[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by 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.

Agreed,

I ran two miles every day and had withdrawal symptoms for 8 months coming off of Paxil. I believe it would have been much longer with no intense cardio exercise.


---

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

[mohannie]

Guys, I'm supposed to be taking Paxil instead of Lexapro now, and I'm afraid to start taking them. Is there anyone out there who has switched from one to the other? If so, was the outcome positive or negative?

[mohannie]

Mr. Spock, I do believe it is Seroquel that I have been prescribed to take. I haven't started taking either medication because I'm afraid to do so. The Lexapro has stopped working for me. I have been feeling lost and hopeless a lot. The fact that Lexapro increases suicidal thoughts in teens only, is a lie. I have had increased thoughts of suicide since I began taking Lexapro. I already suffer from depression, and after the Lexapro stops working, it makes my depression worse than it already was. I've also started thinking about breaking things and going into a fit of rage, but I've been able to control that. I'm at my wits end right now, and I don't know what to do.

quote:Originally posted by 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.

[Shifty]

I was having that same hopeless feeling too. All I can say is: Keep going to the doctor until you find something right for you.

Also, maybe look into Bipolar. It's a very commonly misdiagnosed illness. Is there anyone else in your family that has Bipolar? If so, make sure your doctor knows ASAP.
http://bipolar.about.com/cs/menu_dia..._psychcond.htm



---

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

[mohannie]

My gradmother was taking Lithium when she was alive. I don't have "manic" episodes, so I don't think I'm bipolar. I do worry a lot and I recently discovered that I have anxiety attacks. I've had such a hard time with the Lexapro that I'm afraid to take the Paxil. I'm not sure what mg the dosage is for; I haven't had the presciption filled.

quote:Originally posted by Shifty

I was having that same hopeless feeling too. All I can say is: Keep going to the doctor until you find something right for you.

Also, maybe look into Bipolar. It's a very commonly misdiagnosed illness. Is there anyone else in your family that has Bipolar? If so, make sure your doctor knows ASAP.
http://bipolar.about.com/cs/menu_dia..._psychcond.htm



---

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

[Mr Spock]

Shifty,
I'm pleased for you that you are travelling so well. But I do have some questions for you. First, when you say you are bi-polar, were your alternating episodes of mania or depression long (ie weeks, months),or short (hours or days). If they were long, the diagnosis may be correct... When you get manic, to what extent would that be? For example, would you go for days without sleep, spend all your money, be overly promiscuous? As I mentioned before, I have been a nurse for quite a while and have 20 years experience working in the mental health field, including time in big psychiatric hospitals as well as community crisis teams etc. I also shared a house with a fellow who went very manic on me. Examples of his behaviour were, trying to buy 3 cars in one day, ringing me up at work (I was on night shift) at 3AM demanding money so he could buy a prostitute, and not even attempting to sleep for days, as life was "too much fun". It was a nightmare, and I eventually got him admitted to hospital against his will, and treated. Yes, they used lithium. There are two things I would like you to be aware of with lithium. Firsty that as its effect is based on a blood level, it tkes a while to kick in (1-2 weeks). Second, it can be a kidney eater (I'm talking after 20-30 years though), so make sure you are always hydrated and drink lots of water.
Mohannie, Seroquel, in certain doses ie 300mg+ twice a day is an anti-psychotic. However, it can have a sedative or relaxing effect for some people. There has been a trend to prescribe smaller doses of these families of drugs for this reason. The big advantage is that they are non-addictive, not like benzos anyway.It sounds like you are really suffering and it may be helpful in the short term... If you are still concerned, ask your doctor about the reason he or she is prescribing it. My impression about the different SSRI drugs is they are all fundamentally similar, except for the half lives, and the level of selectivity of the drug (ie whether they also have an effect on the nor-adrenalin or dopamine receptors as well). You sound very anxious to me. I know that I have read a previous posting from Auntibiotic stating that too much serotonin can cause anxiety/panic. Is there any possibility that this could be true with you?
Bobstar79 hang in there. Just set yourself the goal that you will beat this and a daily goal to keep your focus. Above all, believe that sometimes we have to experience difficulties in life to be able to learn about ourselves (and quite often we really surprise ourselves with our resilience and determination) and treasure the good times more when they (inevitably) come.
Miss Lee, how are you going? Are you going to be a 4 monther like I hope to be?
Finally, Auntybiotic, how is your knee going, any relief? I would also be interested in how your daughter is faring and what dose she is taking now. I just had a thought, is there any possibility of any hormonal element with her? Certainly people her age go through a great deal of change independent of what she is also doing with the withdrawal. Also personally, I would like to thank you for all your posts in this website. I have found them incredibly comforting and valuable. By the way, where is body electric these days?

