[mims]

Since I'm the one who always says "Ask your doctor", I hate say it but Aeroman may be right about effexor. I've heard doctors call effexor "side effexor" because of the side effects. However, I know you're feeling terrible and need help. You're the only one who knows if you feel bad enough to risk taking another antidepressant. If you decide to take it, I hope you'll do well with it.

I've read that effexor has such a short half-life that if you are late with a dose, you can get withdrawal effects. If you do decide to take it, just be aware of that, and be sure to get medical advice before and during withdrawal. I think there was a story in the book I read by the psychiatrist Glenmullen about tapering off effexor. His book, The Antidepressant Solution, has good advice for people tapering off antidepressants. It would be a good idea for anybody taking or quitting antidepressants to read that book. I think his website also has information on tapering. Joseph Glenmullen.

I went to the gynecologist last week, and he was one of the few doctors I have seen who was aware that Lexapro withdrawal can have troublesome side effects.

I'm still toughing it out. I've improved generally over the past 10 days (It's about time!), but with occasional flare-ups. I have probably had at least 7 days out of the past 10 when I actually slept all night, and woke up with only mild tremors. That's a major improvement. I still feel like my vision is a little off. This is all very frustrating but I'm trying to focus on the improvements.

I can't figure out why some days are worse than others, except that very long walks usually seem to help.

Good Luck, and I hope you feel better.

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by boogie30

I don't know if I can ride it out or not. I have got to have something to get me over the lexapro wd. Do you think that I would have problem getting off of such a low dosage?

Only YOU can make this choice! In my personal oppinion and EXPERIENCE I will say that I would NOT play with Effexor. This is why: Lexapro is formulated to select and target the serotonin system, on this we all agree. Now, consider ALL that you are coping with in regard to Lexapro, and think long and hard about this. Now think about the potential problems of taking a drug that selects and targets not one but, two brain chemicals. In this case, Effexor. This drug selects and targets serotonin and Norepinephrine (also called Nor-Adrenaline) so, the drug affects the functions of both systems. Effexor is an SNRI. Many doctors will try to tell you that at lower doses Effexor works as an SSRI only targetting serotonin however, this is not exactly true. Because of the chemicle composition of Effexor it can't NOT affect the norepinephrine system. The thing is that when used in low doses it can have a minimized effect on the norepinephrine center so that the effect of that area may not be felt...however, it DOES effect N wether you feel it or not....Dr's. claim that it only affects this area at higher doses but, pharmecological study proves that hypothosis WRONG. This is not to say that Effexor does'nt work or, it won't help some people. It is possible that it could help you. As we are ALL very DIFFERENT from one another, we cannot say with certainty what will work for who. But, I can tell you that switching from one med to another brings along with it various other possible unpleasentries......The choice is yours but, I thought you should know the difference...Peace....Erin

[crazzykat785]

Soo, i started my new job today, of course the old problems did arise, pure anxiety. it's not easy to make kebabs you know haha.
alright it's not overly difficult but i can't handle somebody watching me do it over my shoulder it drives me bananas.

i've read so many posts on here, so so many and i don't understand why the hell we're all being put through this... i hate the idea of anyone being put on lexapro... i wish i had never started!!!!!!

[crazzykat785]

Hey all,
turns out i'm having a terrible day this is my second post in a row as you can see, i've been stressing out a lot, and i'm pretty sure i wouldn't mind sleeping for the rest of my life.

[mims]

Just curious -- what did the eye doctor say about your floaters?

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by mims

Just curious -- what did the eye doctor say about your floaters?

he checked out my eyes and everything was normal. He can see the floaters but he says thats normal, part of growing up (aging). I told him they annoyed me more than anything. That was about it...

