[Ctrace]

Hi, I'm new here.. I wish I'd checked this site sooner. I stopped taking lexapro two or three days ago cold turkey because my parents were paying for it and I knew how expensive it was. I thought it'd be ok, but now reading this, it's making me have a huge panic attack.

I was taking it for anxiety, but it never seemed to work. So that, with the cost, made me think I'd be better off. But now i'm hearing all these bad things and I can't calm down at all. I have to go to the doctor tomorrow to get a refill (I rarely, if ever leave the house due to anxiety, so I'm horrified) and I'm afraid I'll die or something. I mean, after all, I heard palpitations are a side effect of withdrawal? And I'm always terrified of heart attacks. I really don't know what to do. I hope I'll be able to hold out long enough to get to the doctor and get the pills.

[mims]

Originally Posted by Ctrace

Hi, I'm new here.. I wish I'd checked this site sooner. I stopped taking lexapro two or three days ago cold turkey because my parents were paying for it and I knew how expensive it was. I thought it'd be ok, but now reading this, it's making me have a huge panic attack.

I was taking it for anxiety, but it never seemed to work. So that, with the cost, made me think I'd be better off. But now i'm hearing all these bad things and I can't calm down at all. I have to go to the doctor tomorrow to get a refill (I rarely, if ever leave the house due to anxiety, so I'm horrified) and I'm afraid I'll die or something. I mean, after all, I heard palpitations are a side effect of withdrawal? And I'm always terrified of heart attacks. I really don't know what to do. I hope I'll be able to hold out long enough to get to the doctor and get the pills.

Ctrace,

Has your prescription completely run out? You could call your doctors office and ask them to authorize the pharmacy to let you purchase one or two tablets to tide you over until you can get in there and talk to your doctor. Or you could call the pharmacy and see if they will call the doctors office for authorization. If you have an appointment tomorrow, you'd only need one tablet. However, I don't think anything bad is going to happen if you wait until tomorrow. But it may relieve your worries to go ahead and call the doctor's office or pharmacist.

There are some frightening complaints posted on this message board, but the main point stated here on this thread is that a gradual taper can offer some protection from the worst of the withdrawal problems.

Those of us who have had the worst withdrawal problems were either too sensitive to the drug in the first place, or withdrew too fast instead of tapering off.

Tell your physician your concerns about the cost of the medication. He may be able to substitute the older drug, celexa, which is similar and would be cheaper. Or he may be able to prescribe a pill that can be split in half in order to save money, if you need to continue with the medication for a while.

Please don't panic over missing a few doses. But whenever you do decide to quit the lexapro, be aware that tapering is much better than cold-turkey quitting.

[pawsboots]

Ctrace,

The advice Mims gave is excellent!

I would add that to see if you doctor has any samples, also.

I had trouble even moving in my house I was so spent. But, the Lexapro helped me within the first two weeks. Check your dosage. If you have trouble leaving the house after awhile on this drug it may not be working for you or you may need the dosage increased. I had what you are describing , and I could leave my house with excitement after about six weeks, and then I wanted to get out all the time. I was afraid at first, but not overwhelmed, and I left with my husband until I could do it by myself. If I need this again I'll go right back on. It saved my life!

Let us know how you do.

Paws

[fuzzman24]

just wanted to post a question on here and this looked like a good thread to do so. I was just recently weaned off of lexapro to go on wellbutrin. the dr told me to take 4 halves of a pill for 4 days (20 mg) then to take a 1/4 of a pill for 2 days then 1 day off then start the wellbutrin. well I am now on my 2nd day of wellbutrin and while im having no side affects from it that I know of I am having really bad dizzy spells with the lexapro withdrawals. I know its the lexapro because I was having the dizziness for about 3 days before I started the wellbutrin.

