[Pugcrazy]

Ruj happy one year off of lex!!! you are so right about these posts helping through the withdrawal period. Just when I feel like I am so alone during all of this I come to this forum and feel so much better. I am reading all ofthe old posts. I am up to page 20 and have a long way to go but am learning so much!! Thx again

[mims]

Just want to say that I am so happy to hear that you are starting to get well enough to enjoy some happy, more "normal" evenings.

Keep us all posted on your progress, and I hope whatever info you get from aunty will be something that can be passed along to the rest of us.

I think aunty probably got to the point she was concerned about everyone on this site thinking she was a medical expert (which in fact she probably is, when it comes to lexapro; she seems to know more than most physicians about the real effects of lexapro and withdrawal). But I can understand why she might be hesitant to continue giving advice on this board over a long period of time. She has been so helpful to so many.

Please tell her we appreciate her, that her posts still benefit many new readers, and I hope her daughter is doing well.

[mims]

I think we'll continue to get better as time passes; sorry about your back; I think it will improve. I've actually had some lower back troubles recently, but nothing severe. If I sit too long, my back hurts, and it's in the same spot that hurt way back during the paxil days. I had almost forgotten what that felt like, but the memories come back when you get "hit" in the same spot again. I'm also waking up with aches and stiffness all over in the morning (this also happened years ago which I now think was probably a paxil problem), but it improves after I'm up for awhile, so I'm trying not to focus on it too much.

My vision is still not really getting better, but has sort of stabilized for now. I still have some "lights" that appear in darkness, but not as often as before. The early-onset cataracts are complicating matters. I'm trying to eat the best possible diet with lots of nuts and greens and avocadoes and everything good for your eyes in hopes of preventing further vision deterioration.

My eyelid still droops, but sometimes I think when I look in the mirror that maybe it's a little more open at times. It could be that I've just gotten used to it. I'm thankful the eyelid is not getting any worse and does not block my vision very much. I think you told me that your eyelid had returned to normal, didn't you?

[boogie2]

Yes, I was on this forum last summer. My last pill was in September. I started to feel better last November. My current symptoms are the same as last summer, except the anxiety and depression are not as bad. I woke up early again this morning. I am so sick at my stomach, sinus stuff going on, tightness in the chest area, weak legs, and an overall sick feeling. For four week, I wake up at the same time with the same stuff going on. My afternoons I feel better. I want this to stop. I just don't know what to do.

[macmua2be]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to share my experience after using 10 mg Lexapro for 9 months. Got off a month ago after weaning myself off of it for 2 weeks (5 mg every day 1st week, then 5 mg every other day the 2nd week). I am off for the summer and have little to no stress other than taking care of my baby. I too have the restless leg syndrome and absolutely cannot fall asleep at night unless I exercise. That's not a bad thing, but it's not fun when it's at 1 or 2 in the morning.

I saw my doctor a few days ago and she said that the restlessness and irritability are symptoms of my anxiety and depression coming back, not side effects from coming off Lexapro. This just made my heart sink because now I feel like I'm trapped in this never-ending battle of emotions. In fact, I "feel" like I no longer love my husband. I really could "care less" about him, but I don't know if that's the Lexapro "aftermath" talking or if that's how I really feel. Anyone else have apathy or lack of empathy? Not only is all this affecting my well being (I really feel like I'm going crazy, lack of sleep will do that to you), but obviously it's affecting those around me. I NEED REASSURANCE that this will get better. My doctor doesn't seem it will. She said that I have a chemical imbalance and I can either manage it with drugs (I say "heck no!") or via a more natural way through yoga, meditation and exercise.

Is there anyone out there who has had a success story to tell AFTER getting off Lexapro? Also, how long did the symptoms last?

Thanks so much for listening!

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by macmua2be

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to share my experience after using 10 mg Lexapro for 9 months. Got off a month ago after weaning myself off of it for 2 weeks (5 mg every day 1st week, then 5 mg every other day the 2nd week). I am off for the summer and have little to no stress other than taking care of my baby. I too have the restless leg syndrome and absolutely cannot fall asleep at night unless I exercise. That's not a bad thing, but it's not fun when it's at 1 or 2 in the morning.

I saw my doctor a few days ago and she said that the restlessness and irritability are symptoms of my anxiety and depression coming back, not side effects from coming off Lexapro. This just made my heart sink because now I feel like I'm trapped in this never-ending battle of emotions. In fact, I "feel" like I no longer love my husband. I really could "care less" about him, but I don't know if that's the Lexapro "aftermath" talking or if that's how I really feel. Anyone else have apathy or lack of empathy? Not only is all this affecting my well being (I really feel like I'm going crazy, lack of sleep will do that to you), but obviously it's affecting those around me. I NEED REASSURANCE that this will get better. My doctor doesn't seem it will. She said that I have a chemical imbalance and I can either manage it with drugs (I say "heck no!") or via a more natural way through yoga, meditation and exercise.

