[rama1200]

Originally Posted by rama1200

Hi to all... I'm new to this forum and I find it very useful... thanks to all...

I was prescribed zythromax(zithromax?) pack for pericarditis... I experienced tightness of the checst and throat so had to go the ER; they said I was allergic to it; (i had taken it for a week - almos finishing the treatment); then they prescribed a medrol pack and some benadryl to get rid of the allergic reaction (took them also for a week - finished the treatment)... then they check my heart and said that the pericarditis was still there so the following week they put me on prednisone 20mg 2x4 days then 1x3 days) and lexapro (10mg, 1xday)... my cardiologist made all the required tests and said that chances are I did not even had pericardities in the first place....

so I tool zythromax for a week, the following week I took medrol and benadryl, and the following week I took prednisone and lexapro - all back-to-back.

I finished the prednisone and lexapro about a month ago... I have all the side effects; depression, shakes in the muslces, bone, joints, lost weight, head aches, etc.

Even now, a month after I finished all of them (properly decreased as per pack intructions) I am having side effects (or withdrawl symptoms?)....

I have gone to the doctors many time these last month 1/2 to tell my symptoms and they always want to find a reason for each individual problem.... even though I tell them I never felt this bad before the medications... they all tell me that they meds should be out of my body by now, but they are not able to tell what is wrong with me....

How long do they stay in my body it has been a month)... are they longer on me because I took them back-to-back? if the symptoms are due to the side effects, can they get worse?

Sorry for the many/many questions, but you guys know how concern we should be when it comes to these things....

Thanks for all you help and support.

any body?? any help??

Thanks

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by rama1200

any body?? any help??

Thanks

Rama, there are too many variables that you listed which would be difficult for someone to figure out what exactly is wrong. But here is something you can be at peace with: Lexapro, for the MOST part, does cause withdrawals (if thats any consolation to you). I took it for depression/anxiety for 2.5 years and it "lifted" the morning unexplainable anxiety and eventually depression. i didnt want to do anything, which is NOT ME and never was. I had a good childhood. Why I got depression/anxiety is a mystery to me but it doesnt matter. What matters is seeing it through until full recovery. The lex helped like I mentioned and after months of libido issues and weight gain, i asked my psychiatrist to get me off it. He weened me off and days after the last pill, I got the zapping in my head, headaches, dizzy, moodines - stuff that was soooooooo foreign to me. I thought it would be gone in 2 weeks after the last pill. Well, its been a bit over three months and new stuff has developed. Dizzy is about gone, no more brain zaps, moodiness is pretty much disappeared...however, past 2 months my sleep has been altered and just over a week ago, I have gotten the symptoms of depression (which I call a funk). Despite the symptoms I got a few weeks after the last Lex pill, I would still attend car shows, enjoy movies with my wife, etc. Now, I am in a whole different mind set. And as much as I hate it, I know deep within me that this is all attributed to the lex withdrawals.

Everyone is different and we all react different with meds, conditions, etc. I am not familiar with your other drugs but check this out - just accept whatever is happening to you. try to not spend too much time over analyzing your symptoms because it doesnt get you anywhere...

[rama1200]

Originally Posted by Aeroman

Rama, there are too many variables that you listed which would be difficult for someone to figure out what exactly is wrong. But here is something you can be at peace with: Lexapro, for the MOST part, does cause withdrawals (if thats any consolation to you). I took it for depression/anxiety for 2.5 years and it "lifted" the morning unexplainable anxiety and eventually depression. i didnt want to do anything, which is NOT ME and never was. I had a good childhood. Why I got depression/anxiety is a mystery to me but it doesnt matter. What matters is seeing it through until full recovery. The lex helped like I mentioned and after months of libido issues and weight gain, i asked my psychiatrist to get me off it. He weened me off and days after the last pill, I got the zapping in my head, headaches, dizzy, moodines - stuff that was soooooooo foreign to me. I thought it would be gone in 2 weeks after the last pill. Well, its been a bit over three months and new stuff has developed. Dizzy is about gone, no more brain zaps, moodiness is pretty much disappeared...however, past 2 months my sleep has been altered and just over a week ago, I have gotten the symptoms of depression (which I call a funk). Despite the symptoms I got a few weeks after the last Lex pill, I would still attend car shows, enjoy movies with my wife, etc. Now, I am in a whole different mind set. And as much as I hate it, I know deep within me that this is all attributed to the lex withdrawals.

