[NJCherub216]

Hi Stephanie... I hope you were able to get outside a bit over the weekend. The numbness in your head should go away over time, we all have to keep a positive attitude. I'm now 20 days off the lexapro and yesterday I didnt have a good day at all. New symptoms started appearing....I stayed in bed for most of the day because I kept getting on and off stabbing pains in my head, I dont know if this is the same as what others refer to as brain zaps, but it was in all parts of my head, temples, etc. I also had dizziness when I turned my head to either direction it felt as though you brain had a second delay in catching up to my movements, I dont know how else to describe it. Im getting scared again because I hope I dont get a stroke or something. Today, again after I took a shower, I feel lightheaded like Im not getting enough oxygen to the brain and feeling all kinds of sensations in my neck, like my arteries are constricting. Also I get funny sensations on my face on the left side of my cheekbone. All this makes me feel like I could just drop dead in seconds. I wonder if this is also part of the withdrawal, I pray nothing happens and in a few days this will pass. How are you doing today, I hope better. This is truly torture. Im so tired after five months of doing this, I cant even imagine all the people who have suffered for years with this, my heart goes out to them.
Regina

[pawsboots]

Hi Regina,

I'm so sorry to hear that you had a bad day. The symptoms you are describing are like the symptoms I am having. The tiredness, dizziness, shooting sharp nerve pain in the head. I've had them. The funny feeling in the face. The tingling in the nose. This is all withdrawal, and I've had them with the Xanax. I just think it's weird how they come and go. My headache is not as bad today as long as I sit, and it's on the other side of the head. I had it for months with the Xanax, and I'd complain and everyone just thought I was a nut case-not the withdrawal. I even got pain through my bones. I was almost cold turkey with xanax--off in one week. I think the fact that we get better days means there's hope. My husband told me to go back to a higher dose, but I don't want to go through this step again. This is day 18 on 2.5mg.

Yesterday I sat outside for 15 minutes and still felt sick, when I came in I felt something release in my head and the pain wasn't as bad. I always have trouble standing in the shower. My balance has become terrible.

I know we will get through this. If we do this now by the time it gets nice out we'll enjoy it more. Thank God we started now instead of in the summer months. This torture will pass, and hopefully we'll be stronger.

[mims]

I get shooting pains in my head also, I think it's in my scalp, not really inside my skull. Sometimes I feel like my scalp is shrinking. I also have feelings that are similar to the original brain zaps I had months ago, but this is more like a surge or a pulse into my head. For me, it all happens when I lie down. I do have some minor symptoms when I'm not lying down, but nothing disturbing.

I have strange sensations in my lips sometimes, and my left jaw, including the vibration-type feeling in the jaw. One day recently I had a day when I felt a little off-balance. First time in months. I've only had that feeling one other time, fortunately it only lasted a day. Not dizzy, just off balance.

I'm still having some numbness that comes and goes, too, in my feet and hands, not my head. I guess it's all withdrawal related. I keep asking myself if that's possible after 7 months, soon to be 8.

[pawsboots]

Mims,

I'm sorry to hear that you are still having problems. I'm wondering what this does to our brains and where the response is coming from. Is the brain not working properly because it is somehow damaged? I also wonder how long it takes to heal after a slow taper.

I know you said that it is taking a while to lose weight. Maybe the appetite center in the brain takes time to heal in some people. Also I read somewhere ,but I can't remember where, that the brain is responsible for burning half our calories a day and the SSRI's stop this so that is one reason why we gain weight.

I have been coughing a lot with a sinus drip. Again, another side effect?

[mims]

Originally Posted by pawsboots

Mims,

I'm sorry to hear that you are still having problems. I'm wondering what this does to our brains and where the response is coming from. Is the brain not working properly because it is somehow damaged? I also wonder how long it takes to heal after a slow taper.

I know you said that it is taking a while to lose weight. Maybe the appetite center in the brain takes time to heal in some people. Also I read somewhere ,but I can't remember where, that the brain is responsible for burning half our calories a day and the SSRI's stop this so that is one reason why we gain weight.

I have been coughing a lot with a sinus drip. Again, another side effect?

Actually, yes, it may be another withdrawal effect. If you read back through this thread, you'll see sinus infection is a common complaint! When I came off lexapro, I didn't have sinus trouble, but I did have a deep cough that lasted a few days. That was part of the reason I thought initially that I just had a strange variation of the flu virus.