Is there anyone out there who has had a success story to tell AFTER getting off Lexapro? Also, how long did the symptoms last?

Thanks so much for listening!

"Got off a month ago after weaning myself off of it for 2 weeks (5 mg every day 1st week, then 5 mg every other day the 2nd week). "

TOO FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get back on 10mg and taper off 5-10% every 3-6 weeks. I had almost the same tapering schedule 16 months ago and I am still dealing with issues stemming the fast taper from Lexapro.


"I too have the restless leg syndrome and absolutely cannot fall asleep at night unless I exercise."

Very common in withdrawal.


"I saw my doctor a few days ago and she said that the restlessness and irritability are symptoms of my anxiety and depression coming back, not side effects from coming off Lexapro. "

BS (bullshyt).


" In fact, I "feel" like I no longer love my husband. I really could "care less" about him, but I don't know if that's the Lexapro "aftermath" talking or if that's how I really feel."

Same thing happened to me towards my wife. They are blunted emotions caused by getting off Lexapro so fast. I equate this to the brain being "addicted" to Lexapro.


"I NEED REASSURANCE that this will get better."

It will but it takes time. Tapering for you should be around 10 months.


"My doctor doesn't seem it will."

Have them take their own medicine for a few months and try the 1-month tapering schedule.




"She said that I have a chemical imbalance and I can either manage it with drugs (I say "heck no!") or via a more natural way through yoga, meditation and exercise."


Again, BS. Ask her to provide your levels of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, adrenaline, and melatonin. I am sure he/she will not be able to. So how can they say you have a chemical imbalance? Tell them that Lexapro CAUSED the chemical imbalance.


"Is there anyone out there who has had a success story to tell AFTER getting off Lexapro? Also, how long did the symptoms last?"


I am not a 100% success story but what I can tell you is that I too had the sleep issues which lasted 4-6 months. I tried Melatonin, Valerian Root, Sleepy Time tea, and nothing worked. My system was stubborn. I felt "wired" at night. I did sleep study and nothing wrong was found, just restlessness. Just before losing hope, I noticed I was knocking out and waking up at 7am. I was starting to get 5-8 hours of sleep. And how did I do this? By doing nothing. Just time healing. At 16 months post Lexapro, my sleep is 95% back but my CNS is still sensitive.

What many doctors will do is either two things after you get off Lex too fast:

1. Get you back on (which is a good thing so you can slwly taper)
2. Put you on another drug (BIG NO NO since you might suffer w/d from your original drug and now deal with the new side effects of the new). This is called the SSRI Merry Go Round.

If you are on a drug already, you will either:

1. Get your dose increased which eventually you will build a tolerance too (called poop out).
2. or switch you to another SSRI


YOU know your own body. You are the best judge for your mind. When you know something isnt right, it is due to the fast removal of Lexapro AND the fact that your brain isn't getting Lexapro anymore. The return of your original symptoms drama is complete utter BS. And the way YOU will know it is complete BS is when the depression and anxiety will be more intense and longer lasting. In fact, there are individuals who have deepening depression after getting off an SSRI and suffer anxiety as well, when they never had anxiety before.

SSRI's are worst than getting off heroin or quitting alcohol. How do I know this?

Do you know of any other mind altering drug that takes 12-18 months to recover from???????? And 12-18 months is pretty generous since I have communicated to folks who have recovered after 24 months.

The doctors will tell you, OH, w/d will only last for 3-4 weeks, max. Because the drug is already out of your system. BULLSHYT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

True, the drug is out of your system! and thats the fundamental issue! Since the chemical is not stimulating your brain anymore, guess what happens? You're feeling it....


You intellectually know you love your husband. But you cant feel it. I too have/had the same thing. Why cant I feel love anymore? What has happened to my feelings? How come I dont feel like calling my parents anymore to see how they are doing? Why do I avoid the cell phone when someone calls? How come hugging my wife doesnt give me those tender loving feelings I used to have? Have I fallen out of love?

NO.

Lexapro can go to HELL.

[ka0s142]

yeah i think you have to get back on lexapro i tried to go cold turkey and lasted 2 weeks but i was was getting the brain zaps could not sleep well the work also noticed that if i got up set i would hang on to it i could not let it go so i got back on it started back on 10 now i am at .5 and feel grate use the brain zaps as a tell sign that you are going to fast i kept .75 for 2 month or better and tried .5 get small brain zaps go back to .75 now iv been on .5 for about a month no brain zaps and i do feel i can just quit it all together but i am not going to mess with it its working so far i also been taking 2400 mg daily omega3 and just got into natural vitamin e taking 800 iu sins i got into the E it some how helps me to sleep. now taking more pills to help the pills you are taking is really bad try to just get of off pills all together. hope this help ill come back when i am done.