My question is how long should I expect these dizzy (shock type feelings) to go away? so far that is my only symptom other than maybe not sleeping too well but am calling dr today for maybe some trazadone to help that till I get through. just wondering if anyone else went off that quick and on to another drug that may know what I should expect or if there is anything I can do to help with it. I do have tranxene (clorazepate) for anxiety that I take just now and then would it help to take a few more until I get over this???

hoping for some help in Columbus......

Mark W

[pawsboots]

Mark,

I know someone who stopped an SSRI completely with no other drug. She had severe withdrawal so she was put on another drug like you. Within a week she felt better again. Everyone is different, but hopefully this will help. Call and ask your doctor. Good luck!

[Laryanita]

Originally Posted by fuzzman24

just wanted to post a question on here and this looked like a good thread to do so. I was just recently weaned off of lexapro to go on wellbutrin. the dr told me to take 4 halves of a pill for 4 days (20 mg) then to take a 1/4 of a pill for 2 days then 1 day off then start the wellbutrin. well I am now on my 2nd day of wellbutrin and while im having no side affects from it that I know of I am having really bad dizzy spells with the lexapro withdrawals. I know its the lexapro because I was having the dizziness for about 3 days before I started the wellbutrin.

My question is how long should I expect these dizzy (shock type feelings) to go away? so far that is my only symptom other than maybe not sleeping too well but am calling dr today for maybe some trazadone to help that till I get through. just wondering if anyone else went off that quick and on to another drug that may know what I should expect or if there is anything I can do to help with it. I do have tranxene (clorazepate) for anxiety that I take just now and then would it help to take a few more until I get over this???

hoping for some help in Columbus......

Mark W

Hey Mark

First off, I would recommend getting the #$% out of Ohio. ;P
Otherwise though, the zaps and dizziness are different for everyone. They could last for weeks, even months. In my case, I had them even BEFORE I started to taper off, which is the reason I decided I needed to quit in the first place, then had them for like a month after I quit. Try taking fish oil, it helps me A LOT with the zaps and dizziness. Since you did taper off of the lexapro so fast, I would expect to have them for a couple weeks at least. Good luck!!

[Laryanita]

Hey Everyone
I've been tapering now since January. From 20 down to 10 now. I know that I am probably tapering too fast, but I am not experiencing any severe withdrawals, just some minor brain zaps, dizziness and unlike a lot of you, I am incredibly tired. I have been dropping 2.5mg every two weeks. I have decided that since I have tapered so quickly, I will stay at 10mg for a month, then get back on tapering again.

The last time I quit lexapro, I had been on for 4 years and quit 30 mg in 1 month. I experienced hardcore withdrawals (brain zaps, dizziness, and my metabolism sped up faster than it has ever been before). Then, about 9 months after quitting, I suddenly started experiencing a surreal existence, almost constant dreamlike state and a humming or buzzing in my head, along with a heaviness. I would often feel as though I would faint, and the dr. put me back onto the lexapro.
Quitting again, and it's going great so far! of course, i know the real battle is completely being off.
Good luck to everyone, and hang in there!

[NJCherub216]

