended up checking myself into the hospital 30 days after my final dose of Lexapro. I was having unbelievable anxiety and head "vibrations", which I see now are very common.
They diagnosed me as BIPOLAR, although I had never had a manic or hypomanic incident in my life! NO ONE could understand my symtoms.
This company and the people that prescribe these meds. without REALLY informing the public should be sued. If anyone knows of a class action suit against the company, please let me know. It's been 48 days, and I am finally feeling relief from this terrible situation.

Wow! Sorry to hear you had such a dreadful couple of months here .
But I am so glad to hear that you are on the level after your hill climb, so to speak.
I would be VERY, VERY careful with that Bipolor diagnosis!!! That is a very serious disease and not something that they should have diagnosed with out a very long case history and a quanitative EEG. A friend (since childhood) has it and another friend of mine has a daughter with a severe case. OMG, I cannot believe they would give you that diagnosis on such a brief stay.
I'm in total agreement that this is one of the most UNDERESTIMATED drugs on the market.
Good Luck and keep us posted.....
CO Hiker

[ashwee]

I'm on my second time of trying to get off of Lexapro 20mg. The first time I was on it was for depression...and I was on it for about 2 years. Getting off of it was very long hard 2 week process. I felt horrible. Very sick to my stomach, bad headaches, increased appetite, sweating, very ********************py feeling.
The second time I went back on it for the same reasons...but this time I have only been on it for almost a year. I'm in my first week of getting off of it and I have some of the same feelings as above but better because I went off of it cold turkey and like 3 days later took a 20mgs and then went off of it again. I threw up one day and have been having really bad headaches but all of these are the side effects. I can't believe your doctor put her on lexapro for TMJ. I have TMJ and wasn't put on it for that. Does she have a bite gaurd for sleeping?? I think you should check out another doctor. Sorry to hear about your problems. Hope this helps. Also tell her to take some Advil and and charcol pills for the upset stomach.






Thank you. We do have specialist helping with tapering off the lexapro. I do believe her family doctor made an error putting a 15 year old on 20 Mg Lexapro for TMJ pain due to clenching her teeth.

She has decreased the Lexapro by only one milligram the last month, she is now on 19 Mg and has had flu like symptoms that kept her out of school for several days.

She has had excessive sweating, then chills, horrible temper outburts, anxiety, restless leg syndrome. Last night she had no side vision, but vision in front was OK. Today while going up steps at school she was unsteady because the steps appeared to curve upward.

Tonight she is manic again, talking a mile a minute and nervous.
Also since I started the reduction, her appetite has increased.[/QUOTE]

[erinkj]

Hey, I ran across an advertisement for 2 products for tinnitus relief in a magazine, which made me think about you with your ear troubles. I have not re-searched either of the products so, I don't realy know anything about them. They are said to be natural products. The first one is called: Bio-Ear by Alive & Alert, it is a topical formula/ear drop. Ingredients are : Aloe vera, Saffron flower, Senna leaves and Ginseng root. It claimes to stop ear ringing and buzzing by nourishing nerve endings in the ear. The second product is a homeopathic/ herbal formula capsule called: Clear Tinnitus by silence is golden. Check them out if you are interested also, let me know if they seem legit. How have you been doing by the way?...Peace ...Erin

[erinkj]

Hey stranger. Sorry to hear that you are still having some struggles, I sure do wish I could help you somehow; you have been an angel to me. Have you tried the passion flower that Aunty suggested? I have re-searched it in depth and have also discussed using it with my pharmacist who also checked their data base for info on it. Pharmacist gave me the go ahead to use it so, I just ordered some passion flower (Standardized) and I think that taking the passion flower will help me get away from the daily xanax. (crossing my fingers) If you want the info I have on the passion flower just let me know and I will post it. I am switching to liquid multi-vitamins also, one that has inositol in it's formula (small amount) and I will let you know if any of those help. I am also going to post some info on the liquid vitamins here. I still feel the withdrawls even after going up to 30mg Celexa (=to 15 mg lex. I was on 20lex or 40 celexa) The rapid heart rate and palpitations are a daily thing and at times I feel like that is getting worse. My ulser seems to be trying to flare again to. Reflux is setting in gradually, Oh JOY! The passion flower is supposed to help the stomache probs, anxiety and the heart rate etc. I will let you know. I have been using the Bach's rescue remedy several times daily and I can honestly say that it has no effect on me either way. At least nothing noticable. I know it has helped many people and I wish it worked for me. I am under ALOT of stress right now with Final exam's and projects due in the next 3 weeks so, I am sure that has alot to do with how I am feeling. You remember how it was to cram for exams?! Imagine doing that in withdrawl and caring for a family, ERGH! STRESS...isn't it great. I am getting outside more as the weather warms and that helps. If I could get my sleep issues (lack of sleep) straightened out that would help alot. The passion flower is supposed to help that also so, I just have to wait and see. I will keep you posted and I hope that it is all uphill for you from here. I will likely post more frequently when the semester is over...Peace and God Bless...Erin

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by aharris77

Hi everyone,

I've been off Celexa for about a month now. I am a 30 year old female. I went off slowly because the night sweats were horrible and I developed nighttime jaw clenching that has caused severe TMJ dysfunction and pain that I attribute to the Celexa.