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by mims

rujoking,

for the past week, my vibes have been almost gone some nights, and when they do happen, they've recently been so mild I can sometimes ignore them.
What a relief -- hope it lasts! I'm right behind you!! So, you keep on getting better, as I'm following in your steps.

I've still had some of the "sleep paralysis", only if I'm really tired and fall asleep on the sofa. It's not nearly as bad as it used to be. Still some throat problems, but better!

aeroman,

No offense, but the thought of you trying to take salsa lessons while suffering from lexapro withdrawal was just too much!! I have felt so dyslexic and uncoordinated and clumsy. Can't imagine trying to dance, but the very thought of it made me laugh!

Hey! Its all good! I am tellin' ya, it was hard to get it right!

[Pugcrazy]

Macmua2be,
When I read your post earlier today I could not wait to get in touch with you but I had to run to my son's baseball game and my other son's karate test. This is amazing because about 4 months ago I would of been able to do it but would have been an emotional mess about having to leave the house in the afternoon. Sounds like I was a mess? I was and that was when I was on lexapro. Like you after I had my first baby I went into a horrible PPD and was put on paxil. I gained a ton of weight during that pregnancy and really believe that was most of my depression problem. If my doctor would of just told me to first see a therapist, eat right and exercise to see if this would rid of my depression I would of been so much better off. Instead the doctor put me on an SSRI. I dont remember much about stopping paxil or withdrawing but when I did get pregnant again approx 3 years later I did not want to get depressed again. Of course instead of watching my weight during the pregnancy I just ate and gained a ton of weight again so you guessed right I got depressed and was started on this supposed great drug called lexapro. My doctor promised me that lexapro would not cause weight gain. What a lie that was. Here I am 6 years nearly the same weight I was after my second pregnancy. Again I really believe I was depressed but why wasnt a therapist offered first instead of drugs. Being on lexapro for six years was a nightmare as I look back at it. I was in a fog half the time, never wanted to leave the house, could of slept 20 hours a day, had really no emotion and could not lose a pound. How could I think this was normal? Before lexapro and even paxil I was in tip top shape and would go to the gym daily but those SSRIs made me so lazy I did not even want to the simple things in life. So during those 6 years there were a few times where I tried to get off the lexapro and everytime I did I would turn into this nasty person full of anxiety and hate. Guess who all this hate was directed at? You got it, my husband. I would tell the doctor these things and he would say it was because my illness was coming back and I should of never tried to stop the lexapro. The doctor never listened when I said before I ever took any these meds my depression feelings were sadness, never anger or hatred. It was easier for him to refill my script and hurry me out of his office. I kick myself for not being my own advocate and finding help somewhere else. I was almost scared of myself at times. I questioned myself as being bipolar and did not have a clue to what was going on. When I ever found this forum I felt instant relief that I was not alone. I get so upset thinking that those feelings I was having were from withdrawal and my doctor did not even recognize it. You really should go back and read some of the posts in the earlier pages of this forum. I find the posts so resourceful and it feels so good to come here and find people who know what you are experiencing. In the middle of May this year I decided to stop lexapro again. Again this was before I found this forum and did it cold turkey. Not something I would reccomend or ever do again. I felt everything from the brain zaps, restless leg, crying, more depression, and of course anger, hatred and insomnia. Look back a couple of posts ago and see how irritable I felt just was a few days ago. I tried Dr. Bach's rescue remedy for stress from WHoleFoods the other day and I do believe it has helped. I still get angry and irritable but to a much less degree. I have to say these last two days have been really good. Sleep is still not the best but I feel so alive! I actually see some light at the end of the tunnel. It felt so good to go out with my kids tonight and not be stressed over it. I guess you could say I felt normal. I am sure I will have some set backs with this withdrawal but I feel so good to be out of that lexapro fog. And of course I am still very much in love with my husband. Those feelings you stated about your husband sound to me like it is withdrawal. I know everytime I stopped the lexapro my feeling for him where emotionless. When I think of it I was so emotionless to him even while I was taking lexapro I am surprised he stuck around. We are so much better off where we are today than where we were years ago. I agree with Aeroman you should taper slowly. Exercise is something that has made this process seem more tolerable for me. I cant tell you how many times over the past 6 weeks I have shown up at my gym at 4am. I just want you to believe me your post sounds so much like what I was going through after I had my children. Please believe things will get better because they will. Also please keep the forum updated because I think we have a good thing going here. Finally look back at some of the older posts here and what you will find are stories like yours. You are not alone!