Peace and long life.

[Redbled]

Mr. Spock,

I just wanted to say I have very much enjoyed your insight of late. Very nice to have so many good details and such a personal touch. Mrs. Lee and I are nearly the same timetable from Lexapro withdrawal, both quitting at the end of August. So count me in the 4 monthers as well. Its gotta end sometime right?

[bobstar79]

I only took the 5-HTP for about 5 days, starting on the day I had suicdal thoughts. I figured that if I'm that low, then a little 5-HTP can't hurt anything.

Yes, I did taper off the Lexapro extremely quickly, but I didn't think it was providing any benefit anyway. I certainly got the unpleasant side effects of the drug, but little to no benefit. It possibly even caused my suicidal thoughts.

I had been taking the Lexapro for a total of 12 weeks, and I had suicidal thoughts at 10mg, and then we upped it to 15mg and I still had suicidal thoughts. I think I experienced a placebo effect for the first few weeks, and then I turned suicidal, which I have never done before. I think the Trazodone was the only thing that made me feel better, and when I discontinued that, the suicidal thoughts came back.

I know effexor xr is a heavy duty antidepressant, and no, I don't want to be on it, but I'd rather take a chance and try it because it could save my life. I live alone, so there's no one here to tell me not to kill myself. I feel much safer being on a strong drug like Effexor.

Right now, I'm only supplementing with 800mg Omega-3 and a multi-vitamin.

[auntybiotic]

Mr. Spock,

My daughter is down from 20 Mg to 10 1/2....we are SLOWLY tapering because she is so sensitive. The farther down we go the more I notice her being extremely suspectable to even minute tapers. She has not missed more then a few days of school and has been able to maintain a A average thru this nightmare. SLOW TAPERING takes SO LONG but it is the best for her because it does not create a living hell. Withdrawals are bad for a few days to a week but nothing as I have heard others have experienced. Moodiness, Cramping, Nightmares, Sleeplessness, anxiety.

I am hoping that as we taper further down the trend continues with less severe symptoms then others that are tapering quickly............anyone slowly tapering that can offer me any advice as to what the future may hold with withdrawals?

I do not think hormones are playing a part....it is so predictable now.We have had thousands of dollars worth of blood work done. I taper and about the third to the 10th day I can almost map out what her symptoms will be......most of the time she is not aware of them..........meaning the moodiness. The stomach cramping is very obvious. Her physician is getting a abdomoninal ultrasound to rule out gallstones or kidney stones. I have been reading that gallstones are common among lexapro users. Having a open minded physician that does not doubt "withdrawals" has made a world of difference.

My knees are better since the injections of synthetic joint fluid. They are far from normal but I can walk again...........and I have been able to do some Christmas shopping.Happy Holidays to all.

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by Mr Spock

Shifty,
I'm pleased for you that you are travelling so well. But I do have some questions for you. First, when you say you are bi-polar, were your alternating episodes of mania or depression long (ie weeks, months),or short (hours or days). If they were long, the diagnosis may be correct... When you get manic, to what extent would that be? For example, would you go for days without sleep, spend all your money, be overly promiscuous? As I mentioned before, I have been a nurse for quite a while and have 20 years experience working in the mental health field, including time in big psychiatric hospitals as well as community crisis teams etc. I also shared a house with a fellow who went very manic on me. Examples of his behaviour were, trying to buy 3 cars in one day, ringing me up at work (I was on night shift) at 3AM demanding money so he could buy a prostitute, and not even attempting to sleep for days, as life was "too much fun". It was a nightmare, and I eventually got him admitted to hospital against his will, and treated. Yes, they used lithium. There are two things I would like you to be aware of with lithium. Firsty that as its effect is based on a blood level, it tkes a while to kick in (1-2 weeks). Second, it can be a kidney eater (I'm talking after 20-30 years though), so make sure you are always hydrated and drink lots of water.