Everyone is different and we all react different with meds, conditions, etc. I am not familiar with your other drugs but check this out - just accept whatever is happening to you. try to not spend too much time over analyzing your symptoms because it doesnt get you anywhere...

Thanks a bunch aeroman... I know what you mean... but it is very very very difficult to focus on the end result when you have all these things going on inside you... and your throat feels like is closing, crying, bones aching, etc...

My thing is that I took it only for a week, and I'm still felling things (about a month later).... unless all the meds that I took during and prior to taking the lex would accumulated and that could be why I'm feeling all these things... and it is difficult to say what is causing all this since all the meds have the same side effects/withdrawl, etc.....

Thanks.

[Joonyer]

Hi all.

Hit withdrawal when I ran out of meds by mistake a few months back; been on Escitalopram 10mg for 18 months now for paranoia/social anxiety/depression and really regretted that "comedown" - I spent a few days going insane. One minute I'd be happy as anything, then the tiniest little thing would set me off and I'd be screaming in my mum's face, put my fist through a wall, then be crying uncontrollably on her shoulder asking what was going on. This stuff is not to be taken lightly.

I always told myself I'd never get to that stage again, but due to a very hectic lifestyle recently, I've gone 4 full days without taking my meds, and only realised tonight.

I've been having dizzy spells with alarming regularity for at least 48hrs now, increasing in frequency and severity. I put them down to blood sugar levels, as I've not been eating well recently. Then tonight it hit me - withdrawal; I've not been having my meds.

Some pathetically tiny thing set me off with my gf and I ended up in one of those totally black, foul moods. I feel so low, like life is a total waste of time (I'm not suicidal) and there's just no point bothering with anything because it all just goes wrong anyway.

Example: I made a silly video today of me miming along to a soppy song and doing a dance while my gf was at work, to cheer her up. I'm ******************** with video editing type stuff, and I was 30mins late for work because I was trying to find a simple way to rotate a video in windows (stupidly complicated in this day and age - why can't we just right click -> rotate, in player?) but eventually managed.

Watched it back tonight and realised only half of it was there, and the resolution was squashed a bit. It made me so mad and upset, especially cuz our good friend watched it too. They thought it was really sweet and funny - fair enough. But I feel like a total utter reject and failure. It's like I may as well not have bothered. I feel like throwing my laptop out of the window, smashing everything up and screaming as loud as I can. That one tiny little thing that I'd managed to do right after trying so many different things, has come back to laugh at me.

Explaining it to the gf is so hard because I just want to spit bile and say nasty hurtful things, but then I hate myself for thinking like that. I know it's the meds but they have too much control. They make me hate myself and my situation. I've never been violent as a result, I can assure you (not to people anyway) but my thoughts are so dark that it scares me witless. I want to cry, scream, and hit things. I picture myself mentally, screaming as loud as humanly possible, and pounding my fists against a brick wall until every bone is broken and there's just flesh and blood slamming off the surface, then the tears of rage and emotion sweep over me.

The dizzy spells are driving me insane too; I almost whited out at work today and was VERY confused. I'm getting them a couple of times a minute.

Just took 20mg and I'm hoping we'll be back on track within 24hrs or so. I even had to try my hardest not to fill this post with obscenity and swearing. I hate that my doctor never advised me on this. Escitalopram sorted my life out, but also has the potential to ruin it.

Now I'm lying wide awake, emotional, angry at my situation and how I've made my gf feel, and how I feel. I have a split shift tomorrow and just feel like staying up all night to spite it. Spite what? I don't know. The rage just won't subside.

Sorry to ramble, just needed to vent, hope you understand. Not being emo/dramatic, it's just got such a hold over me.