[NJCherub216]

Hi Stephanie... Keep the faith, your doing great. I really agree with you 100% that we will start having more good days than bads ones as each week passes. I am also looking forward to the warmer weather, I cant stand the winters anymore. Please dont take any more of that Lexapro, you came so far and suffered so much to get to this point, we dont need these drugs. In time, especially those of us who are getting older dont want to put ourselves at more risk for major problems because of these drugs. I read all the side effects and over time they damage your organs. I know that your husband is only trying to help you because he probably cant stand to see you suffer and he feels helpless that he cant help you. This is something we all have to get through on our own, but we do need the support of our families and each other. It helps to know when other people are experiencing the same symptoms, it alleviates some of the fear. It's unforturnate that we got addicted to these "legal" drugs. I never took drugs in my life and now I have to go through withdrawals. I went on the website you mentioned earlier, Midwest Center for Stress & Anxiety with Lucinda Bassett, I read a lot of the captions and that is another good source of information, thank you. One of the central themes that runs through a lot of these anxiety programs is that when you feel a panic attack coming on you have to stay relaxed and almost welcome it, knowing your going to be fine and it will pass. You cant fight it or get afraid,or it will get worse. You have to stay in the moment and just continue doing whatever you were doing and stay calm.
I did lay down today for a bit and when I got up I went for about 1/2 mile walk, wasnt that nice out still a bit chilly. Well today's Monday, so for the rest of the evening I'll be watching the CBS shows and can hopefully laugh a bit.
Mims..
I feel for you these head pains are torture. I guess it means that the drug is slowly leaving the brain and the brain has to readjust itself from not being on the drug. I will never go on these drugs again. I only wish I knew all of this when the doctor prescribed them, I would have told him to shove them. But when your in the hospital getting panic attacks back to back you just want relief and you'll trust anybody.
I hope everybody manages to have a good evening.

[soimnotcrazy]

I want to cry with relief maybe even joy!!! I knew something was wrong after being on Lexapro and gaining 45+ lbs, feeling extremely fatigued, cloudy minded, numbed emotion etc... Now I'm weaning myself, and occasionally I will have to take a Lex to counter the brain zaps, I still have all that excess fat (boobs & belly), but I tell you what: I don't remember feeling this GOOD!!! I do notice that while weaning I get short tempered and quite irritated (not so good with 4 kids and a hubby). I'm hoping this is temporary. I'm trying to lose the weight and wonder how long it will take. But like I said I'm feeling clear and better. Thanks to everyone here who posted, I do realize I'm not crazy/it's not my fault!!

[mims]

Originally Posted by soimnotcrazy

I want to cry with relief maybe even joy!!! I knew something was wrong after being on Lexapro and gaining 45+ lbs, feeling extremely fatigued, cloudy minded, numbed emotion etc... Now I'm weaning myself, and occasionally I will have to take a Lex to counter the brain zaps, I still have all that excess fat (boobs & belly), but I tell you what: I don't remember feeling this GOOD!!! I do notice that while weaning I get short tempered and quite irritated (not so good with 4 kids and a hubby). I'm hoping this is temporary. I'm trying to lose the weight and wonder how long it will take. But like I said I'm feeling clear and better. Thanks to everyone here who posted, I do realize I'm not crazy/it's not my fault!!

From everything I have learned on this message board and other research, and personal experience, It's not a good idea to take lexapro "occasionally". A gradual taper is the best plan. I wish you the best in getting free of lexapro!

[pawsboots]

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hi Regina,

I hope you are feeling better today. I got up this morning and put together corned beef and cabbage. I don't eat it, but my husband is part Irish and loves it. I have to find some green to wear today. My husband who has been to Ireland tells me that the Irish do not wear green on this day. We only do it here.

My stomach is really rolling this morning. I don't get it. I don't want to eat too much. I still have somewhat of a headache.

I'm glad that you looked at the Stress Reduction site. It's rather expensive, and we already know we have to watch our diet, exercise, and keep plugging away, but it's good for the reinforcement.

I understand what you mean about panic attacks and medicine. I had to take the medicine so I could get functional again, but I was on it too long. I started it June 2006. I think it's only recommended for 6 months to a year.

I can't decide whether to taper to 1.25 this weekend. I'm worried that if I wait too long I won't be able to see my family for Easter, and yet, I have to get to a chiropracter or I won't do the ride. My mom says it's ok to wait, but I haven't seen her for a long time, and I know she won't celebrate without me.

I wish we had someone on this post who has made it through with no lasting side effects. This would give us more hope. Take care.

Stephanie

Mims,

You're the closest we have for getting off of this. Can you go out and do a lot of things now? How many good days do you have? We appreciate your input and hope that each day you are feeling better.