As time progresses I seem to be noticing some patterns. One time, I started a workout routine, quit Paxil cold turkey and was healthy for 8 months straight with no medications. At the end of that time, my depression was so bad that it was diagnosed as a major depressive episode. It's been with me since july of this year. I haven't been able to work.

The day I took Lithium the noise was gone. In my opinion, I feel different than I ever have. I don't get scared and angry whenever anybody talks to me.

Here is how it happened:
My doctor asked me how the lexapro was working (after switching from Paxil to Lexapro) I told him that the side effects seemed to be lessening, but that there was no improvement in my anxiety and depression. I then paused and said that I was getting more agitated when people interrupted me and that I was experiencing some manic behavior.

He asked me what I knew about bipolar. I told him my brother and aunt were Bipolar. He asked me to describe my manic behavior. I told him it was being really happy and singing loudly and repetitively faster and faster for no reason. He asked if I was happier than I should be and I said yes.

These Lexapro-induced episodes were very short, usually lasting less than 30 minutes.

That's the story, and i'm sticking to it.


---

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

[mohannie]

I have experienced something today that I don't remember ever experiencing. I started off the day feeling very sluggish. I then went into this mode where I couldn't be still and I was talking a mile a minute. And then a few minutes later, I started crying very hard. Now the fact that I'm going through a separation with my girlfriend right now isn't helping. You guys are the closest thing I have to a support system right now. Is there anyone out there who has experienced anything like this. By the way, I haven't taking any medication (execpt for Lunesta) since Saturday night.

[Kendra]

Mohannie,

First, remember that feelings of sadness and loss after a breakup are normal. But those feelings won't last forever. Also, in my opinion, those feelings won't go away with medication. That's why I was put on Lexapro in the first place. After a break up I was devastated. I could barely stand even being awake. I thought meds would help. I am so sorry I started on them. Period.

A broken heart hurts like crazy and (in my experience) its the worst kind of pain, but it does NOT last forever. Each day will get easier. You WILL be okay. I promise you. Crying is to be expected. Get it out. Talk to as many trusted friends as you can about the break up. Getting it out (for lack of a better analogy) is ike throwing up. You need to get the "bad" out of you. Do that by crying, talking to friends and planning your days or evenings so you have something to do other than be alone. Don't try to date. Don't try to be better all of a sudden just to appease other people.

When I experienced my last (recent)breakup, people kept telling me (right away) to get on with my life. And I'd look at them and say, "This person WAS my life." or "What exactly does 'getting on with my life' mean?!?" Give yourself time to mourn and go through the stages of loss. Slowly you will get better and be able to move on. It won't be fast enough for you, but it does get better.

Regarding the feeling sluggish and then hyper, I've gone through that almost every day since starting (and even stopping) Lexapro. I'm either dead tired or jumping out of my skin, often on the same day. I lose track of what I'm saying mid-sentence, have a hard time paying attention to anything and I feel, sometimes, like I'm having an out of body experience. I feel like I'm no longer in control of ME.

Maybe I'm naieve (sp) but I'm angry enough now to refuse to allow Lexapro to "conquer" me. I DO believe I'll drop this extra weight and eventually feel better (like my old self) again. Like you, I sure am glad I found this board.

Nothing will heal you or help you more than the support of someone who has been there. Remember that. This has helped me with the breakup and it is also helping me with the med problems. If you need to borrow or buy books about things you're going through, do it. Read anything you can about relationship and drug recovery. It will help you.

Beyond that, know that there are people out here that care about you and what you're going through and even though it may feel like it sometimes, you are definitely not alone.



Just say no - to Lex-a-Pro!

