[Redbled]

Hold, I took 10 Mg's for only 10 days, but was never told to taper off. Definately stop slowly. Its been 3 months for me, and I'm still believing I'm having withdrawal effects. Most don't seem to have issues nearly this long, so you should be ok much sooner. Just read all the previous posts on the topic, I read many of them, and they will prepare you well for what you may experience. I haven't found a doctor yet who will admit to me there are withdrawals with Lexapro. They cite half life sort of things. I wish I could locate information from just one that would admit it can cause these effects, if anyone has sources on this, I'd love to have them.

[enaek]

I've done some research on fasting. Here's a good website to guide you through.

http://www.freedomyou.com/fasting_bo...%20fasting.htm

5 days without LEX and I'm feeling great!

Aunty, I always took my lexapro first thing in the morning...

[Redbled]

Link to Dr. Tracy's half hour radio discussion about SSRI's.

http://www.cincinnatihyperbarics.com/radioshows.html

Its most of the way down the page.

My question was this. She mentions a number of drugs in her intro, but does not mention Lexapro. Is it not the same?

[Laurie10]

I am so glad I found this discussion site for withdrawals from Lexapro. I have been on it for about one year and a half. Before that I tried Prozac, Paxil and Wellbutrin (off and on for about 4yrs). By the way, I hated Wellbutrin..I literally fell apart on Wellbutrin..from suicide thoughts to crying uncontrollably. I feel very good and am now trying to get off of Lexapro. It has been about three weeks that I have been off/on the 10mg of Lexapro. I too feel the "brain zaps" and hot flashes. I also feel like I am losing a little bit of weight..and I am not eating as much as I normally do. I am shocked to hear that so many people have gained so much weight on Lexapro. I had no idea! That puts things into percpective for me now. I too have gained about 30 pounds! From the time I was 17 to 30yrs., I had weighed 110..and now for the past three years, my weight has steadily gone up to a whopping 147! I really look forward to being my old self again. Does anyone know what the odds are for losing the weight? By the way, I feel good without the Lexapro. I felt that it was time to stop with the depression medication...but I am still scared of what other withdrawls are still to come..or how I might feel once the drug is completly out of my system. Is there any advice out there for me out there?

[auntybiotic]

Laurie,

Did you wean off of the 10 Mg or just stop? How did you wean?

Are you taking any supplements, vitamins. Omega 3's etc.

If you have not had any bad reactions by three weeks I think the worst is over. If you do get withdrawals they generally happen the worst the first two weeks with anxiety, nightmares and sleeplessness and mood awings. You are one of the lucky ones.

You may still get symptoms but I do believe the worst would have already hit by now/ Many do get depersonalization about week three to four. If that happens it will eventually go away so don't be alarmed/

[auntybiotic]

PLease listen to BOTH radio shows on antidepressants by Dr. Anne Blake Tracy.

Here is the link............ Here is a Radio Program you can listen to with Dr. Tracy as the guestDr. Ann Blake Tracy, a Ph.D. in Health Sciences with the emphasis on Psychology, is the director of the International Coalition for Drug Awareness. She has specialized for 14 years in adverse reactions to serotonergic medications)

Go down the page on this webpage:
http://www.cincinnatihyperbarics.com/radioshows.html

and look for the link entitled "Risks of Treating Depression with SSRIs - Interview Dr Ann Blake Tracy PhD" and click on that. (it's about the 34th or 35th link on the page. Thre is a follow up interview so make sure that you listen to BOTH.

Lexapro is a stronger version of Celexa..................she does mention Celexa. There are so many that she could have spent half of the time listing just the antidepressants. Lexapro is one of the worst SSRI's because it is so SELECTIVE at reuptaking the serotonin.

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by Redbled

Hold, I took 10 Mg's for only 10 days, but was never told to taper off. Definately stop slowly. Its been 3 months for me, and I'm still believing I'm having withdrawal effects. Most don't seem to have issues nearly this long, so you should be ok much sooner.