Hope you're all well and coping - keep taking those meds and NEVER, EVER make yourself cold turkey in the hope of being "independent".

regards
/J

[neveradullmoment]

Joonyer,
Such a good description and it can all happen like the flip of a switch.
I have found that if I go out of my way to Not be Hungry,no coffee and no sugars The negitive stuff stays away for me.Each day is abit better than the day before but now and then when ya are least exspecting it and skip a meal it will show its head agin.You stated you have blood sugar pointers and food is very critical to that.Read back threw these posts and get yourself vitimains and suppliments for total nourishment.Do NOT play with these meds if your back on them stay on tilll ya level out.More than likly a month or so.Then come off very very slowly and I repete read this thread from the begining,just that in itself will help calm and regroup good thoughts,there is alot of good brain food here.
Try to not engage in argumentative or trying to rationalize situations when the frustration overwelms our ability to think clearly and quickly or you will loose every time.Remove yourself from negative enviroments the stress it can bring we dont have the ability to master under the influance.Pray for patience and take each hour a hour at a time as they will get better.I was on for nearly 12 years and stopped cold and wish I could have found this site before.It has been 9 months and my average health and good days are more often and longer.Keep Looking forward.
Be Safe.

[erinkj]

WOW! 12 years, I guess I didn't realize....I thought my 11 years was bad but, you got me beat . It is very encouraging for me when I see others, such as yourself, who have gotten off of the ssri's after so many years. Most that I see have been on for alot less time than me so, that had always been cause for some worry...I WILL get off of the ssri for now, however I am most concerned with getting off of the xanax that I am now (UGH) dependent on ....I cannot decide which med has worse withdrawals, xanax or lex ...Aren't med's so much fun?! UGH......Peace...Erin

[Joonyer]

@Neveradullmoment:

Much appreciated on the advice my friend. I've been on Escitalopram for 18 months total and this is the 2nd time I hit withdrawal by mistake. I was almost ready to start coming off them a month or two back but then chickened out. I love who I am now, my life is a million % better than it's ever been; I've got my confidence back and life is great, but I'm scared that if I stop taking the meds, I'll go back to being the paranoid jumpy nervous guy again! And I've just finished uni and am pursuing my career, so that would ruin me.

It may be worth mentioning: I used to smoke a lot of cannabis. Stupid I know, having a mental condition and such, but I quit in march and no doubt that's going to have helped me considerably when I come off the meds, as my dopamine levels won't be so erratic.

The worst thing in all this is that my gf didn't know about it - I don't like to talk about it, so she just thought I was turning into a total tosser, but I've explained and showed her loads of links etc, so she's getting her head around it now. I also pointed out the "reduced libido" thing relating to SSRIs and especially withdrawal, as she's been concerned that I don't find her as attractive lately, but really I'm just never in the mood lol!

Oh well, these things are sent to test us... I still think doctors should warn patients a lot better about these things. Good job we all have each other, but it's quite concerning seeing just how big this thread is...

Incidentally, I got to sleep just after 4am -I woke at 8am as my gf's alarm goes off to get her to work, and I'm now lying in bed (9am) wide awake feeling quite low. Work at 11 :/

Hope you're all well.
Regards,
/J.

[8monthslater]

I am just letting you all know that I do check in every day. I just have a hard time posting with my little ones around. I am 14 months off after cold turkeying. I took lex for 4 months for post partum anxiety. I must be doing better as I have not taken any xanax in 24 days!! I still have my symptoms although the humming in my ear is going away. I have not heard it in a couple of weeks and when I do it is very sporadic. I used to hear it all the time. I have always wondered if it was a brain zap. I do still feel pressure in my left ear though. My jumpy vision is still there but also seems to be getting better as I either don't notice it as much or have learned not to pay attention to it. The shortness of breath I still have but it also comes and goes.
I am taking a good multi, omega 3's 2x a day, and magnesium. Other than the occasional mucinex for congestion I am taking NO meds. Thank goodness. Anyway, I just wanted to update and let you know that I am still keeping up with everyone. I will post when I can.

