Lexapro Withdrawal

[mohannie]

Oh my gosh. I thought I was loosing my mind until I found this forum. When I would tell my doctor that I was feeling dizzy, she would say that it was normal, but not to discontinue the medicine. Is there anyone out there who has successfully stopped taking Lexapro?

[Redbled]

My only real symptom at this time 3 plus months off the drug are intense pains in the stomach. It feels like someone has a hold of it and are just constantly squeezing. There is also a lot of bloating, which being a 32 year old male, I have never in my life experienced. I have tried Rolaids, Tums, Milanta, Tea. Sometimes I find relief, but not enough. I don't want to put more into my body, but wondered how others here have dealt with the stomach tightness, pain, and bloating.

Thanks

[federwin]

I started lexapro about 2.5 months ago to deal with severe stress and depression due to graduate school. I also had a therapist that I went to regularly to deal with my issues. God, I wish I had just stuck with the therapist rather than combining that with medication.

After about a month on lexapro, my life changed. I became happy, energetic, and social again. I really feel it's done wonders for me. I have actually lost about 20 lbs, and it's not stopping (I wasn't terribly overweight to begin with, so I'm shocked...). I find myself unable to eat large amounts of food, but I have also been exercising a lot more. When I'm happy, I tend to work out regularly.

So I decided to visit my boyfriend a long long way from where I live. I've been so happy with my life that I figured I didn't need to take lexapro anymore. About 3-4 days ago (approximately 3-4 days of being off a 10mg daily dose), I started getting dizzy. I have experienced the brain zaps, and the dizziness has gotten unbearable. I also started experiencing nausea today. I am perpetually tired, but I can't get to sleep in the afternoon to take a nap.

I am SOOOOOOO glad I found this forum!!! I just searched "going off lexapro" out of curiosity if this was the cause. Wow... I feel so close to all of you. I immediately took a dose this afternoon, and I hope the withdrawal symptoms go away soon. I'll let you all know when I feel back to normal (hours/doses). I'm a little nervous since I'm supposed to drive back home tomorrow (10 hour trip). If I'm feeling dizzy and nauseous, I don't know if I can make it.

I was also told by my doctor that there were little side effects and that the drug isn't addicting. When I get back home, I'm calling her to let her know that is NOT the case. Maybe our doctors have been misinformed, too! Perhaps by doing this, I can help someone else. I encourage you all to do the same and point the suspicious doctors to this forum so that they get further verification.

Thank you all for your support and guidance! I hope that I can provide the same for you, too.

[federwin]

oh! I forgot...

Redbled, serotonin is not just a neurotransmitter acting in the brain. It also regulates the enteric nervous system that is in charge of your stomach. When I first started the medication, I thought I was going to die from the stomach pains and problems. Fortunately, those subsided for me in 4 days.

It may be possible that you only have serotonin deficiency in your brain but not your stomach and that you're getting too high a concentration of serotonin around your stomach... which could explain the pain and bloating.

One thing I've done (not because of the medicine, just my habits) is drink a lot of coffee... hehehe I find that it clears things through my system pretty fast (caffeine is a diuretic after all). Consuming caffeine might reduce some of your pains and pressure... it's just a thought. I have no scientific evidence to back this up... just personal experience.

Good luck to you!!! I hope you feel better soon

[smille50]

Hang in there all! Its been 7 days now off lexapro for me and its actually getting better. I started taking this supplement which provides omega 3, 6, 9, i was so surprised how quickly that worked. I was getting awful head aches and it makes them go competely away. Im also keeping a journal tracking my progress, which i sugguest all of you do. The only issue now is feeling tired a lot, but if thats the only side effect right now, im ok with that, i can deal with being a little sleepy. Ive been doing yoga and drinking lots of water to get more energy. Stay positive all! We can get through this.

[drew4u99]

Thankyou for the reply and support auntybiotic,

I am on currently on 5mg, was a typo.

I took the 5mg last night after 6 weeks without it, today I feel 100% better.