Hi All

Well I thought I would up date my situation

After quitting cold turkey from 2.5mg, had to start taking Lex again as I could not function at work. I have been back on at 2.5 one week and 5mg for a week. I am doing better I have my good days but overall felling ok. I still get the 4am wake up call some nights, and have felt like smoking having 1 or 2 cigs a day, feel mildly anxious and depressed sometimes but nothing like when I was off Lex. The agitation I felt was horrible could not sit still. I constantly worry about my mental state, but thats part of my GAD. I have booked in to see a psychologist to work through my GAD and excessive worry issues. Has anybody had any success with psychotherapy? I have never been to see a psychologist and am a bit apprehensive. Its not so bad cost wise as I can claim 80% of the consultation fee back here (Austraila).

[mims]

I feel sure your emotional feelings (or lack of) are due to lexapro and/or withdrawal. Lots of people have expressed that same concern. One person way back on this thread (I think it was on this thread) said she felt like she didn't love her dogs anymore, even though she knew she really did, so it's not just a marital issue.

the alternatives your doctor suggested might help whether you go back on the drug or not. So many people have said exercise helps during withdrawal.
Just getting outdoors seems to help, too.

After cold-turkeying, I went back on lex in order to taper after having been off a full month, and for me, I'm not sure it was the right thing to do. But after going back on, I didn't taper slowly enough; never got down to grinding tablets, etc. I quit after I got down to about 1.50 mg. So that may have been my problem.

[Potsie Webber]

Aero dude, that is one of the best (and truest) posts I've read on here. I concur with pretty much everything you've said (based on my personal experience). Good post

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by Potsie Webber

Aero dude, that is one of the best (and truest) posts I've read on here. I concur with pretty much everything you've said (based on my personal experience). Good post

Potsie, my friend, I am glad my post connected with you somehow. And thanks for the kudos...but you know what???


We all can pull our internal dialogue we have within ourselves and post it here. And I bet you that there will be many similarities. No two people are exactly alike, right? Common sense. However, we see and read the "trends" here and one can not help but think that there is more to the brain fog, zaps, dizziness, etc. Am I sick? Do I have a heart condition? Is it brain cancer or a tumor? Worry worry worry, right? Do I continue to internally inspect myself every day, every hour (introspection)?

How come I cant feel love?

What happened to my "old" normal self?

Should I have ridden out the original anxiety/depression and not get on Lexapro?

Am I going crazy? Why is my memory so poor? How come I cant concentrate anymore?

Why do I feel so tired all the time?

I feel like I am walking on air and quite feel the ground...who so?

Oh shoot, there goes a zap...electrical surge right through the middle of my head...oh oh, now I feel dizzy....dang it, what the heck is going on?

Could it have been Lexapro? No way, that little white pill? It couldn't be...it made me feel HAPPY! Motivated! Wipe away my fears and anxiety! I mean, I was so happy that I didn't care that my buttons were popping off my shirt due to my increased weight. What's this? 30lb weight gain? How can this be? I didn't change my diet...but I am sure getting fluffier....then the evening comes....oh wow, there is my beautiful wife...wow, she is smoking hot (looking down, ummm, no response). What?! Come on man, salute to her! What is going on? My eyes are seeing a very sexy women but my buddy down there isn't talking?! Is there a disconnect with my brain and organ down there? But who cares, I am HAPPY!

Then wife says, "Oh Honey, I love you"....and then you respond, "Ummm, I love you too?" And then you start thinking, where are those "lubby dubby" feelings I once had? Its as if they were ripped off or snuffed out. But come on, I know I love her...how come I rather be by myself?


Sound familiar anyone?


And here is another one....

You come home tired from work or whatever. You have a lots of cool things you know you can do to give you that nice inner therapy. You go behind your table and look at your (fill in type of hobby here) and just sit there. Ummm, this isnt giving me any umph. In fact, nothing is. How 'bout I go lay on the couch and watch some TV...yeah, I'll do that. 1.....2.....3....4 hours pass and you still dont feel like doing anything else but retreat to your bed. Oh, but wait! Your phone rings! And you check your cool Caller ID and it says "Mom" or "sister"...inside you, the initial response is urrrrggggg.....and you decide to just let it ring. I mean, why pick it up, right? You know they are gonna ask,

"Hey _____, what's new?" <nothing, not sleeping and dont feel like doing s__>


or,

"How ya feelin'?" <insert rant here>


or, my favorite,

"Hey, just snap out of it", take a walk, it will cheer you up!




Ah ha, you guys relate to any of this?

[kristy88]

haha aeroman i know exactly how you feel.
did you know theres a drug avaible in europe and asian which is an anti depressent that has the exact opposite action of ssri's and it actually inhances the uptake. get this, it is a mood brightener which increases concentration and motivation and stimulates the mind.
i think they have this all wrong.
i also found an experiment done it america to treat this emerging trend of lack of interest in relationships/motivation/hobbies etc. They are using dopamine enhancers and such to treat, apparently these drugs mess up your dopamine too.
this is messed up i think i would rather have lost a leg maybe.