So, I weaned off. No huge withdrawal symptoms. For a while I stopped having night sweats. Then they came back. I had them last night and they were bad.

Now I am scared. I am terrified that I have cancer or something. I keep poking at my lymph nodes to see if they're swollen. I have body pains all over. The night sweats are what concern me the most.

Incidentally about ten years ago I was on Lexapro for the first time and had night sweats. The doctor sent me for a chest CT scan that found nothing but a benign calcified node. I don't want to go through that again unless I have to.

The night sweats are really scaring me. Please someone tell me that it's normal to be having them at this point. And when I can expect them to go away if this is in fact the case. Like I said I've been off Celexa for approximately one month, maybe a few days more than that.

Help!

Angela

The night sweats should subside but, it will be gradual. I have had some jaw cleching also but for me this has been with the withdrawls. Enough to make my jaw feel tight and sore but not truley painful and it comes and goes for me. All of my symptoms are worse with my menstraul cycles also. Perhaps you should try tracking your cycles along with symptoms. That can help you pinpoint if your symptoms are worse with hormone fluctuations. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Good Luck....Erin

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by Unbelievable

I'm now one week completely off Lex. Some things complained about: night sweats - - I had those when I was on Lex. They have stopped. I am beginning to think that the Lex did more harm then good. Yes, it controlled my panic attacks but everything else went downhill. Looking back, I can see that I lost motivation at work, gained weight, was always tired, became very apathetic in general...this was over a period of 1 year and 4 months.

I have PMS right now and I was a bit worried about this time. PMS = panic attacks for me. So far, I have only had one and it wasn't terrible. I am taking 0.5 clonazapen as needed (i.e., if panicking). I am sleeping better and the nightmares are starting to subside.

I haven't lost any weight but I'm not gaining. I have noticed that I am very emotional...weepy a lot. Songs make me cry. Shows on TV make me cry. I got very emotional watching a show on Martin Luther King, Jr. and the anniversary of his death tomorrow, and I was in a public place. I seem unable to control my weepiness and never know when it will happen.

Other than that.....no physical symptoms. I keep waiting for these zaps and other things that honestly scare me to death when I read of them. So far none, but who knows what's to come.

PMS...ERGH! My panic has always been most prevelant during this time as well. For the last 4 months my symptoms have built up gradually over a few days before my cycle starts and then subside GRADUALLY after my cycle ends. (it takes up to a week after cycle to even back out sometimes) I feel for you. Check into passion flower you may find it helpful. Also try inositol, there is alot of research to support the use of both. I ALWAYS get night sweats with my hormonal fluctuations and, as I have been on SSRI's for 11 years I cannot say with any conviction if it is the med's or the hormones. Probobly a combo of both. The brain zap's for me almost feel like a momentary stunning like I am going to have a seizure. For me they are occassional and again worse with my menstrual cycles and panic attacks. I hope this goes well for you and if I can help please let me know...Peace...Erin

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by Donnalyn

I just found this site and I am really glad. I have been going through h---
since discontinuing the 10mg Lexapro that I was on for 8 months. The doctors had no idea what was happening to me! I tapered over a period of one month....apparently, that was too fast for me. I had horrible agitation, vibrations in my head, burning sensations going down my arms and just felt terrible in general. The nausea and flu-like symtoms lasted about two weeks. The rest just kept getting worse until I ended up checking myself into the hospital 30 days after my final dose of Lexapro. I was having unbelievable anxiety and head "vibrations", which I see now are very common.
They diagnosed me as BIPOLAR, although I had never had a manic or hypomanic incident in my life! NO ONE could understand my symtoms.
This company and the people that prescribe these meds. without REALLY informing the public should be sued. If anyone knows of a class action suit against the company, please let me know. It's been 48 days, and I am finally feeling relief from this terrible situation.

There are in fact several class action law suits against several leading manufacturers of antidepressant medications. I think there are only 2 currently being tried. If I get the time I will post a link to the suit info and you can check the progress..Good Luck...Erin

[erinkj]

Liquid Vitamins or Vitamin Pills...
Can Your Body Tell the Difference?
Does it really matter what form of vitamin supplements you chose... liquid vitamins or solid tablets and pills? Vitamin supplements are traditionally offered as tablets or pills. Over the past several years liquid supplements have gained rapid popularity. Lets take a look at some of the features offered by liquid technology...


Benefits of Liquid Vitamins

1) Experience the Full Spectrum of Essential Nutrients
Liquid delivery systems are a scientifically sound way to deliver over 100 essential and beneficial nutrients in 1 or 2 convenient liquid doses.

2) Enjoy Benefits of Immediate Absorption
Liquid vitamins and minerals are available for immediate absorption... do not have to be dissolved first like pills and tablets.

3) Optimal Nutrient Quantities and Ratios
Liquid vitamins and minerals easily optimize the ratio or proportion of one nutrient to another - maximizing synergistic nutrient combinations.