Hi, I'm new to this site. I began taking Lexapro 10 mg. and Klonopin 1 mg 3 X a day prescribed by a psychiatrist while I was in the hospital suffering from panic attacks like 3 or 4 times a day. The Xanax only worked about 15 minutes until I needed more. then I was put on the Lexapro and Klonopin. I hate the side effects. I still got the palpitations and panic attacks even on the drugs, so I dont know what was the point in taking it. I was never depressed only about the job I had and while I was in the hospital back in 10/08 my employer fired me. I have been on the full dosage for about 2 months. I also suffer from anemia and take an iron supplement since my hemoglobin was very low. By beginning of Jan. 09 I managed to taper down to 5 mg. of Lexapro and about 1 mg. of Klonopin 1 X a day. I then had my hormones checked, Im 43 yrs old and found that I had low progesterone. I know take a bioidentical cream for 2 wks before my period. I started to continue to taper the lexapro, my doctor told me only do one drug at a time. I tapered to 2.5 mg of lexapro for about 3 wks. and to .50 of klonopin (1/4 at night and 1/4 in the morning). Then the following week I took literally a crumb; about 1mg. of Lexapro for about a week. Then last Wednesday Feb. 29th I stopped the Lexapro completely. Now it is day 10 without lexapro and I wonder if I tapered down correctly. I still get anxiety attacks at times in the supermarket or when I drive. I manage to drive around town by myself but if I need to go on the NJ Turnpike I take a "safe" person with me because Im still afraid I'll get caught in a panic situation with no help. I have changed my diet completely making sure I eat protein at each meal, vegtables, fruit, no more soda, switched to decaf coffee and herbal tea. I try to walk about a mile or more each day weather permitting. Today, I woke up with severe tightness in the back of my neck and upper shoulders that I could barely get out of bed. Also my chest tightened up so bad I had to go to bed and I started getting palpitations. Are these still signs of withdrawal or has my old anxiety come back? I dont want to take any drugs after reading all the horrors. I want to forge ahead and never take Lexapro again. When will the worst of the symptons go away? I nearly went to the ER today because of the chest tightness and the feeling like my heart was getting squeezed. Back in Oct. 08 I had all the xrays, blood tests, EKG and Holter Monitor, echocardiogram and my heart and lungs are fine. It doesnt make it any less scary. How many weeks will I have to endure the worst symptons? Some days are good and I can manage to get out of the house and other days I feel like a prisoner to this. Please Help. I am so frustrated. I cry all the time because I miss the old "me" who was always full of energy and did everything for everybody. My disability runs out in April and I cant even imagine in this economy looking for a job in the condition Im still in. I haven't even tackled getting off the Klonopin yet. I am currently taking .25 mg 2 X a day. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. My doctor told me it would be out of my system after a week. I dont believe this since it took 4 wks. to work.

[fuzzman24]

first I just wanted to say ty for the answer to my question. I guess I will have to deal with the zaps and dizziness which I guess really arent that horrible bad just annoying. I have had some nausea and upset stomach today but good ole pepto has helped wonderfully with that. should I expect the feeling to start lessening each day or just one day wake up and they are gone LOL. im also on my second day of wellbutrin and im sure it has nothing to do with that because I had started having the zaps the first day I took a half a pill. I will hust hang in there and keep you posted I am off work until tues of next week so atleast I dont have anything to do or worry about, also I take tranxene for anxiety and it seems to help with any anxiety from the withdrawal just have to live with the zaps.

TY again,

Mark

[rujoking]

Originally Posted by Laryanita

Hey Everyone
I've been tapering now since January. From 20 down to 10 now. I know that I am probably tapering too fast, but I am not experiencing any severe withdrawals, just some minor brain zaps, dizziness and unlike a lot of you, I am incredibly tired. I have been dropping 2.5mg every two weeks. I have decided that since I have tapered so quickly, I will stay at 10mg for a month, then get back on tapering again.

The last time I quit lexapro, I had been on for 4 years and quit 30 mg in 1 month. I experienced hardcore withdrawals (brain zaps, dizziness, and my metabolism sped up faster than it has ever been before). Then, about 9 months after quitting, I suddenly started experiencing a surreal existence, almost constant dreamlike state and a humming or buzzing in my head, along with a heaviness. I would often feel as though I would faint, and the dr. put me back onto the lexapro.
Quitting again, and it's going great so far! of course, i know the real battle is completely being off.
Good luck to everyone, and hang in there!

Laryanita

I wonder if what you were feeling at 9 months off the last time were still in fact withdrawals?? Many have said that this is common and I am at almost 9 months and exeriencing some of this - my head feels spacy and I do have ringing in my ears - overall though I feel better - many of the physical symptoms are gone or greatly diminished. I don't have much motivation but once I am up and out it gets better.

ruj

[mims]

rujoking

I'm just past the 7 - month mark, and I have had a resurgence of weird symptoms, also. Mostly in my head -- feelings of fullness or pressure in my head, some ear-ringing also, and lots of breathing problems as I drift off to sleep. Besides the feeling of throat blocking off, I also have breathing noises that are like "straining to breath" sounds. I don't know how else to describe it. Wakes me up.