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by 8monthslater

I am just letting you all know that I do check in every day. I just have a hard time posting with my little ones around. I am 14 months off after cold turkeying. I took lex for 4 months for post partum anxiety. I must be doing better as I have not taken any xanax in 24 days!! I still have my symptoms although the humming in my ear is going away. I have not heard it in a couple of weeks and when I do it is very sporadic. I used to hear it all the time. I have always wondered if it was a brain zap. I do still feel pressure in my left ear though. My jumpy vision is still there but also seems to be getting better as I either don't notice it as much or have learned not to pay attention to it. The shortness of breath I still have but it also comes and goes.
I am taking a good multi, omega 3's 2x a day, and magnesium. Other than the occasional mucinex for congestion I am taking NO meds. Thank goodness. Anyway, I just wanted to update and let you know that I am still keeping up with everyone. I will post when I can.

8months, did your moods vary after withdrawing from lex? I was doing pretty good after the first two months but after the third month, I have been in some sort of funk...like, i am not myself. Again, I attribute them to the lex w/d's it just sucks going through this at the present moment.

[8monthslater]

Originally Posted by Aeroman

8months, did your moods vary after withdrawing from lex? I was doing pretty good after the first two months but after the third month, I have been in some sort of funk...like, i am not myself. Again, I attribute them to the lex w/d's it just sucks going through this at the present moment.

Yes! I was very moody and feeling quite unstable for the first 6 months or so. I still have my occasional bouts of anxiety/ irritability. I think it is normal and to be expected. I just keep hoping and praying that my discomfort from my symptoms will eventually be gone. I still to this day question whether or not my symptoms are related to lex withdrawals. I have been to countless doctors though and no one can find anything "wrong" with me so it is either Lex or anxiety (which I NEVER had before in my life except after having babies).

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by 8monthslater

Yes! I was very moody and feeling quite unstable for the first 6 months or so. I still have my occasional bouts of anxiety/ irritability. I think it is normal and to be expected. I just keep hoping and praying that my discomfort from my symptoms will eventually be gone. I still to this day question whether or not my symptoms are related to lex withdrawals. I have been to countless doctors though and no one can find anything "wrong" with me so it is either Lex or anxiety (which I NEVER had before in my life except after having babies).

yep, I understand...I dont know if I should call my current state depression or what but it doesnt feel good. I am one to enjoy life and seek enjoyment with my wife, family, and hobbies. Seems like no matter where I run to, i still carry this heavy yucky "funk". I posted weeks ago about my outlook on anxiety and depression. i did say to accept it and let time pass. I know I am not 100% acceptance because if I were, i wouldnt be freakin out so much internally about what is up with me.

[directorsdaughtr]

Hi all,

I'm just out seeking some information. I just started taking Lexapro for major depression. I have never experienced depression/anxiety before but am fully aware of my body and my feelings. My doctor has me on a trial period of 4 weeks at 10 mg a day with Lexapro. I have some of the side effects including dizziness, fatigue, and some pressurization in the head and neck. Here are my concerns: I come from an addictive background on both sides of my family. I think I will only need to be on Lexapro to get through an event in my life that just occurred, but my doc says that I might need to make it a part of my lifestyle. I was just wondering if there are any SUCCESS stories out there about weening off of Lexapro, or if it is true that I might suffer withdrawals from now on?

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by directorsdaughtr

Hi all,

I'm just out seeking some information. I just started taking Lexapro for major depression. I have never experienced depression/anxiety before but am fully aware of my body and my feelings. My doctor has me on a trial period of 4 weeks at 10 mg a day with Lexapro. I have some of the side effects including dizziness, fatigue, and some pressurization in the head and neck. Here are my concerns: I come from an addictive background on both sides of my family. I think I will only need to be on Lexapro to get through an event in my life that just occurred, but my doc says that I might need to make it a part of my lifestyle. I was just wondering if there are any SUCCESS stories out there about weening off of Lexapro, or if it is true that I might suffer withdrawals from now on?

I've heard folks with NO withdrawals whatsoever from Lexapro and many that do...I've heard more that do sorry to say. I am one that tolerates side effects pretty good and I am barely on month 3+ and still feel weird since my last pill. I'm in a funk and I want out!!!!!!

[directorsdaughtr]

Originally Posted by Aeroman

I've heard folks with NO withdrawals whatsoever from Lexapro and many that do...I've heard more that do sorry to say. I am one that tolerates side effects pretty good and I am barely on month 3+ and still feel weird since my last pill. I'm in a funk and I want out!!!!!!