4) Economical
One or two inclusive liquid formulas are more economical to purchase than the same number of individual nutrients in different bottles

5) Easy to Ingest
Liquids are easier to ingest than difficult to swallow bulky pills and tablets

6) Enhanced Absorption
Liquid delivery systems may have greater absorption than pills and tablets - this is detailed information we will save for last.

Lets take a closer look at some of these topics...


The 21st Century Nutrition Explosion


Today nutritional science is revolutionizing human health care. Major life-threatening diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes have strong links to poor nutritional status. We now know disease prevention and optimal health depends upon large varieties of nutrients working synergistically together in your body.

For example, the remarkable anti-carcinogenic roles of "phytonutrients" (plant nutrients) like lycopene, billberry, leucocyanidins, bioflavonoids and other powerful antioxidants have recently been discovered. And who would have thought "exotic" trace minerals like vanadium, germanium, lithium, nickel, rubidium, boron and yes even arsenic, once considered non-essential, would now appear to have definite biochemical roles in your body?

As our knowledge of human health and nutrition expands, the number of essential nutrients grows larger. Today, well over 100 vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, cofactors and essential fatty acids are vital for optimal health.

How does this relate to nutritional supplements you ask?

Good question!


The Challenge Facing
Multi-Vitamin Tablets and Pills


The challenge facing multi-vitamin tablets and pills is formidable. Successfully compacting a diverse array of well over 100+ nutrients into pills and tablets that properly distintegrate and dissolve in your stomach is no small task... sophisticated formulation technology is required.

For example, excipients like "binders", "fillers" and "disintegrators" must be used to help tablets achieve these criteria. Pills and tablets containing large numbers of nutrients can become large and bulky - making them difficult to ingest and comfortably swallow.


Liquid Vitamins...
Dissolved, Bioavailable and
Ready for Immediate Absorption

In sharp contrast, liquid vitamins and minerals easily deliver all these nutrients in 1 or 2 convenient liquid doses. Liquids are easy to swallow compared to tablets and since the nutrients are already dissolved, absorption can be immediate. Dissolution is completely unnecessary. And it actually costs much less to purchase 1 or 2 inclusive liquid formulas than to buy several bottles of different products


Liquid Vitamins Maximize
Beneficial Nutrient Combinations


Liquid vitamins and mineral delivery systems also offer excellent opportunity to accurately adjust the ratios of nutrients to each other... closely matching their natural presence in your digestive tract. This allows beneficial nutrient combinations to work synergistically together.

For example, vitamin C greatly assists in the intestinal absorption of iron... these two nutrients are "synergistic." And in liquid delivery systems, since both of these nutrients are already dissolved, they are immediately "bioavailable" and can work simultaneously together in absorption, just as nature intended. The end result?

"Enjoy your maximum synergistic benefits with liquid vitamins"

In contrast, the absorption of various nutrients in pills may be dependent upon the rate the tablet dissolves. And if nutrients that naturally work together in the absorption process dissolve at different rates within pills, their beneficial synergistic effects may be blunted. In that case you may never realize your maximum nutritional benefits.




Are Your Vitamin Tablets
Dissolving Properly?
Normally when we consume a food or vitamin tablet containing 100 micrograms of the vitamin folate, we may naturally assume we are actually digesting and absorbing 100 micrograms of folate into our bodies. But is that really true?

As it turns out, simple ingestion of a vitamin or mineral is no guarantee you will actually digest and absorb the nutrient into your body. The actual absorption or "bioavailability" of a nutrient depends on several factors. And whether you ingest your supplements as pills or liquid vitamins may play an important role. Here is why...

The food or pills you ingest must be broken down (disintegration) into small fragments and then dissolved into liquid by stomach hydrochloric acid and numerous enzymes before intestinal absorption can occur.

" Any nutrients in food or pills remaining in the solid or undissolved state simply cannot be absorbed by the intestine and utilized by your body. Undissolved nutrients are not bioavailable"

Solid supplements like pills and tablets are designed to dissolve in your stomach and high quality ones do. Today, however, the increasing complexity of many of newer formulations is making that goal more difficult to achieve.

For example, solid vitamin-mineral preparations may contain inert or inactive excipients such as:

1) Fillers - Fill-up Space in a Capsule

2) Binders - Help Keep Tablets Intact

3) Disintegrators - Encourage Tablet to Dissolve After Swallowing

4) Color and Flavorings - Improve Taste and Aesthetic Appeal

Even the manufacturing process may contaminate supplements with lubricants like magnesium sterate, talc or hydrogenated oils. These chemicals are designed to keep mixtures from sticking to machines, but often they may get into mixtures.

