[hope for the best]

Originally Posted by Debbie Steffens

I recently quit taking lexapro and have had several of the withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, a fluttery feeling in my chest, not sleeping, a dull headache, etc. I also have noticed that the area around my lips and mouth feel numb and a little tingly. Has anyone else ever had this problem? Is it true that this will begin tapering off after a couple of weeks? Should I take a lexapro every few days to keep the symptoms from being so bad or just tough it out?

Hi Debbie, it might help someone have an idea if you could tell what dose you were taking, how long you took it and how you tapered/stopped.

There are lots of post from people with similar symptoms.

[taeon]

I'm feeling really really low for no reason and it's scary the dark thoughts I'm having. So much so that I ejected the razor out of my shaver. I took a quarter of klonopin which my dr prescribed for the first time... My dosage is half a pill... He wouldn't give me xanax and I only have a quarter left of that. So hopefully I will be able to get some sleep and get past this episode. I know I won't do anything stupid but I looked up the closest emergency room to my new place just in case I need to go for help or I get too afraid of myself. I'm back on my 100 zoloft dosage and take it in the morning now.

Here is the weird part... I feel fine when I have food in my system but get manically low when hungry. When I'm low though, I don't feel like eating... Strange really...

Now I'm just ranting but it is really helping to write this stuff down so I hope you guys don't mind... Work has been getting harder because of these feelings... I really want to just get past this and move on. My life is going good with no reason for these feelings. My wife and I are still working things out (still separated but dating). She just moved back home which will save me money on her rent.

I heard that deppression is really just anxiety in a different form. Hopefully the klonopin will negate some of these feelings. I really do need to excersise. I hear that helps a lot. When I went for my stress test (treadmill for heart) I felt good at a specific point in the test when my heart rate was up. I haven't been able to duplicate that feeling yet though because I haven't really tried I guess.

I honestly don't know why my thoughts are so dark. I love life and while I'm going through some changes, there is no way I want to die. Seriously something is messed up in my head if I'm thinking this. Hopefully things will stabilize soon.

Remember I was only on Lexapro for about 10-12 days. Should I still have withdrawals?

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by taeon

I'm feeling really really low for no reason and it's scary the dark thoughts I'm having. So much so that I ejected the razor out of my shaver. I took a quarter of klonopin which my dr prescribed for the first time... My dosage is half a pill... He wouldn't give me xanax and I only have a quarter left of that. So hopefully I will be able to get some sleep and get past this episode. I know I won't do anything stupid but I looked up the closest emergency room to my new place just in case I need to go for help or I get too afraid of myself. I'm back on my 100 zoloft dosage and take it in the morning now.

Here is the weird part... I feel fine when I have food in my system but get manically low when hungry. When I'm low though, I don't feel like eating... Strange really...

Now I'm just ranting but it is really helping to write this stuff down so I hope you guys don't mind... Work has been getting harder because of these feelings... I really want to just get past this and move on. My life is going good with no reason for these feelings. My wife and I are still working things out (still separated but dating). She just moved back home which will save me money on her rent.

I heard that deppression is really just anxiety in a different form. Hopefully the klonopin will negate some of these feelings. I really do need to excersise. I hear that helps a lot. When I went for my stress test (treadmill for heart) I felt good at a specific point in the test when my heart rate was up. I haven't been able to duplicate that feeling yet though because I haven't really tried I guess.

I honestly don't know why my thoughts are so dark. I love life and while I'm going through some changes, there is no way I want to die. Seriously something is messed up in my head if I'm thinking this. Hopefully things will stabilize soon.

Remember I was only on Lexapro for about 10-12 days. Should I still have withdrawals?

I think what you are experiencig is a combo of lex withdrawls and zoloft side efefcts. All SSRI's can cause sucidal thoughts.
Bach's cherry plum essence will take the dark thoughts away. Order some at the Vitamin Shoppe ASAP. It cost about $9.00 a bottle. Will knock out sucidal feelings and thoughts.

[erinkj]

These symptoms are due to hyperventilation. This is VERY common symptom when comming off of SSRI med's. Here is more info to help you understand what is happening....Erin

Hyperventilation
GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Hyperventilation (hi-per-ven-tuh-lay-shun) is when your breathing is out of balance and the amounts of gases change in your blood. One of these gases is carbon dioxide (di-oks-ide). With hyperventilation, the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood drops.