When I was younger, I never really remember tapering off one drug...It was just one drug to another.

When I tapered off, I reduced 10mg to 20mg overnight, then 5mg for a month, then 2.5 for a week. Worked alright...still painful. I believe the cause of me needing to go back on the drug was the stress from school and girlfriend etc. I always wonder if that was a good idea, seeing as I am not learning to cope...all I know is to go back on the drug.

I have grown so dependant on this drug, I am unable to function at all or only a bit.

I have set up one of the best plans I could think of from personal experience to come off this drug, and have created a list of things to do, if anyone needs the help:

-Find a stable moment in your life, with little pressures or worries if possible. Let friends and family know. Get a councelor/therapist.

-Always come off slowly, split pills into quaters if need be.

-Take omega-3 oils, the North-American diet is already 1500mg+ deficient. Promotes optimal brain function.

-Look into taking Tryptophan during your withdrawal period. Tryptophan is an natural, essential acid that creates serotonin. It can be found naturally in milk, green veggies or in a caplet form. Don't overdose, it will cause anxiety...500mg is the avg clinical dose.

-Avoid caffeine and sugar, the lows can be painful.

-The is a book called "Feeling Good" by David Burns (can be found in most bookstores), tells you how to overcome anxiety and depression without drugs...using some interesting methods.

Anyways, most importantly, dont give up. Im back on the drug unfortunately, but will on day find myself (and others) free.

Andrew

[Mr Spock]

Dear All,
Thank goodness I have found you all, and I have spent the last two days reading all your postings, and been impressed by your courage and knowledge.
My story relates to the close cousin of Lexapro, called Cipramil (Citalopram) in Australia.
Like Ed from a few months ago, I was on a combination of drugs for Hepatitis C. These consisted of an injection in the belly once a week of a drug known as Interferon, and capsules of Ribaviron taken twice a day, and completed the 48 week course in June. These drugs are a form of chemotherapy, and one of the many side-effects is depression. Early on in the treatment phase, I started to get mood changes (which is quite common), so the doctor suggested I go on Cipramil 20mg a day. At this stage I should mention that I am an RN and have worked in Mental Health for many years. During my career,I have always regarded SSRI's as safe, innocuous in side-effects, and very helpful medications in general. I do remember after the first dose that I was really knocked rotten, but as it was the day after "needle night", I assumed that it was the Interferon.
As such, I continued to take the Cipramil for the next 46 weeks whilst on the treatment. During this time, I had dreadful insomnia (3-5 hours to get to sleep!), sedation, yawning, plus a form of emotional disconnection, all of which, whilst partly due to the treatment, I now believe the SSRI played a major part. Anyway, when I finished the treatment, I decided to "taper off". So the first week I took 1/2 a tablet a day (10mg), the second 1/2 a tablet every second day, the third, 1/2 a tablet every third day, and then 4 days later the last 1/2 tablet.
I felt a little bit groggy during this time but attributed it to the wearing off of the other drugs I was on. Nine days after the last tablet, I started to get quite dizzy, particularly when I turned my head. So went and saw the local doctor who suggested that I was having withdrawals, so recommenced me on 10mg a day. The dizziness went, but this dreadful anxiety, the insomnia, and the yawning came back. I really thought that the Hepatitis had returned, or something worse. Unfortunately, these symptoms did not abate, so when I saw the doctor the next month, we looked at the liver enzymes for signs. Lo and behold, they came back the next week the best they've been for 20 years!!! Following this were tests for liver cancer, thyroid problems and diabetes, as well as a test to ascertain the presence of the virus in my blood (PCR). All came back normal with the latter negative!!!
By this time, I had been scouring the web, but hadn't found this website as yet, and realised that I had probably been having withdrawals and side-effects at the same time!
So, the decision was made after 8 weeks of the 10mg, to stop it completely, and that was over 12 weeks ago.
Since then, the symptoms are the usual, dizziness, the zaps and parathesia, lethargy, malaise, confusion, depersonalisation, anxiety, increased sensitivity to loud noises, and find walking etc interesting in that my body feels like it is full of lead. It's not all bad, however, as whilst I am very frustrated with the lack of progress, I don't think I am depressed, and I sleep pretty well. Also, it looks like I'm "cured" (find out definitely next month), and I have just finished a law degree last month.
Unfortunately though, the withdrawal symptoms show no sign of abating, although I know that they can't last forever... Obviously, like Miss Lee, and particularly like Aunty's courageous daughter, I am a slow metaboliser (understandably due to my liver fibrosis), so it may be some time off.
A couple of month's ago, I started taking lethicin (for the choline), and take a multi-vitamin, as well as 500mg vitamin C daily. I haven't stuck with this every day not wanting to O'D on the choline in particular.
Last week I saw a naturopath who has given me a tonic consisting of:
Rosemary, Green Oats, Coleus Forskollii, Passionflower and Olive Leaf. Most of these ingredients are associated with nerve regeneration. She also warned me about taking foods with lots of serotonin, particularly cheese (I am a vegetarian, so some other sources are unlikely to touch my lips). The idea is to attempt to de-stimulate the nerves so that they will heal quicker.
Having read the posts here as well as "Social Audit" coupled with my own experience, I now realise how vicious, addictive and poisonous these drugs are. Certainly, the behaviour of the drug companies, who are undoubtedly aware of the severity of these withdrawal problems but have attempted to belittle them by semantically referring them as a mere "discontinuation syndrome", could be regarded as abominable and unscrupulous by many sufferers.
I suppose the purpose of this message is to introduce myself, but also to ask for any tips or information for which I would be extremely grateful, although I don't wish to taper again due to the side-effects from last time (particularly after almost 3 months cold turkey), and don't think that a serotonin supplement such as 5HT or St John's Wort would be useful at this advanced stage.
So until I hear from you,

LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!

[Miss Lee]

Mr. Spock-

What dose are you on now?? I am a little confused. I am at 3 months 2 weeks and am just now seeing a little clarity. I didn't start to feel better until I stopped all supplements and was really careful of my nervous system. I still am having small issues, but not like I had before. Are you off completely? It sounds like you had a semi-good doc that knew about withdrawal (but why did they put you back on 10 mgs after 3 months??)

Miss Lee

[mohannie]

I haven't taken a pill today and I have a terrible headache and I must admit that I'm quite moody. Also, I have this need to break or destroy something. Has anyone experienced this when trying to taper off of the Lexapro?

[Miss Lee]

Yes. It is really normal to feel like that.

Miss Lee

[Mr Spock]

Dear Miss Lee,
My letter ended up being a lot longer than I intended it to be, so the time frame probably became a bit jumbled and unclear. So, basically what has happened is that from late June to late July, I tapered (far too quickly), I got the withdrawals within a week, so went back on half the dose (10mg daily) within two weeks of the last dose (ie early August), for a further 8 weeks until the end of September when I stopped cold turkey. As such, I have not had any for 12 1/2 weeks, so I'm a few weeks behind you.
It's great that you are starting to pick up a bit now at long last. I'm not as yet. In fact, I read some postings on the Social Audit website that many people experience their worst symptoms around the 3 month mark, and I may be completely wrong here but I am wondering whether the re-uptake mechanism is restored first, therefore leading to a normal or lower serotonin level before the regeneration of the damaged serotonin receptors. I have been thinking about getting some omega 3 supplement, although being a vegetarian, I was looking at the flax seed version, however, your information that you have only started to feel better since stopping the supplements is very persuasive. In fact, yesterday I took 2 lethicin capsules, and ended up having an uncharacteristic restless night, and feel quite poorly today, so maybe I'll just cop the zaps and like yourself and what the naturopath suggested, lessen the load on the nervous system.
Thanks for your reply,

Peace and Long Life.
Mr Spock

[Shifty]

Well, went to the doctor yesterday and found out I've been mis-diagnosed this whole time.