These additives may have a negative impact on disintegration and dissolution of vitamin tablets and pills. Supplements that don't dissolve cannot be absorbed by your body. If you have ever wondered whether your nutritional healthcare was second rate, its possible the problem may be due to the quality of your supplements

The United States Pharmacopaceia (USP) has established manufacturing standards to assure these and other criteria are met:

1) quality
2) purity
3) potency
4) disintegration
5) dissolution

If the USP seal of approval does not appear on dietary supplements you purchase you can evaluate disintegration and dissolution of tablets or pills with a simple experiment. Test questionable pills by immersing in a half a glass of vinegar to simulate the acidity of your stomach. According to USP dissolution requirements:

Calcium pills - should dissolve within 30 min
Magnesium pills within 45 minutes
Vitamin E supplements within 45 minutes
Multi-Vitamin pills within 60 minutes


These criteria assume your digestive system is functioning normally. If you are older or your digestive system is compromised, your stomach may not secrete as much hydrochloric acid as before. In thats true, these USP dissolution criteria may not meaningful to you.


The Liquid Vitamins Advantage

In sharp contrast to pills and capsules, the nutrients provided by liquid vitamins and minerals are already dissolved and therefore immediately available for absorption. Solubility of liquid delivery systems are achieved with citric and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), carbohydrates (glucose, lactose), amino acids(arginine, lysine), vegetable gums and emulsifying agents. As a result, disintegration and dissolution criteria are absolutely unnecessary

This means liquid delivery systems actually have two opportunities for absorption... first in the stomach and then the small intestine. Solid supplement systems (pills and tablets) must first undergo disintegration and dissolution in the stomach before intestinal absorption can begin... in other words you only have one chance for absorption in the small intestine

The immediate bioavailabilty of liquid delivery technology generates a couple of important benefits...

1) Liquid Delivery Avoids the Digestive Burden Pills and Tablets may Place on Your Stomach - Especially true if you are older... as we age digestion is just not as efficient and stomach hydrochloric acid may not be secreted in sufficient quantities to efficiently dissolve tablets and pills.

2)Increased Bioavailabilty of Liquid Vitamins Improves Absorptive Efficiency of Your Body - Liquid nutrients can be absorbed immediately and are more quickly delivered to target tissues - ensuring rapid benefits


The Absorption Question...


Pathways of Absorption and
the Liquid Vitamins Difference

Absorption of nutrients through the intestine into your bloodstream can take place through a number of different paths...

1) Passive Diffusion
2) Facilitated Absorption
3) Active Transport .

It is valuable to understand a little about these absorption mechanisms because they affect how liquid vitamins and solid supplements are handled by your body. Here is how they do it...


Streamline Nutrient Delivery
With Liquid Vitamins

[erinkj]

Passive Diffusion

The simplest pathway of nutrient absorption involves the passive movement or transfer of dissolved nutrients from within the intestine, through the cell wall and into the intestinal mucosal cell. This is called passive diffusion. Energy is not required for this absorptive mechanism. However there is one caveat...

Passive diffusion operates most efficiently when the body fluids on each side of the cell membrane are the same concentration (isotonic). This may pose a problem with tablets or pills...

Tablets or pills are generally the most concentrated form of supplementation and dissolution within the stomach initially yields a very concentrated solution... much more concentrated than normal body fluids. Consequently, as this solution passes from the stomach into the intestine, large quantities of water are secreted until it is diluted to the approximate concentration of body fluids.

This influx of water successfully dilutes intestinal concentration and favors passive diffusion, however, significant water influx also increases intestinal content and pressure. As a result, "peristalsis" the wavelike muscular contractions that push intestinal contents along the digestive tract may be activated. Occasionally, the process can cause gastric discomfort, diarrhea and diminution of absorption.

In sharp contrast, liquid vitamins are generally formulated at or near the concentration of body fluids and are therefore ready for immediate absorption without large infusions of water. Absorption is immediate and maximized. Chance for gastric discomfort is minimal.

Facilitated Absorption

Facilitated absorption involves tiny "carrier proteins" embedded within the cell wall of the intestine. Carrier proteins "facilitate" absorption by actually binding with nutrients within your intestinal lumen and transporting them into the intestinal cell for eventual release into your bloodstream.

Facilitated transport occurs primarily by diffusion... the driving force is a the concentration gradient from an area of relatively high nutrient density (your intestinal lumen) to an area of lower nutrient density (through the intestinal cell wall into the intestinal cell).

As with passive diffusion we have another caveat... The quantity of nutrients transported by facilitated diffusion is limited by the "loading capacity" of the carrier proteins - once all the binding sites on the carrier proteins become occupied by nutrients, additional nutrients within the intestine are unable to bind and translocate into the cell. This is the "saturation" point

This is why supplements providing nutrients at relatively low nutrient concentration may be absorbed to a very high degree - they don't overwhelm the loading capacity of the carrier proteins. And this is where liquid vitamins and minerals fit the bill to a tee.

Liquid vitamins are formulated at or near the concentration of body fluids and by virtue of being liquid, are not as concentrated as pills and tablets. Loading capacity is less likely to be exceeded. Multivitamin tablets and pills release concentrated liquids upon dissolution and risk overwhelming the carrier proteins, diminishing absorptive efficiency.

Active Transport

Vitamins and minerals are naturally found in foods at low concentration. And the absorption of nutrients at low concentration within the intestinal lumen, across the cell membrane and into an area of high concentration, the mucosal cell, requires energy. This highly specialized absorption system is called active transport.