[rujoking]

NJCherub - -

Try not to be scared (I know it is easier said than done) - everything you are experiencing is due to withdrawals - the back and neck pain - the virations, the palps, the breathing...

YOu are early in the process and I don't want to alarm you but it may take some time for these things to settle down but they do lessen over time and eventually will go.....that said if you need reassurance then by all means you must get it.

YOur Doc is correct it is best to wean one med at a time - the klon should help some with the lex withdrawal but that one will also be a challenge when the time comes. Coming here often for reassurance is very helpful, look at some old posts and you will see that most that have come before you have had the same experience - this is an evil poison and the only way to get thru it is to wait it out. Fish oil is helpful to heal the brain and magnesium is great for palps, anxiety and sleep.

fuzzman - - be very cautious with the tranxene - it has the potential for addiction and the withdrawals from a benzo can be equally difficult - try some passion flower or magnesium and see if it helps.

Best to all,
ruj

[rujoking]

mims - -

We must have been typing at the same time LOL - I don't know what to say other than what I have read and experienced - many have a rough time between the 6-8 month mark- I truly did not feel a significant improvement until a couple of weeks ago - I still get those symptoms but they are far fewer - just yesterday after lunch my throat tightened up - it felt like muscle spasms and trouble swallowing with tight chest and back - a few months ago this was a constant, now it just comes in waves and passes which is a whole lot less scary. Twitching is pretty much gone for me now - I still get bouts of palps and flutters in my throat but again this is much improved. Upper back pain is still present but tolerable. when my chest gets tight I do feel like it is hard to breathe but this is short lived as well....

Try to hang in there as I really believe you will improve a lot over the next month.

I said above my biggest problem is the blah's but I will take that over the excrutiating and scary physical stuff any day -

all the best,
ruj

[mims]

At 10 days off lexapro, It's possible you might start feeling better soon. Many people do get better within 2 to 4 weeks. The psychiatrist I consulted told me that most people get past the withdrawals by the 4th week. Obviously, not everybody recovers that fast, 'cause here I am 7 months later still complaining. along with lots of other people on this message board. I suspect my problems may have come from going on and off lexapro several times, suddenly stopping last year without tapering at all. Tried to recover by going back on and tapering, but it didn't seem to help me long-term.

I think your doctor gave good advice to get off one drug at a time.

Erin, who is one of the people who has done lots of research on lexapro and related subjects, alway recommends magnesium supplements. ( Some magnesiums are worse than others for giving you diarrhea.--I think mag glycinate might be less likely, but I'm not sure so you might want to do your own research on that) I take Slow-Mag, when I remember. I've been forgetting lately, which may be why I've been feeling worse, now that I think about it. Magnesium is supposed to help relax muscles. Good quality omega 3 fish oil is also mentioned regularly on this site .

Don't get too discouraged by reading the complaints of people like me who have long-term problems -- It's frustrating, but I think most people don't suffer so long. In the past, when I took lexapro and then quit, I did not have the serious withdrawal problems that I am having now.

[mims]

rujoking

Thanks for the encouragement! I've just realized I've been off my supplements, so maybe they were helping. guess i'll try them again. I've had a couple of stressful things happen this week, and I just can't seem to take any stress. I don't think all these problems are strictly caused by stress, but I think it intensifies every symptom. Then I get to worry again, and it's a vicious cycle. I really hate the breathing issues, and now I feel the pressure feeling in my head, probably caused by the blocked breathing. Scary.

I'm glad you're doing so much better overall. I'm hoping springtime will alleviate the blah's. I went out for a pretty long walk today and I'm looking forward to daylight saving time and longer afternoons.

[pawsboots]

Mims,

I might have missed this, but have you been tested for sleep apnea? My husband has it and that's exactly what happens to him.

