[no one]

Head zaps. I need to get this straight.

I've been reading this topic, and there seems to be some discrcepancy. I've read over 20 pages so far, so maybe this topic has been solved already, but I didn't see it.

I have a case of the "zaps." Pretty bad sometimes, too, like I better sit down before I stumble and fall.




Here's the discrepancy. There seems to be two distinct types of "zaps" people speak of.

1.) A tingling feeling across the face or body, but usually the face. Like an electrical current on the surface.

2.) A deep impulse inside the head. It lasts a second or two at a time, and there can be many impulse in a small time period. Not a tingley type of feeling, but maybe a surge.
The surge can jolt the entire body.



Am I getting this right? I get type 2 zaps. I've never really experienced the first type, so I don't know how to explain them well. The type 2 zaps have been explained as "shocks", "resets", and a "twang behind the eyes", to name a few. I've had a hard time trying to explain them to friends & family, primarily because it is unlike anything I've felt before, and I've felt some really strange stuff w/ bad panic attacks. It's like a sudden power surge in the brain. Or maybe a brownout. Your mind's record player gets a good twist <insert scratching stylus sound here> mid-play. Electrodes are attatched to your temples and the button is pressed... sometimes repeatedly. They've gotton bad enough now that it is not uncommon for my entire body, or at least my head, to clench or jolt.

I'm sick of these medications. I'm 27 and have been guinea-pigged to take them litterally for half my life. I'm starting to beleive that it was a mistake to have ever been put on these things, and was perhaps a victim of a pill-pusher early in life, and over the years it was easier for the docs. to pump these things into me rather than figure out the problem. Over the years, and cases of pills later, they have caused more harm than good, and rotted a soft-spot in my young-adulthood that I will never get back. I am convinced of it.
<microphone squelches as I step down from the soap-box and walk away>

[auntybiotic]

No one,

I would say your description #1 are called RUSHES and #2 are referred to as ZAPS. The #2 ZAPS are generally caused by stopping or weaning off of a SSRI such as Lexapro too quickly. When this happens the neurotransmitters in the brain misfire due to changes in the serotonin levels and the end result is the electrical jolt like sensations thru the head and the extremeites.

AS I can recall, you almost went cold turkey off of the Lexapro. Dropped your dose by 50%...........then off with a few weeks later. Very slow reductions in the lexapro allow the brain time to readjust to changing serotonin at the receptors. SSRI's are reuptake drugs and allow more serotonin to soak at the receptors in the brain. AS the dose is reduced or stopped..the receptors are not being exposed as long to the the serotonin ...........causing misfirings...which have been named the ZAPS by many that experience them during withdrawals. As noted, this would be Zap #2 from your two choices.

The best way I can explain the other sensation which many call head rushes is as follows............. If anyone had too much to drink and you lay in bed and the sensation in your head that feels like the blood is rushing to your brain and is very uncomfortable but lasts a few seconds with tingling in your hannds an feet.

Everyone will experience the above differently but this is just a generaalized explanation.

Scotty,

Let me do some research, I have two seperate books on Bach combinations remedies. Possibly I can get my daughter to scan some of his suggestions and post the information from the books for you. I am not very computer savy.

If you think the sleeplessness is coming from adrenaline surges there are herbal supplements recommended for this. I would not say rescue Remedy is suitable for sleeplessness.White Chestnut is recommended for anxiety.

Bach Flower Remedies do not work instantly but have a cumalative effect. Mnay put the White Chestnut drops in a bottle of water and sip thruout the day for anxiety. I will attempt to scan and paste several suggestions from the books on Bach Flower Essences.You could also Google on Bach Flower Essences. Amazon has some excellent books on Bach Flower Essences for anyone wanting to learn more about this.

[Miss Lee]

Scotty-

Can you email me on my private account? It should come up if you click on my screen name. (let me know if it doesn't) I would like to talk with you about the internal trembling.

Miss Lee

Hope everyone is feeling more balanced!

Miss Lee

[brwniz38]

Day 6 I think of being Lex free and I'm suddenly an emotional wreck!!! I cried through the entire church sermon yesterday, cried all evening because I saw a video of my daughter when she was 3 and I wished she was three again.... My body starts to tear up for no reason!! If someone says something nice to me, I want to cry, or if my husband is short with me i want to cry.. There is no rhyme or reason, I just want to cry! Have a constant lump in my throat, like I want to cry! Is this going to go away???? I feel like an emotional basket case who is not suited to be in public! I have been getting a few zaps, I guess, a sudden impulse in my chest, like a lightness and then my heart feels like it skips a beat.. not sure if that's a zap or what! But it's weird...