Active transport is a highly adaptable "homeostatic" system designed to precisely supply your bodies need for nutrients under various nutritional conditions. If, for example, nutrients are deficient in your diet, absorption efficiency increases dramatically. Absorption efficiency may approach 100% and virtually all the nutrient is absorbed.

However, just like facilitated absorption, under conditions of nutrient excess, the loading capacity of the carrier proteins may be overwhelmed and a large percentage of the nutrients simply pass through your body without being absorbed.

This has significant ramifications for vitamin and mineral supplements. Vitamins and minerals delivered at high concentration (think tablets and pills) may not be as efficiently absorbed as liquid vitamins and minerals that are very dilute by the time they reach the intestine.

These are a few of the unique benefits liquid vitamins offer to your body. Lets review some of the highlights...


Experience the Full Spectrum of Nutrients
Liquid vitamins are an economical and scientifically sound way to deliver over 100+ nutrients in convenient liquid delivery systems that don't require disintegration and dissolution like tablets and pills.


Immediate Absorption and Benefit
Liquid vitamins are already dissolved, bioavailable and ready for immediate absorption. Nutrient delivery is streamlined to your body.


Optimized Nutrient Quantities and Ratios
Beneficial levels and ratios of synergistic nutrient combinations are accurately formulated with liquid systems, ensuring you experience maximum nutritional benefit.


Economical
One or Two Inclusive Liquid Formulas are More Economical to Purchase Than the Same Number of Individual Nutrients in Different Bottles


Easy to Ingest
Liquids are Easier to Ingest Than Difficult to Swallow Bulky Pills and Tablets


Excellent Absorption
Finially, liquid vitamins may maximize the absorptive process by delivering nutrients at significantly lower concentration than pills and tablets. This reduces the potential for overloading the carrying capacity of carrier proteins and possibility of gastric discomfort in certain cases.

[erinkj]

Check out thehormoneshop.net they have ton's of useful info on about everything under the sun.
They have a great library with HPA and neurotransmitter info etc. It's a good read if you have the time

[erinkj]

Also, for safety's sake everyone try to purchase only USP approved and/or standardized vitamins, herbals and supplements. This way you will know what you are getting and that it is safe.

[Julia77]

Hello all,

Well it's been 2 months after a CAREFUL taper of 2.5 mg of Lex.

I took my last dose on Jan 29 following my 'gut' feeling that it might be enough for me, and I never felt worse than on antidepressants. However it wasn't easy, and still rocky, but I feel as if I am recovering. I measure my success in weeks rather than days and can tell that every week is better than the previous one. I couldn't ever have done it without you guys. I couldn't ever know that those dreadful feeling were produced by drugs, and not my real brain.

As I said, it's been two months. It's not always easy, the scariest thing that happened again is short memory loss. I sometimes can't remember where I am, who I am, and what I did five minutes ago. The scariest part is that I get it that I don't get it, if you know what I mean. It almost like I could stop a stranger on the street and say,'Hey, please help me to the emergency, I don't know who I am.' This lasts for a few seconds only, but it's so scary that even a few moments is enough. Sometimes I can't remember what I did yesterday. Sometimes what my house looks like. Good thing is that I know it's drugs, and I tell myself that even if this is what I need to pay for being off the drugs, that pays off.

My immune system is down a lot, I've been sick 3 times for the past couple of months, lol. I am sure it's somehow connected to anti-depressants. I am just as sick as a dog with flues and weird viruses, but again, good that it's physical and not emotional side.

My period is missing, and I am not pregnant ( was hoping though). When I started Lexapro, it was missing for 6 months and then reinstated, I bet this time it could be connected to this , as well.

I know I will recover completely, God knows how long it might take. I do know I will get my life back, however frankly, I sometimes get discouraged by some posts here ( Hopeful and Ohwell are sick after such a significant time off!!) I know they are in withdrawals, but when I read their posts it makes we wanna cry - how could that little pill be that powerful??

And I still have weird feelings, weird sensations in my body, feelings as if I wanna cry, and thoughts 'what's the point?' The last one is the scariest one, since I've always been goal-oriented and structured, before the drugs. I wonder if we get ourselves back the way we were or do we recover with different personalities?

On a good side, I am not craving carbs, losing weight, lost my social anxiety as well as fear of driving, nights, and bad weather ( don't laugh - I used to have serious issues with all that when on drugs).

Ohwell - how are you feeling??
Erin - your update?

Lots of love to everyone,

Julia

[_jaxx_]

Hi Angela,

I really wouldn't worry about the night sweats too much. I think everyone who has ever taken Ssri's has suffered from this problem. I thought I was going through a very early menopause due to the hot flashes and night sweats, after lots of tests it seems to be my medication.

I am sure a lot of people here can also relate to the cancer/major illness worries, it is often part of the illness to have these thoughts. I had a complete medical check-up as I felt so bad physically, everything came back ok. If your worries are affecting your daily life then you should speak to your doctor about it. Hang on in there.

I have a general question for everyone, I am due to have a gastroscopy next week, as a panic sufferer I am not looking forward to it, have any of you had one done?