[Mr Spock]

Hi everyone,
Firstly, Redbled thank you for your warm comments. It is a two way street for me though. I have found this site and the many posts on it incredibly powerful and reassuring, particularly the ones by Auntibiotic and Body electric. Not only is it interesting, it is also very therapeutic for me to ventilate a bit and is a good aid for one's perspective to know that you are not alone...
Shifty, Bi-polar is very familial, so the fact that you have relatives who suffer from it increases the likelihood you do. I did not mean to question your perspective in any way shape or form, and am pleased that things are going much better for you.
Mohannie, could be that the liver is releasing intermittent amounts of serotonin back into your system, and you could be already going through the early stages of withdrawal. Don't go cold turkey!!! I'ts horrible. Sorry to hear about the relationship. My last one finished last year whilst I was still on the treatment (see previous post from a few days ago). I was inintially annoyed and disappointed, but astonishingly, ended up being quite relieved, as to be honest I felt so dreadful, I was having trouble coping. I actually wrote her a letter yesterday and sent a Christmas card, however, I have absolutely no intention to pursue her romantically again, just re-establish contact.
I strongly believe that first we cannot find our own happiness through someone else. For a true long lasting relationship, we have to get ourselves together first (both physically and mentally). Certainly though, when we are vulnerable and unwell, it hurts a hell of a lot more, but I would encourage you to vanquish this drug dilemma first, which you will do, an approach that I believe Kendra is determined to do.
Bobster79, go with your gut feeling, and keep us up to date on your progress. All the best with the Effexor.
Auntybiotic, your daughter sounds very bright and lucky to have a parent so attuned to this dilemma. Obviously, because of her tender years and on-going maturation, she is incredibly sensitive to the withdrawals. Particularly as you are catering the tapering to the symptoms, even if it takes years, it is still going to be a very short part of her life.
You mentioned that 4 months seems to be the most common amount of time for cold turkey, although not definitive. I would be interested what the people you have spoken to have said about this, for example, how they felt at the 3 month mark, and whether the symptoms abated gradually, or fairly abruptly, as I know Redbled and Miss Lee would also be eager for any more information.
Anyway, that's enough of my tirade for today...

Live long and prosper.

[jjdfranya]

Wow.. I have only read a few of the 67 pages on this topic, but I must say, I am glad to find it.

About a year ago I had a major anxiety attack.. which I thought was heart attack and near death.

Through a lot of tests etc.. my doc put me on Lexapro. he said I'd need it for about 3 months.

When I started on it.. it took my body about 3 weeks to adjust... I am talking major depression. It was so horrible. Well, I got adjusted, then I took my 3 months of pills.
Then I didn't think I could get off of them, and hadn't gone back to the doctor but they did order a refill for me. I would take them a few days then not take them and back forth like that for a long time.

Then a friend had told me not to wean off like that.. but to take it then cut the pill in half etc.

To make a long story short, I took 10 mg.. cut it in half and took 5 for about a month and half.. then i just cut it out about 10 days ago.

I have had some of the symptons mentioned on here that most have subsided.. however.. today.. and this makes me nervous. I feel the anxious heaviness again that I had when I would start to have a panic attack.

I really don't want to go back on the drug. I have been taking B complex vitamins. Any other suggestions?

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by mohannie

I have experienced something today that I don't remember ever experiencing. I started off the day feeling very sluggish. I then went into this mode where I couldn't be still and I was talking a mile a minute. And then a few minutes later, I started crying very hard. Now the fact that I'm going through a separation with my girlfriend right now isn't helping. You guys are the closest thing I have to a support system right now. Is there anyone out there who has experienced anything like this. By the way, I haven't taking any medication (execpt for Lunesta) since Saturday night.

Crying is very normal, not just for women. I cried a few times while coming off of Paxil. (It actually felt really good and pleasurable to have a real emotion again).

Sounds like a manic episode (the talking), do you have any bipolar in your family tree? Do you commonly experience agitation, anger and/or rage?


---

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

[auntybiotic]

HI,

Mr. Spock,

I have spoken to many that have posted here privately and have been told that once the physical symptoms subsidethe emotional ones set in.

Depersonalization seems to be the symptoms that lasts on average four months for those that experience this. It does not just end but seems to get better as time goes on. Many have described it as feeling "disconnected" or having a "far away look in their eyes that others notice".

One person that cold turkeyed was in bed over a year and had to quit her job. She experienced black spots in her vision. She would look at something and there was a black hole about the size of a quarter in front of her vision. This improved in about 18 months and was from the withdrawals. She is 99% better. Seems that Lexapro causes some memory loss.