[mimmie2008]

Hello everyone. Today hits the 10 month mark of the 3 little demon pills. Things are finally starting to get better. I still have my bad days, but the good ones are starting to win the war. I haven't had a panic attack in almost 2 weeks now and I am hoping that they are finally gone for good. I am sleeping much, much better now too. It's still not the way it was before the lex but I consider 6 hours to be pretty dang good considering how awful it was there for awhile. I haven't had anymore zaps or zings in quite a while so I am hoping that is in the past. I still have the vertigo though and the ringing in my ears. My vision is blurred and I have had to get new glasses twice since January. I do have a problem now with stressful situations. If something happens out of my everyday routine then I have a major problem dealing with it. I become very easily upset and the only way that I can even begin to try to get through it is to race to my room and just try to pull myself together. I also have very shakey hands. I have never had this problem until now. It has been a rough road but it is getting smoother. My thoughts are with all of you.

[mims]

Mimmie, thanks so much for continuing to post on this forum. It's very encouraging to hear that you are still improving. I've had some of the same problems you reported including blurred vision. I'm still having "new" symptoms or at least variations of what I had before, which constantly amazes me that I could have new or different problems crop up after 3 months.

Overall, I'm improving, but every time I start to feel like things are really settling down, some weird thing (or things) will crop up again, and I get discouraged again. That's why I'm really grateful when somebody who is 8 or 10 months along in this process comes back to report on thier progress.

[boogie30]

Just wanted to let you know that I am taking your advice. I am not going to start taking the Effexor. I do seem a little better the past two days. I am still having to deal with morning anxiety, depression, and racing thoughts. How long did your morning attacks last?

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by boogie30

Just wanted to let you know that I am taking your advice. I am not going to start taking the Effexor. I do seem a little better the past two days. I am still having to deal with morning anxiety, depression, and racing thoughts. How long did your morning attacks last?

Yes, dont go there with the effexor. I know right now you are in the thick of things as I am too with depression. I have received numerous success stories from folks from other types of SSRI's and Lexapro that tell me the same thing - to hang in there and ride it out. Getting on another medication will only complicate things and prolong recovery, and I truly believe that. At Month 4 or 5, I wanted to call my shrink sooooo bad and get me on something due to the horrid morning anxiety and depression. I'm glad I didnt. At 8 months out, I feel better regarding the anxiety but not done with depression. I wanted a quick fix but now I want this to be permanent and if it takes time, so be it (it sucks though). The morning attacks lasted about 3-4 months (Months 3-6). I still wake up early without trying but there arent any butterflies floating around my gut now. I just wake up groggy and blah because I have to face another dull day. I didnt do anything to rid the anxiety. TIME healed it. I mean, i might get it here or there but nothing like before...no way.

If you have AOL, my screen name is DJJC76 and MSN is djjc76@hotmail.com. This goes out to anyone else out there. hit me up!!!! Lets talk Lexapro w/d's!

I chat with someone else here and it helps to compare notes. You'd be amazed how not alone we are in this funk. Also, forgot to mention I was on Lexapro for 2.5 years with Wellbutrin (although the wellbutrin didnt do anything as far as mood), at 10mg and did a fast 1-month taper.

Juan

[Aeroman]

Issues Still Present:

- DEPRESSION--> I don't feel like doing anything. I find myself lost looking for something to keep me distracted to not feel even lower. Weekends are especially hard because I have work to keep me distracted during monday - friday. Last night, my wife and I had dinner and I did my best to not have the dark cloud rub off me to her. I told her seeing her smile really helps! I guess for a split second, I can almost "imagine" myself recovered, happy. I have been living in a Ground Hog Day type of scenario and I just go with the flow. I just don't "feel" me. Like I am in this glass sphere. Again, I have nothing to be depressed about!

- Low Back Pain --> I continue going to acupuncture and it has been the best treatment for relieving some of the pain. I was going to the chiropractor but have stopped going a month ago. The treatments weren't doing anything for my pain but I know there are benefits to strengthening my lower back. I never had chronic pain before so I am believing that this episode is due to w/d.