I had side effects for up to 8 months after Paxil if I remember correctly. I think the adjustments your brain has to make take longer than the actual cleansing of the drug.

---
New signature: I just switched from Paxil CR 20mg to Lexapro 10mg cold turkey.
Day 1: 12/01/05 Flying high!
Day 4: 12/04/05 I'm feeling like Lexapro is working better than Paxil with less side effects for me. My delayed orgasms went away, which is strange. It usually takes a week off of Paxil for a recovery like this.
Day 9: I think I was "premature" with the delayed ejaculation news. It's still delayed. I must have been on a sexual peak or something. I've been experiencing the normal ravenous appetite usually experienced with Paxil withdrawal.

---

I am currently taking 20mg of Paroxitine HCL (Paxil). I have tried 25mg CR, 20mg, and 40mg.

My side effects are delayed orgasm and lack of motivation.

The Paxil seems to cure my anxiety in low stress situations, but makes it worse in high-stress situations.

The side effects on the 40mg were more intense. In addition to the above listed side-effects, I got minor headaches and a much more sedated feeling with no additional benefits.

Ask me anything, I would love to help you with my experiences.

Shifty

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by auntybiotic
Go down the page on this webpage:
http://www.cincinnatihyperbarics.com/radioshows.html

and look for the link entitled "Risks of Treating Depression with SSRIs - Interview Dr Ann Blake Tracy PhD" and click on that. (it's about the 34th or 35th link on the page. Thre is a follow up interview so make sure that you listen to BOTH.

In her recount of Phil Hartmans death she "forgot" to mention that his wife was also abusing cocaine while drunk and using more than her prescribed amount of Zoloft.

I know cocaine users and I have seen them do more uncharacteristic things than Paxil-users.

I feel like her material is more "conspiracy theory" than fact. If she had sung the praises of SSRI's then she wouldn't have sold so many books.

Example:
Her comment on suicidality: "People on SSRI's are 65x more likely to commit suicide. These people were not suicidal before the study"
One doctor answers: "Depressed people are more likely to become suicidal"
Her response: "maybe 1 or 2 or even 10 times more suicidal, but not 65x"

Where is the science here? Depressed people commit suicide, it's a fact.

"Recent studies in Finland and England suggest that, while Major Depression is a recognizable and treatable disorder, only a small fraction of suicides with Major Depression received adequate antidepressant treatment prior to their deaths."
http://www.afsp.org/research/articles/malone.html

I think this woman is killing people with her book marketing ploy. She is a charismatic speaker who twists statistics to sell books.

Facts:
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidep...IPHA200410.htm
The FDA showed a 2% jump in suicidality in children under 18 compared to placebo recipients.

http://www.psycom.net/depression.cen...i-suicide.html
(adults) These findings fail to support either an overall difference in suicide risk between antidepressant- and placebo-treated depressed subjects in controlled trials or a difference between SSRIs and either other types of antidepressants or placebo.

I've personally been on two different anti-depressants and while they aren't 100% effective, they don't make me go crazy and kill people.

I'd love to hear from someone that is only taking an SSRI and feels it makes them do crazy things. (not somebody who is smoking crack in the bar bathroom between tequilla shots)

I'm not saying I have all the answers, but I'm not ready to jump on the anti-SSRI bandwagon.

I'd love to see more discussion on this.

---
New signature: I just switched from Paxil CR 20mg to Lexapro 10mg cold turkey.
Day 1: 12/01/05 Flying high!
Day 4: 12/04/05 I'm feeling like Lexapro is working better than Paxil with less side effects for me. My delayed orgasms went away, which is strange. It usually takes a week off of Paxil for a recovery like this.
Day 9: I think I was "premature" with the delayed ejaculation news. It's still delayed. I must have been on a sexual peak or something. I've been experiencing the normal ravenous appetite usually experienced with Paxil withdrawal.

---

I am currently taking 20mg of Paroxitine HCL (Paxil). I have tried 25mg CR, 20mg, and 40mg.