[NJCherub216]

Good morning Stephanie...Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too. Im half Irish/ half German, so the corned beef really sounds delicious, I might just splurge today and get a sandwich from somewhere, but the best corned beef/pastrami sandwiches are from Katz's Deli in NYC on Houston St. If I was my old self I would take a ride there just to get one. See you are doing better today, the sun is out and it should be about 50 degrees. My experience with the Lexapro from going from 2.5 mg to 1 mg didnt make much of a noticable difference. What was your taper before the 2.5 mg.? If it was 5mg. that was a bigger taper and would cause more symptoms. We still have almost a month before Easter and it took you about 19 days to stable on this amount. I dont want to speak too soon, but I noticed that I dont have the racing heart and palpitations like I did on the Lexapro. I really believe the Lexapro was creating more of the symptoms that I was actually taking it for to avoid. That's why Im glad Im off of it and hope it depletes my body soon. I think it was making my heart worse, eventhough I have no heart problems. I just hope I didnt damage my heart by taking this garbage for 3 months or my brain for that matter. But your doing great, you got up today and your cooking. I think it helps when we have things to do and keep ourselves busy. I hope you enjoy your day. Take care.
Regina

[weaselteets]

I’ve been following these posts since I quit cold turkey last July. Not recommended by the way; tapering is absolutely the way to go. I had tried tapering before, but did it wrong and didn’t recognize all the withdrawal effects; I thought I really needed the drugs. I finally decided I was tired of gaining weight, no libido, feeling empty and all the other side effects so I just quit. It was really hard at first, but these posts really helped. I knew it wasn’t me and if I could tough it out things would get better.

Well I can definitely say it does get better. It’s been 8 months now and I’m feeling things I haven’t felt in years, if ever. I had been on some kind of drug for 12 years so it’s hard to remember what is “normal”. I started on Paxil in high school and when I started complaining about the side effects my Dr. told me about this wonderful new drug Lexapro that didn’t have all those bad side effects. He also put me on Wellbutrin; he called it his favorite combination because they worked well together.

But now I feel things and am happier. I enjoy life instead of just going through the motions. Some days are harder than others, but everyday can’t be perfect. It was very hard after quitting with the physical and emotional withdrawal problems. The first 6 months or so I was tired and just drained. I didn’t have any motivation to do anything. But this last month has been great; even my husband has noticed and feels lazy for not keeping up with me  (I’m sure he fell into my old pace for so long that now he has to catch back up)

I know the timeframe will be different for everyone, but I just wanted to share my success story (so far). I do believe that now with Spring coming it will be easier. We have a hobby farm and have lots of projects to work on this year. So that will keep me busy and moving.

To any new people…Please don’t quit cold turkey. I still regret doing it, but was too impatient to do it the right way. I still have some physical problems, but it’s kind of normal to me now which is not good. I really think going on these drugs at such a young age and for so long was a really bad idea. My Dr. just kept saying that if I’m ok then stay on them. I think since I was on them for so long that I thought what I was feeling was normal; I’d never experienced anything else.

[pawsboots]

Weaselteets,

Wow! It's so great to hear that someone else has made it through. You're the hope we've all been looking for. Twelve years is a long time, and if your brain can heal that's just wonderful!

It will be great to have renewed energy. I look forward to that day when many of us on this thread can live our lives again.

Thanks for posting. It will give us all added strength.

[babybottom]

I like saying teets, it's a funny word.Good job.Keep it up!Stay busy.

[mims]

Thanks for posting. So glad you are getting better; it gives the rest of us some hope! Isn't it amazing how you can drift along in a fog and not really be fully aware of what's wrong until you get off the drug and wake back up to reality? What were your physical symptoms, and which ones are you still having?

Paws:
I wish I could be more optimistic. I'm still having problems when I relax and sleep: vibrations, muscle jerks, chills, and worst of all: throat spasms/sleep apnea.

I'm starting on a new round of doctor visits. I was hoping I'd recover by now, and some problems have improved alot, but the breathing problems and chills are getting me down. The chills are like icy fingers up and down my sides - it's really a creepy sick feeling.

The good news: During the day, I'm fine as long as I can keep moving and doing things. Yes, I can get out and do plenty -- I just have trouble after all this time, figuring out what to do! I have been somewhat isolated in some ways (my own fault), especially this past year. And my energy runs out early in the afternoon. Sometimes I get so tired I feel like I have to lie down, which brings on the weird symptoms again. But once I get up and moving again I'm OK. I'm still having word recall problems, but maybe not quite as bad as before. I have alot of trouble making decisions and commitments. Have trouble concentrating.

rujoking:
Let us know about your weekend away!

[rujoking]

Hello all - I am just home from my 4 day trip and guess what??? I lived! LOL The first day away was really rough, I had horrible anxiety almost all day and wondered if I could make it but some how I muddled through....

the rest of the trip was better and I enjoyed my friends a lot - the hard part was the dinners....I cannot tolerate a lot of food at one time and wine in only very small amounts but I managed to get by....tonight I can't wait to get to my own bed (sleeping was difficult away) but I am really feeling wired and hope I can relax, I will keep you all posted ...
I am too tired to respond and read to all of you right now but I hope to in the next few days....I will have a lot of catching up to do at work...

mims - try increasing the magnesium for the night problems?