- Lightheaded --> It seems like I go symptom free from feeling lightheaded/dizzy for weeks to only have them come back for 2-3 weeks and then go away. I never had this before so I am attributing this to w/d.


- Eye Floaters --> About two months ago, I had an increase in floaters. I thought I had a retinal tear. I went to an ophthalmologist two days ago to confirm everything is OK. He said what I have it normal. I feel no pain but it's more of a nuisance.

- Poor Libido --> The reason why I got off Lexapro in the first place. I have been getting spurts here and there of hormones returning but nothing to being 100%. The desire to do it is coming back VERY VERY slowly. I do anticipate improvement with this in the future.

- Sleep --> It's still not 100% but I do sleep (not restful). I do still wake up early at around 4am but I go back to sleep. I am sure this will also improve with time, right Iwona!!??

- Breathing --> I still get flare ups. My lungs tighten up, especially when I get anxious. I never had chronic flare ups with my asthma. I would normally just inhale Advair in the morning and be fine all day long.

- Numb Feelings (i.e. love) --> I figure this will improve over time too and may be part of the depression package? I was much more of a romantic dude with my wife and right now I don't feel it. I miss that "desire" to be a loving husband!!!!

- Hypersensitivity to Anxiety --> How can I explain this one??? Horror/Terror movies trigger anxiety. Ummm....I was the ONE in the family that craved scary movies!!! Now, I avoid them. Just feels like my adrenaline is much more readily available when I don't need it.

- concentration, memory --> it needs improvement here too.

- irritability --> it happens here and there (not a HUGE issue).


Stuff that has improved to this date:

- nausea --> I feel so much less of it. I used to feel nausea almost everyday in months 4-6.

- headaches --> gone

- appetite --> much better than in months 4-6

- weight--> I have plateau for 2 months with my weight. I lost about 30 lbs without doing anything.

- restlessness/morning anxiety --> hasn't been too bad and I hope it stays like this and improves to 0.


That's all I have to report for now...just cruising through life....

[BIGBALL]

Originally Posted by Aeroman

Yes, dont go there with the effexor. I know right now you are in the thick of things as I am too with depression. I have received numerous success stories from folks from other types of SSRI's and Lexapro that tell me the same thing - to hang in there and ride it out. Getting on another medication will only complicate things and prolong recovery, and I truly believe that. At Month 4 or 5, I wanted to call my shrink sooooo bad and get me on something due to the horrid morning anxiety and depression. I'm glad I didnt. At 8 months out, I feel better regarding the anxiety but not done with depression. I wanted a quick fix but now I want this to be permanent and if it takes time, so be it (it sucks though). The morning attacks lasted about 3-4 months (Months 3-6). I still wake up early without trying but there arent any butterflies floating around my gut now. I just wake up groggy and blah because I have to face another dull day. I didnt do anything to rid the anxiety. TIME healed it. I mean, i might get it here or there but nothing like before...no way.

If you have AOL, my screen name is DJJC76 and MSN is djjc76@hotmail.com. This goes out to anyone else out there. hit me up!!!! Lets talk Lexapro w/d's!

I chat with someone else here and it helps to compare notes. You'd be amazed how not alone we are in this funk. Also, forgot to mention I was on Lexapro for 2.5 years with Wellbutrin (although the wellbutrin didnt do anything as far as mood), at 10mg and did a fast 1-month taper.

