[ElizabethAnn]

Yes, you are right about the advil. My doctor says I can use it only occasionally, and my final withdrawal experience was one of those occasional times. Advil (ibupofen) actually caused some damage to my kidneys from extended use when I was younger. Aspirin and tylenol never helped my pain, only the advil, thus I used it too much. My nephrologist told me that many people's kidneys are damaged this way. I'm glad you brought it up. :-)

[babybottom]

Originally Posted by mims

The information you posted will be helpful to many people; So many come to this site looking for advice on how to taper for a successful withdrawal. Thanks so much!

There might be some reasons not to take much advil with lexapro - not only stomach issues, but also drug interactions, so people who have headaches should ask their pharmacist or doctor about that before taking advil. (I did it at very low doses without running into trouble.)

mims

When I was on Lexapro I had taken advil for step throat and a few days later I had severe cramping and diarrea.Then the next day after that or within the same day I'm not sure but sometime after I had rectal bleeding and vomiting at the same time, ooh, that was tough!I took my self to ER and they had no idea what was wrong even knowing the only two medications I was taking were advil and lexapro.How dumb were they.They said it was probably diverticulitis.It stopped two days later.That was all and I had a big bill from ER.

[rujoking]

Hi Babybottom! and everyone

baby.....wondering how you are doing at 15 months? I know weight and skin are your big issues ...

how are the vibrations, heart palps, anxiety things? How is your sleep? I still struggle some with all of that (although MUCH less) as well as the pain in my upper back....

Mims? How are you?
Aero? When last we spoke you sounded like you were getting out more....how goes it?

ruj

[mims]

Hi, rujoking!

I still have some strange sensations, but it's all getting better. I have symptoms from time to time, actually every day there are still some problems, but not to the degree I had before. For awhile I was sleeping so much better, but the past few nights I've been awake at 2 or 3, and also had some throat issues, but not complete blocks like I did for a while.

You're still having back pain? So sorry about that. The pains I have are not bad enough to complain about; just some nagging dull aches and occasionally I still get surprised by some of those sharp pains that hit just as I'm falling asleep - like a needle sticking in me. But it's usually goes away as fast as it comes, and doesn't happen that often anymore.

Still really tired in the afternoons some days.

Overall, I'm feeling encouraged about the physical part of this. I'm just upset that my lifestyle is so boring, dull, and I still have a feeling of social anxiety - it's hard to get out and feel really comfortable around people; part of that is because I've done almost nothing the past year, so I have very little to talk about. I still have sort of a foggy brain, but it has improved some.

Are you getting out and doing things?

[mims]

babybottom,

About your post a couple of days ago: I do not think any of your complaints are related to aging, not at your age of 35. Certainly our bodies change with time, but 35 is not really old enough to cause any kind of age-related health problem. Your friend who told you that may be feeling old and tired, or whatever, because she is taking SSRIs too. I felt old and creaky in my early 40's - aches and pains, backache , stiffness, hard to get up out of a chair, etc. Later, I wondered why I felt better as the years went by, and at some point the back problems and other aches went away - I could do anything, walk long distances again, lift heavy objects, etc. It's only looking back to that time that I now believe that may have all been related to paxil or paxil withdrawal. Can't prove it, but I think that was probably the cause.

I think you'll get better, and I think the exercise will pay off for you in many ways. I've been reading a book by Dr John Ratey called Spark. If anybody needs motivation to exercise, read this book. He reports evidence that exercise improves brain function, memory, mood, etc, etc.

It has motivated me to increase my walking time, and I'm thinking of ways to try to step up my level of exercise.

I hope I'll be as disciplined about exercise as you have been, babybottom.

[mimmie2008]

Originally Posted by mims

For me there was usually a brief sensation of electricity or a pulse sensation along with the flash.

Did you know there's actually a condition called exploding head syndrome -- (google that). Comes with a flash and a noise as you fall asleep - not sure that's what I experienced, but it must be similar. I have had other zap sensations without the flash and/or noise, also.

And my ice-cold chills were up and down my sides/ ribcage, -- you've had those in your cheeks? My chills have gone away - hope they don't return when the weather turns cool.

Some people have described brain zaps as a computer reboot; I guess it seems like the brain blanks out for an instant and then reboots.