[michelledt]

Originally Posted by rebeccamci

I dont mean to pry, but as a psychology major the first thing I think of after reading your post is manic depression.....has your doc looked into that....in teens manic depression is very hard to diagnose mainly because their manic phases look like typical teen out of control stuff...however, if she is cutting and that sort of self injurious behavior, then looking into manic depression isnt such a bad thing....also if it just so happpened that it was manic depression, then antidepressants will only heighten the effects of her symptoms.....just a thought, something for you to look into...

Good luck!

HI- just want you to know that I am a Nurse and am very aware of all symptoms that go with this kind of withdrawal. I am currently withdrawaling from an SSRI like your daughter. Just want to warn you not to worry much about your daughter having some other ailment (like Manic Depressive) simply based on how she is responding to the withdrawal. It makes you feel a way that you could never understand unless you have experenced it yourself. I have no control over my emotions. Even if I know that I am WAY over reacting it is impossible to stop. Give her time to recover from this BEFORE ANYONE tries to tell you that she may have ANOTHER problem that very well could be worse and then require putting her on further meds that she may not need. I can tell you now that any doctor could come up with many diagnosis for me at this point because there are times that I am just a mess, and very unstable.

Her brain Nuerotransmitters are miss firing. She is being deprived of normal levels in the brain. Her brain is not able to function properly at this point. Keep a close eye on her. If you feel it isnt safe to leave her, DON'T. This medication can be even harded on teens. VERY Dangerous. Make sure she really needs them before you give her anything else. While she is in withdrawal it is not the time to have her evaluated!! Get more than one doctor opinion and from different offices. Give her time to get this out of her system first so they can have a clear picture of her problem, unless ofcouse she becomes dangerous to herself or others then you have to deal with that right away.

Sometimes medication is truely need. Sometimes it is not. Unfortunatley for me I really should have never gone on it in the first place. But I work in the medical field so I trusted the doctor. Remember they are there to give you a choice of how to handle an issue. There may be other ways. Its always your choice. Research what drugs they want you to take. Find out side effects, Withdrawal symtoms. Talk to others that have taken it. Most physicians have never had the ailments that they prescribe medications for, never taken those meds and really don't have any first had knowledge of what they do. Talk to the people that do.

Many of these types of drugs are very new. We dont know everything about them. It takes years and years and then still they dont always know what harm the drugs can do years from then. These drugs mess with your brain! There really isnt anything more significant than that, is there? Dont get me wrong. There are alot of great docs out there. You just have to make sure you make an informed decision. And this is coming from a nurse who works in clinical research to get drugs aproved by the FDA. There are alot of good drugs that help alot of people. Just be careful.

I am having a horrible time. I can only imagine what it would be like as a teen. And female at that. Try to keep her in a calm state. No stress. No conflict. Its hard to make decisions, so dont make her unless really have to or she wants to. It is a very confusing time. It is emotionally and physically painfull time. Just think of it this way, if you were in HORRIBLE pain how well would you respond to anything? There is no time out, no break. It doesnt let up. I am on day 12 and I can hardly keep my head up throughout the day. She is really not herself. When the drugs and withdrawal symptoms are gone from her body (and it may take awhile) then you will see your daughter again. And hopefull if she needs help you can find the right help. But please look around for that help. Remember doctor are just people too. They are not always right. Talk to MANY for your answers. Good luck. I pray that this nightmare is over for her soon.

PS. Check out Valerian root at any local healthfood store.
It has really helped me. You can get it in a pill form or liquid. It smell bad and doesnt tase great but if you ad the liquid to boiling seeping herb tea (camimille. mint...anything without caffine) most of the bad taste is gone and the tea really helps too.
Also get melitonin tabs. They will help with sleep. Interested in other homeopathics to help with the withdrawal symptoms write me back and I will provide what others have helped me.

[pawsboots]

Hi all,

Today was a much better day. Headache was hardly there, and I had more energy, but less sleep last night. I'm not sleepy at all now, and it is 10pm. I still have a cough and drip and some numbness in the head on one side. A little less hungry, but the nausea is gone.

Mims,

I wish that your symptoms would let up. I also had chills for several days. The fact that you are able to get out is a positive sign. I always slumped in the afternoons even without medicine. My mornings were full of energy.

Ruj,

Glad to hear you made your trip. What an accomplishment!!

Regina,

Haven't heard from you. Hope your are enjoying this little bit of Spring. I don't think you damaged your heart. I had really bad irregular heartbeats for 3 years, and it wasn't until my beats reached 211 per minutes that I had a prolapsed valve. The doctor can hear a clicking if your heart has a problem. If your worried just ask your primary care doc to check.

Hope your St. Patty's Day was fun. Have a good night. Tomorrow's another day.