Juan

Aeroman

I am about 11 months off Lex, about the same kind of taper you did. I still have some anxiety, and the depression, especially in the morning, is still there. My libido was gone, i was questioning my love of my wife, just miserable. HOWEVER, I found out my testosterone levels are extremely low, and the Dr. and research i did both said that it is a major cause of depression. So, I just started therapy, it has taken a while to find the right treatment ( the gel didn't work for me, so I'm getting shots ) and after my shots my libido comes back and I feel like "me" again. I've read that Lex & other anti-depressants can cause low testosterone, and I believe it ! Have you had your levels checked? If not, I'd bet 10.00 ( big spender! ) that your levels are low! BTW, it's funny you mention the low back pain - i never had any problems until I STARTED the lex. Now my back, even after being off the lex for almost a year, always hurts! Of course, I'm a golfer, so that's not helping
It's funny, while I read over everything you had been through, I thought i could just substitute BIGBALL for Aeroman on each post and everything else would have been exactly the same! I'm Really hoping things keep coming around for you!

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by BIGBALL

Aeroman

I am about 11 months off Lex, about the same kind of taper you did. I still have some anxiety, and the depression, especially in the morning, is still there. My libido was gone, i was questioning my love of my wife, just miserable. HOWEVER, I found out my testosterone levels are extremely low, and the Dr. and research i did both said that it is a major cause of depression. So, I just started therapy, it has taken a while to find the right treatment ( the gel didn't work for me, so I'm getting shots ) and after my shots my libido comes back and I feel like "me" again. I've read that Lex & other anti-depressants can cause low testosterone, and I believe it ! Have you had your levels checked? If not, I'd bet 10.00 ( big spender! ) that your levels are low! BTW, it's funny you mention the low back pain - i never had any problems until I STARTED the lex. Now my back, even after being off the lex for almost a year, always hurts! Of course, I'm a golfer, so that's not helping
It's funny, while I read over everything you had been through, I thought i could just substitute BIGBALL for Aeroman on each post and everything else would have been exactly the same! I'm Really hoping things keep coming around for you!

BIGBALL,do you have an e-mail or chat thing I can contact you offline???!!!! YES YES, I get the same thing - "My libido was gone, i was questioning my love of my wife, just miserable." That there drives me nuts!!!! I consciously know I choose to love my wife but why can't I "feel" it inside me!? Its like it was stripped away from me, along with other feelings I have towards people, etc. I guess I should make an appt with my general doc and have my testosterone levels checked. I never had that done before.

I am so convinced my low back pain is connected with lexapro w/d. I did have an episode here or there with my back going out and I'd be on the floor for 2-3 days but then that would be it, done. Now, it has been hurting everyday since June (5 months now), this nagging aching pain and it really messes with my moods. Acupuncture has been the best relief of this even though the pain is still present.

Man, I just want to break free from this funk...I am just so tired.

F%^K THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[boogie30]

I hope you know how much your words help. I need some reassurance from you about my morning attacks. I go to sleep with no difficultly and sleep good until 5:00. I wake up very suddenly with anxiety and what I think is high blood pressure and high pulse rate. By 10:00, I feel better. When I try to take a nap in the afternoon, after about 20 minutes, I wake up with the same sudden attack. Why is this happening? And, could there be anything else wrong or is it lexapro withdrawal. And, what can I do to stop this cycle? Thanks!!!!!

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by boogie30

I hope you know how much your words help. I need some reassurance from you about my morning attacks. I go to sleep with no difficultly and sleep good until 5:00. I wake up very suddenly with anxiety and what I think is high blood pressure and high pulse rate. By 10:00, I feel better. When I try to take a nap in the afternoon, after about 20 minutes, I wake up with the same sudden attack. Why is this happening? And, could there be anything else wrong or is it lexapro withdrawal. And, what can I do to stop this cycle? Thanks!!!!!

Glad to be of help...only giving back to what others have done to me! There IS a reason and it is VERY common....I think it has to do with your lower metabolic rate or cortisol, not sure. Dr. Claire Weekes has had a book out that has a chapter titled, "That Dreaded Morning Feeling" and it explains exactly what you are experiencing...