Such strange things have happened to us.

I haven't had the chills, flushes in so long and now they have started again. Last night. They are down my sides and across my chest. LIke laying an ice cold rag on my ribs and breasts. Lasts for a few minutes and then goes away. Other than that I have been doing much, much better since my last post. I even started cleaning the house again and boy is it a mess! It is nice to want to do things again. I am so out of shape from not doing anything at all. Now if my vision would straighten up and my hands stop the shaking then I would be so happy. Hang in there.

[mims]

mimmie

It's wonderful to hear that you're getting so much better. Your first post was January 2008, so it's been a year and a half for you? I hope the other problems will clear up, also. It's so strange that certain issues will improve, then suddenly jump back into the picture later on, like your chills coming back.

[babybottom]

Hey guys!Rujoking, I'm doing pretty good at the fifteen months mark!Still have some physical issues.Not many!Skin, and weight.I have a lot of joint pain but I had some before lexapro so not sure what is what with that.I have noticed that for a pretty long while now that as I am on my period, I am so bloated around my waist especially, it was never that bad before lexapro.My husband even notices how big my whole stomach gets while I am menstruating and now that I'm not, it's a whole lot smaller.It's weird that som many things can change on your body but that I can't change them back by making so many good changes frustrates the crud outta me.Not knowing when or if the weight issues or skin issues will go away.I'm afraid if I slow down on my workouts I will blow up.I know my body is not everything and is not the most important thing "But", I can't change it and no definite answers.If someone said for sure you will lose weight in another six months I'd be ok and wait, but no.Moods are better.My transmission went on my car about five weeks ago and I have been without a car for that long, that sucked because my two kids are old enough to be extremely bored even though I walked them everywhere.I didn't really have the vibration thing.Mims has that.Overall , for everyone suffering from the horrible depression and crazy moods after coming off lex.that part has improved by 90%.So onto the things that aren't fixed yet.I'll stay hopeful Thankyou for checking in.I mean to ask everybody more questions, but I forget to because I can't see your posts as I write so I can't remember all that you wrote.

[babybottom]

Originally Posted by mims

babybottom,

About your post a couple of days ago: I do not think any of your complaints are related to aging, not at your age of 35. Certainly our bodies change with time, but 35 is not really old enough to cause any kind of age-related health problem. Your friend who told you that may be feeling old and tired, or whatever, because she is taking SSRIs too. I felt old and creaky in my early 40's - aches and pains, backache , stiffness, hard to get up out of a chair, etc. Later, I wondered why I felt better as the years went by, and at some point the back problems and other aches went away - I could do anything, walk long distances again, lift heavy objects, etc. It's only looking back to that time that I now believe that may have all been related to paxil or paxil withdrawal. Can't prove it, but I think that was probably the cause.

I think you'll get better, and I think the exercise will pay off for you in many ways. I've been reading a book by Dr John Ratey called Spark. If anybody needs motivation to exercise, read this book. He reports evidence that exercise improves brain function, memory, mood, etc, etc.

It has motivated me to increase my walking time, and I'm thinking of ways to try to step up my level of exercise.

I hope I'll be as disciplined about exercise as you have been, babybottom.

Thanks for the encouragement.I will keep exercising and you keep up the walking.I will look for that book, thanks.

[zoey001]

I think I understand the shocking sensation, when I move quick or get up quick my head seems to feel like it my explode is how I describe it. It doesnt hurt its just this wierd fuzzy feeling.

[zoey001]

I to am taking myself off lexapro and I feel awful, tired, teary eyed and just not in control. But that shocking sensation to your head is the worst for me. I feel like I may pass out...I know this will all pass but enough is enough...Good luck to all of you going thru this..

[pussycatdolls]

I was mildly depressed and got on lexapro -
within 2 weeks i was suicidal and homicidal.
fine now - but has anyone had that happen?

[babybottom]

I did.The depression part comes and goes with the anxiety .It's up and down.I thought about it and thought I just wouldn't have to be thinking about all the pain I was experiencing butI knew I really didn't want to, just didn't want to suffer anymore.Also, you think about your kids and you couldn't imagine the pain they would have to go through If that ever happened.They were thoughts created by the misery.It will go away.If it comes back in waves just know you will feel better.I think the first nine months off lex. were the worst.Maybe for some it won't take that long, I don't know.My symptoms started to ease around that time for me.Getting sleep back was everything and that helped with the anxiety too.Getting that stuff under control might ease the withdrawl symptoms.Hang in there.