[macmua2be]

Thank you Pugcrazy! I feel that I am in the same boat as you...to the T! I too gained quite a bit of weight after my baby (I have only one) and I didn't look anything like how I used to. For this reason, I fell into depression. I didn't want my husband to touch me because I felt disgusted at myself. Eventually I got professional help after a year of having her. That was when I was introduced to Lexapro. I, too, noticed I had lots of trouble losing weight while on Lexapro. This is one of the reasons why I wanted to get off of it. I keep thinking that if I lose the 50lbs of baby weight that I will be happy again. Yet I now see that being off Lexapro will also affect my happiness. Since I do have my summers off, I will continue to remain off Lexapro until it gets closer for me to go back to work. I'm going to continue to try to manage things naturally as I really don't want to be on Lexapro anymore. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I so appreciate your comments and I am so happy that I joined this forum.

[macmua2be]

Hi Aeroman! Thanks for your input. I agree that most of what my doctor said was BS. For that reason I plan on seeing another doctor from now on. I am glad to hear that I'm not the only one that has "lost those feelings of love" for someone. I also do not even want to be intimate with my husband. *sigh*

[macmua2be]

Originally Posted by mims

I feel sure your emotional feelings (or lack of) are due to lexapro and/or withdrawal. Lots of people have expressed that same concern. One person way back on this thread (I think it was on this thread) said she felt like she didn't love her dogs anymore, even though she knew she really did, so it's not just a marital issue.

the alternatives your doctor suggested might help whether you go back on the drug or not. So many people have said exercise helps during withdrawal.
Just getting outdoors seems to help, too.

After cold-turkeying, I went back on lex in order to taper after having been off a full month, and for me, I'm not sure it was the right thing to do. But after going back on, I didn't taper slowly enough; never got down to grinding tablets, etc. I quit after I got down to about 1.50 mg. So that may have been my problem.

Thanks for sharing this. For me, I think it's best that I don't get back on Lexapro right now. I really want to try to do this the natural way. I will try everything in my power to do so and if it just isn't working out, I will get back on and taper off much more slowly as Aeroman suggested. I appreciate your comment and I feel so much better now.

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by macmua2be

Thanks for sharing this. For me, I think it's best that I don't get back on Lexapro right now. I really want to try to do this the natural way. I will try everything in my power to do so and if it just isn't working out, I will get back on and taper off much more slowly as Aeroman suggested. I appreciate your comment and I feel so much better now.

Mac, I totally understand where you are coming from. I too wanted to do it the natural way (vitamins, supplements, etc) but I didn't listen. This isn't about having the will power or mustering up courage. Your brain chemistry has changed now that Lexapro isn't in the mix anymore. You may feel or think you are a foreigner in your own body. You may use old family pics or videos to help you connect with who you were because Lexapro w/d may disconnect you from "YOU" and your reality. No, this isnt about losing your mind but it can sure feel like it. Everything in your power will not be good enough, I am telling you as I am currently in it. By the time you figure you are not yourself anymore and can't shake it off, it may be too late to reinstate because the new side effects and symptoms from getting on a drug again may be more intense, more profound, that you will wish you would have tapered slower from the get-go. I am not trying to scare you but everyday I tell myself, "If I would've known, I would have never taken an SSRI".

And just so you won't think I have a history of mental issues or being a nut, I grew up in a very supportive home...loving, fun. I made Eagle Scout, I graduated from a respectable engineering school on the U.S. West coast, I earned my MBA, I built scale models, restored vintage cars, airbrushing, went hiking, canoeing, flying radio control airplanes, and many other to list. And what do I do now?


Nothing.


My life is completely on hold. My central nervous system has been changed and I am certain that time will naturally heal me from this Godforsaken hell.

It is your call and only you know what is best for you. Go ahead and see other doctors...I want to find one that will accept that SSRI withdrawal can take months to recover. I believe many of them are ignorant and misinformed like I was.

[dfloyd45]

I am sorry to hear about the tough times, but I know how she feels. I recently went out of town for a couple weeks and forgot my Lexapro (20mg) at my house. I just figured I'd be alright and would just start taking it as soon as I got back... bad idea. The first week or so was fine and I had no symptoms of withdrawals, but about midway through the second week I woke up one night covered in sweat but I felt like I was absolutely freezing. Then about 10 minutes later I was burning up and so thirsty I could harldy stand it. I also was very shaky and felt very nervous even though I was not really worried about anything specific. The next day I got my prescription filled but the entire day and even through the next day I was so tired I just didn't feel like doing anything and had virtually no appetite. I did not eat for a couple days because nothing sounded good and when I finally did eat I only had a couple bites and was done. I talked to my dad who is a doctor (but not the one who prescribed me the meds) and told him what was going on (because he did not even know I had been taking it, but he said that that is one of the negative things about Lexapro, especially the bigger doses. I hope things get better for yall