Causes: Hyperventilation may be caused by anxiety, stress, or panic. Other causes may include medicines, imbalances in the chemicals in your body, and eating or drinking too much caffeine.

Signs and Symptoms: You may have shortness of breath, fast breathing, weakness, or dizziness. Another sign is slow, deep sighing breathes that make you feel like you need to yawn a lot. Other signs may be feeling faint or having numbness and tingling around the mouth, hands, and feet. Or you may have muscle tightness in your hands and feet. You may have blurred vision or feel like your heart is racing. Also, you may feel a loss of control of your emotions or a sense of panic.

Care: During a hyperventilation attack slow your breathing. Learn to control your stress in new ways. Deep breathing, relaxing muscles, meditation, or biofeedback exercises may help you control stress. Also, try breathing in and out of a paper bag for a few minutes as that will help to re-set your natural breathing rythm.

[Ohwell]

Hey...I am having a good day today. My tremors in my hand are much less today. I stopped taking folic acid, and think that may have been the cause of the nervous, jittery feeling. I think my body just can't handle many supplements right now. I also feel I am in a rebound depression from the lex. withdrawal, I am in month 8 off lex. (taken for almost 2 years, 10mg)
I am hopeful I am past the hard stuff. The dr. gave me a good report and said I was depressed and gave me a prescrip. for zanax, which I haven't filled. I go to my thryoid dr. in a few more weeks, and I will be anxious to see if my levels are right.

My appitite is still not back much, I'm wondering if it will ever return. I have lost about 11 lbs. in the past few months. I am eatting very well. Thats the thing we should all do through this.....fruits, veggies, and tons of water. Fish oil, and vit. C, and chamoile tea at night with your calcium supplement.
I find bachs rescue remedy taken under the tongue at night before bed helps me sleep! God Bless you all. Ohwell.

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by Aeroman

Just when I thought I was pulling out of the withdrawal symptoms!!!!! Last week, I started feeling dizzy and it doesn't go away! I move my eyes to my left or right while sitting down and I get whoozy. Know what I mean? Or I stand up focusing on my work and then I get "light" in my head. Tell me I am not alone! It's annoying. I did have the brain shivers but 95% of them are gone. I can tell I still have them after I lay down, ready for bed. I also feel this pressing squeezing tightening feeling on my scalp - maybe a tension headache? Hang in there everyone!!! (I'll take my own advice)

Dizziness is common. It may take months to correct itself without taking suppplements and I believe you wantto heal naturally.

If you find it really annoying I can suggest Non drowsey Dramanine to take away the dizziness. The mid ear is effected by serotonin and lexapro use has messed up the serotonin receptors. Could take many months to 18 months for the receptors to regenerate and start producing natural serotonin.

Until then you will feel the effects of someone on a ship or boat, seasickness and extreme dizziness. The inner ear is causing these effects.

[8monthslater]

Originally Posted by auntybiotic

The mid ear is effected by serotonin and lexapro use has messed up the serotonin receptors. Could take many months to 18 months for the receptors to regenerate and start producing natural serotonin.

I find this interesting. Do you think this is why my ear bothers me so much?

[8monthslater]

Anyone ever heard of a connection? My ob really thinks all of my ear and sinus troubles are yeast related. I had a pap last monday that showed candida. Since I have had this problem I have taken several courses of antibiotics which have obviously messed up my gut. She had me send in a stool sample to send off to be evaluated. We'll see.

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by 8monthslater

Anyone ever heard of a connection? My ob really thinks all of my ear and sinus troubles are yeast related. I had a pap last monday that showed candida. Since I have had this problem I have taken several courses of antibiotics which have obviously messed up my gut. She had me send in a stool sample to send off to be evaluated. We'll see.

I have not heard of lex causing yeast but whenever you take a antibiotic you should take nystatin to prevent the die off of healthy yeast. If you do have yeast DO NOT TAKE prescription Dificuan (I think that is spelled correctly) It affects the P 450 Ctochrome system in the liver and that system is already messed up due to lex.................can create a lot more problems. Nystatin would be fine or natural yeast supplements available at the health food store.

I am certain the Ob has no clue that lex causes severe sinus problems and ear issues........heck even specialist that prescribe SSRI's don't even know!!

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by 8monthslater

I find this interesting. Do you think this is why my ear bothers me so much?

How do your ears bother you? Full feeling like riding a plane? Pain? Ringing? I am sure the lexapro has affected your ears. I know when starting lex my daughter had ringing for a month.