I've considered my problem to be anxiety the whole time because I felt so much, but it turns out it was "agitation/anger" much more than anxiety.

The thing that tipped us off was my reaction to Lexapro. Paxil always sedated me and I never had a manic episode on it. Lexapro hiked me up to having 2-3 manic episodes per day, which peaked my doctors curiosity.

When I told my doctor that I had a brother that was diagnosed as Bipolar, he decided to put me on Lithium. He wouldn't take me off of the lexapro (even though I'm ready to get away from this stuff).

I guess the lesson here is to be careful how you catagorize your symptoms, because anxiety/depression/anger/agitation can all mix together and be hard to differentiate when you are seriously disturbed.

The Lithium has made a world of difference and I think I might be getting better. Sorry for the mood swings all. [:I]

Don't give up on getting better until you find the treatment that is best for you.

---
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

[bobstar79]

If withdrawal is easy, did the Lexapro work in the first place?

Here's a summary of the medications I've been taking for depression:

Week 1: Lexapro 10mg + Ambien 10mg
Week 2: Same
Week 3: Same
Week 4: Same + FELT SUICIDAL
Week 5: Lexapro 10mg + Trazodone 100mg + .5mg Xanax, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS DISAPPERAING
Week 6: Lexapro 15mg + Trazodone 100mg + .5mg Xanax
Week 7: Same
Week 8: Same
Week 9: Same
Week 10: Lexapro 15mg + Trazodone 50mg, no xanax
Week 11: Lexapro 15mg + Trazodone 0-25mg, STARTED FEELING LOW
Week 12: FELT SUICIDAL, Discontinued Lexapro, Increased Trazodone to 100mg, Started Effexor at 37.5mg - 75mg, Started Klonopin at .5mg-1mg

I've been tapering my Lexapro very rapidly this week without any significant side effects. I don't even know what a brain zap is.

Sunday: 15mg Lexapro
Monday: 10mg Lexapro
Tuesday: 10 mg Lexapro
Wednesday: 5 mg Lexapro
Thursday: 2.5 mg Lexapro
Friday: I don't plan on taking any more

I might be wrong, but I feel like the Trazodone was working much better as an antidepressant than the Lexapro, even though 100mg of Trazodone is a lot less than 15mg of Lexapro.

If you have suicidal thoughts after being on an antidepressant for more than 4 weeks, is it time to switch? Should you try to "work through" the suicidal feelings and hope they will pass?

[mohannie]

Well people, I went to the doctor yesterday, and I was described Paxil as well as a "nerve medication". Now I can't remember the name of this nerve medication, I think it starts with an "s", but my girlfriend has to keep it for me. My doctor gave her instructions on how to administer and when to administer the drug to me. Apparently I've been having anxiety attacks and didn't even know it. I told her that I wanted to stop taking the Lexapro, so she said that Paxil is milder than Lexapro and should help me. I'm going to start seeing a therapist on the 27th, so hopefully between the three of us, we can sort out this mess of my life and I can be medication free soon.

[mohannie]

I'm with you. I've been having suicidal thoughts while on Lexapro. The Quack who put me on them assured me that the suicidal thoughts occurred in teens, and not that often. I'm 28 years old and I have them quite often. So you see, something is quite wrong with this picture.

quote:Originally posted by bobstar79

If withdrawal is easy, did the Lexapro work in the first place?

Here's a summary of the medications I've been taking for depression:

Week 1: Lexapro 10mg + Ambien 10mg
Week 2: Same
Week 3: Same
Week 4: Same + FELT SUICIDAL
Week 5: Lexapro 10mg + Trazodone 100mg + .5mg Xanax, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS DISAPPERAING
Week 6: Lexapro 15mg + Trazodone 100mg + .5mg Xanax
Week 7: Same
Week 8: Same
Week 9: Same
Week 10: Lexapro 15mg + Trazodone 50mg, no xanax
Week 11: Lexapro 15mg + Trazodone 0-25mg, STARTED FEELING LOW
Week 12: FELT SUICIDAL, Discontinued Lexapro, Increased Trazodone to 100mg, Started Effexor at 37.5mg - 75mg, Started Klonopin at .5mg-1mg

I've been tapering my Lexapro very rapidly this week without any significant side effects. I don't even know what a brain zap is.