Jaxx

[auntybiotic]

Here is a short article on detoxing. Detoxing is a great way to help the body heal after lexapro..........a word of caution....broccolli affects the p 450 cytochrome system in the liver and can increase the amount of lexapro in your system so I would avoid it or at least not add excess amounts to your diet.
Hope everyone is doing as well as can be expected. Thanks for those that took this "post" under your wing and are helping so many others with advice. This would not be the most visited topic without those of you dedicated to helping others.

aunty

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by _jaxx_

Hi Angela,

I really wouldn't worry about the night sweats too much. I think everyone who has ever taken Ssri's has suffered from this problem. I thought I was going through a very early menopause due to the hot flashes and night sweats, after lots of tests it seems to be my medication.

I am sure a lot of people here can also relate to the cancer/major illness worries, it is often part of the illness to have these thoughts. I had a complete medical check-up as I felt so bad physically, everything came back ok. If your worries are affecting your daily life then you should speak to your doctor about it. Hang on in there.

I have a general question for everyone, I am due to have a gastroscopy next week, as a panic sufferer I am not looking forward to it, have any of you had one done?


Jaxx

Lexapro can cause a inbalance in your hormones and mimic menopause symptoms and cause adrenal fatigue. TRy not to worry about the procedure. It is done often and I am sure your physician will sedate you so that you are comfortable.

The majority of serotonin receptors are in the gut so lexapro can cause severe stomach cramping and G disturbance. Exactly WHY are you going for the gastroscopy? What symptoms are you having.
This is the procedure you may be having done:
Upper Endoscopy
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
What is it?
How do I prepare for it?
Why have you been scheduled for the procedure?
What can I expect during the endoscopy?
What happens after the procedure?
When do I get the results of the endoscopy?
What risks am I taking by going through all this?
Do you still have some remaining questions?
What is it?

It is a procedure that enables the examiner (usually a Gastroenterologist) to examine your esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, and duodenum (first portion of small bowel) using a thin flexible tube that can be looked through or seen on a TV monitor.

How do I prepare for it?

To accomplish a safe and complete examination, the stomach should be empty. You will most likely be asked to have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours, or more, before the procedure. Prior to the scheduling you should inform your physician of any medications you are taking, any allergies, and all your health problems. This information will remind your doctor whether you need any antibiotics prior to the test, what potential medications should not be used during the exam because of your allergies, and will give the scheduling individual an opportunity to instruct you whether any of your medications should be held or adjusted prior to the endoscopy. Knowledge whether you have any major health problems, such as heart or lung diseases, will alert the examiner of possible need for special attention during the procedure.

Why have you been scheduled for the procedure?

EGD is usually performed to evaluate possible problems with the esophagus, stomach or duodenum and evaluate symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, anemia, etc. It is more accurate than x-ray for detecting inflammation or small lesions such as ulcers or tumors within the reach of the instrument. Its other major advantage over x-ray is the ability to perform biopsies (obtain small pieces of tissue) or cytology (obtain some cells with a fine brush) for microscopic examination to determine its nature and whether the lesion is benign or malignant (cancerous). Biopsies are taken for many reasons and may not mean that cancer is suspected. It can also be used to treat many conditions within its reach. The endoscope's channels permit passage of accessory instruments enabling the examiner to treat many of the conditions such as stretching areas of narrowing (strictures) , removal of benign growths such as polyps or of accidentally swallowed objects, treating upper gastrointestinal bleeding as seen in ulcers or lining tears which, in the last two, has markedly reduced the need for transfusions or surgery.



It is most likely that before the procedure the doctor will discuss with you why the test is being ordered, whether there are alternative means to accomplish the same, and what possible complications may result from the endoscopy. Practices vary amongst physicians but you may have your throat sprayed with a numbing solution and will probably be given a sedating and pain alleviating medication through the vein. While lying on your left side the flexible endoscope, the thickness of a finger, is passed through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This procedure will NOT interfere with your breathing. Most patients experience only minimal discomfort during the test and many sleep throughout the entire procedure.

What happens after the procedure?

After the test you will be observed and monitored by a qualified individual in the endoscopy or a recovery area until a significant portion of the medication has worn off. Occasionally a patient is left with a mild sore throat, which promptly responds to saline gargles, or a feeling of distention from the insufflated air that was used during the procedure. Both problems are mild and fleeting. When fully recovered you will be instructed when to resume your usual diet (probably within a few hours) and your driver will be allowed to take you home. (Because of the use of sedation, most facilities mandate that you be taken by a driver and not to drive or handle machinery for the remainder of the day.)

When do I get the results of the endoscopy?

Under most circumstances the examining physician will inform you of the test results or the probable findings prior to your discharge from the recovery area. The results of biopsies or cytology usually take 72-96 hours and the doctor may only give you a presumptive diagnosis pending the definitive one, after the microscopic examination.
http://www.medicinenet.com/endoscopy/page2.htm

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by Julia77

Hello all,

Well it's been 2 months after a CAREFUL taper of 2.5 mg of Lex.