[cj2etc]

My DR switched me from lexapro 10 mg to celexa just because of copay difference. I didn't know or expect anything because I didn't know much about it at the time. After about 4 or 5 days off the lexapro I became very sick - all the classic symptoms. Was having mini anxiety attacks, etc. Dr called in a presecription for lorazepam but also then switched me to prozac 20 mg. Now 2 1/2 weeks later i still feel like ********************. Some of it seems related to lexapro withdrawal but other symptoms seem like prozac side effects. Making it hard to function and i have a very high demanding job. Any suggestions?

Craig

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by cj2etc

My DR switched me from lexapro 10 mg to celexa just because of copay difference. I didn't know or expect anything because I didn't know much about it at the time. After about 4 or 5 days off the lexapro I became very sick - all the classic symptoms. Was having mini anxiety attacks, etc. Dr called in a presecription for lorazepam but also then switched me to prozac 20 mg. Now 2 1/2 weeks later i still feel like ********************. Some of it seems related to lexapro withdrawal but other symptoms seem like prozac side effects. Making it hard to function and i have a very high demanding job. Any suggestions?

Craig

get back on lexapro and ditch the rest! After you have stabilized on Lexapro, do a slow taper. What you are experiencing is most likely Lexapro w/d with the addition of initial Prozac side effects. Man, I feel for you! Get back on Lex and you'll see you'll feel better. I dont know celexa only that its related to Lexapro? good luck

[fmza]

Erin,

I read your post about Lex elevating cortisol levels. Mine are higher than normal, and i haven't been able to sleep.

Is there a way to lower cortisol? i know that we are supposed to get lots of sleep to regulate the adrenals, but since i can't sleep, what else can i do?

thanks

[mims]

Originally Posted by cj2etc

My DR switched me from lexapro 10 mg to celexa just because of copay difference. I didn't know or expect anything because I didn't know much about it at the time. After about 4 or 5 days off the lexapro I became very sick - all the classic symptoms. Was having mini anxiety attacks, etc. Dr called in a presecription for lorazepam but also then switched me to prozac 20 mg. Now 2 1/2 weeks later i still feel like ********************. Some of it seems related to lexapro withdrawal but other symptoms seem like prozac side effects. Making it hard to function and i have a very high demanding job. Any suggestions?

Craig

Because Prozac stays in your body up to a month, there might be an additive effect (possibility of getting too much serotonin in your system) if you switch from prozac to lexapro. If you're thinking about taking lexapro while there's still prozac in your body, Think about checking with your physician to find out if you need a waiting period for the prozac to clear out first.

[cj2etc]

Originally Posted by mims

Because Prozac stays in your body up to a month, there might be an additive effect (possibility of getting too much serotonin in your system) if you switch from prozac to lexapro. If you're thinking about taking lexapro while there's still prozac in your body, Think about checking with your physician to find out if you need a waiting period for the prozac to clear out first.

I was on lexapro 10mg for about 3 years. Dr switched me to citalopram (?) and after a few days i started feeling really wierd. I called him to get back on lexapro and was back on it for a few days but the mini anxiety and flu like symptoms and exhaustion continued. When I called back in to get him to phone in something that would comp for the anxiety i was having he then switched me to prozac. I have been on the prozac for 2 1/2 weeks but have been feeling really weird and drained, flu symptoms, light headed, nausea, extremely tired. I think I have been thru the worst of it but it still can be very ********************py at times. Brain fog, etc. If I have already experienced the worst of the lexapro withdrawal then I really don't want to put any of it back in my body. Some of my symptoms seem like lexapro withdrawal and some may be the prozac side effects. Of course when i went back again to my dr she referred me to a mental health person because they are more experienced with these types of medication. I really don't want to go back on lexapro because for the 2 or 3 days I did I felt worse than I do now.

Craig

[mims]

Many physicians are unaware of the bad withdrawals that happen to some people when they stop the lexapro, but I think psychiatrists are more familiar with the effects; I hope the mental health person will be helpful to you in deciding what to do about your meds.