I guess all you can do is wait and see, in both our sakes. I'm just nervous about taking this medication because, I don't know if I am actually depressed or, if my doctor thinks I'm depressed enough just to be on Lexapro through this life change.

[neveradullmoment]

Aeroman,
Kudo's on the Funk.I am not sure what to call it but funk fits well.Mine is getting better.

ErinJ,
I didnt for sure remmember how long I was on them so I went and tracked down the date and it was 9/1994 when I started Paxil,13 yrs sheez and then worked thru a couple more SSRI'S as they topped out with fatige or zombieness and ending with Lexapro and not caring to bother to get out even if the house was on fire.Last Sept I couldn't deal with the numbness and lose of the get er done needed to function so I quit.What a rampage roller coaster highjacked inertia machine with bad wiring....it has been.Currently I would say 3 or 4 outa 5 days are good and getting better but then Ya get the FUNK days.At this point anything feeling positive and having the energy to do it is good!

Directersdaughter,
Suck up the trauma and tell the Doc you want no part of this stuff"LEXAPRO".Get with positive people and do some great things.Being thrown under the bus when tragedy or such stricks is normal.The Funk that can happen with ssri's is real and if you can DONT USE A CRUTCH THAT WILL LET YA FALL=Lexapro.jmo though.

Be Safe all.

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by neveradullmoment

Aeroman,
Kudo's on the Funk.I am not sure what to call it but funk fits well.Mine is getting better.

ErinJ,
I didnt for sure remmember how long I was on them so I went and tracked down the date and it was 9/1994 when I started Paxil,13 yrs sheez and then worked thru a couple more SSRI'S as they topped out with fatige or zombieness and ending with Lexapro and not caring to bother to get out even if the house was on fire.Last Sept I couldn't deal with the numbness and lose of the get er done needed to function so I quit.What a rampage roller coaster highjacked inertia machine with bad wiring....it has been.Currently I would say 3 or 4 outa 5 days are good and getting better but then Ya get the FUNK days.At this point anything feeling positive and having the energy to do it is good!

Directersdaughter,
Suck up the trauma and tell the Doc you want no part of this stuff"LEXAPRO".Get with positive people and do some great things.Being thrown under the bus when tragedy or such stricks is normal.The Funk that can happen with ssri's is real and if you can DONT USE A CRUTCH THAT WILL LET YA FALL=Lexapro.jmo though.

Be Safe all.

Yes Rick, a Funk, a feeling of unreality, not in touch with the world but I continue to remind myself that the world is the same and I am the one conjuring up these "new" thoughts that want to drive me insane. Accept the thoughts, understand my feelings are because of mental fatigue and tension...and fear of depression returning is not an option for me.

[COHiker]

Originally Posted by Ohwell

Been reading the past page...not been on for awhile. Feeling better.

fmza---insominia is sooo common with withdrawal of Lex. I didn't sleep once for 10 days....it is scarey, but your body will re-adjust. Please don't take any sleep drugs, they are so hard on your liver. And you can become dependent on them. Exercise everyday, esp. a nice mile walk in the fresh air and sunshine. Drink lots of water, and drink your chamolie tea before bed. Hot baths help. Dark room. you know the drill! Don't panic, this too will pass! Try a day fast/pure water if nothing else helps. Fasting is a great way to detox. Lots of water/fresh lemon squeezed in.

Sherpa----tell your husband to shut up. Doesn't he know lex. is destroying your liver, brain, and makes you fat....also it kills the sex drive. Is he nuts?

Been off Lex. for 10 months now and feeling better.....ohwell.

Hi Ohwell,
Good to hear from you!

Your reply to Sherpa was dead on.....

Here is mine :

Dear, Dear, Sherpa,
I have no advise for you about what to do about the drug, but I've BOATLOADS of advise about your husband.
You might start by telling him he just may be the reason you needed an SSRI in the first place and then end with something like "take a long walk......" you get the picture.

I have been away for awhile. I will post an update soon, I promise. My news is good news. I am opposite of Julia, I post when I am not doing well and I need to lean on and learn from you very knowledgable and caring people!