My side effects are delayed orgasm and lack of motivation.

The Paxil seems to cure my anxiety in low stress situations, but makes it worse in high-stress situations.

The side effects on the 40mg were more intense. In addition to the above listed side-effects, I got minor headaches and a much more sedated feeling with no additional benefits.

Ask me anything, I would love to help you with my experiences.

Shifty

[enaek]

Ugh, I am feeling like hell. It's been exactly a week since I stopped taking my lexapro. I weaned off so slowly that I thought I wouldn't really feel too much withdrawal, but today I proved myself wrong.

Seems like if I take the Omega 3 I feel fine. I didn't take any today and now I'm really feeling ill. I've got the chills, the spins, vertigo and I'm nauseous. On top of the physical symptoms, I have also been extremely emotional...which I have never been, even pre-lexapro.

It really helps knowing that there are other people out there who are going through or have gone through this...

[enaek]

The one thing that scares me most about this medication is that we have NO IDEA about the long term effects. I'm only 28 years old and I plan to have kids someday in the near future...it's very unsettling that "THEY" don't really know if it will have harmful effects on the fetus...[}]

[Miss Lee]

Enaek-

I am positive that your babies will be OK. You stopped it and by then will have had enough time. I actually had a friend take it while pregnant (not lex) and even though it isn't the best situation-her baby is oK.

Shifty-

I am one of those people that reacted abnormally. Never say never. We do exist. Remember your body is different than mine. Speak for yourself, and lets offer more support and less debate.

Miss Lee

[auntybiotic]

quote:Originally posted by auntybiotic

Shifty,

I personally know many people that heard voices telling them to do things, I also spoke to many others who could not tell nightmares or vivid dreams from reality.

You may be one of the lucky ones that did not have a adverse reaction.

Dr. Tracy is trying to open people's eyes to the dangers of SSRI's.

I am grateful for her knowledge. Her books have not made her rich, in fact she does a lot of her lectures and advise for free. I do not believe she is twisting facts at all.

When you do finally withdrawal from all SSRI's you can have a truer picture of what withdrawl symptoms really are. Going from one SSRI to another is a piece of cake compared to tapering off all SSRI's.

[Shifty]

I've only withdrawn from Paxil. Twice before and this is my third time. I am switching from Paxil to Lexapro. Being the younger brother of a crack cocaine addict, I've often kept away from medications whether they be prescribed by a doctor or not. I once refused to take pain meds after a major surgery. I took advil and gritted my teeth.

It wasn't until I got so stressed out at my job that I got to the point of not caring whether I lived or died that I finally decided to start taking drugs (paxil). It's strange to go from one extreme to the other, but I've been on both sides of the fence.

The truth is, I probably would've swerved my car into oncoming traffic on a whim if I had never taken Paxil. My anxiety was that bad.

I'm very concerned that there could be massive ill effects from Paxil, but this doctor doesn't offer any evidence, only rhetoric.

* edit *

[enaek]

I have not listened to this woman's talk show about SSRI's, but it does seem that if she's spouting out numbers like "65 times more likely", it's more b.s. than science. Your point's been taken.

Most of the people on this site were put on Lexapro without knowing how difficult the withdrawal process was going to be. That's the number one complaint...that's the common bond...we are here to talk about our withdrawal symptoms and offer advice on how to alleviate the pain and discomfort. It's also a place we come to where we can complain about the lack of knowledge out there regarding SSRI's (or some woman's unsubstantiated comments about how SSRI's make us 65 times more likely to commit suicide). I get a lot out of reading everyone's posts, including yours. The one thing I would advise you not to do is single out members who don't agree with you. Nobody comes to this site to argue...that would only add to the anxiety that many of us began taking ssri's for in the first place, right?

[Shifty]

enaek,

You are so right. I've edited my post and I'm backing down. However I will still post my viewpoints, even if they are different.

We are here to help each other get better and arguments do make my blood boil.