God Bless All!!

[AdamChase71384]

I am a little more than 48 hours removed from Lexapro after 2.5 years at 20-30 mg/day. Began taking it at 22 prior to college graduation, and I just developed incredible anxiety of entering the real world (I was diagnosed with GAD at 11, so I have been on various medicines over the years). For approximately the last 2 months or so, I have slowly lowered the dosage at the recommendation of my psychiatrist. From 30 to 25, 25 to 20, 20-15, and so on. I really have no complaints thus far . I feel as if I may be suffering from these "mind zaps" that you all mention, but otherwise I am alright. I am experiencing spurts where every few minutes I may feel as if my head clears itself (almost as if I'm dizzy, yet not?), similar to the "mind resetting" that has been discussed. Can anyone clarify if this is what is meant by mind zaps? Thanks!

[mims]

Rujoking, I'm so glad you got away for the weekend and enjoyed your friends!

Paws, glad your headache is improving. That's got to be a relief. I think I've always had a little bit of an afternoon slump, too, even before meds. But I was able to fight it off before. What I've had lately is almost overwhelming at times. This afternoon, I had to spend a good bit of time in the car, and made it all day without hitting the sofa for a quickie nap!

The past 2 nights have been a lot better for me. Still had vibes, but only minor twitches in the muscles and the throat. Maybe things are looking up.

Adamchase, I hope you'll continue to get along so well. Sometimes the withdrawal symptoms don't really hit until 5 or 6 days later. What I call a brain zap is sort of a surge of electricity into the head, initially it was accompanied by sort of a flash of light. still some surging sensations, but no "flashbulbs" I do have some other visual effects, trailing lights that are separate from the zaps. I think different people have slightly different experiences of brain zaps. Some people have them only when they turn their heads or move a certain way. Mine were mainly when lying down. Mine were not painful - just surprising.

[AdamChase71384]

I spoke with my psychiatrist today and he reassured me that brain zaps are quite normal. Though, after reading more, I'm not that certain that these are what I am experiencing . I have just almost a flash go through my brain as if someone is taking a photo and I momentarily feel dizzy/lightheaded, and my mind goes blank for a nanosecond and then everything is perfectly fine again (this has been happening on quite a consistent basis since yesterday; I would say maybe once every few seconds to minutes, but it varies). My eyes seem to be extremely sensitive to lights since yesterday as well which is quite annoying. The physical symptoms don't bother me all that much, just are a slight nuisance. My only real question being, does this sound like anything that has been experienced by others? mims, I feel what you describe is fairly similar to what I am experiencing. My greatest fear is that I will never be able to feel as well physically and mentally as I did before I began taking Lexapro. I suppose I'm just getting wound up already and not really giving my body a chance to adapt to doing without the medicine.

[pawsboots]

Mims,

I was thinking about you last night and remembered something a counselor did for me once. She made a relaxation tape first starting with relaxing muscles in the head and going down to the toes. Then on the tape she made me see a forest to walk through and described the sights, sounds, and smells there. Finally she added positive thoughts such as, "You are feeling stronger emotionally everyday" and "You are feeling physically and mentally stronger" "You are getting more and more confident." She had a lot of positive affirmations and added breathing. I wish I still had that tape. When I went to bed at night it relaxed me, and when I got upset I remembered the things on the tape. This was after the tornado I was in which was almost 20 years ago, and I made it through with no meds. But I was thinking that if someone reads this and knows a cd that uses relaxation, hypnosis, visualization and positive reinforement it made help us all at night or when we need it.

[mims]

adamchase
Yes, I experienced the "camera flash" inside my head. Sometimes I had brief nerve pains like sharp needles in my feet or other areas of my body that came at the same moment as the flash. At first I thought the sensation in my head was a rush of blood into my head, and I worried about stroke, etc.

Some people do seem to recover within a month, others ( like me ) take longer. Hope you'll be a lucky one with a quick recovery.

Paws:
I've been trying to do some of that type of relaxation on my own, but still wondering if I would do better with a hypnotist. I had a few sessions with a hypnotist years ago (not for this current problem, but for insomnia) and I may still have those tapes somewhere around my house. I can't say it helped the insomnia, but I quit going after about the 3rd or 4th session. Looking back, I can say that it was probably during a time when I was withdrawing from an SSRI, either celexa or lexapro, but at the time I did not have any knowledge of the side effects. That may be why I didn't have a good response to the hypnosis for the insomnia, even though I did get into a relaxed state during the hypnosis. I need to try it again. I've been living in such a fearful and discouraged state of mind, I think I need to be "reprogrammed".

I think Dr Andrew Weil has some relaxation tapes on his website. Normally, I don't want to order those kinds of tapes, but I think I would trust Dr Weil.