[hope for the best]

Since my daughter is also tapering off Lex I think of you and your daughter ofter. How is she doing and is she close to off yet?

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by 8monthslater

Anyone ever heard of a connection? My ob really thinks all of my ear and sinus troubles are yeast related. I had a pap last monday that showed candida. Since I have had this problem I have taken several courses of antibiotics which have obviously messed up my gut. She had me send in a stool sample to send off to be evaluated. We'll see.

Were your ear problems there before you took antibiotics?
Some antibiotics are KNOWN to cause inner ear toxicity. Many people end up getting severe vertigo and other difficulty.
could be something to investigate.....
Good Luck,
CO Hiker

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by taeon

I'm feeling really really low for no reason and it's scary the dark thoughts I'm having. So much so that I ejected the razor out of my shaver. I took a quarter of klonopin which my dr prescribed for the first time... My dosage is half a pill... He wouldn't give me xanax and I only have a quarter left of that. So hopefully I will be able to get some sleep and get past this episode. I know I won't do anything stupid but I looked up the closest emergency room to my new place just in case I need to go for help or I get too afraid of myself. I'm back on my 100 zoloft dosage and take it in the morning now.

Here is the weird part... I feel fine when I have food in my system but get manically low when hungry. When I'm low though, I don't feel like eating... Strange really...

Now I'm just ranting but it is really helping to write this stuff down so I hope you guys don't mind... Work has been getting harder because of these feelings... I really want to just get past this and move on. My life is going good with no reason for these feelings. My wife and I are still working things out (still separated but dating). She just moved back home which will save me money on her rent.

I heard that deppression is really just anxiety in a different form. Hopefully the klonopin will negate some of these feelings. I really do need to excersise. I hear that helps a lot. When I went for my stress test (treadmill for heart) I felt good at a specific point in the test when my heart rate was up. I haven't been able to duplicate that feeling yet though because I haven't really tried I guess.

I honestly don't know why my thoughts are so dark. I love life and while I'm going through some changes, there is no way I want to die. Seriously something is messed up in my head if I'm thinking this. Hopefully things will stabilize soon.

Remember I was only on Lexapro for about 10-12 days. Should I still have withdrawals?

Hi there, I truly sympathise with you. What you're having is called pure-O, and this is one of the types of OCD. I used to have tons of it while on Lex, and still have them now - 3 months off. I've done tons of research and even cognitive-behavioural for that. Please stay sure that you're not going to harm yourself in any way. Nor others. This is what OCD is like, and you're truly having that. SSRIs and cold-turkeying are increasing humans' natural tendency towards obsession tenfold. Trust me please in that... and once you get past your withdrawals it will get better, and hopefully dissipate in time, or stop bothering you at all. (i.e. you will have the same thoughts but not take them seriously, that's what people without pure O are like). We all get crazy thoughts sometimes, but people with pure O tend to take them seriously. Remember: in your case now it's not you, it's the drug.

Start on Bach remedies now, as suggested by Aunty, and if you need any support, you can e-mail me or even we can get in touch on phone. Please remember you are not alone in this, there are people around you to help, and you WILL get over that and get your life back.

Peace,
Julia

[Julia77]

I'm close to three months off... and am on emotional rollercoaster. Weepy, kind of depressed, have some obsessions ( just posted to Taoen) and anxious at times. My face goes numb at times, as well as my hands. Sometimes it all goes away and I feel normal 100%. I know I am having withdrawals, and I am determined to stick it out, and honestly that's not too bad, but I am not definitely myself. I think I might start Bach remedies and Inisitol, what do you guys think of that?

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by hope for the best

Aunty or others, I was just reading on another forum where someone is on their third try tapering off Lex after problems trying before and the only thing they've done different this time is to take 1000mg Vit D. Sounds like they are slow tapering but having no problems this time.

From what I've read I think I'll have my daughter add it to her supplement list as the only Vit D she's getting right now is from whats in her calcium supplement that she only uses occasionally. She doesn't spend much time outside so doesn't get much naturally. I think I'm going to take some myself too.

I swear I've read every post in this thread but can't for the life of me remember if Vit D has been discussed before (stupid perimenopausal memory lapse). Anyone have any comments on it?