I believe a lot is hormone related, serotonin is really another hormone. One woman said that after being off the SSRI about a year she got pregnant and is feeling the best that she has felt during the pregnancy. She is about four months pregnant now.

Many seem to get the anxiety and depression several months off and sadly return to the SSRI because of the terrible fear of feeling that way. Others that have toughed it out say that this "feeling" ends as the brain gets readjusted to the serotonin levels and the receptors that have died off because they were not being used begin to regenerate at about the 4 month mark (this is speculation on the part of those that have experience this no actual proof that the serotonin receptors that have died off do regenerate).

We are all learning every day, that is why I read these posts, it is those that are going thru this ordeal that are teaching us what to expect. When many seem to suffer thru the same symptoms then possibly we can see a pattern.

I know some like Body Electric seem to have it easy and others like Miss Lee and my daughter seem to be having it hard. I am so glad that so many have chosen to share their experiences on this subject because the information is helping so many that post and thousands of others that may be too ill to post but are following our progress.

Again I want to thank all of you for allowing me a opportinity to learn thru your experiences thru this horrible ordeal. Maybe we can prevent others from taking Lexapro or any other SSRI and save them having to deal with withdrawals. If I had only known the side effects and difficulty with discontinuing Lexapro.......my child would have NEVER taken this. Sadly the doctors are not even aware of this. They are puppets for the drug companies. It is a shame that greed and money determine what is disclosed about the side effects of drugs.................Lexapro is a BIG MONEY MAKER for Forrest so I can tell you that all of what we are experiencing will never be brought to the public if it were not for small forums such as this.

I have learned so mauch regarding withdrawaling from Lexapro thru your posts. Thanks again.

[mohannie]

I'm not sure if bipolar runs in my family, but I do know that mental ilness does (my grandmother on my mother's side). The good news is that I'm no longer taking Lexapro, but the bad news is I'm currently on Paxil. I was also prescribed Niravam, which the pharmacy was out of. This is my first day on Paxil, and right now, I feel kinda dizzy. It's still early in the moring, so I'll let you guys know how I feel as the day progresses.

quote:Originally posted by Shifty

Crying is very normal, not just for women. I cried a few times while coming off of Paxil. (It actually felt really good and pleasurable to have a real emotion again).

Sounds like a manic episode (the talking), do you have any bipolar in your family tree? Do you commonly experience agitation, anger and/or rage?


---

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

[Kendra]

I don't know why but something just occurred to me and I happened to think to post it on here. Just a need to vent, I guess.

As I said in my other posts, I went to my doctor after a really awful breakup and I wanted so badly for the pain to go away. It was suggested that I be put on Lexapro for "a few months." Even the nurse said she was on it for a year when her husband went through a "cancer scare."

But this is not a "few months" kind of drug. Now, truthfully, the original problem with me is that I should not have been put on meds because I went through a break up. I was devastated. I couldn't get through a day of work without crying. And I was so stunned and hurt that someone I loved treated me the way he did. The pain was unbearable.

The doctor was beyond sympathetic and tried to help me and even (on several occasions) talked me through some of what I was going through, and honestly *that* helped me more than any drug could. Looking back, I wished she'd told me to just mourn and tough it out or put me on a sedative of some sort (she DID prescribe Lunesta, which I *love.*). I should never have been put on Lexapro or any antidepressant. It was going to take weeks to "kick in" anyway.

I have a fantastic network of friends and I had already begun to research recovery from the type of relationship had been in (very controlling and manipulative and I'm not the "type" to be easily maniuplated -- the relationship itself was a rollercoaster but the break up was like being hit by a truck). I began exercising and hiking like crazy. In fact, at first, I thought it was the Lexapro making me so energetic but in truth, the drugs hadn't kicked in yet. All of the energy was me going through my "anger stage" of mourning. I'm talking hiking 7-10 miles every other day and boy was I feeling incredible and looking better than I have in a long time. Then the drug kicked in and you all know what happens then. If I would've just waited a month and mourned I would still be "me." I'm 90% over the break up and the guy (four months later) but I've only begun (10%) to get over what Lexapro has done to me.