I can't believe this -- I slept all night last night for almost 7 hours! I did have a few throat twitches after I woke this morning, but they were very mild.
I even had normal dreams.

Next week will be 8 months off lexapro for me.

[NJCherub216]

Hi Stephanie... Glad to hear you are doing better, I knew you would it's just a matter of time. I went to the psychotherapist yesterday, I still wanted my ex to ride with me, but I drove. The chest discomfort wasnt as bad as it was the week before. I had waves of chest tightness, but I could deal with it better and made it to his office no problem. Yesterday he focused more on negative thinking and how we program ourselves with negative thoughts when we dont even know the outcomes of situations and by constantly having negative thoughts triggers the stress also. He also said the doctor should have never put me on the lexapro, it was all just a wasted anguish over these past 5 months. If we control our thoughts and try to relax and stop anticipating the worst scenarios we wont need any drugs. We can teach our bodies to use our own internal drugs with changing our behavior patterns. I also purchased a tape which seems very relaxing from Think Right Now, Dissolving Panic and Anxiety Now. Its a good CD that first helps you relax and then repeats positive statements 3 x each, it does help calm you a bit. Im going to try to go out a little, I couldnt believe the snow we had this morning on the first day of spring. I hope you have a great day too.
Regina

[waverley]

I started to read many posts on this site yesterday, and they are all so helpful. Thank-you, everyone, for your candor and compassion.

I've been on Lexapro since November, and I'm taking Wellbutrin XL, too. Weight gain, increased brain fog, mouth sores, insomnia, and horrendous nightmares have plagued me. I should probably wean off Lexapro slowly the way so many of you have suggested, but after this past night of repeated awakenings and terrifying dreams, I've decided to stop taking Lexapro entirely. I'm still on Wellbutrin XL so I hope that will lessen the problems of withdrawal.

It is so helpful to know about the "zaps" that have been described, dizziness, stomach upset, etc. so that when these events occur, I will remind myself that I can live through it.

[mimmie2008]

NEW YORK, March 20 (Reuters) - Just weeks after prosecutors accused Forest Laboratories Inc of illegally marketing its anti-depressants Celexa and Lexapro to children and paying pediatricians kickbacks, U.S. health regulators have approved Lexapro for depression in kids.

Forest (FRX.N) said Lexapro, its biggest product with annual sales of more than $2 billion, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat major depressive disorder in adolescents aged 12 to 17 and as a maintenance therapy, meaning to maintain control of symptoms. It is already approved for adults.

But federal prosecutors have said that Lexapro and Celexa have long been used improperly to treat depression in children.

On Feb. 25, after a five-year probe, the U.S. Justice Department accused Forest of wrongly attempting to sway pediatricians to prescribe Celexa and Lexapro, including inducements like spa visits, fishing trips and tickets to sporting events and Broadway shows. Neither drug had been approved for kids until Lexapro won the FDA's nod on Friday.

The federal complaint accused Forest of pushing aside a study showing that Celexa was ineffective for pediatric use and instead urging its sales staff to promote a second, more positive study.

The FDA on Friday approved Lexapro's use for adolescents based on favorable results in two clinical trials, one involving adolescents taking Lexapro and another involving children and adolescents taking chemically similar Celexa, Forest said.

But effectiveness was not shown in another pair of studies, Forest said, one a Lexapro trial involving patients aged 7 to 17 and the other a study of Celexa in adolescents.

Moreover, the company said on Friday that Lexapro's ability to maintain control of symptoms in adolescents had not been demonstrated.

But the FDA concluded that maintenance efficacy can be "extrapolated" from adult data and from comparisons of how Lexapro is absorbed among adults and adolescents, Forest said.

"A lot of these kinds of trials are not successful because it's very difficult to do depression studies," said Forest spokesman Frank Murdolo.

"But we have two studies that were successful" and will provide patients another treatment option, Murdolo said.

Lexapro, the 15th biggest drug in the United States by sales, is a derivative of Celexa, an older product that was once a blockbuster treatment but is now widely sold by generic drugmakers.

The FDA had approved Celexa to treat adult depression but declined to approve it for children.

The federal prosecutors, based in Massachusetts, last month said Celexa was no more effective than a placebo when taken by children or teenagers, and that more patients taking Celexa reported suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide.

They alleged that federal health care programs have paid "thousands of false and fraudulent claims for Celexa and Lexapro prescriptions that were not covered for off-label pediatric use and/or were ineligible for payment as a result of illegal kickbacks paid by Forest."

New York-based Forest said depression affects about 2 million adolescents in the United States and that Lexapro is only the second anti-depressant approved for such younger patients.

[mims]

Mimmie, how are you?
Thanks for posting this. I'm horrified at the thought of helpless trusting children being subjected to this drug and all its effects, and their parents, relying on doctors' advice, won't know to object.