This may sound silly, yet it is FACT! Using a tanning bed for 10-20 minutes once or twice a week will provide vitamin D comperable to what you recieve naturaly from 15 minute sun exposure per day! There are also a few "studies" underway to determine if sunlamps (tanning beds) will help in meletonin regulation....If you are worried about the skin cancer conection then she could use an SPF lotion, however, tanning once or twice a week for 5 minutes in a "base bed" should do the trick with minimal risks....depending on her skin type. I thought you might find this interesting...take care...Erin

[erinkj]

I have TON'S of info that I can share on weight loss to those who are interested. More specificly pertaining to the natural supplements that can be taken with lexapro that are supported by re-search to help take off the weight. Actually, I could tell you ANYTHING you ever wanted to know about loosing fat and building muscle, from diet to complete targeted work outs. (my husband is a fitness GURU). I think most of you are educated on the diet/excersize aspect so, if you have questions on the supplement front, let me know and I will post an outline with links to each supp, etc....Peace...Erin

[erinkj]

I thought you did a candida cleanse a few months ago?! Regardless, some people are more prone to yeast infections than others, I get one every time I take an antibiotic. With your ear prob's, I am sure you have done several courses of antibiotics so, after each course of them that you may take in the future; follow it up with Probiotics, that will help to keep the healthy bacteria in your gut balanced and flourishing, this way the candida won't get out of control. (yeast infection, etc) Aside from that, the benefit of probiotics is almost endless!....Erin

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by Julia77

I'm close to three months off... and am on emotional rollercoaster. Weepy, kind of depressed, have some obsessions ( just posted to Taoen) and anxious at times. My face goes numb at times, as well as my hands. Sometimes it all goes away and I feel normal 100%. I know I am having withdrawals, and I am determined to stick it out, and honestly that's not too bad, but I am not definitely myself. I think I might start Bach remedies and Inisitol, what do you guys think of that?

My opinion: Absolutely start inositol. Bach remedies may help but, honestly, I tried the rescue remedy and no matter how hard I tried to convince myself that it helped; It simply did not! Maybe it will work for you. Passion flower is far more effective for the anxiety. (again, my opinion) you can get the passion flower in liquid concentrated drops or capsules. I take the capsules and for me, it helps. I have begun passion flower slowly because I take a benzo (xanax) and passion flower can increase the effects of benzo's, hence my cautionary dosing. If you are not using a benzo then you would be able to begin passion flower at a higher dose. I reccomend starting with 500mgs passion flower twice a day. That would be two 250mg capsules in the morning and again in the evening. If you are leary about taking it I can post the info that my pharmacist printed for me on it for you. I think it will help you though. The numbness is hyperventilation part of the panic process....yippy . Keep me up to date...Let me know if there is ANYTHING that I can do to help please! God Bless Julia....Hug's...Erin

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by erinkj

I have TON'S of info that I can share on weight loss to those who are interested. More specificly pertaining to the natural supplements that can be taken with lexapro that are supported by re-search to help take off the weight. Actually, I could tell you ANYTHING you ever wanted to know about loosing fat and building muscle, from diet to complete targeted work outs. (my husband is a fitness GURU). I think most of you are educated on the diet/excersize aspect so, if you have questions on the supplement front, let me know and I will post an outline with links to each supp, etc....Peace...Erin

Hi Erin,
PLEASE, PLEASE!!!
Share the web-sites on weight loss! I don't think I can eat less without virtual starvation. The scales do NOT budge.
Thanks,
CO Hiker

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by erinkj

My opinion: Absolutely start inositol. Bach remedies may help but, honestly, I tried the rescue remedy and no matter how hard I tried to convince myself that it helped; It simply did not! Maybe it will work for you. Passion flower is far more effective for the anxiety. (again, my opinion) you can get the passion flower in liquid concentrated drops or capsules. I take the capsules and for me, it helps. I have begun passion flower slowly because I take a benzo (xanax) and passion flower can increase the effects of benzo's, hence my cautionary dosing. If you are not using a benzo then you would be able to begin passion flower at a higher dose. I reccomend starting with 500mgs passion flower twice a day. That would be two 250mg capsules in the morning and again in the evening. If you are leary about taking it I can post the info that my pharmacist printed for me on it for you. I think it will help you though. The numbness is hyperventilation part of the panic process....yippy . Keep me up to date...Let me know if there is ANYTHING that I can do to help please! God Bless Julia....Hug's...Erin

Hi Erin,

Thank you so much for offering help and advice, I truly appreciate it! I will look into Passion Flower and are you taking Inisitol, and if you are, how much?

Thanks. HOw are you doing there? Did you up your dose?