Laryanita,

I get really tired, too. I slept for two hours during the day today. I could sleep all the time. I'm not depressed-just tired.

I also have the heavy head feeling, and my ears ring really loud. I'm so nauseous at dinner time, but when I eat it goes for awhile; then returns.


Nj,

It will be out of your sytem in a week, but you will still have to face withdrawal.

Day 7 on 2.5mg

Paws

[mims]

Aren't we an exciting group of people -- messaging to each other on the lexapro withdrawal site on a Friday night! What a life!

[mims]

I haven't been tested, but I'm thinking about seeing the doctor to inquire about that. Does your husband sleep with one of those positive airway pressure machines?

[rujoking]

Originally Posted by mims

Aren't we an exciting group of people -- messaging to each other on the lexapro withdrawal site on a Friday night! What a life!

At least you haven't lost your sense of humor mims!

[pawsboots]

Mims,

No, he doesn't. Doctor said it wasn't bad, but the snoring is really loud, and he stops breathing for a long time. I think he tells me this because he doesn't want a machine. His brother sleeps with one, and it took a little getting use to, but he feels better and has a lot more energy.

What a friday night! It's great to have people to talk to

Paws

[fuzzman24]

I guess ill join in on the Friday night fun here LOL. seems my dizzyness or (brain zaps) dont really have both just that xapping feeling all over my body every 10 secs or so. this ismuch worse when im standing or I move alot, is thst normal? I just want to be over all this withdrawal ******** and I wish I would never had gone on this damn med. wasnt told of the affects of coming off of it. I sure hope that wellbutrin is worth all this, even though lexapro didnt work well enough for me, I at least want going through these ********py feelings to be all worth it in the end.

I am going on day 3 tommorrow of wellbutrin , and day 3 totally off lexapro after a week of weaning (probably too fast but thats what my doc said to do. half a pill for 4 days , 1/4 a pill for 2 then none then start wellb.)

just hangin in there and knowing the wellbutrin isnt going to fix anything overnight kinda stinks but thats the way it is will all antidepressants unfortunately.

Anyway I wish everyone good luck and ill keep coming back here daily, this forum has helped alot knowing that im not just crazy having these symptoms.

Mark W

[mims]

fuzzman:

Based on everything I've read about zaps, many people have the zaps when turning their head, or with a particular motion, so what you're experiencing is not unusual. In my case, I almost never had the zaps except when I was lying down, very relaxed. With one exception: There was one time I had some major zaps, about 3 or 4 big ones in a row while sitting in a chair in a restaurant.

paws:

I'm not sure I could sleep with a machine, but might have to check into that. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to go back to the the doctor for more reassurance anyway, so I'll ask about it. I know my husband needs one. He snores and holds his breath for the longest time.


rujoking:

I'm so glad you started posting on this site. Knowing that you're getting better after having so many of my same symptoms -- that gives me some hope for the future. When you were having headaches, did they wake you up during the night? I had those while on lexapro, and especially during the first weeks of withdrawal. I thought they were gone, but had one last night. They are in the back of my head, and I have to sit up in a chair until they go away. Fortunately, taking one advil and moving to a sitting position takes care of it.
But I read somewhere on a medical site that headaches that wake you up can be serious, so I guess i'll be complaining in the doctor's office again soon.

[NJCherub216]