Sunday: 15mg Lexapro
Monday: 10mg Lexapro
Tuesday: 10 mg Lexapro
Wednesday: 5 mg Lexapro
Thursday: 2.5 mg Lexapro
Friday: I don't plan on taking any more

I might be wrong, but I feel like the Trazodone was working much better as an antidepressant than the Lexapro, even though 100mg of Trazodone is a lot less than 15mg of Lexapro.

If you have suicidal thoughts after being on an antidepressant for more than 4 weeks, is it time to switch? Should you try to "work through" the suicidal feelings and hope they will pass?

[bobstar79]

Mohannie, I wish you good luck in your depression recovery. I'm 26 so I'm about your age. It's Saturday morning, so I'm officially off my Lexapro. I haven't had any side effects.

I'm thinking that the Trazodone was the only thing that worked for me. Hopefully Effexor will be better.

[mohannie]

I'm so glad to hear that you are completely off of Lexapro with no side effects or withdrawl symptoms. Hopefully I can get off of anti-depressants completely soon.

quote:Originally posted by bobstar79

Mohannie, I wish you good luck in your depression recovery. I'm 26 so I'm about your age. It's Saturday morning, so I'm officially off my Lexapro. I haven't had any side effects.

I'm thinking that the Trazodone was the only thing that worked for me. Hopefully Effexor will be better.

[Kendra]

Hi all --

I'm off of the Lexapro ... finally.

I was down to 5mg and then 5mg every other day and on Thursday I realized I'd missed my dose and then decided I would just be done with it since I only had two more days left (I'd tapered from 20mg to 10mg to 5mg in about a month).

I went back and re-read some of the posts on here. I really want to try the Omega-3 and hopefully will remember to buy some this weekend. I can't believe all the weight I've gained in a short amount of time. I look in the mirror and I cannot believe that's me looking back. So -- the next "step" is diet and exercise.

I'm still ravenously hungry, have insomnia and I'm dog tired. But no brain zaps, numbness, rapid heartbeat or sweating anymore. The dizziness is a lot less frequent. I feel like I'm getting a cold but I don't know if its actually a cold or the "feeling like having the flu" that some people experience when withrdawing from Lex. My short temper is back but maybe a tantrum or two will help to burn calories.

[bobstar79]

Well, I'm not really off of antidepressants, because I'm still taking Trazodone 100mg, and Effexor will be bumped up to 75mg in two days.

I'm exploring supplements that may help things out. I'm taking Omega-3 (800 mg per day), and I tried a little 5-HTP (50mg) but I realized that might kick me into seretonin syndrome. I also bought some DL-Phyenelalanine (500mg) and I'm going to try that tomorrow.

It's Saturday night, two days since my last dose of Lexapro. I haven't felt any withdrawal symptoms. Does this mean I'm in the clear?

[smille50]

Its nine days now off lexapro! ive been getting bad neck pains, dont know if it has to do with the withdrawl affects or not. anyone else get neck pains? Im also feeling sleepy in the afternoon.

[auntybiotic]

Bob,

Both Effexor is a reuptaker of serotonin and trazodone raises serotonin levels....you should NOT have withdrawals from Lexapro or very little since you are not altering the drugs that your brain has gotten use to..........serotonin.

When you try to stop ALL SSRI's...that will be the real nightmare.

Please research Effexor..............it is HORRIBLE to withdrawal from. I know other who have switched to low doses of Remeron since withdrawals are not as bad. Paxil, Lexapro, Effexor and Zoloft are four of the worst SSRI's to withdrawal from. Please rsearch you are trading one poison for another.