[quest86]

Hello everyone,

I am one of the many anonymous readers which have benefited from your thread while coming off of this drug. My doctor put me on Lexapro two years ago for severe depression but felt that after a year of it, I did not feel well on the medicine. I tried to talk my doctor into weaning me off but he didn’t want to hear it and suggested that I give it another year until I felt better. He informed me that it takes up to two years for a person to feel normal again after a depression such as mine. Well, I gave it that year but still did not feel any better and asked him again to help me wean off this drug, he said it was not time, so I took it upon myself to do it alone. I tapered off cutting out ¼ of the pill every two weeks. Throughout the weaning phase, I experienced lightheadedness and an overall uncomfortable feeling but the real whammies came on the third day when I was Lexapro free. I got struck with flu-like symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches and diarrhea, accompanied by nausea, dizziness and anxiousness. On the second week, the diarrhea and vomiting subsided but I developed sleeplessness, uncontrollable itchiness and a scary feeling of depersonalization. This is week three and most symptoms have subsided with an on again, off again occurrence but nothing like the beginning. My dilemma is this itch, it’s unbearable! Mood swings have also started, making me feel mighty evil at times but since I’m a mild mannered person, all I do is hang on or walk the dog, which helps in most cases.

I found that Benedryl helps with the dizziness and nausea and although it does minimal change to the itch, it is not enough to spell relief.
I am on a regimen of B-complex, Calcium and Magnesium Citrate, Omega-3 oil, 5htp 50mg (I tried 100mg but it makes me edgy) and drink Chamomile and Valerian Root tea throughout the day for my anxiousness.
Eating is a hassle because of the nausea, I try to squeeze in four small meals a day including some veggies and Turkey and lots and lots of water (have developed a constant thirst).

I have started eating Walnuts today as Aunty prescribed; hope it helps me with the mood.

Has anyone experienced the itch symptoms, I did not come across a post relating to it, so am not sure if this might be a withdrawal problem? Any suggestions?

Guys please keep up the good work, I am sure that you have helped so many readers like me. Thanks and may we all soon recover.

[brwniz38]

Miss Lee- Oh - Thank You, Thank You!! I feel like a nut! It's good to know I am not alone! haha! So I shall CRY ON!! haha! Thanks!

[Miss Lee]

Browniz-

That is ME!!!! I cry at everything! It makes no sense- and now I just let it go. If I try to stop it, I feel worse! I ALWAYS cry through church. It comes and goes. I cried this moring already because I miss my mom! I am 27 years old and she only lives an hour away????? It is almost comical anymore. I just had to let everyone know "if I start to cry it is Ok, I feel fine-emotions are just close to the surface!"

I went to curch the other day and the pastor said crying is a good way to cleanse. It gave me permission to let it go. SO CRY ON SISTA!!!!!

Miss Lee

[Miss Lee]

Quest-

I only had the itching while I was on the drug. But I have heard of it. I am glad you decided to post. It will help others to hear what you have experienced.

Miss Lee

[brwniz38]

MissLee - thanks for the clarification on both... It's a weird feeling... I will just do as you do, except and hope it will go away in time. And of course, cry alot too! haha!

[Miss Lee]

Browniz-

I have that chest thing too! Then my body goes all warm. That isn't zaps, but arrythmia (SP??) . Body explained that he had it also. It feels like your heart drops a beat then beat fast three times?? I trust it will go away, but at first it scared me- now I just try to approach it form the "i know what this is" standpoint. My zaps feel like the shivers, but when you are not cold.

Miss Lee

[brwniz38]

for some strange reason, my replies keep getting posted above yours! (?)

[Miss Lee]

I think it is because you are in a different time zone?? Or your clock is different. it also says you are writing your relpys before I wrote my emails!!

HE HE

Miss Lee

[bodyelectric]

Quest --

Were you itching before you took 5-HTP? And are you totally off lex? If you're still taking lex at any dose, 5-HTP can be dangerous. It's fine after you're totally off.

Everything else sounds like "normal" withdrawals. Welcome to the lex-free life.

SSRI withdrawal newsletter: www.withdrawalsymptoms.us

[brwniz38]

body e-

why is 5HTP dangerous if you are still on Lex? My doc gave me 5HTP before I was even off the Lex. I only took it a couple times, then I waited till I was off the lex, now I've been on the 5HTP for about a week. Just wondering why you can't take it with lex?