I want to find the truth and I will not hang on to any single source of information as my only source.

I'm like a rabid dog when somebody ruffles my feathers. (can you say "mood swing"?) Thank you for being the voice of reason.

Sorry to Miss Lee and Aunty for my shortness and rudeness. I am suffering as many of you are.


---
New signature: I just switched from Paxil CR 20mg to Lexapro 10mg cold turkey.
Day 1: 12/01/05 Flying high!
Day 4: 12/04/05 I'm feeling like Lexapro is working better than Paxil with less side effects for me. My delayed orgasms went away, which is strange. It usually takes a week off of Paxil for a recovery like this.
Day 9: I think I was "premature" with the delayed ejaculation news. It's still delayed. I must have been on a sexual peak or something. I've been experiencing the normal ravenous appetite usually experienced with Paxil withdrawal.

---

I am currently taking 20mg of Paroxitine HCL (Paxil). I have tried 25mg CR, 20mg, and 40mg.

My side effects are delayed orgasm and lack of motivation.

The Paxil seems to cure my anxiety in low stress situations, but makes it worse in high-stress situations.

The side effects on the 40mg were more intense. In addition to the above listed side-effects, I got minor headaches and a much more sedated feeling with no additional benefits.

Ask me anything, I would love to help you with my experiences.

Shifty

[Laurie10]

Dear Auntybiotic,

Wow, you sure do know your stuff. I have had numerous nightmares..and at that about ex-boyfriends..ha, ha, it's true..but I thought it was just because lack of sleep and the holidays...which of course would also explain the insomnia. Ok, here's my method of weaning myself off of Lexapro..which by the way was just something I did on my own day by day. I thought that if I consulted my doctor that he might try and talk me out of it. Anyway, the week leading up to Thanksgiving, I didn't take the 10mg's for 4 days, (because I ran out), then I took my regular dosage for 4 days, then thought that I should try to lay off for good, since I didn't feel that bad without it. So then I went about 4 more days without, took one, and now it has been 5 days without. Again, the withdrawal symptoms have been everything that others have described, but until now I didn't know that it was all attributed to the withdrawls, (which for me consist of insomnia, nightmares, hot flashes, feeling spaced-out and a bit dizzy at times, also not as hungry (that's a plus!)..and feeling certain pains on my head/headaches..but I guess that's what's reffered to as the "brain zaps"..I'm not sure. Another plus, is that I tried getting off the pills while I haven't been working. I would imagine that works as well, plus, I live alone and have been doing a lot of Christmas shopping. So overall, I have just been listening to my body and taking it easy, if I need to. But, I start a new job two days from now ..and I hope that the symptoms don't get worse..or worse that the depression does not set in. I'll play it by ear, and if I need to I will visit with my doctor and seek out his help..and if need be..I am not opposed to getting back on Lexapro, if I really need it.

[Laurie10]

Can someone tell me what's up with the suggestions of taking Omega 3, and the fasting. I'd like to know how it can help with the Lexapro withdrawals. And also, does anyone know if the metabolism will
"jump start" itself again to pre-lex? Also, what's the time span to achieve any form of weight loss attributed to Lexapro?

[auntybiotic]

laurie,

You may notice that your appetite returns in a few weeks and that you are craving carbs and sweets...................you body will be looking for "fixes" for having less serotonin available at the receptors.

Many also notice bloating and water weight, as your body thries to regulate the cortisol that has been increased daily by the lexapro. In some people Lexapro withdrawal can cause CUSHINGS SYNDROME. If you notice severe bloating in the belly area, GOOGLE Cushing Syndrome.

The Omega 3's help with depression and also help with weight. I am unsure of the fasting and have not heard of it before.

If the withdrawals get really bad you may want to ask your doctor about tapering to 5 mg then slowly get off of that amount. Everyone is different.