Reading through some of the previous posts on this site might be helpful to you. The psychiatrist I saw said most people recover from the withdrawals within 4 weeks. Apparently some of us are more sensitive to these meds, and have worse or longer withdrawal periods.

Hope you adjust to the prozac soon. If you ever decide to discontinue the prozac, it is supposed to have less severe withdrawal effects than the lexapro.

Maybe "Boogie" will post again soon to let us know how she is getting along. She switched from lexapro to prozac, also.

[boogie30]

I would not advice anyone to take the Prozac. I took two pills and had bad anxiety for two weeks. As of now I am not taking anything except vitamins. Some days are worse than others. I wonder how many more months the Lexapro withdrawals will last.

[Socality]

I would stay away from Effexor and Lexapro at all costs, especially Effexor. It is insidious. Someone above posted a comment that most health care pros are unaware of the side effects of taking Effexor and Lexapro and the side effects of withdrawing from them. I disagree. They are completely aware; they're just not volunteering the info or at best, calling the withdrawal symptoms anecdotal and unproven. The pharm companies are no help either. I am off Effexor now and just ending the weaning process of Lexapro. I decided that the depression is easier to cope with than the meds.

I was put on Effexor without any warning from my doc about side effects or the danger of missing a dose. I experienced the withdrawal symptoms while traveling abroad and running out of my meds. I had no idea what was happening. I thought it was a terrible flu or an odd first-time side effect of sea diving...or both. It wasn't until two weeks later, back in the States, after enduring the most bizarre and horrible side effects, when I saw my regular GP and through sheer process of elimination, he helped me figure out what was going on. When I called my Psych about it, his response was, "if you don't want to experience withdrawal, go back on them". When I asked why he didn't tell me about the withdrawal symptoms, his response was that all of them are only anecdotal and were not worth discussing...and then he added, "I didn't ask".

It took me 5 months, under a different doctor’s supervision, to withdraw from Effexor. Believe me when I say that everything you are experiencing is a very real withdrawal symptom and has been experienced by other people. Dizziness, confusion, flu-like symptoms, headaches, brain-zaps, nausea, migraines and migraine auras, muscle ache, exhaustion, rubber-limbs, and on and on and on. All real. All documented (but not by the pharm company) and attributed to Effexor withdrawal.

I am off of the stuff now, however, as a result of it, I know have regular migraine auras (prodromes) at least once a week. Prior to Effexor I never had a migraine in my life. These migraines, at their mildest, consist of sensitivity to light, flashing jagged tracer-lights, mild confusion, and when done, physical and mental exhaustion. At their most severe, all of the above with the addition of severe confusion, invasive thoughts (head noise) and sick stomach. When this happens the only solution is to take aspirin or IBU and go to bed in a darkened room. Upon waking, I am left feeling mentally numb and physically depleted. A day lost.

There’s nothing to be done about these migraines except to be put on another daily med. No thank you. The good news is that for the most part, I have learned to see them coming, and if timed right, popping some aspirin or Ibuprofen can ward them off. In some cases, not.

Effexor, Lexapro and other SSRI’s have the same side effects. I have helped two friends through Effexor withdrawal just by being a friend, listening to them and above all corroborating their symptoms. Concurrently, in both cases, their docs had them on a very slow dose reduction.

[mims]

I had headaches on Lexapro, especially during withdrawal. Mine came from the back of the head and neck, worse when lying down, and better when sitting in a chair. More than 3 months off Lexapro, the headaches have eased up alot in the past month. Mine would start first thing in the morning while still in bed, sometimes in the middle of the night, and I had no choice but to get up immediately and move to a sitting position.


Were you on Effexor and Lexapro at the same time?

[Socality]

Sorry to hear about your headaches. What med are you on now?