I'll catch you all up soon...
Hope you all are enjoying some good weather. There are still some chilly days here in Colorado. I laugh when I see the young ones out there totally in denial that we are still in 60`F range and wearing the flip flops and tanks! I'd kill for a 85`F beach in North Carolina!

Happy Days,
CO Hiker

[FatJules]

Has anybody had any experience with Wellbutrin? I'm seeing my doctor on monday and wanted to talk to him about Wellbutrin.
I have only been off lexapro for about 6-8 weeks, I really can't remember. But my weight gain and no sex drive is hanging around and making me depressed. I know I'm being impatient, I'm just really wary of letting myself fall into a major funk again. After the awful year I had last year, I never want to go through it again so maybe I should think about trying something else?
In my past experiences, its not until my depression is completely out of control that I even realise I'm depressed...
The last few years has been a yoyo of going on and off medication, feeling great for about 6 months and then just crashing down again. Which is why I went on lexapro and started seeing a psychologist because I was over it! I wanted to try and find a more permanent solution. So maybe I should stay on anti-depressants. The only real reason I went off them is because of the weight gain and loss of sex drive. I think this email is a bit rambly, I'd just like some advice before seeing the doctor, I want to go to him with my own information this time!
From what I've read on the net, it looks as though Wellbutrin could be helpful to me. Even short term???? I'm not sure at all really, any thoughts?
I just want to get a hold on this before I spin out of control again!

[erinkj]

Ohwell, 8monthslater and CoHiker....Good to see you ladies again...(so to speak)

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by FatJules

Has anybody had any experience with Wellbutrin? I'm seeing my doctor on monday and wanted to talk to him about Wellbutrin.
I have only been off lexapro for about 6-8 weeks, I really can't remember. But my weight gain and no sex drive is hanging around and making me depressed. I know I'm being impatient, I'm just really wary of letting myself fall into a major funk again. After the awful year I had last year, I never want to go through it again so maybe I should think about trying something else?
In my past experiences, its not until my depression is completely out of control that I even realise I'm depressed...
The last few years has been a yoyo of going on and off medication, feeling great for about 6 months and then just crashing down again. Which is why I went on lexapro and started seeing a psychologist because I was over it! I wanted to try and find a more permanent solution. So maybe I should stay on anti-depressants. The only real reason I went off them is because of the weight gain and loss of sex drive. I think this email is a bit rambly, I'd just like some advice before seeing the doctor, I want to go to him with my own information this time!
From what I've read on the net, it looks as though Wellbutrin could be helpful to me. Even short term???? I'm not sure at all really, any thoughts?
I just want to get a hold on this before I spin out of control again!

I know how very hard it is to be patient but, you must try. Weight loss takes some time but, it will happen if you remain motivated. I was on welbutrin once for a few months and it made me jump out of my skin and almost loose what was left of my mind . Of course, my reason for being put on ssri in the first place was because of panic attacks so, I cannot handle stimulating med's. Welbutrin, prozac and zoloft are not good med's for panic prone folks....to stimulating...on the flip side, welbutrin is a reasonable choice for deppression where said stimulation may be needed. However, if you are not currently batteling severe or chronic deppression then I don't see the need for medication...remember that some medications can do more harm than good in the long run and unless you are very bad off, I would stay away from anti-deppressants. Of course, I am not a doctor and this is just my oppinion. If you'r only true reason for wanting to get back on a med is for weight loss then, I reccomend that you exhaust every other available resource for weight loss before resorting to an ssri. Welbutrin has helped some people to loose weight but, it has also caused weight gain in some....It is 50/50 wether it would make you gain or loose. I am sorry that you are having such a difficult time and I realy do wish that I could give you the answers and solutions that you are looking for but, I am afraid there is no easy answer here. Only you can make the choice! Good luck, let me know if I can help in any way...Peace and hug's to you....Erin

[LillyRose]

12 days without Lexapro! Thank you to the posters who suggested magnesium supplements. I did develop a bladder infection, dunno if the withdrawal had anything to do with that. Rare for me.

Brain shocks down to nighttime only. I get thru those by counting them. Do you find some are louder than others? I decided to make friends with them rather than get myself all bothered .