I know with my daughter, I noticed a hypo mania that lasted about 10 days............ several times as I tapered. She wanted to shop and buy so many things on ebay, at the mall. Hypo mania, caused by withdrawal can cause those urges to shop and also to be disinhibited. If this is happening to you, how convenient that it's right near Christmas. (smile). It will go away once you stabilize (or run out of money) smile.

Don't be suprised if you just start crying out of the blue. Lexapro has suppressed emotions and given so many people a "I don't care attitude" that once Lexapro starts to come out of your system, the floodgates of emotions are opened.

Many can feel empathy again, can care again and yes, can cry again. Think back, to those of you that are or have used lexapro for over six months time. Can you remember crying while on the Lexapro?
Normal emotions are coming back once lexapro doses are reduced and stopped so it will take many time to stabilize................until then there will be mood swings, crying, anger, laughing....but importantly................FEELINGS!!!!

Try Magnesium Citrate around dinner time to help ease the nightmares and possible panic attacks. Also Bach's White Chestnut Flower Essence has helped many, the flower essences do not help immediately, after taking them for several days it is a cummalitive effect.

Sifty,

I understand and sympathize with your "shortness". I was not offended at all. I know how difficult coming off these SSRI's can be and how they can cause impatience and even temper flares in many.

You comments were very mild compared to some that I have heard while posting but I understand because I have experienced similiar things with my daughter.

I hope this forum can help everyone that visits, not just those that agree or disagree. Miss Lee, I know that you have been thru so much .............I wish I could give everyone a hug. Withdrawal can cause comments that may unintentionally hurt others. I know most people reading this and having gone thru withdrawal know how true this staement is.

In the meantime, let's focus our anger at WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS towards the manufactor that failed to disclose to the public that Lexapro was addictive.

HUG

[enaek]

Fasting is supposed to heal the body. It's a cleansing process. Since we've all been putting chemicals in our body, it might make sense to fast in order to get it all out...

I personally have not done it, but I've been thinking about it. My metabolism is practically non-existant after taking lexapro, and I think fasting might help to restore it.

This is from the website I posted a few days ago: (freedomyou.com)

Eliminated during the detoxification process

Ø Dead, dying or diseased cells

Ø Unwanted fatty tissue

Ø Trans-fatty acids

Ø Hardened coating of mucus on the intestinal wall

Ø Toxic waste matter in the lymphatic system and bloodstream

Ø Toxins in the spleen, liver, and kidneys

Ø Mucus from the lungs and sinuses

Ø Imbedded toxins in the cellular fibers and deeper organ tissues

Ø Deposits in the microscopic tubes responsible for nourishing

brain cells

Ø Excess cholesterol

The Result

Ø Mental clarity is improved

Ø Rapid, safe weight loss is achieved without flabbiness

Ø The nervous system is balanced

Ø Energy level is increased

Ø Organs are revitalized

Ø Cellular biochemistry is harmonized

Ø The skin becomes silky, soft, and sensitive

Ø There is greater ease of movement

Ø Breathing becomes fuller, freer and deeper



Ø The digestive system is given a well-deserved rest

[Miss Lee]

Wow-
I am kinda glad I missed that whole post. I didn't mean to offend anyone, it is just that I have been to so many doctors that don't believe me- It was a little hard to hear it here as well.

Shifty- thank you for the retraction. I didn't mean to ruffle your feathers. I am going on 4 months of dealing with my acute reaction. It gets tiring.

Give me a 3 week withdrawal anyday!

Anyone up for a class action??

About fasting- It sounds like a great idea. I would love to participate but due to this reaction I have lost 38 pounds and need every calorie I can get (don't be mad to those who gained weight. Being this skinny is just as frusterating. I look really sick)

Aunty- Thanks for the hug. I need everyone I can get.

Miss Lee

[Redbled]

Miss Lee,

I've actually pondered a class action and just where to go with it. Considered calling attorneys for advice, but have not as of yet. Might be a dead end or nothing to it, but it is tempting. Its amazing to me that Lexapro makes I believe 7 million a day for the manufacturer, and to them, paying people once in a while to hush up is all part of the business. That's sick to me.