[Julia77]

Originally Posted by erinkj

I have TON'S of info that I can share on weight loss to those who are interested. More specificly pertaining to the natural supplements that can be taken with lexapro that are supported by re-search to help take off the weight. Actually, I could tell you ANYTHING you ever wanted to know about loosing fat and building muscle, from diet to complete targeted work outs. (my husband is a fitness GURU). I think most of you are educated on the diet/excersize aspect so, if you have questions on the supplement front, let me know and I will post an outline with links to each supp, etc....Peace...Erin

Erin, yes, please, share, if you can.

[PaulWM]

Been reading this forum for about two months and would like to share my Lex (the Devil's Drug) experience.

I'm a married, 36 year-old male with three young daughters. I'm also a school teacher and I wrote a humor book called Letters to eBay -- overall very active and happy. Always struggled with anxiety though, and around Christmas time it started to affect me a bit more than usual. Told the doctor around that time and then a few months later, during a routine physical mentioned it again and he prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro. I asked him if it had any side effects and he said a few people complain of headaches. Did minor research on the Web but made the mistake of going to the "official" Web site of Lex and decided to give it a shot.

Took one pill and about an hour later got a pretty big rush of anxiety. Surprised me a bit but went away fairly quick. Took the second pill the next day in the morning and while driving to school started seeing stars and a gigantic rush of anxiety came all over my body. Made it to school and could not function for the life of me -- I was extremely agitated, couldn't sit, couldn't stand, didn't know what was happening to my body, shaky hands, and all that good stuff. Called my wife and just started to cry and panic. Felt like running out the door and, like Forrest Gump, just keep on running. Finally called my principal (who's a good friend) and he drove me home. That night I was up from 1-4 am with incredible burning sensations in my shoulders and arms, tripping out for sure. No matter what, I was not going to take any more pills. My doctor did call after I called him that next day and told me to stop taking the pills but it was too late, that poison was already in me. Weeks following, and a bit now as well, have been very difficult -- pretty much convinced myself that I had cancer, brain tumor, and all sorts of major physical problems. Just not myself at all. Probably have had ten or so bits of crying. Remember this is only from TWO PILLS.

Every once in a while I'll get these little jolts of anxiety, have ringing in my ears, and trouble sleeping, but am doing much better. I did have some of those crazy, off-the-wall dreams people have written about on these message boards. A couple were VERY disturbing.

I just have to remind myself that (hopefully) it's still the Lex that is still effecting my body. Like I said earlier in my post I'm a very active, lively person and this Lex really put a scare in my life. Luckily I have a fantastic wife who's helped me through this time in my life with much support and prayer. I've read a tons of posts on this board and really feel for those that are trying to get off this terrible drug after years or sometimes months on it. My own prayers and support are with you all. The more and more research I do on this drug and SSRIs the more upset I become. I could write a bunch more of my thoughts but I'll stop for now.

If anyone has a question please send me a private message. Oh yeah, my platelet count is pretty low as well -- it was at 86 two weeks ago and am waiting for results from last Friday's blood work. Just read that Lex might effect this as well. Isn't that neat? Well, Thanks for wading through my post and good luck to all!

-Paul

[auntybiotic]

Originally Posted by hope for the best

Since my daughter is also tapering off Lex I think of you and your daughter ofter. How is she doing and is she close to off yet?

No, my daughter was on 20 Mg of lexapro..so it is taking her forever. I can only taper about 2% every three weeks or so.

[erinkj]

The Inositol that I am currently taking is in my daily vitamin/mineral. I copied the label info on my liquid vitamin here, to show you what I take. I buy the 32 oz bottle on-line, in bulk so, I pay about $14.00 per one month supply and get free shipping.


Peter Gillham’s Organic Life Vitamins
Organic Life Vitamins is a food-based blend of essential vitamins




Serving Size is 1 oz Amount Per Serving %DV
Calories 12g *
Total Carbohydrate 3g *
Sugars 3g *
Vitamin A 15000IU 300%
Vitamin B1 6.5mg 500%
Vitamin B2 7mg 500%
Vitamin B3 40mg 260%
Vitamin B5 20mg 350%
Vitamin B6 8.4mg 400%
Vitamin B12 100mcg 1000%
Biotin 300mcg 100%
Vitamin C 180mg 300%
Zinc 15mg 100%
Inositol 50mg *
Chromium 150mcg 127%
Vitamin E 300IU 1000%
Selenium 50mcg 71%
Folic Acid 400mcg 200%
Choline 50mg *
Hesperidin 40mg *
VItamin D3 200IU 50%
Vitamin B15 10mg *
OptiMSM 50mg *
Organic Aloe Vera Juice 4.5g *
Amino Acid Complex 50mg *
Organic Noni Juice Concentrate 63mg *
*Daily Value (DV) not established.