I took my last dose on Jan 29 following my 'gut' feeling that it might be enough for me, and I never felt worse than on antidepressants. However it wasn't easy, and still rocky, but I feel as if I am recovering. I measure my success in weeks rather than days and can tell that every week is better than the previous one. I couldn't ever have done it without you guys. I couldn't ever know that those dreadful feeling were produced by drugs, and not my real brain.

As I said, it's been two months. It's not always easy, the scariest thing that happened again is short memory loss. I sometimes can't remember where I am, who I am, and what I did five minutes ago. The scariest part is that I get it that I don't get it, if you know what I mean. It almost like I could stop a stranger on the street and say,'Hey, please help me to the emergency, I don't know who I am.' This lasts for a few seconds only, but it's so scary that even a few moments is enough. Sometimes I can't remember what I did yesterday. Sometimes what my house looks like. Good thing is that I know it's drugs, and I tell myself that even if this is what I need to pay for being off the drugs, that pays off.

My immune system is down a lot, I've been sick 3 times for the past couple of months, lol. I am sure it's somehow connected to anti-depressants. I am just as sick as a dog with flues and weird viruses, but again, good that it's physical and not emotional side.

My period is missing, and I am not pregnant ( was hoping though). When I started Lexapro, it was missing for 6 months and then reinstated, I bet this time it could be connected to this , as well.

I know I will recover completely, God knows how long it might take. I do know I will get my life back, however frankly, I sometimes get discouraged by some posts here ( Hopeful and Ohwell are sick after such a significant time off!!) I know they are in withdrawals, but when I read their posts it makes we wanna cry - how could that little pill be that powerful??

And I still have weird feelings, weird sensations in my body, feelings as if I wanna cry, and thoughts 'what's the point?' The last one is the scariest one, since I've always been goal-oriented and structured, before the drugs. I wonder if we get ourselves back the way we were or do we recover with different personalities?

On a good side, I am not craving carbs, losing weight, lost my social anxiety as well as fear of driving, nights, and bad weather ( don't laugh - I used to have serious issues with all that when on drugs).

Ohwell - how are you feeling??
Erin - your update?

Lots of love to everyone,

Julia

Julia you will get better. It just takes time. For my own research. Can you please tell me how you tapered off of the last .05 Mg of lexapro. What taper and what time in between. Were you still having withdrawals when you tapered from .02 to .01 of a MG? If the answer is yes that you still noticed withdrawals at the lowest dose then water can be added to the last .01.
.09 water to .01 lexapro up to 1Mg and then taper off from there. Lexapro is a very powerful drug. When did you notice the hopelessness after stopping, what time frame? You are nearing the 3 month mark which is the hardest emotionally for those tapering off of lexapro. Do you still cry easily? Are you moody?

I may give you a link for a enzyme that many take after stopping antidepressants but you should wait at least six months before you can begin taking it, has to do with the liver.

So if you don't mind can you tell me again how long you were on lexapro? Exactly how you tapered off for 7 months and how were the withdrawals. Physical? Stomach cramping, bad dreams? Sucidal? Depersonalization?

Julia this will help me to understand lexapro better and it's effects.
Thanks
aunty.

[auntybiotic]

Lets try again.
Top 10 Detox Foods
Posted Wed, Mar 19, 2008, 11:07 am PDT
POST A COMMENT »
As spring swings into gear, there's no better time to give your body a healthy, fresh start! Plus, if you're thinking about lowering your weight (and your RealAge) "eating clean" is a great first step. Add these 10 foods to your grocery cart and you'll get three terrific benefits:
1. Lots of super-healthy liquids to flush out the body while pouring in nutrients.

2. Fiber to keep your GI tract fit.

3. Foods that energize cleansing enzymes in the liver, your body's built-in detox center.

The top 10:

Green leafy vegetables Eat them raw, throw them into a broth, add them to juices. Their chlorophyll helps swab out environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides) and protects the liver.


Lemons You need to keep the fluids flowing to wash out the body and fresh lemonade is ideal. Its vitamin C, considered the detox vitamin, helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that's easily flushed away.


Watercress Put a handful into salads, soups, and sandwiches. The peppery little green leaves have a diuretic effect that helps move things through your system. And cress is rich in minerals too.


Garlic Add it to everything -- salads, sauces, spreads. In addition to the bulb's cardio benefits, it activates liver enzymes that help filter out junk.


Green tea This antioxidant-rich brew is one of the healthiest ways to get more fluids into your system. Bonus: It contains catechins, which speed up liver activity.


Broccoli sprouts Get 'em at your health-food store. They pack 20 to 50 times more cancer-fighting, enzyme-stimulating activity into each bite than the grown-up vegetable.


Sesame seeds They're credited with protecting liver cells from the damaging effects of alcohol and other chemicals. For a concentrated form, try tahini, the yummy sesame seed paste that's a staple of Asian cooking.


Cabbage There are two main types of detoxifying enzymes in the liver; this potent veggie helps activate both of them. Coleslaw, anyone?


Psyllium A plant that's rich in soluble fiber, like oat bran, but more versatile. It mops up toxins (cholesterol too) and helps clear them out. Stir powdered psyllium into juice to help cleanse your colon, or have psyllium-fortified Bran Buds for breakfast.