[jitterbug]

Hi All
How great that I found you all.

I have been on Lexapro a little over a year. 5mg for the first year and now 10mg for several months. Doc told me to increase dose due to shivers many of you mention. He thought it was anxiety (I am on lex for anxiety and panic) so we went up to 10mg. I had gained weight on 5mg but I attributed it to my quitting smoking (with lex it was painless) and job stress. When I went up to 10mg I gained more even though I am running, going to the gym and on a very low carb diet. I do not have those shivers and shocks you describe now and I am very calm and centered although I am fat and have no sex drive at all. I want to decrease. I am scared tell me it will be OK. I am calm and rational for the first time in many years. Should I decrease till I start to lose weight or should I come off...what is it like after it's all over do you feel normal?

[enaek]

I finally now understand what a BRAIN ZAP is...

[enaek]

I seem to be crashing every day around 4 pm. Could this have something to do with my blood sugar level? Is there something I should eat to prevent this?

[smille50]

Ive been taking Lexapro for 2 years now and have been trying to get off of it for a few months now. Ive been taking 10mg every other day and sometimes ill go a few days without it and feel awful. Its so difficult to function at work with the shock waves that overcome me. I will take one step and a wave of shock goes from my feet to my head. Its awful. Its been about 5 days now with no Lexapro and im not doing so well. i live alone and its horrible. The last two nights I woke up with pounding headaches and cant sleep cuz they are so bad. And yes the flood gates have opened too. I was so surprised when i went to look on the internet for the withdrawal affects how much information i found and how many people are experiencing this. I dont feel like im in this alone. Im scared of whats to come and i just want this to be over with. I wish I could give hugs to all of you.....

[Redbled]

Enaek,

Coming off of Lexapro, my BS was way out of whack, always very low certain times of the day. Crashing at 4 was exactly the time I crashed for some reason. The doctor thought I was hypoglycemic for a while, and I was even charting it and sticking myself to test all the time for 2 weeks. When you feel poorly, try eating a lifesaver or some other food. Also, try eating some protein right before bed time. Those things worked wonders for me when I was at your stage, though of course you will still feel bad. They should list low BS as a side effect of the damn drug. I'm so sorry you're feeling the zaps, I think that was the worst part for me. I could handle the stomach and other issues, but I hated feeling that my brain was being messed with. Hang in there, I seem to remember that phase only lasting a week or two.

[enaek]

Really, protein before bed? I'll try that. Thanks. I've been sleeping fine and I feel fine in the morning...just feel wacky in the late afternoon.

Running has been making a huge difference in how I feel...I almost don't feel like getting off the treadmill some nights because it makes me feel so much better...

[drew4u99]

Lexapro...wow what an experience

Glad to find this forum, finally able to speak to people that have first hand experiences with this drug.

I'd like to share my story with all who would like to hear it...I have yet to fully recount it to anyone...

My name is Andrew, I have been told that I have suffered from depression since the age of 12. Being the son of a medical professional, I have always had access to any pharmaceutical needed. This is not always a good thing. I have now been on anti-depressants for well over 6 years of my adolescence...in order: prozac, paxil, wellbutrin, remeron, celexa and now...my...good friend lexapro (cipralex in Canada). I am now 18 and remember almost nothing since the introduction of anti-depressants. I can never remember being truly depressed or anxious as a child, I am not sure exactly when or why I started these meds.

After all these years, I have lost valuable life lessons and coping skills required for the rest of my life. I have been a zombie throughout, possibly one of the most important stages of my life.

6 weeks ago I stopped taking lexapro...THE WITHDRAWL SYMPTOMS CONTINUE...I am unable to cope with almost any stress. I have pressure to obtain high marks in school, go to university and my girlfriend is moving 3000 kms away for the rest of her life in 2 months. After six weeks off this drug I am more depressed than ever, and have incredible anxiety attacks where i just about faint. I am unable to deal with almost any dramatic situations or have any productive moments. I feel as though these anti-depressants, lexapro (hardest withdrawal), have had permanent effects....or this is just my actual personality.