[CHRISTINA2378]

I feel very lucky I found this message board, I have decieded to go off Lexapro, I was on it for almost 2 years and have gained 50lbs. I just went off it cold I did not ween myself off it luckily I only had a few crying spells and 2 days with chest pains ( which I just passed off as anxiety attacks) untill this weekend ( 8 days without) the dizziness kicked in I thought I was going nuts with it until I read all your messages.. anyone have any ideas how long it takes for the dizziness to stop. I was on 5mg a day and really do not want to start taking it again, I am tired of paying $50 a month for it and I am going to start trying to get pregnet soon so I want it out of my system I started taking a Multi vitaman which seems to be helping some I think it may of reduced some of my moodiness I was expecting. The dizziness is the only thing that is getting to me..
thanks all for listening ~Christina

[anxiousbabe]

Hello everyone,

I was glad to see the board so busy today when I signed on.

I am almost 6 wks off the lex and getting very frustrated with my weight. Body E - I will fast with you the week before Thankgiving!!!
I also went to your site and sent my blank email so let me know if you got it.

Scotty - you mentioned that you had some cavities filled and I just wanted to let you know that the novacaine kills me. It makes my heart beat so fast and puts me into an instant panic attack - Infact the stuff in novacaine is epi shor for epinephrene and you can request novacaine without epi, but it just doesn't last that long. I was wondering why I was getting so panicky in the dentist chair and then I found out about the novacaine.

Craige - As you know bedtime is bad for me and I can't sleep although I have really been trying to do without the half of xanax at night and taking baths with lavender oil and candles. Trying to breathe right and thing positive thoughts however you asked what do I really think about while laying there and you could imagine. I think about why my heart is palpatating and if it's going to kill me even though I know I have been at the heart doctor several times for the way my heart skips, flutters or whatever you want to call it and I know I am fine and not going to die from it. The term they gave me is PAC's Premature Atrium contractions which will not kill you. I guess Premature Ventrical Contractions can be of little more concern. I know they are from my anxiety because they did go away completely on the Lex and that is the only good thing that medicine did for me. I still get very scared when I get them, but I am in more control of the situation. Good luck with the sleeping. The weekends are much easier for me to sleep too because I stay up late and don't have to stress about having to get enough sleep to function at work. It's almost like a mind game for me.

Dreamnmnky: Hello and Welcome, did your doctor ever consider checking your ears for minears disease which is an inner ear problem that makes you dizzy etc.... they have a medication called antivert for it which I think is harmless however it does make you a bit sleepy, but takes the dizziness away. My mom has it and I have a touch of it. I get so frustrated when I hear the reasons why these doctors are putting so many people on these SSRI's. It almost seems like they are getting paid from the drug companies or maybe it just makes there job easier to say here take this and call it a day. It's almost like they are to busy to get to the root of the problem and take the time to do the proper testing for the symptom instead of assuming that everyone is over anxious or depressed.

Brewer: I have also gotten swollen and gained another 5 pounds while weaning off the lex and it really pisses me off. I feel so swollen and my joints ache. at one point I went to the doctor and thought I had MS or something that's how much my joints ached. Hang in there! How are you doing with your weight. I am heavier than when I was pregnant to both my kids. I went from a nice 125-130 to a whopping 165 now. I have got to take this weight off, it's depressing me now and I was never ever depressed in my life. I don't want to go places like out for dinner with my husband or out with my friends because I have nothing to wear that fits or looks decent and I went from one who dressed up everyday to someone who lives in yoga pants with a long sleeve shirt and a shirt tied around my waist. It reallly sucks!!!! But I went to weight watchers again today and took off a measly pound, but I am determined. Any suggestions from anyone?????Please advice.

Well my reply is long enough so I will give someone else a chance to write. Talk to you all later.

Florence

[Brewer]

It's been a long weekend, but I see light at the end of the tunnel!

My joints feel a little better. It may be because my doctor gave me a "water pill". Peeing a lot, but feeling better! [:I]

Thank goodness someone else is crying at church! Thank you for bringing that up! I haven't made it through Mass without tearing up for weeks! And it's little stuff, like seeing a new baby.

Here's a new one- anyone have their hair falling out? Mine started falling out a lot this weekend. Now I'm feeling fat and BALD! I asked my doctor about it and he said there's no relation. Not sure I buy that.

Good news... I started on Bromocriptine this morning to stop the lactation caused by the Lex. I feel like my mood has lifted, energy is up and my appetite is gone! Yea! If now my boobs would shrink and dry up all will be well.

Hang in there everyone!

Brewer was here

[brwniz38]

Never heard anyone say they wished their boobs would shrink!!