Many thanks to all of you who held my hand thru the withdrawal. And thanks to Lexapro for walking me thru a bad time.

[LexWellLune]

Hi everyone - I'm new to this site, actually new to the whole thing of joining a forum so please pardon any improper etiquette

I've been taking 30 mg of Lexapro for last 18 months and 150 mg of Wellbutrin for 4 months due to my depression, and 2-3 mg of Lunesta for sleep on and off for over a year. I've had a ton of life changes in the last year - got married, moved, total upheaval in about every area of my life and in addition to the meds started drinking more alcohol than ever. At least 2 glasses of wine a day, sometimes more. Realize the combo of alcohol w/ meds is not good and have felt terrible for the last couple of months - like a hangover that never gets better.

A week ago I quit taking the Lexapro & Wellbutrin and cut back the alcohol intake (not completely but less) but am still taking Lunesta so I can sleep. I am having pretty horrid side effects. Emotionally I feel pretty good, but physically I feel totally dizzy all the time and have to just shut my eyes every few minutes to get reoriented. It's like a wave hits my head all day - is this what you guys mean by "brain zaps"? Get very nauseated too - sometimes feel sick if I don't eat, other times feel like I'm going to puke if I do eat.

I have not talked to my doctor about any of it. I'm sick of being on medication and would rather try to just tough it out than go back, confess I quit, start all over and then taper.

Any guesses on when I'll feel better? I keep thinking a few more days and the stuff will be "out of my system" but is that how it works? Does all of this sound normal?

Appreciate any feedback!

[apoc]

Ok, so after 4 days of taking half tablets (5mg)...I have noticed a drastic change in my sex drive, energy level, and general orgasm difficulties. This was NEVER a problem, I am a 23 year old male and had a crazy good libido.

So, I have decided to quit...I really need some advice. Since I have only been on it for 4 days and a smaller dose, is it ok to just quit cold turkey? Am I going to get all those withdrawal symptoms from just a few days? Is there anything I can do to stop them. I can't get in touch with my doctor until Monday, but I just want to quit now.

Thanks!

[hope for the best]

Originally Posted by LexWellLune

Hi everyone - I'm new to this site, actually new to the whole thing of joining a forum so please pardon any improper etiquette

I've been taking 30 mg of Lexapro for last 18 months and 150 mg of Wellbutrin for 4 months due to my depression, and 2-3 mg of Lunesta for sleep on and off for over a year. I've had a ton of life changes in the last year - got married, moved, total upheaval in about every area of my life and in addition to the meds started drinking more alcohol than ever. At least 2 glasses of wine a day, sometimes more. Realize the combo of alcohol w/ meds is not good and have felt terrible for the last couple of months - like a hangover that never gets better.

A week ago I quit taking the Lexapro & Wellbutrin and cut back the alcohol intake (not completely but less) but am still taking Lunesta so I can sleep. I am having pretty horrid side effects. Emotionally I feel pretty good, but physically I feel totally dizzy all the time and have to just shut my eyes every few minutes to get reoriented. It's like a wave hits my head all day - is this what you guys mean by "brain zaps"? Get very nauseated too - sometimes feel sick if I don't eat, other times feel like I'm going to puke if I do eat.

I have not talked to my doctor about any of it. I'm sick of being on medication and would rather try to just tough it out than go back, confess I quit, start all over and then taper.

Any guesses on when I'll feel better? I keep thinking a few more days and the stuff will be "out of my system" but is that how it works? Does all of this sound normal?

Appreciate any feedback!

I would advise you to read back through the posts on this forum. You quit a rather high dose of Lex as well as another SSRI cold turkey which is probably the hardest way to go. There is no way to know how long you will have withdrawal symptoms as each person is different. Some can quit with no problems others get horrible withdrawal when they reduce their dose a very small amount.

It seems that it's more than just getting the meds out of your system which in the case of Lexapro would be about 6-8 days (from what I've read). It's about your brain having to adjust to the change. Again, reading about the experiences of others might give you an idea of what to expect. From what I've read (and my own memory of it) many people begin to notice a change for the better 2-6 weeks after discontinuing but it can take months or a year or more to get past many of the symptoms. Some say that quitting cold turkey makes it harder to get past withdrawal because it's a bigger shock to your system than a slow taper. It seems that after the physical symptoms ease up some have problems with the emotional side. But since everyone is different who knows. It's those having problems that are going to be posting at a place like this.