I would never want anyone I care about or even a stranger for that matter to go through anything like this. And I truly feel for anyone who has been on Lex for years and is trying to taper. I'm not a complainer or a victim. I don't let things get me down or set me back. But after only a few months Lexapro has. I have never been addicted to *anything*. I've been able to casually smoke cigarettes with friends who have smoked and I never wanted another one. I've taken powerful pain meds in my life and never got addicted. Never before have I experienced withdrawal symptoms. I have amazing willpower. Or so I thought. I am stunned at what Lexapro has done to me.

~ 12/21/05 - Lexapro-free, one week, after tapering ~

_________________

Just say no - to Lex-a-Pro!

[Redbled]

In my life I have had a much better grasp on relationship issues than I ever could have had on drug issues. For those going through tough breakups, I might suggest Love Must Be Tough by Dr. James McDowell. I went through a bad breakup in college after dating 4.5 years. It not only helped me to heal, but also resulted, and I fully believe this, in us getting back together. It helped give me the dignity and security I needed without that person, and that I believe is what attracted that person to me again. I broke up with her 6 months later, but that is not the point I realized we were not good for each other. Its not an expensive book, but one some might value. Take care in dealing with your sadness. There are some smart people here and the advice already given is solid.


Today I have felt very sluggish, I'm not sure why. I have been eating a lot of cheese lately, and am beginning to think to much dairy is causing my recovery to not go as smoothly.

[jp1212]

Wow! I just found this forum after going off of Lexapro a week or so ago. I had been on it a few years ago during my divorce and I felt great on it, didn't gain an ounce of weight, and had no problems tapering off of it.

However, I had a huge panic attack several months ago and felt like I had to take something. It took a while getting acclimated to Lexapro but I finally felt pretty good on it, although somewhat detached. After 5 months I realized that I really don't have severe anxiety so I should just go off of Lexapro. I have tried to taper off of it and am no longer taking it but after a few days I had those really crazy *brain waves* and slight nausea and headaches. I figured that it must be the Lexapro because nothing else has changed in my life. YIKES!

This is HORRIBLE and when I'm really busy it's tolerable. If I'm driving, or alone it's REALLY BAD. I'm trying to tough this out, as most people are and it's hard to believe that after only 5 months on this medication I'm having such bad withdrawal symptoms! I was also SHOCKED to hear that so many doctors have told you, their patients, that there are NO side effects to going off of Lexapro. That's really horrifying.

Anyhow, I just had to, well...vent, because it's hard to find anyone who really understands this!

[mohannie]

Today is my first full day on Paxil, and I feel kinda high. I went through the day caring about absolutely nothing, until this evening. I'm so sick of these up and down moods, I don't know what to do. Please understand that I was prescribed Lexapro when everything was going well in my relationship. I began taking Lexapro in May of this year. Everything started off well, and then the medicine stopped working for me, so I stopped taking it. I was feeling dizzy all of the time, so I told my doctor and she told me to start taking the medicine again. I had been taking the medicine every day until last saturday. I went from 10mg to 20mg, and back down to 10mg again. When I told my doctor I wanted to stop taking Lexapro, she told me ok. She put me on Paxil because she thinks its milder and it's easier to get off of. I've been battling with depression since I was a little girl; I just decided to seek "professional" help about it this year. Most of the time now I think I'm just this "nut" walking around loose in the world. I've cut myself more than once within the past couple of months, and I would have done it again if my girlfriend hadn't stopped me. Right now I'm going through a serious battle, and it feels like I'm loosing control.

[Mr Spock]

Good day everyone,
Auntybiotic, thank you for that information, and totally agree with your thoughts in general.
I still have the physical symptoms at this stage. I get the zaps in the body and the head, the parasthesia (tingling), exhaustion, vivid dreams, confusion, sensitivity to sound and pressure around the back of my neck and lower head etc. So it may be some time off for me. I can identify with that disconnected feeling. Whilst I am feeling a bit anxious, I don't feel depressed, but frustrated at the time frame of it all. However, I am very positive about things when these symptoms eventually settle, and due to necessity, have gained much more patience than in the past.
All I want for christmas is some regenerated receptors!!
Redbled, cheese is loaded with serotonin, and I was advised by my naturopath to reduce my intake of it as much as possible. The idea behind it I guess, in line with what Auntybiotic said earlier, is that one reduces the amount of availability of serotonin, the receptors will reactivate sooner.