[Scotty]

anxiousbabe-
Thanks for the confirmation on the novicaine. I swear I was doing so well(except for sleeping) prior to getting the fillings and then WHAM the next day it was like two steps back. I think most of my sensitivity has quieted down now. Although sometimes I can't tell if I'm sensitive from lack of sleep or withdrawal. I even took Lunesta last night and wasn't sensitive today.

Aunty-
Thank you for the research! Would it be a good idea for me to see my doctor and get a hormone test for an over-active adrenals? I've already had the thyroid done and it came back negative.

Aunty you may be able to confirm this but I frequent an insomnia board and had a recommendation for phosphatidyl-serine to naturally lower the amount of adrenal cortisol the body produces and thus the amount of adrenaline. Supposed to take 3 weeks for full effect and I've been taking it two days now but already feel calmer (not as shaky). Also my level of nervous tension is way down since I started.

brwniz38 and Miss Lee-
Keep up the crying. I know it's a great release. I feel as good after that as I do after twenty minutes of yoga Although I'm crying a lot less now so I guess my seretonin has dropped back close to normal.

Welcome to the new folks! Don't like to see people suffering but it's good to know you've got people out here going through it with you and who don't think your crazy!

Good to see some posts! Place was like a graveyard this weekend.

Keep the faith! And please everyone that believes in a higher power pray I get some sleep before I lose my freakin' mind or job or both

I really appreciate all the support!

[Brewer]

Brwniz- maybe the Lex marketers should promote breast growth- talk about a selling point!!

But then there's that whole milk thing... not so attractive.

Denise

Brewer was here

[quest86]

Thanks for the welcome -

Body e

I am Lexapro free for 21 days now and surviving. The itch started after I stopped the Lex, that's why I'm thinking it might be a withdrawal symptom but unlike the others it doesn't let up. To answer the 5htp question, no, I didn't start taking it while I was on the med, I believe it was 1 1/2 week after completely stopping.

Anxiousbabe -

Sorry that you are having such a hard time with the weight loss process. I gained 30lbs since taking Lexapro and yes it is tough to lose. I try not to think about it too much because it makes me feel (I don't want to use the word depressed)sad but I know that it will come off, I have a strong feeling that it will. Try to hang in there.

... for all those who are crying, cry on, you are not wailing alone.

Be well.

[Luna Tick]

Thanks to everyone who keeps up this conversation. I have not lost any more weight since the initial 7lbs. via a strict low carb diet. Maybe I would benifit from Weight Watchers or some other plan. Any recommendations?
Anxiousbabe...you are the only one who cares about the weight gain, don't let it stop your social life. I'm sure your friends miss you. Did anyone in this community ever not want to see a friend because they were gaining weight? I think not.
The good news is that the irritability is just about stopped. I no longer want to bite people's heads off. I feel a little dizzy, but not like when I felt I should not drive. I think that I may be less clumsy and less forgetful. It's an uphill fight, but Lexapro is a horrible drug for those of us for whom the negatives nullified any antidepressive feelings we experienced.
BodyE ... I think a fast next Thursday is a great thing to share.
Everyone...I'd like to meet you and cry at the card counter together. (I was in tears buying a sympathy card for a friend's pet loss).

[CHRISTINA2378]

Hi everyone,
I am so happy I found this forum today.. I can not believe how many of us there are fighting the same battle.
I can not believe I am not the only one wishing my chest would get smaller, in the past year they have grown 2 sizes! I thought it was from the 50lbs I gained ( yup from lexapro even though my docs kept telling me Lexapro does not make you gain and that it was my antihistamines...)
Thank you all for sharing your stories It has comforted me to know there are others going through this.


Quest-
I tried the Benedryl for the dizziness today and it worked. I also started with the itchness today, I was under the assumption that it was my allergies but now I am starting to think other wise. AVEENO - ANTI ITCH cream works well on them (it is for poison ivy and insect bites and is smelly at first but it works)

To everyone who is crying ~ I am with you all, I had to have my husband change the channel yesterday because they showed a bear in a cage that they had to remove from a residental area and started bawling because he looked so sad, just thinking about it is making my eyes water.

Thank you again,
Christina

[nduke39]

Hey everyone. I have been on Lex for about 7 months and want to stop taking next week after visiting the DR. Would love some ideas on anything to make this easier.
Thanks so much-
Tashia

nd

[Brewer]

Christina,
I am so glad you posted!

I've been told chest growth is a rare side effect. Mine have grown (lopsided)2 plus sizes and started lactating again even though my baby is 3. And yes, weaned long ago!

How are you on getting off the Lex? I've been off 3 weeks cold turkey and feel much better today. My doctor gave me Bromocriptine for the lactation and breast growth... it's also supposed to help with mood and weight loss. We'll see.