No, I was not on Effexor and Lexapro concurrently. Because of the Migraine Auras that Effexor caused, the short half-life of Effexor, and the twisted withdrawal symptoms, I wanted it out of my system. I spent about 6 months slowly weaning myself off the Effexor, reducing my dose every three weeks. After a full 6 months, all side effects and withdrawal symptoms disappeared with the exception of the Migraine Auras and the Post-dromes. I went on Lexapro about 3 months after the Effexor withdrawal symptoms stopped. The migraine auras continued on Lexapro. When my Lexapro dose was increased, so was the intensity of the Auras. The same occurred when it was decreased. I just finished a slow 2 month weaning from Lexapro and one of those months was on a non-therapeutic dose.

To be clear, however, I never suffered the Migraine Attack phase (the pain) and still don’t. I only suffer from the Aura and the Pro-drome.

I understand that both Effexor and Lexapro have proved successful in battling depression in many people, and that’s great, however, these drugs are so new that there is no available data on the long-term effect of them on our brains and nervous systems? We’re all just guinea pigs. For some people it is a fair trade off to make their depression stop. For me, it isn’t. I would rather cope as best I can with the depression without drugs.

To me, the most insidious aspect to my ordeal was the cavalier manner in which I was prescribed Effexor, made worse by the refusal of the drug companies to admit to the side effects or withdrawal symptoms. When I contacted Wyeth for answers during my terrible withdrawal, they refused to talk to me until I signed a “release” statement. If that’s not “telling” I don’t know what is. I did not sign the release.

Obviously I’m not happy that I now permanently suffer Migraine Auras and Pro-dromes as a result of Effexor, but, it could be worse. I could still be on it causing who knows what kind of permanent damage.

[jenthebod]

Hello. I am 21 and have recently gone off Lexapro after taking 10mg for about 5 months. I got off of the medication because I was not one of the lucky few that had any positive effects. I had one panic attack after being in an unhealthy relationship and not realizing that was the problem, I took my doctor's advice and got on the drug because " it's a hormonal thing". Right. Taking Lexapro actually made me feel even more anxious and added depression, which is something I have never had to deal with. Once the Lexapro was in full swing in my system, the depression worsened and I felt like a zombie all the time(and I know there were more side effects, but I cannot for the life of me remember right now...w/d...). I also developed an insane fear of driving and hated being alone. It all became too much and I told my doctor I needed off. I was to take 5mg every day for 2 weeks and then 2.5 for another two weeks and then quit. He, of course, mentioned nothing about side effects. After the first two weeks, I thought I was feeling like myself again and then in the middle of the third week everything went hazey. I feel even more "zombie-ish" than while on the Lexapro. I have been grinding my teeth, have terrible tension in my neck and back and have been having horrible memory problems. I literally have forgotten my train of thought three times just while writing this post. I see that some of you have written that your symptoms have lasted months and I'm wondering if this is normal? Most sites I have read have said a few weeks tops. I'm trying to hold out and also wanted to thank everyone who has written on here because I genuinely thought I was going crazy at times because of the side efffects and you've all given me hope! Thanks again!

[Socality]

Here's what I learned about SSRI withdrawal - - expect anything and everything, and attribute it to the withdrawal. It's not your imagination. It's real. It helped me alot to know this. It helped others who I talked to as well. The symptoms are as diverse as they are plentiful, as I'm sure you have read on the various sites. The one sure things is that they will pass, it may take awhile, but eventually they will pass. It has for everyone I know that stopped taking them.

The length of the withdrawal is different for everyone. I hear accounts of some people who suffer no withdrawal symptoms. I've never met them. I think they exist only in the minds of the drug company ad men.

I know that the last thng you want in you now is yet another drug, but, I talked to my doc about Klonopin to take the edge off the anxiety and it worked. It's a tranquilizer - - very mild. I took a very small dose. A quarter of the what he prescribed. If you do try Klonopin, make sure you take your first dose at home, safe and sound. Don't drive. Don't go out. Just relax, watch a movie, and see how you handle it. It worked for me.