[mimmie2008]

Originally Posted by mims

Mimmie, how are you?
Thanks for posting this. I'm horrified at the thought of helpless trusting children being subjected to this drug and all its effects, and their parents, relying on doctors' advice, won't know to object.

I am hanging in there. Still having problems with my vision, I have to wear my eye glasses and then wear a pair of magnifiers over them to read and the hand shaking that drives me batty, it keeps me from my oil painting. I at least have the urge to do that again but can not for the shaking.

I do have GERD now, my stomach is a mess now but it is doing better. Thankfully, I no longer have the panic attacks and my sleeping is doing much, much better. I did have a few zaps again on the Monday of this week. I dont know why it decided that I needed to be recharged, but I havent had anymore since then. My motivation is still down but I do think that it is getting better. I so love to read and for a year I couldnt do that. Now I want to and cant see the dang words!

My emotions are more under control but boy can I get angry fast. Super ANGRY. 0 to 90 in 5 seconds or last. I am a bit moody sometimes but I am here and I will make it. No more dark thoughts and no more wanting to scream and cry. I dont have to take the valium anymore. I am here. Thats kind of the way it is. I am here. It will get better and I will be me again eventually.

I feel so sorry for all of the children that will now be given this monster of a drug. How are they supposed to deal with all of this? What if they are like me and can not tolerate this drug? 3 pills almost destroyed me, so what if they are that way? They dont have the means to understand what is happening to them as well as we do, so what will they end of doing to themselves? Its a scary thought.

[rujoking]

Mimmie - thanks for the update! I was reading your 10 month mark post and it sounds like you are still having the same issues from back then or would you say you have improved since 6 months ago? I guess we are all trying to get hope from you!
-
I am a few days away from 9 months off and I feel a lot like you did at the 10 month mark, low motivation and any little stress sets me off - even an outing can bring the inner vibrations back but I am trying to push past all of these feelings and get out as much as I can. I also need to snack during the day as I feel my blood sugar can get low pretty fast. My back pain is still there but much improved - any stress makes my muscles spasm in my back! I am lucky in that my vision has completely improved and I have a handle on the GERD for the most part. Also my sleep is pretty good (knock wood!) I am starting to wonder if I will EVER be my old confident self and be able to handle everyday stress like most people?? I am glad I made it thru my 4 day trip but it sure did take a lot out of me - I have been babying myself and relaxing as much as possible since.

I wish more old posters like you would check in and let us know how they are doing - it helps to have hope!

I think Forest Labs should be ashamed, very, very, ashamed.....

best to all,
ruj

[pawsboots]

Hi Regina,

Today was a good day with the exception of a lot of neck and back pain. I went shopping for new sofas at Lazy Boy.

I am so glad that you found a psychologist that knows how to help. I haven't found much success in this area. The ones I had just listen with very little advice. Changing the thought patterns sounds like the way to go, and if someone can teach you that I think it would be life changing. I'm happy that you were able to drive there. That's a huge step! My friend who is a nurse knew a CSW who neede help, but she did not know who to go to in this area because none were very good. Your psychotherapist has a plan of action and sounds really experienced. I think because you are closer to the City you have better doctors.

I cut back to 1.25mg today, and I am waiting for the withdrawals. I'm hoping they aren't too bad. Did you notice more after stopping completely?

I hope your night is going well. You're doing a good job!

Mims,

I'm happy to hear you had a good night's sleep. You've been doing this for a very long time. Just the fact that you've been writing on this thread shows that you have the determination to get better. I really think this writing has helped everyone, and the ideas shared are invaluable. I'll bet you'll wake up one morning, notice the sun is shinig brightly, and no more spasms. They'll be just a memory. Hopefully, we'll all be able to look back and celebrate. I had a hypnotist therapist tell me once on the level of feeling anxiety I would be below the average at best a 4--meaning that The person who felt the most a 1-the least a 10. But I already knew that and it's ok. Sometimes we have to be who we are. I don't see myself sky diving, but I used to run in the dark alone at 5:30 am. So I guess it's different for everyone.

Ruj,

I was thinking about the way most people handle stress. Some people eat; some drink; some take it out on other people; some have hobbies; some excessively exercise; some smoke; some don't eat; some shop; some do drugs; others work themselves to death. We cry and get anxious. We're not so far from normal. You're right - the makers of Lexapro should be very ashamed for promoting it's use in children.

[billswife]

I wanted to share my story in hopes that it will help someone else continue on with trying to get off Lexapro. I am proud to say I've been Lexapro-free for 4 weeks and 2 days now, and my journey like many others was very, very slow and painful. I went on the drug in 2004, so it was in my body for over four years. My decision to come off was solely because I wanted to start trying for kids and the dangers of staying on the drug seemed way too harsh.