I've put on about 25 pounds since I started ssri's 10 years ago. No doctor ever suggested I get off, they just kept changing my prescription!

I'll send you positive thoughts on shrinkage!
Denise

Brewer was here

[Brewer]

NDuke,
get high quality Omega 3 now. Start on 2, twice a day. Then get a good "greens" powder to add to apple juice twice a day. Do this ASAP to prep your body for the change.

Also, your doctor may try to talk you out of going off. Many do. Make your decision for yourself, but do it under supervision.

I take 6 Omega 3 daily and it helps tremendously. I also used my lorazepam to get through the bad "zaps", but don't need it now.

I went cold turkey 3 weeks ago. It's been better than expected, but miserable at the same time. Swelling, bloated, weight gain, foggy, no short term memory, zaps, etc.

Some posts say it takes 6- 8 weeks to get through it, but the last 3 have been a blur. I would have been better off if I started with my supplements in hand! But it's so nice to feel in control again!

Hang in there!

Denise

Brewer was here

[no one]

quote:Originally posted by auntybiotic

No one,

AS I can recall, you almost went cold turkey off of the Lexapro. Dropped your dose by 50%...........then off with a few weeks later.

Sorry, I think you got the wrong guy. I have only posted once...well twice now.

But, although I thought it was slow enough, according to everything I have read here I weaned off too quickly. I weaned off from 20mg/dly to nothing in about two months. I didn't feel too bad until my final step - completely off 1/8th pill/dly.

This board sure does get a ton of traffic... A lot of similar experiences and helping words. I see I am deffinately not alone.

The lightness/"skipped beats" you speak of are probably palpitations, and can really ruin your day and make a person worry. Didn't someone mention PACs? Anyway, as always, talk to a doctor, but with me, I was told it was a common withdrawal symtom, and not dangerous, and will go away. Trust me...I don't take that kind of thing lightly, after just being treated for SVT arrhythmia.

I'm really going to try to get away from these pills. I see now that the withdrawal stage is a lot longer with Lex (all SSRI's ?) than I was lead to beleive. How fast they compell you to return to the Pill!!! I just need a little more time...it's been only 3 weeks since i've been completely off.

[xx(] Any other rehabilitating zombies out there?!? [xx(]

[CHRISTINA2378]

BREWER,
I sort of went off it the wrong way, I haven't told any of my doctors that I went off it I sort of just did.. I am blaming it on my biological clock ... I am 27 and really want to start having babies. I am using that for motivation. Today has been alright so far ( I have been off 10 days now.. I have been taking a multi vitaman and I really think it is helping with my mood swings.
I actually feel better off the lexapro... my mind feels clearer almost, I was really starting to get into a fog the past couple of months, I didn't care about anything really it was like I was gettin larthargic, I sort of just stopped going to the counsler because it was just becoming a complaining session and I would leave there more depressed.
This forum has been more helpful in 2 days then the 2 years in counseling just knowing I am not the only one fighting this helps.

[Miss Lee]

Hey all-

I have been on my nautral doc's supplement program for five days and am seeing some relief. The psyillium powder pulls the toxins out of your body and I think it is working in conjunction with the milk thisle which is releasing them out of my liver. Before after acupuncture, they were just hanging out in my blood . That made me feel like ****!!!! So I go back on Thursday for my blood analysis and maybe a homeopathy??? who knows.

I accept who I am today.

This crying thing seems to another common bond. I cry at everything. i barely even watch TV anymore because of it. Oh well. Last week I cried over the biggest loser. i love that show!

I accept who I am today.

If anyone tries the psyillium let me know. There is tips for better drinkablility. I swear it is like trying to mix baby powder and water. My mom has been using it for years. I'll share her method if anyone is interested.

Miss Lee

[quest86]

Hello everyone,

Christina -

Thanks for the tip on the Aveeno, I will try it out as soon as I get around to leaving the house.
I am still amazed at how clear my thinking is now, once going off Lexapro. My focus was so limited that it took great strain to do two things at once, this concerned me considering that I used to be a multi-task pro. At the time, I felt that I lost a part of who I am and it scared me. I became a different person, isolated and robotic-like. It took constant complaining from my family by pointing out my new behaviour to make me decide to stop taking this med.
Although the withdrawal is burdensome, I am glad for my decision because feeling like my old-self-but-improved, is priceless.
I believe you are doing good by using your future pregnancy as an incentive to get through this moment. A baby always brings the best out of everyone or at least most of us.

Miss Lee -

So glad that you are feeling better.