Peace and Long Life.

[Redbled]

What other things besides cheese contain a lot of serotonin? I would assume chocolate does. I'm definately cutting back on the cheese, at least not going to say Taco Bell where a non meat eater is forced to have cheese in just about everything.

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by mohannie

Today is my first full day on Paxil, and I feel kinda high. I went through the day caring about absolutely nothing, until this evening.
...
She put me on Paxil because she thinks its milder and it's easier to get off of.

That's why I'm so confused about all of this. How is Paxil more mild than Lexapro? I've taken both and in my experience, Paxil has a much more sedating quality with harsher side effects than Lexapro. As far as getting off of it goes, ive never gotten off of lexapro, but I had little problems getting off of Paxil. It just took a really long time.

While on Paxil I also had a "Paxil High" every morning for 2-4 hours (started about an hour after I took it). The high went away after about 2-4 weeks, which is when it started to become useless to me.

In Paxil's defense, I am Bipolar, not GAD or big D, so I was taking the wrong medication.


---

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

[mohannie]

Well Shifty, I'm going to start seeing a therapist on Tuesday, so hopefully I can be correctly diagnosed. I have seemed to alienate all of my friends because no one wants to hear about how I'm feeling or what I'm going through. They all say they have their own stuff to deal with. I took a wellness survey this morning and it asked me about my support system, and I realized that I don't have one. This is my only outlet for my feelings. Thank you guys for taking the time to read my posts and responding with words of encouragement. You are the only support system that I have right now.

[mohannie]

Does anyone know anything about Niravam?

[Kendra]

Red,

I was just reading something like that (foods that regulate seratonin):

http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0515.html

_________________

Just say no - to Lex-a-Pro!

[Shifty]

I've decided to take the leap. My doctor told me not to stop taking Lexapro, but I've decided to throw care to the wind and quit it anyways. Honestly, the Lexapro was doing zip for me before and after Lithium IMHO. My doctor is stuck on this notion that people who have major depressive episodes should be on anti-depressants for a year after their episode. I think it's ****, there I said it. They misdiagnosed my Bipolar, so as far as I'm concerned, I need to take what my doctor says with a grain of salt. He did good in finding me the Lithium, but I think he is being overcautious with the lex.

Today is day 1.


---

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

[Mr Spock]

Redbled,
I'm afraid I've led you astray. I saw my naturopath yesterday and she got her anti-depressants mixed up!!! She was of the impression that I was on a MAOI which can interract with severe consequences with foods containing an enzyme known as tyramine which is present in cheese, so please ignore my comment. I forgive her as she is 4 months pregnant and getting a bit dippy !! The posting by Kendra is really useful. Thanks, Kendra. Like yourself Redbled, I am a vegetatian, so tend to eat more cheese tham omnivores, so now I'm going to have (home-made) nachos tonight!!!
Mohannie, quite often the trade names are different in Australia than in the US, so if can find out the generic, or chemical name, I may be able to shed some light. In fact, I'll look it up on the net and get back to you shortly. I really doubt that you are bi-polar from what you are saying. Have a look at the questions I asked shifty and see if they apply to you. Also, the first couple of weeks back on an SSRI really stuff you up. I thought I had all sorts of ailments (see my first post a few pages back), so bear with it.
jp1212 I dont mean to be a bringer of bad news but I would reiterate what many others on this forum topic have said. Get back on it and slowly taper. I went off it cold turkey and its 3 months for me. It may be much quicker for some others, though...
Shifty, same applies to you.
In regards to myself, the naturopath has given me a new mixture consisting of Rosemary, Green Oats, Passionflower, Coleus, and a small dose of St John's Wort. I was surprised at the latter inclusion, but the rationale behing it is that St John's Wort actually promotes nerve regeneration and is often used for that reason for people with MS. What are your thoughts on this Aunty?
Kendra, hang in there. The withdrawal is a challenge for you but you will do it as I know that you are very determined. Also as the "Verve" song goes, "The Drugs Don't Work"...

[mohannie]

Mr. Spock,

I think the generic name is alprazolam or Benzodiazepines. I hope this helps. Thank you for doing a little research for me.