Fruits, fruits, fruits They're full of almost all the good things above: vitamin C, fiber, nutritious fluids, and all kinds of antioxidants. Besides, nothing tastes better than a ripe mango, fresh berries, or a perfect pear.

Ultimate Detox Recipe:
Toss dark, leafy greens in hot, garlicky oil for a cleansing and delicious dish...

Easy Wilted Garlic-Sesame Salad
4 servings, about 65 calories each

1 tsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb. spinach, stemmed,
or 1 lb. Swiss chard, stems sliced, leaves torn
or 1 lb. mixture of spinach and watercress
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tsp. sesame seeds for garnish


Warm oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir until lightly browned, about 45 seconds. Add greens (do in two batches, if necessary) and toss until just wilted, 2 to 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

[Julia77]

Hi Aunty I'll help you with anything I can. I hope our stories also help your daughter detox. I was put on 10 mg Lex Dec 2005 ( my goodness!) and I stayed on that dose till end July 2006. I quickly tapered ( one month) and stayed off till October 2006. Early October I felt as if I was losing it - horrrible depression, memory losses ( what's my name? Again?) and scared as hell husband made me go on 2.5 mg. They say that after 6 weeks it's no good to reinstate, however I was quickly feeling better to my amazement on 2.5 mg ( 2-3 days made all the difference). I must say that I was blessed with doctors along the way. My GP said - don't up! You're doing fine, just stay on what you're now. Nonetheless, around December 2006, Christmas time, my doctor mentioned that my little dose will be just fine to stop it, which I did. Boy what did I go thru, and I still thank God I stay alive. I was out of the country at that time, and when I came back home in January 2007, I tried to reinstate my 2.5 mg hoping for the same relieve I had some time ago. WHAT a mistake. I was depressed as hell, blacked out and had no desire to live any more. May 2007, after being on 2.5 mg for 7 months, I decided it was time to try and stop it again. I started to crush my 2.5 mg pills and take halves of them, and then pills dust, until once again I thought I was going crazy.

August 2007 I found this board and it hit me that many of my symptoms were attributed to SSRI discontinuation. Then, I saw a psychiatrist who recognized my symptoms as withdrawals, and put me on 0.1 mg of Lexapro. This is 1/100 dose of 10 mg. Aunty, I took it for 4 or 5 weeks and my symptoms leveled out. I know it's hard to believe but this is what happened.


In October 2007 I decided to taper off 0.1 mg the same way the guys on this forum are tapering off bigger doses by making liquids. I opened my 0.1 mg capsules ( I got them at a compounding pharmacy), and dissolved them in 10 ml of water and put the liquids back in syringe. Then I got rid of 10% of the liquids and took the rest of it. Now, the trick here was that the more periods between minute tapers I allowed the worse I felt. That 's to say, the more I tried to 'come back to my senses' between the tapers, the worse I felt. The lower I went, the better I was, the faster I did it, the better I was. Still, it took me 4 months to taper off 0.1 mg - one hundredth dose of Lex.

The symptoms I felt - take any symptom desribed in this thread and I felt it. The worst was the suicidal part. Not to scare anyone, I carried phone number of suicidal help around with me. I called my best friend and husband to come and fetch me any time of the day when I felt I couldn't, and didn't want to, take it any more. This is scary as I write it, and I never mentioned it here in my posts, UNTIL I WAS COMPLETELY SURE IT WAS A WITHDRAWAL AND NOT A NEW ME. I am sure now it's a withdrawal, so those who go thru it please... hang in there. You WILL go thru it.

Manic. Scary. CLose to the final end of my taper. Talked too much, walked too much, slept little, had this nervous type of energy there. My Gosh it's good to put it all on the paper, it takes something off your soul. Thanks for asking to write that!
To be continued...

[Julia77]

Stomach cramps? Yes.Still have them. Weird dreams? yes. I also had a feeling as if snakes were crawling out of the walls, and rats were on my bed when I was falling asleep. I KNEW it was my imagination, so I didn't really had psychotic breakouts, but I couldn't do anything to stop those pictures.


I never felt worse after I stopped Lexapro than when I was tapering. I must also say that I had never been really depressed before Lexapro, nor was I suicidal. I know what both of them are 'thanks' to the drug.

Aunty, please feel free to ask anything what you want to know about. I also wanted to point out that before the drug, I was trying sports and St.John's Wort and they were helping me to get relief from anxiety and panics. Until the medical world ( friends medics included!!) convinced me that this 'temporary' relief has nothing to do with long term results, so if you wish to 'cure' your brain, you'd better start antidepressants. My biggest question is how something that was supposed to treat depression could put me into such misery and even produce suicidal thoughts?! Where is the logic of all that and how could medics be so oblivious to what they are doing?? I am also sure that had I checked into emergency during my last tapers, I would definitely be labeled 'bipolar'.

[Ohwell]

May ask my dr. to check for this? I have all the symptoms, except skin changes. With my hormones being messed up anyway from the hypothryoid, and no estrogen, and the lex. withdrawal, and the chemo. affects, maybe my adrenals got fried too? I am still tired. Going to the dr. on tuesday. ohwell.