[misspriss92479]

Originally Posted by hanasante

I'm so glad I found this forum. I've been on Lexapro for over 2 years now. I started taking it because I was going through a terrifying experience in my life and felt very unstable. After talking with my doctor I started taking 10mg of Lexapro. I also starting seeing a therapist. I've gone been 10-20mg. About 9 days ago I ran out of the stuff and thought it wasn't a big deal. Boy was I wrong! I spent 5 days feeling like I was seriously ill. Only to find out yesterday when I went to see the on-call doctor that I was experiencing Lexapro withdrawal. He informed me that most doctors don't warn their patitent about this. He immediately wrote me a new prescription and have me samples to take home. Now, that I've read up on the not only the withdrawls but also the side effects, I don't want to continue taking Lexapro.

Has anyone experiences weight gain while taking Lexapro?

I hope to get my life back soon

EF

before I went on Lexapro about 3 years ago, after a traumatic incident occured in my life, I was someone who would be running to the gym at 10:00 at night ,because I felt guilty for not going.....flash forward 3 years, and I am at least 40lbs heavier than I was, and "exercise" (nothing close to what i did before) maybe 1-2 times a week. My appetite turned into a sort of "oh well" way of eating....and it wasnt until recently that I realized I probably could blame Lexapro for this, especially after doing some further online research. So, a few weeks ago, I began the weening off process, by decreasing my dosage....I had been at 30mg, went to 20, 10, 5, etc....but rather quickly.....I have been experiencing HORRIBLE "brain tings" and dizziness...but knew that was going to come with the territory...but not until recently have I been experiencing severe irritability, low self esteem, and overall sadness. I am really hoping that this is the hard part of going off of an SSRI that i have to get through, and will make it through this period and get back to the "old me". Is it true that my seratonin levels are going to be at their lowest at this point until the chemicals from Lexapro have completely left my body? If I had some sort of reassurance that Im not going to feel this horrible forever, I would stick through it, but at this point, Im feeling like turning around and refilling my prescription, and staying fat!!!!

[misspriss92479]

Truly amazing, and makes me feel so much better....that I never realized until recently that my weight gain from Lexapro over the past 3 years is similar to that of many other people who took the drug. I used to LOVE the gym, I used to LOVE to sweat.....baaahhh on Lexapro, I love my couch and my salt and sweets....gross. I dont want to be that person anymore, I want to be fit, happy and healthy...but man, getting off this stuff is tough!!!

[misspriss92479]

so, if I got off of my lexapro way too fast.... (30mgs off in two and a half weeks time) 20-10-5....you are saying I should go back on!? I feel like if I have already begun to rid my system of it, I shouldnt reverse what Ive already accomplished and go back on!!!
But my symptoms are not very pleasant...there are those lovely brain tings and now the crying, irritability, blah feeling! I feel like its Lexapro's sneaky way of making u feel like you need to just stay on it forever!! I am hoping that I can just get past this ********ty stint...and get back to a human being!!

[babybottom]

Originally Posted by Aeroman

"Got off a month ago after weaning myself off of it for 2 weeks (5 mg every day 1st week, then 5 mg every other day the 2nd week). "

TOO FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get back on 10mg and taper off 5-10% every 3-6 weeks. I had almost the same tapering schedule 16 months ago and I am still dealing with issues stemming the fast taper from Lexapro.


"I too have the restless leg syndrome and absolutely cannot fall asleep at night unless I exercise."

Very common in withdrawal.


"I saw my doctor a few days ago and she said that the restlessness and irritability are symptoms of my anxiety and depression coming back, not side effects from coming off Lexapro. "

BS (bullshyt).


" In fact, I "feel" like I no longer love my husband. I really could "care less" about him, but I don't know if that's the Lexapro "aftermath" talking or if that's how I really feel."

Same thing happened to me towards my wife. They are blunted emotions caused by getting off Lexapro so fast. I equate this to the brain being "addicted" to Lexapro.


"I NEED REASSURANCE that this will get better."

It will but it takes time. Tapering for you should be around 10 months.


"My doctor doesn't seem it will."

Have them take their own medicine for a few months and try the 1-month tapering schedule.




"She said that I have a chemical imbalance and I can either manage it with drugs (I say "heck no!") or via a more natural way through yoga, meditation and exercise."


Again, BS. Ask her to provide your levels of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, adrenaline, and melatonin. I am sure he/she will not be able to. So how can they say you have a chemical imbalance? Tell them that Lexapro CAUSED the chemical imbalance.


"Is there anyone out there who has had a success story to tell AFTER getting off Lexapro? Also, how long did the symptoms last?"