My own advice (non professional) based mostly on what I've read, is to talk to your doctor and then consider reinstating your meds if need be and doing a taper off one at a time.

It's interesting that you mention alcohol, it seems that some people crave alcohol on Lex. Try to take really good care of yourself, get enough rest and eat very healthy foods. Many say that caffeine, sugar or alcohol make matters worse during withdrawal and the re-adjustment period.

There are some supplements that you might consider taking that may help that people on this forum talk about. My daughter is tapering off Lex and is taking Omega 3 fish oil, magnesium, lecithin, vit C, and sometimes inositol, whey protein and yogurt drinks (Dannactive). Her dose was lower than yours and for a shorter time but she's doing ok so far, mostly just some vivid dreams after reducing.

Good luck to you and keep us posted.

[hope for the best]

Originally Posted by apoc

Ok, so after 4 days of taking half tablets (5mg)...I have noticed a drastic change in my sex drive, energy level, and general orgasm difficulties. This was NEVER a problem, I am a 23 year old male and had a crazy good libido.

So, I have decided to quit...I really need some advice. Since I have only been on it for 4 days and a smaller dose, is it ok to just quit cold turkey? Am I going to get all those withdrawal symptoms from just a few days? Is there anything I can do to stop them. I can't get in touch with my doctor until Monday, but I just want to quit now.

Thanks!

You should talk to your doctor because he/she is the one that knows why you are on it in the first place. Some people have side effects when starting a SSRI that go away in time.

If you decide to stop I'm sure there are many that will offer opinions that are much more knowledgable than I am but if it were me since it's only been four days I'd cut my dose in half for a day or two and then stop. I've never taken Lex but I tried a few others briefly in the past and that's about what I did with Zoloft after a few weeks at a very low dose.

Good luck to you.

[Ohwell]

Some advice....

Return to Lex. and TAPER SLOWLY....like take a year to get down to 0.....


Fast once a week to allow your liver to filter the toxins out of your system,
in my opinion, thats why you feel badly, you have so much in your system that the liver isn't able to filter it all out, so it is floating around in your blood stream. ohwell.

[Ohwell]

Take some good supplements....

now.....vit. c (250mg daily)
omega 3 fish oil (carlsons brand) (start with 1 and go up to 2)
Magnesium Maltate (once daily)
Calcium/and Vit. D (once at night)
8 full glasses of good pure water with fresh lemon (aids detox)
Then add after a few months of tapering/withdrawaling....

add....selinum 100mcg
folic acid (800)
milk thistle 175mg (for the liver cleansing)
Try some mushroom force (for the liver cleansing)
apple cider vinegar (one tablespoon a day/plain or in water)
to help detox and with energy...
Green tea with lunch to help with energy
these things in my opinion, will all greatly help you get well. I am off for 10 months and doing well, and I think it is partly due to my supplements, exercise, and fasting once a week...and good nutrition...no, no junk food!
No soda, no coffee, little sugar and lots of fruits and veggies! God bless!
ohwell.

ps. hi erin, and cohiker, and all, been off for awhile, I am usually only on if I'm feeling bad....but doing well right now!

[Costarican]

Hi all, I'm posting here again after a long time. Just wanted to tell you that I've been off Lex for 6 months, after taking it for 6 weeks. At the 4th month mark, I thought I was completely out of the woods, but this last couple of months have been a little rough. I have to state that there's a big chance that the things that I feel now are not even related to withdrawal. I'm experiencing head aches, mood swings, and other anxiety related symptoms like tightness in the chest, paresthesia in my left arm and hand, etc. I ALWAYS think that there is something wrong with me, but the doctors always say everything's fine. Anyway, I Just wanted to let you know that after quitting lexapro cold turkey, you will slowly feel better over time, but this is a long process. I remember reading a while ago that sometimes the symptoms strike back, even after several months. So, just be patient and hang in there, you will make it.