Contains
Triple-UV-Filtered Purified Water, Certified Organic Agave Nectar, Natural Vegetable Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Certified Organic Arabic Gum, Xanthan Gum, Citricidal (Grapefruit Seed Extract), Grape Seed Extract, Organic Raspberry and Cranberry Extracts
ConcenTrace® trace minerals
Amino acid complex
OptiMSM®

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound and nutritional component of many foods. MSM supports healthy, active lifestyles and benefits multiple structures and functions within the body, including connective tissues and the respiratory system.

[erinkj]

Welcome . Thank you so much for sharing your story. People need to be made aware of how detrimental SSRI's can be to one's health, even from just a few pills. There was a woman who posted here some time ago who had a similar experience from only a few pills. She had some testing done which showed that she was unable to metabolize lexapro hence, toxic build up and withdrawl symptom roller coaster rides, for a few months after ingesting 3 pills. (I think only 3) Look up posts by OliviaJ for more info on her test results if you are interested. Good luck...Erin

[erinkj]

I wonder if I should start a new thread for this?! . There is so very much for me to say on this subject. (weight loss)
First, a few basics. 1. There is no such thing as a "one size fits all" diet or excersize routine. To successfuly implement diet and excersize routines, they MUST be tailored to the INDIVIDUAL. ie: taking ALL of the factors into consideration such as: Age, goal, health, etc. So, the first thing every person needs to do is a complete assessment. (I can outline that for you if you like)
2. You will NOT loose fat if you do not build muscle!!! no way around that. this does NOT mean that you have to kill yourselves with lifting weights or that you will look like a man. Building muscle is far easier than fad dieting and less strenuouse than it sounds. You would be amazed at how simply this can be accomplished by things that you already do everyday. (I can advise on this also).
3. IGNORE the ever popular BMI (body mass index)!!! The BMI does NOT take body composition into account. Muscle weighs far more than fat! Example: my husband is 6'2" tall and weighs 250 lbs, according to the BMI he is in the "high risk" end and overweight???WRONG! The only fat my husband has is between his ears!!. He is very muscular hence, his weight. I am 5'7" tall and my weight averages 140lbs yet, I wear a size 5 and depending on the brand they can be loose. My sister is also 5'7" but weighs 125 lbs and wears size 9, we have the same frame size/bone structure, the difference is that I have more muscle than she does; which illustrates my point.
4. HIDE YOUR SCALE! Never weigh yourself more than once per week, once per month is better. As you gain muscle the scale WILL rise before it fall's. So, don't focus on the numbers. Water weight fluctuates DAILY, even hourly at times...Always allow at least a 3 lb weight fluctuation for this.
5. EAT MORE!!! 5 small meals per day..this can be difficult, believe me; I know. NEVER skip breakfast, it wakes up your fat burning furnace for the rest of the day...breakfast is your kickstart! Lean protiene (sp) is essential to build muscle. (again, more on this if you want) Don't starve yourself, that will only defeat weight loss. The only true rule on food is MODERATION. Even chocolate is okay so long as you balance your overall diet. (again, more)
6.Strengthen your core! This is an excellent way to build muscle and the benefits are ENDLESS..Think PILATES!

I reccomend 7-keto supplements.
7-keto is a safe DHEA metabolite and
has been the subject of research and
clinical study. Researchers believe 7-keto,
like DHEA, plays a role in many body
functions, including immune response,
memory, skin integrity, and weight
management. DHEA’s conversion to
the sex hormones has been a cause for
concern. Elevated DHEA levels can cause
a build-up of testosterone and estrogen
in men and women, increasing their risk
for reproductive cancers, such breast and
prostate cancers.Based on the work of Dr. Henry
Lardy of the University of Wisconsin
Department of Biochemistry, we know
7-keto offers many of DHEA’s benefits
without conversion into the sex hormones
estrogen and testosterone. As for weight
loss, Dr. Lardy's research shows 7-keto is
even more potent than DHEA for stimulating
enzymes in the liver responsible
for thermogenesis (burning calories).
Dr. Lardy was awarded a U.S. patent on
7-keto as a method for promoting weight control by treating a subject without.