I would not take any supplements that affect serotonin...............you could cause possible fatal results because you are now on TWO medications that affect serotonin.

[Redbled]

Has anyone noticed feeling poorly after sex during the Lexapro withdrawal process. I know orgasim affects your brain anyway, but wondered how the combination of that and what the Lexapro does to our brain affects us. Wondering if I'm alone on this one.

[bobstar79]

Yes, I've read the horrible stories of Effexor withdrawal. But, I also know that the Lexapro wasn't working for me. I know I will still have up and down days while on antidepressants, but I shouldn't be crying an entire day, feeling hopeless, and having suicidal toughts. I don't consider any of that normal.

I stopped taking 5-htp because that may give me too much seretonin.

I'm still taking some Omega-3s and I'm trying a low dose of DL-Phyenelalanine.

[Mr Spock]

Smille50,
Yes I've also had dull pains around the back of the neck and lower head, I believe it has something to do with the mid-brain and upper spinal cord which are involved in serotonin production I think... Anyway, I can assure you its not uncommon.
Redbled, apart from the physical exertions involved expending serotonin, sex, like food, and some drugs such as cannabis and nicotine, release lots of dopamine into the system. Dopamine has a bit of a paradoxical relationship with serotonin, in that the more serotonin, the less dopamine, and visa versa. I am quite willing to be corrected on this and would appreciate any elucidation, but I think this may be a reason for your discomfort. It also makes sense as people, when they're on an SSRI, are either unable to climax, or lose interest in sex itself, due to the flood of serotonin, and reduced dopamine.
Mohannie, your nerve medication will either be a benzodiazepine (ie Valium), or a low dose of an anti-psychotic (is it Seroquel?). Just be careful as both are metabolised by the liver, so may potentiate each other. Did you start from small doses of each with the object of increasing them gradually? Paxil, or paroxetine is considered the worst pure SSRI to withdraw from I gather, mainly due to its very short half-life. There are a myriad of sites, on the net as well as several books, and a suceesful law-suit in the US. Having said that, in a way, all this information could come in handy for you. Have a look at the David Healy protocol, Joseph Glenmuiller, and Anne Blake Tracy's sites. Also www.socialaudit.org.uk. Knowledge is power!
Bobstar79, your withdrawal regime was about a hundred times too fast!! However, as Auntybiotic has mentioned, you have been taken two serotonin boosters + 5HT (so 3 really) and your brain is obviously in great distress. By the way, when did you stop the 5HT and did you do it gradually?
This next comment may cause some controversy, but in line with what my naturopath has recommended and what Miss Lee has found, it may be worth reducing or stopping all supplements, for a while at least as these must also be metabolised by the liver, which is attempting to metabolise the drugs as well, and part of your symptoms could be to too much serotonin. Also, whilst often people can "switch" from one SSRI to another with minimal side-effects, this is not necessarily the same for everyone.
It sounds like to my largely uninformed view, that you have probably burnt out a few receptors (join the club!!), so pouring more serotonin into your body, plus some nor-adrenalin (which is what doses of Effexor over 150mg do) will ultimately make things worse!!! I'm not sure exactly what to suggest, only reiterating what others have said and withdraw from things really slowly, advice that I wish I'd had access to 6 months ago, and practised 3 months ago!!!
So, it is 3 months for me tomorrow (this time) from a cold turkey withdrawal from 10mg Citalopram. Over the last few weeks I think it may have been worse!! I've thought about this and have a query. This is related to the time frame of things, and I am wondering if re-uptake function is restored first before the receptors start to come good? This would result in a further lack of serotonin for the body than the first few weeks. It would also explain, as mentioned in a previous post that many feel their worst (not all!!!) at the 3 months mark. In fact, I read a post on socialaudit from a woman who has attained the 12 week mark 3 times before the effects became so intolerable that she ended up going back on the SSRI. Although I am resigned to at least another month of this, any tips or guidance would be appreciated.

Live long and prosper.