I am not a 100% success story but what I can tell you is that I too had the sleep issues which lasted 4-6 months. I tried Melatonin, Valerian Root, Sleepy Time tea, and nothing worked. My system was stubborn. I felt "wired" at night. I did sleep study and nothing wrong was found, just restlessness. Just before losing hope, I noticed I was knocking out and waking up at 7am. I was starting to get 5-8 hours of sleep. And how did I do this? By doing nothing. Just time healing. At 16 months post Lexapro, my sleep is 95% back but my CNS is still sensitive.

What many doctors will do is either two things after you get off Lex too fast:

1. Get you back on (which is a good thing so you can slwly taper)
2. Put you on another drug (BIG NO NO since you might suffer w/d from your original drug and now deal with the new side effects of the new). This is called the SSRI Merry Go Round.

If you are on a drug already, you will either:

1. Get your dose increased which eventually you will build a tolerance too (called poop out).
2. or switch you to another SSRI


YOU know your own body. You are the best judge for your mind. When you know something isnt right, it is due to the fast removal of Lexapro AND the fact that your brain isn't getting Lexapro anymore. The return of your original symptoms drama is complete utter BS. And the way YOU will know it is complete BS is when the depression and anxiety will be more intense and longer lasting. In fact, there are individuals who have deepening depression after getting off an SSRI and suffer anxiety as well, when they never had anxiety before.

SSRI's are worst than getting off heroin or quitting alcohol. How do I know this?

Do you know of any other mind altering drug that takes 12-18 months to recover from???????? And 12-18 months is pretty generous since I have communicated to folks who have recovered after 24 months.

The doctors will tell you, OH, w/d will only last for 3-4 weeks, max. Because the drug is already out of your system. BULLSHYT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

True, the drug is out of your system! and thats the fundamental issue! Since the chemical is not stimulating your brain anymore, guess what happens? You're feeling it....


You intellectually know you love your husband. But you cant feel it. I too have/had the same thing. Why cant I feel love anymore? What has happened to my feelings? How come I dont feel like calling my parents anymore to see how they are doing? Why do I avoid the cell phone when someone calls? How come hugging my wife doesnt give me those tender loving feelings I used to have? Have I fallen out of love?

NO.

Lexapro can go to HELL.

Aeroman?I did not wean while coming off lexapro in April of 08.I have had a lot of problems.I'm better emotionally, not 100%, but o'well.Do you know of anyone else who has been off for atleast 15 months who has lost the weight gained while taking lexapro?I gained twenty pounds alot of it in my thighs and waist.A year and a half ago I was a size three which is pretty small.No matter how hard I work out , I can't drop the weight.I have been doing the power90x workout program for ten weeks, only have two more weeks of the 90 days left and have only dropped some inches, no real weight.This is a serious workout, I'm so dissapointed.I can't fit in my clothes from before taking lex.do you or Auntybiotic knowanything about the weight part.I'm really starting to get pissed about it.I feel like i'm in a stuffed body.Also, my skin got worse after withdrawling.I mean tiny bumps under my skin, which makes it hard for me not to scratch and pick to get rid of them.I know better than to pick but I can't stand my skin.I need some reassurance.I feel like I'll never have my body back.I swear I wish I never took lexapro.I thought I was desperate.I just needed counseling..There's got to be someone out there who has lost the weight and gotten their metabolism back.I believe that lex has messed with my hormones.Back in Nov. my thyroid was off by a hair but not enough for med.The dr's say it's fine right now.Maybe that's why can't lsoe the weight.I thought with vitamins and the exercise I would drop the twenty.Five yrs. ago I lost twenty with a lot less effort.One dr. said do not mess with your axis by taking thyroid pills.Lexapro probably did that for me.My weight greatly affects my moods cause I work so hard.Ok enough complaining thanks for listening.Hope someone can help

[babybottom]

Has Pawsboots checked in?

Hi

A paleolithic diet and Combat Conditioning By Matt Furey Works well at keeping the Lexapro flab at bay...

LL

[babybottom]

I had a question for you a few posts above, I quoted your long post , so you might have overlooked it.

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by babybottom

I had a question for you a few posts above, I quoted your long post , so you might have overlooked it.

Hi,

I didn't back to you sooner because I wasn't behind the computer yesterday. at 16 months off, I am getting out more than before, so, there is an improvement there.

About the weight, yes, it is very frustrating. I think many of us here can admit that after starting Lex (or any SSRI), weight gain was a major side effect. But you will also find that others have actually lost weight while on the medication. Weird huh? That is why the fact remains we are all different however, the trend does exist regarding side effects and withdrawal.