I really have two choices: Become a emotionless zombie, but somewhat productive or be an emotional wreck and shake nervously all day.

Today I took lexapro again.

I write all of this not to complain, not to nice lady and whine and not to beg for attention or sympathy.

I want my story, along with the many others on this forum, to be a stern warning of the dangers of these drugs. I hope my story can motivate many of you on the verge of stopping lexapro, to give your life another try, without this drug.

Anyways, enough with my drama...

I still dream of quitting lexapro one day, anyone with suggestions are appreciated. During my withdrawal periods, ive taken omega-3, multi-vitamins, cut caffeine and sugars. After much effort, I have cut down to .5mg

Anyone thinking of a class-act has the right to do so...we all know these drugs are unfair, and inhuman. Specialists themselves say we lack the proper knowledge to treat the brain effectively.

For all those people in my position, I am one more person to join your journeys.

You have my sympathy and support,
Andrew

[auntybiotic]

Andrew,

Welcome...........I feel so much for you.

What milligram Lexapro did you start with. When going from one SSRI to another did you taper one before starting another?

How long have you been on Lexapro??

Are you down to .5 which is 1/2 of 1 milligram or did you mean 5 Milligrams?

How long did it take you to taper and what were you symptoms along the way.

Can you medical family background people offer any help?

Why would you not be able to slowly taper off of the current dose?

Can you not function without Lexapro.

Let Me know. My thoughts are with you.
HUG

[molkat]

>I couldn't agree with these posts more. I am in the process of coming off Lexapro completely after having been on it for slightly over a year. I have been trying to come for over 6 months now. I was put on it for mostly general anxiety and ocassional bouts of mild depression. Things in my life are greatly improved and I will say the medicine helped me feel really okay about things on a day to day basis. However, I have gained 20 pounds, despite the fact I exercise and eat very healthy and my sex drive has become non-existant. I am so bloated all the time I look 3-4 months pregenant. I felt I was fine to begin to weaning off this medicine but have found it very hard as the withdrwals for me have included brain zaps(electric zings in your head), feeling like you heart is skipping on two or three beats(very scary), and some emotional irritability and overreacting(crying, etc). I was only taking 10mg per day and slowly weaned to 5 mg/day, then down to 2.5 and finally about 1mg (they are "crumbs of the pill so it's hard to tell,) I decide to finally stop and made it 10 days with no medication. The brain zaps and heart skips get so bad (almost every 5 seconds) I had to take a "crumb" and it helped within an hour. I am going to stay off it until perhaps another 10 days or as long as I can. I am not a doctor but the way SSRI's have been explained to me is that when the brain produces seratonin(the "I feel good" chemical), it should stay in the brain for a certian amount of time and then be absorbed. If it diminishes too quickly, this can cause anxiety, mood swings and depression. Lexapro inhibits the brain from reabsrobing seratonin so that the levels stay more constant. The brain becomes dependant on the medicine to keep seratonin from being reabsorbed and when you stop taking the medicine--I believe this causes much havoc in the brain. Your body is not "blocking" seratonin from being absorbed at all. So if you have moderate depression or anxiety, it's very possible completely stopping can throw you into a state of feeling really bad emotionally and physically. I have read it is best to wean of very, very very slowly. You need to allow your brain to start the "blocking" function on it own little by little and this can only be done by tapering off slowly. I really wish the drug companies did more research on this as I was told by my Dr. it was non-habit forming and there were little to none side effects. I have read about so many people having all these withdrawals, it's scary. I feel this drug should have only been made for severly depressed people who will need to stay on it for life.
I just would like some answers as to what is the best and most successful way to eliminate this from my body. I can handle it emotionally , but the physical symptoms make it so hard. ANY suggestions would be great as this grup seems to be very educated with this. Thanks!!