[drew4u03]

Anyone have a general idea of how long withdrawal symptoms generally last? Ill either be coming off 2.5-5mg. I was off the drug for approximately 6 weeks and had to go back after heavy symptoms of debiliatating anxiety and depression.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Andrew

[auntybiotic]

Andrew,

Length of withdrawal depends on the individual. I have spoke to many who say about four months and when cold turkeying..............withdrawals can stick around for 18 months.

How quickly your liver purges the toxins and how quick;y your brain gets rid of the excess serotonin are all variables.

Are you currently on 5 Mg?

If you are feeling stable why not cut the pill in half and see how you feel after two weeks. If the withdrawals are severe with anxiety, sleeplessness, mood swings and cramping in the stomach.......you are one of those that needs a REAL SLOW withdrawal.

If you do need a real slow withdrawal, ask your doctor to prescribe the Lexapro liquid and reduce your dose by 1/2 of a milligram every three weeks or until you stablize after the reduction. Your pharmacist will supply you with a mm syringe for measuring. ( Example form 5 Mg to 4 1/2 Mg)

If you do not have ANY NOTICIBLE withdrawals when reducing from 5 Mg to 2 1/2 then you are one of the lucky ones and can most likely then taper from 2 1/2 to 0 without much discomfort. ( It generally takes about three days to notice a withdrawal and they usually last till day ten on average until then starting to feel stable.

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by bobstar79
I've been tapering my Lexapro very rapidly this week without any significant side effects. I don't even know what a brain zap is.

You shouldn't experience dramatic withdrawal symptoms because you switched from one seratonin affecting drug to another. Trazodone and Effexor are both Seratonin affecting.

I switched from Paxil to Lexapro and only had appetite increase.

Brain zaps are usually more for "cold turkey" quits. (ive done it twice)


---
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 bobstar79
If you have suicidal thoughts after being on an antidepressant for more than 4 weeks, is it time to switch? Should you try to "work through" the suicidal feelings and hope they will pass?

I would see a doctor as soon as you start having the thoughts and yes, switch drugs. By the time the thoughts turn into a desire to kill yourself you may not be thinking clearly enough to make a descision to seek help.

---
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 mohannie
Now I can't remember the name of this nerve medication, I think it starts with an "s", but my girlfriend has to keep it for me.

Xanax? Buspar? Ativan? (i know, none of them start with an s)

Is it anxiety, anger, agitation, depression?

Make sure you really peg it down, because anxiety and depression are different than agitation and anger (which can also cause panic attacks).

Paxil more milder than Lexapro? Are you sure? I just switched from Paxil to Lexapro and saw a huge decrease in side effects.


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I have taken :
Paxil, Lexapro, Xanax, and Lithium

Currently:
10mg Lexapro
450mg Eskalith CR (Lithium)

I was mis-diagnosed for 3 years. They thought I was Generalized Anxiety Disorder with a Major Depressive Episode. The real problem was Bipolar Disorder.

Ask me anything, nothing is off-limits.

Shifty

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by Redbled

Has anyone noticed feeling poorly after sex during the Lexapro withdrawal process. I know orgasim affects your brain anyway, but wondered how the combination of that and what the Lexapro does to our brain affects us. Wondering if I'm alone on this one.

Most seratonin affecting drugs will delay ejaculation but also intensify them as well.

When I got off of Paxil, my orgasms were much faster and less pleasurable.

I wouldn't say I felt poorly after sex, but it's kinda dissapointing

Now that I'm on Lithium and Lexapro the orgasms are faster and still at the high intensity. (im very happy about that, yay Lithium!)

It's rare that you ever get to say "Yay Lithium!" in everyday life.


---

I have taken :
Paxil, Lexapro, Xanax, and Lithium

Currently:
10mg Lexapro
450mg Eskalith CR (Lithium)

I was mis-diagnosed for 3 years. They thought I was Generalized Anxiety Disorder with a Major Depressive Episode. The real problem was Bipolar Disorder.

Ask me anything, nothing is off-limits.

Shifty