I had maintained my weight for a number of years before SSRI's. After starting Lex, I ballooned up 30-40 lbs. I asked my shrink what was going on and he said that due to my increase happiness, I was eating more. Between you and I, that was a load of ______. I then asked my regular doc about Lexapro. He said the same thing - that Lexapro wouldn't cause weight gain. Again, another ignorant fool.

After getting off Lexapro, I began exercising more but I barely lost anything. Then, 4-months down the road, I sunk into depression, anhedonia, and anxiety. It was at this time I did nothing...meaning, i didn't want to exercise, eat, work on my hobbies, etc anymore. But because I didn't want to eat anymore, I started losing weight, and lot of it! I mean, I did eat here and there but I just didn't feel like it. I didn't exercise. But the weight was coming off about 3-5 pounds a week. I dropped and plateaued at 35 lbs off for about 2-3 months. Then, I started getting my appetite back. And naturally, I started gaining the weight back. I was already overweight to begin with but now I am ballooned due to inactivity and eating for pleasure.


At 16 months off, this is where I am at now. I am pretty sure if I had the energy and motivation to exercise and eat better, I can lose it naturally. I believe serotonin is produced or is present in the stomach area? Don't quote me on that. But if that is the case, that can explain the weight zig zagging.


How many months have you been off lexapro? I ask because the weight issue was the LEAST of my concern after being introduced to chemically induced depression and anxiety. The differences are severe. With weight, sure, you feel uncomfortable, low self-esteem, lethargic, etc. With Lex w/d Depression and Anxiety, it is another greater evil - thoughts of suicide, wishing one was non-existent, zombie, etc.


From all the reading I have done, the weight does come off. In fact, I read folks taking as long as 2-years to finally see the weight come off, doing NOTHING. And I am sure the same will happen for u.

[babybottom]

Hi, I've been off for fifteen months.I went through all the other stuff I'm just afraid I'll jinx myself by talking about it.My sleep in the last two days sucks and I've been having hot flashes.I'm thirty five.Never had them before.My depression sadness and madness after withdrawaling from lex started in oct., well the worst of it.I've been off since April 08.major anxiety, worry, crying, nothing was good.You name it I felt it.Also I've had a lot of the physical problems too.minor thyroid issues which suck, heart palpitations, all of it.I was not spared.I am so thankful to be through the worst of that.The last year has been the worst time in my life.I have had a lot of financial stress which doesn't help things.THe last two weeks my transmission went on my car and I am stuck at home with two kids, at my mother in laws house where I live.I have kept as busy as I can , but I'm getting down.I workout six days a week for forever.Even when I was on lex, I never stopped working out.When you workout and gain wait that pissed me off.Well, we'll see.The wait thing has just been so frustrating.I had insomnia back in Jan. to April, that was bad too.Things got a little better in April and emotionally things were ok.I just worrry to speak too soon.I never know what's gonna come back.LIke the last two days jerking while trying to fall asleep, that happened the most last night.That worried me and made me feel just as insecure as before.I have not been able to get a job due to anxiety and feeling so inssecure like I can't leave my family.When I try I cry and feel like I'm gonna die.WHich I know I won't.The feeling get overwhelming.WHy would I want to subject myself to those feelings.I hope as time goes on I get stronger.My situation at home makes me insecure too so I'm kind of in a catch 22.Well, that's the kind of short of it.I am dedicated to feeling better and take vits. as well.I want to forget about the last two years and move on.Wish I had never taken the stuff.Thanks for replying.

[Aeroman]

feel free to add me to your MSN or AOL chat. I get on there once to three times a week during the evenings. I am not expert in this but I know my own mind and body and I know when things are just not right.

[Pugcrazy]

Hi Everyone, I have been working so my time on the computer has been less. As for the lexapro withdrawals things are ok. I have been off since May 17th. The only side effects that remain are insomnia but I think some of that is also because I work nights. The main side effects that last is the irritability. Boy there are some good days but God those bad days are just awful. I will say the Bach's rescue remedy works wonderful. I carry with me everywhere. It feels good to be leaving the house and getting things done. Now when I look back over the past year when I was on the lexapro I did nothing. I have to say I neglected my family badly. The lexapro was supposed to help me but it did nothing but hinder my life. I feel the past year of my life was essentially in a fog. Almost a waste but truthfully no day alive is a waste so I refuse to say that. So slowly things are getting better. There are set backs. I cry easy still. Last night at my son's t ball game they lost and I actually had to hold back the tears. The kids were fine and so was everyone else but I would of cried my eyes if I were not able to control it. As for the lexapro weight I am on a diet. I have lost about 8 pounds since I stopped the lexapro but I just started exercising about 2 weeks ago and 3 weeks of a good diet. I feel a lot less bloated which is wonderful. I also started on supplements such as the magnesium, calicum, omega's, and 5-HTP. Again this forum has been such a wonderful help and I am hoping my irritability soon is gone.
Thanks Pugcrazy