Thank you all for your advice I will definitely try it. This message board offers more advice than any doctor can offer because we've been through it. So far today I feel a little better ( dont want to jinx myself by talking too soon) and the weather around here will actually hit 60 degrees so I will definitely go for a walk since exercise is supposed to relieve stress. I also at times experience the fluttering in the throat and severe banging in my chest. I also noticed that my symptoms get worst during PMS. I get very agitated about everything more than I used to and seem to have no patience. I also wonder if the duration of taking lexapro would weigh in on how bad or how long the withdrawals would last. Like would it be worse for someone taking it for many years as opposed to someone who only took 10 mg for 2 months and then started to taper down. I'm also wondering about looking into acupuncture or hypnotherapy (something I would have never even believed in, in the past) because I so much want to get rid of anxiety and panic attacks which are crippling my life. My disability runs out in April and then I will go on unemployment. Just looking for a job in this economy is going to stress the hell out of me. Does anyone have any thoughts on acupuncture or hypnotherapy to reduce stress and panic attacks. I know this all resulted from my last job, I had chronic stress, not the work but the nasty people I worked for. Im a single mom so I had to tolerate it to keep my job. At 43 I never experienced these attacks before til now. I hope that now I didnt hit that level of anxiety that I will never get off again and return to normal without drugs.

[mims]

NJCherub

Yes, I think the duration of time on the drug can have an effect. Even though there have been some people who have reported (on this site ) extreme reactions and long-term problems from taking lexapro for a short period of time, it doesn't seem to be the usual pattern from what I have read. I read a book by a psychiatrist who said that the longer you are on a psych drug, the longer you should take to taper off in order to reduce withdrawal effects. Also I read that the people who quit cold turkey, or who skip doses, or go on and off the drug several times (like I did) have more problems when they quit. This was in a medical journal article I found online, but can't seem to find it again. Something like American Family Practice - not sure. (the part about going on-and-off repeatedly might have come from a different source)

Some people are more sensitive due to the way their body metabolizes the drug. Those may be the ones who have problems after only a short term of medication.

I'm saying this based on what I have read. I don't have any medical training -- but I have read most of this thread, and any info I could find online to explain my health issues.

I had acupuncture, and it did help some of the pains I was having that were like muscle cramps, but did not seem to help the vibrations and muscle jerks and twitches, I don't think. It's hard to evaluate, since I started the acupuncture around the time I was just getting off the drug. I did sleep better during the time I was having acupucture (several months), and would have continued just for that reason, except that it wasn't helping my worst problems as far as I could tell, and it was expensive to keep it up long term. My worst problem was not anxiety or panic, though, so I'm not sure my experience would apply to your condition. The cramping pain I was having in the butt muscles was relieved with acupuncture, and did not come back.

I haven't had hypnosis, but I think it would be great for relieving anxiety. I know someone who stopped a long-term case of hives with hypnosis. The really good thing about hypnosis is that you learn to self-hypnotize, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

[fuzzman24]

You are right mims they are usually the worst when I am standing up or moving around. I am usally fine laying down and get them a little sitting If I move my head around alot like you said. I just wish I had some knid of an idea how long this will last because its annoying as hell, im afraid to go back to work as I am a meat cutter and im on my feet all day but I really dont want to burn another vacation I like to have my time off in the summer, ive already used 1 week this week with the weaning off of lexapro which is when the zaps all started and now im on my 3rd day of wellbutrin and just am so hoping that this drug will work for me, nothing else ive tried really has helped with my depression and OCD.

anyway thanks for the response and take care....

Mark W

[pawsboots]

Hi all,


My head is pounding so much, and I was in bed most of the day. Really sick to my stomach; hot and cold chills. I hope I type this ok. Please excuse me if I don't.

My brother -in-law really got used to the machine fast, So if you need it you probably can,too.

I tried accupuncture and hypnosis. Accupuncture first relieved some muscle pain and a little anxiety, but it doesn't last long and it was expensive. Hypnosis was expensive also, but I was the type that got so anxious it stopped working. It works great for some, and years ago when I was in a tornado I used to wake up with my heart pounding. I woke up and did breathing exercises and it worked.

My husband really wanted me to get off this drug because he is said not enough is known about it. He has a PHD and is really smart, but not an MD. I was surprised he felt this way knowing how much better I was after using it. I also thought my psychiatrist really wanted me off this since he said lets taper off. The doctor is good. He goes to conferences. Trained at Harvard, and taught at Columbia University. He had my diagnosis right from the beginning when others failed. He also caught a doctor working at a medical place pretending to be a psychiatrist. He was on CNN for this. So I trust him. There must be some reason he wants me off this, too.