As I said, maybe I should start a new thread for this. Tons more to say but, Past time to feed my clan so, gotta go for now, more later....This is just something to ponder for now...Catch ya later...Erin

[erinkj]

Also, check out the website www.realage.com this site is a treasure trove of info and it can help you determine your individual needs.ERin

[Ohwell]

Hi, Hope you are better today. I like the Bachs rescue remedy. I think it helps. I haven't started the inistol yet? Be sure you are drinking lots of water with lemon in it. It helps the liver clear. I buy a dozen lemons a week and add slices to my water. It also helps alkanize your ph, which is a good thing. Take a hot bath in the evening to relax and add some apple cider vinager, or epsom salts to help detox. try to eat as much whole food as possible. I hope you aren't doing soda or coffee? Say no to that! Drink lots of fresh or 100% frozen juices. Grape juice is good. And Exercise every day, whether you want to or not. Force yourself to go for a 20 minute walk outside in a pretty spot. If you can Jump on a mini tramp or trampoline for a few minutes a day. This helps your cells as well. And take your supplements.
Good Luck! Ohwell.

[aok]

I was taking Lexapro for a year and in the beginning it worked great, but eventually the side effects began to outweigh the benefits. The most unfortunate thing was that I was seeing several specialists including my psychiatrist and regularly complaining of weight gain (about 30lbs in a year while watching my diet and exercising regularly until I got too sick to exercise), achy body, daytime sleepiness, severe sore throat, irregular bowel movements... They tested me for everything under the sun but at no point did anyone say, hmmm, maybe some of this is the Lexapro. After doing my own research I decided to come off a week and a half ago. I wish I had read these posts first so that I could have known how to do it properly. My doctor stepped me down from 20mg to 10mg and told me to stop completely after 14 days on 10mg. Those d*** head zings started immediately and persist, but I felt my strength coming back, my digestive system was on track... but then the nausea, crying... began. I was feeling so depressed and did not understand what was happening to me because my psychiatrist did not warn me of anything. I am so glad I found this forum and now have a better understanding of what's happening to me. There were a few things that I have found helpful:
1) Before I stopped the meds I did some research and read about the importance of Omega-3 and the B complex vitamins in fighting depression so I started taking supplements before I stopped the Lexapro
2) Eating dark chocolate, should be at least 60% chocolate, helps me with the nausea (the antioxidants).
3) I have been allowing myself more sleep in the morning, drink plenty of water, and I am trying to avoid overworking myself and I am feeling increasingly better day by day.
4) Get plenty of fresh air and sunlight. I also take Vitamin D and a good multi-vitamin.
Once again, thanks to everyone for sharing, it has made my transition so much better knowing that I am not just going crazy.

[ivysphotomom]

I've been busy the last few weeks with work, so haven't been able to post, or read much....

The good news, I'm almost caught up with work, for the first time in 4 years, due to hiring an assistant (finally)! And, spring is here!!! Yeah!

Now that I've got a bit of a lull in work, I'm planning to start my lexapro taper. I've been back on 10mg for a few months now. I called my Drs. office yesterday, and left a message asking for a prescription for the liquid form...

My question is, I remember reading here, the advice to taper 10% every 14 days. If I'm on 10mg now, that would of course go to 9mg for two weeks. But then would the next taper be 1mg again, or 10% of 9mg, which would be .9mg, putting me on 8.1mg for 2 weeks, then reducing by .81 mg, etc? That could get crazy!!! Just wanted to make sure I was approaching this correctly!

Also, I read a few posts about candida and lex. I've wondered about that too. Because since being on lex., it's weird, but I've had this itchy spot on the outside, middle part of my right ear! Never had that before!

One last weird thing, I've had this weird tickle/gag reflex since being on the lex. Last night, I tried to take a large, slippery capsule, and almost totally threw up, as in when one has the stomach flu! It was horrible! I had to force myself to eat a crack to get my esophogus (sp?) moving back down, instead of up! Has anyone else had this type of symptom?

Oh, in terms of eating, I've been SO bad for years, often don't eat ANYTHING until mid afternoon, or evening! And I weigh as much as I did going into labor w/ my 4 kids! I used to be able to maintain my blood sugar doing this, but since going on lex, I get incredibly hungry, often extremely shaky, etc. This drug really messes with so many things!

Thanks all,