[Phoebe_Twayblade]

Hi, I'm a newbie here. I have been taking Cymblata and Xanax for depression and anxiety attacks. Last week I had the mother of all anxiety attacks and just fell appart! I had chills, headache, diarrhea, anxiety, etc. I thought I was going to die. It took me days before I finally called my doctor. Looks like a bad reaction to Cymbalta. I'm going in to see my shrink day after tomorrow. In the meantime I stopped taking the Cymbalta. I'm sure Cymbalta is a great drug for most people, it's just not for me.

I have a history of strange reactions to drugs so I am not surprised by this. Thanks for all the information and support. I feel better already especially since I started eating and sleeping again. No matter what lies ahead of me, I know I will have the tools and the support to see this trhough.

Thanks again and love to all.

[mims]

I am not currently on any medication. My doctors (and I have seen quite a few of them this year) wanted me to try another antidepressant, but I flatly refused because I am so afraid of these drugs now that I've had a bad experience. I have actually been ill since February after suddenly discontinuing the Lexapro. I went back on in March and then tapered. Had w/d's through the taper period, and after quitting the end of July.

People who think they had no withdrawals probably thought they had a virus -- that's what I thought at first -- a virus with neurological effects.

I actually am one of those who took lexapro for a while and discontinued without terrible side effects. I actually felt better after quitting because I felt more alive and awake for a while. And there were no brain zaps, etc. That's why it took me so long to recognize that the illness I had the second time around was withdrawal - related.

Then I went back on the drug later. When I discontinued again, I had the full range of side effects. Maybe I somehow "primed" my system for the bad effects by going on and off the drug like that; must have jerked my brain around one time too many.

Of course, looking back on it, I can see that some strange things that were going on with my body were actually side effects of Lexapro, and/or withdrawal. And I just did not think of it at the time. Why would I not realize those were drug effects -- it seems so strange that I couldn't think of lexapro as the cause, but after reading Dr Peter Breggin's book, Medication Madness, I understand that it is very common to miss or misdiagnose side effects of SSRI's.

One of my doctors suggested that some of my symptoms may actually be a type of migraine without the headache. My headaches were the worst as I reached the end of my tapering period, and for about a few weeks afterward. But there's been real improvement the past couple of months, and I haven't had a headache that required Advil in at least a month. For awhile I took an advil every day as a preventive measure. I've had flashing lights in my eyes also, (still have them, but some improvement) and some afternoons I have extreme exhaustion, and when I rest, I have all sorts of strange symptoms.

Also, I used to be in constant search of a pillow that would put my head in the correct position to prevent a headache. The lexapro was causing me to sleep with an incredible amount of tension in my neck, and I'd wake with my head in a weird position, and often with a headache.

Socality, try not to think of your migraine problems as permanent. My migraine headache condition seems to be improving, and so your migraine condition may improve also. I believe you will improve as the weeks go by.
I've been taking 2 steps forward and 1 or 2 backward for quite some time, but in general, getting better.

I'm still having other symptoms like tremors/vibrations and cold chills; some problems are improving, most are just less frequent, less severe. I've heard that Klonipin is a good tranquilizer that is not as addictive as some, and was thinking about taking it just to sleep at night. But even my sleep seems to be improving now, so I'm holding out.

One thing I've learned recently is that even tiny amounts of alcohol, like a half glass of wine, can bring on worse problems for me. I think we all need to completely avoid alcohol while our brains are healing.

Like Jen and many others, I'm concerned about my memory.

[jenthebod]

Thank you guys for the responses. I actually have felt pretty great today after forcing myself to get up and try to start getting back on track. I would say it has been about six days since I completely stopped taking Lexapro. Today I had mild dizziness and fogginess, but a pretty bad headache. I will do my best to keep up with this thread in hopes to provide help, hope and encouragement to people who are in and will be in my postion in the future! I also will be going to see one of my doctors on Thursday and I will ask her about the difficulties with memory and report back!