Now that I'm babbling on--I think it's the headache. I hope everyone is having a better day. I thought I'd improve, not get worse.

Thanks everyone.

Paws

[NJCherub216]

I think these drug companies should be sued for some of the products they put out and from what I keep reading from other people none of the doctors explained how dangerous these drugs are or how bad the withdrawals would be. If they did a lot of us could have been spared all the pain and anguish. Is there any safe drug out there for anxiety that could only be used as needed that's non addictive to just get you through times of extreme stress? Compared to yesterday, today was a pretty good day. I managed to walk a mile and then go to the mall and probably walked another 2 miles. I still cant go up escalators unless someone is behind me, I get dizzy and fear falling backwards. I did get a little tightness in the chest on the 1/2 hr. drive, someone else drove but I tried like crazy to distract myself with conversation or music, etc. I feel better when I drive. I also started to get a little dizzy walking in the mall and it helped to get a little bite to eat and sit down for a few minutes. I hope it continues to get better, but with this drug I noticed that you can have good days and then tomorrow fall on your a**. So Im still apprehensive. I have to try and stable from being off the lexapro first and then I will start with the klonopin, another battle to look forward to. I think it is best to be drug free. These damn drugs over years damage your brain and vital organs. I believe exercising everyday even if it is just a walk, will do more benefit to relieve stress and to start eating the right foods and get the proper nutrition. I think I will try the hypnotherapy though to get me through the transition. I wrote a bunch of emails to different ones to get their prices. I hope this somewhat helps.

[pawsboots]

If this is any help to you when I was on Xanax which was terrible for me I went from almost 5mg. to nothing in 1 week and that is why I felt so terrible.

I had Valium 32 years ago and I had tapered down to .25mg 3x a day. The doctor said I could go off at that dosage and I had not one side effect. Lexapro is much harder for me to withdraw from. I thought it would be the same as an anti-anxiety medicine. Boy was I wrong.

A friend said something to me about Buspar. She said it was a non-addictive drug, and she had it after a heart attack. I know little about the drug except that it is for mild anxiety.

I find that I am craving Vitamin C fruit. I don't know why. I can't get enough of them. I had an orange for dessert tonight, and I am having some strawberries for a snack. My chocolate cravings are subsiding. Thank God.

Hope you have a good night. I live in upstate NY and it was beautiful today.
Sorry, Buspar can be addictive after 4 weeks.
Paws

[mims]

Good for you! All that walking is bound to be helpful! Especially outdoors. I found that walking outdoors is much better for me than walking in the mall. I think I'm sensitive to fluorescent lights. Glad you got out and were active!

I read recently that green tea is supposed to be good for anxiety because it contains a substance that counteracts the caffeine. I think it's l-theanine, maybe. Anyway it's thought to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone.

Drug companies are in business to make money, and unfortunately, drug companies also do most of the pre-market testing of drugs. And that's where doctors get their information. It's not a good system.

[NJCherub216]

I hope you have a good night also. Where in upstate NY? I live in Bayonne, NJ right across from Manhattan. How much Lexapro are you on now? It's funny you mentioned the orange. When I had a mild attack or feel one coming on at night, I feel the urge that I need to distract myself or do something so it doesnt get worse and I did grab for an orange. After a few minutes it relieved me a bit, maybe it was the natural sugar. Maybe anxiety can be controlled a bit by what we eat, not to eat anything like cake, cookies or donuts that could possibly spike our sugar levels and cause more anxiety. I looked up foods on the low or medium glycemic index to keep my levels more even. I try to avoid chocolate because of the sugar and caffeine. If I sneak one, I usually have it immediately after another meal and not alone. Im trying to experiment and see what causes different reactions and monitor things that I do. I hope you feel better soon. Let's all see what tomorrow brings, at least it will be warm outside.