I tried weening off in Sept 2008 by cutting my 20mg pills in half and quickly learned I would not be able to physically handle it b/c the symptoms (electric impulses, headaches) were so intense I said "forget it". At that time I started researching on the internet and found that the weening process would have to be slower. I was getting married last October, and decided not to do anything until AFTER the stressful wedding day, so the first week of Nov 2008 I officially started the process again. A doctor prescribed me 60 pills of 10 mg and 90 pills of 5mg. I took a 10&5 (15mg) for 30 days through November, and then dropped down to 10mg/day for 30 days through Dec, and then 5mg for 30 days through January. The symptoms were much more mild, but still present. I still had headaches, sweats and "shocks" but nothing like when I cut 10mg out entirely so I thought I was on the right track.

In Feb, I stopped taking the pills entirely which was a BIG MISTAKE. I thought going from 5 to 0 would be fine, but after 3 days I was violently ill. The impulses were so bad I had to miss work, and for a day or two could not even open my eyes. I felt SO DISCOURAGED b/c I began to think I would NEVER get off this drug. I was 4 months into the process of weening and felt awful. My husband and I wanted to start trying for a baby 3 months ago, and here I was unable to do much of anything. I found this message board and some other folks who claimed as long as the drug was in their body in the tiniest of amounts they were able to lead a "normal" life. So, after 4 days I finally caved in cut one of my remaining 5mg pills in half. I continued to take a 2.5 every TWO days until I could stretch it out every THREE days, and then every FOUR days. Every time I took a pill I cut them smaller and smaller. I couldn't even tell you how much I was taking at the end, but it was true: Even the smallest grain of the drug in my body helped the symptoms. I put less pressure on myself than before and decided to just see how much my body could handle within reason.

I'm not going to lie to you -- sometimes by the 3rd day of taking nothing I felt like I was dying, and even after taking a small amount I still felt pretty ill. However, life was MANAGEABLE and I could open my eyes for long enough to get in about 4-5 hours at work (I faked it the other 4-5 hours a day in the office to be honest)The headaches were so bad it was like feeling hungover and carsick ALL OF THE TIME. Like I had drank a bottle of vodka, completely painful splitting head pains. I even threw up a work once or twice. Some days I felt so sick I couldnt even bare the car ride home from work, and would walk in the door and throw up. But I am here tell you, and swear on my life 100% that it will GET BETTER!!!!!!

I would say at the end of Februrary I had finally gone SEVEN full days without a pill, and that was the big turnaround. Once I hit my 7 day milestone, I knew I could not go back. There were still occasional headaches the first 2-3 weeks, but I'm proud to say 30 days later I am virtually headache-free every day! HOWEVER....the old symptoms of depression are back.

It's been 4 1/2 years since I've experienced some of the emotions that got me on Lexapro in the first place, and that has been another scary element to all of this. I've had countless spells of crying that I can't seem to control, and find I get extreme anxiety in the most mild situations. It's like I'm 25 years old all over again and I HATE IT. However, I have a very supportive husband, thank god, who is committed to sticking with me. He didn't know me 5 years ago, so it is scary to him to see me so sad and I feel emotionally "weak" and embarassed. We've had trouble conceiving the last 4-5 months and I think I'm taking it waaaaay too hard since being off the Lexapro. If I start crying at night, I can't stop without taking a Xanax. Falling asleep is very hard at night b/c my mind is back to racing. At work I find I have little patience for the stupidest things. I HATE FEELING THIS WAY, but I'm trying to take it one day at a time and still feel like getting off Lexapro was the right thing to do.

I hope others will stick with getting off despite the bad days, and realize it will not happen overnight, or even in a month or two. No one was more impatient and frustrated than me b/c we wanted to try for a baby the minute after we were married (my husband is 38 and wants kids more than anything). But I promise you IT WILL GET BETTER. There were days I felt so sick and was sobbing b/c I thought I'd have to stay on the drug and give up the dream to have kids or risk it through pregnancy. But something inside me said if the drug was making me THIS SICK than I was doing the right thing by getting off. I actually had a doctor last summer tell me Lexapro was only dangerous in the 3rd trimester if pregnancy, so I didn't need to worry about weening off until then. MY ADVICE TO EVERYONE: DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THEN! I can't imagine being 20+ weeks pregnant AND going through the nausea puking, mind-zaps and crippling headaches in a third trimester. GET OFF FIRST!!!

Well, my husband hasn't left me yet despite the terrible mood swings and crying so suffice to say I'm almost out of the woods. To everyone out there -- stay strong and hopefully you will have success. I still believe Lexapro saved my life 4 years ago when my depression was at its worst because I couldn't manage it myself. However, I wish I understood the dangers and challenges of getting off and wish that a doctor had better advised me. I had to find it all out on my own and through searching the web and reading about others experiences. Good luck to all.