I am weaning off Lexapro after 2 years of use. It has been very emotional and difficult. I suppose the brain shocks that everyone is talking about, has to be related to one of the things I keep experiencing, which is when it feels as someone is covering my ears and pulsing quickly with their hands over my ears, and its like I am almost outside of my body looking at myself, very bizarre. I am trying to put more faith in the Good Lord so that I can get through this.

[rujoking]

Originally Posted by mimmie2008

I haven't had the chills, flushes in so long and now they have started again. Last night. They are down my sides and across my chest. LIke laying an ice cold rag on my ribs and breasts. Lasts for a few minutes and then goes away. Other than that I have been doing much, much better since my last post. I even started cleaning the house again and boy is it a mess! It is nice to want to do things again. I am so out of shape from not doing anything at all. Now if my vision would straighten up and my hands stop the shaking then I would be so happy. Hang in there.

Mimmie - so glad to hear from you also..I am doing okay too...anxiety comes and goes.....I think I am now going thru the menopause symptoms that were delayed by the drugs...I am also soooo out of shape....used to exercise every day not it is hard to get out and walk altho I do try to do that every day..it has been hot here and that makes it tough..

any little stress gives me the internal shakes and back pain...I am also very insensitive to heat...weird but true....

I also have been worried constantly about my health....my doc says everything looks fine...but feeling bad makes one wonder? I guess I will just have to take a leap of faith here and get used to the aging process...

for all of you new to this....stay here and support each other..it helps so much

ruj

[babybottom]

Originally Posted by rujoking

Mimmie - so glad to hear from you also..I am doing okay too...anxiety comes and goes.....I think I am now going thru the menopause symptoms that were delayed by the drugs...I am also soooo out of shape....used to exercise every day not it is hard to get out and walk altho I do try to do that every day..it has been hot here and that makes it tough..

any little stress gives me the internal shakes and back pain...I am also very insensitive to heat...weird but true....

I also have been worried constantly about my health....my doc says everything looks fine...but feeling bad makes one wonder? I guess I will just have to take a leap of faith here and get used to the aging process...

for all of you new to this....stay here and support each other..it helps so much

ruj

While I was on lexapro it helped with my intense PMS symptoms and also, not to sound gross but it changed the color of my menstruation to an almost purple color.I never brought this up to my dr. because I didn't have insurance and I thought he would have charged me extra to come in.He also gave me samples, nver charged me.I didn't want to get mad at him for giving me this stupid pill when I needed counseling.I like my dr.I nver went back.In his defense, I thought I really needed something to help me through the anxiety I was experiencing.Sorry, I got sidetracked from my point.The Lexapro masked my hormones, which was fine for the time but after I came off it was like double what I felt prior to lex.My breasts got like two cup sizes bigger and were always sore.What did it do to my hormones.Is that what's stopping me from losing weight.My period only lasted like two days out of the week.That can't be good right?Maybe it started a premenopause for me.Dr.s say I'm too young for this.I have not been back to the dr.s for a while.They just make me feel worse.They make you feel like what your experiencing is in your head.Some dr's are just to busy to really care about you.So, owell.Also , I know that acne around your jaw and on your neck is related to hormones.I have never had acne like this before.I'm an esthetician and cannot for the life of me fix it.I'm very dilligent about keeping my skin clean, but whatever's going on is not external, it's internal.I'm hoping hormones go back to like before lexapro.Who knows.Did you have strange menstruation issues or anything like I talked about?Also, my skin is overly oily, way too much.I guess it's better than being too dry.How is you skin?

[6-of-us]

I have found this message board very helpful in figuring out what is wrong with me. For weeks now I have felt just about every side effect listed on this board. I thought I was going crazy! I have been weaning off Lexapro for 3 weeks and I am happy to know that the symptoms will go away soon.
However, I agree with you when say that Lexapro is not all bad. When I finally (because my family insisted) went to the doctor for my depression, I could barely get out of bed in the morning. I was beyond the point that exercise could help because I was barely able to function much less exercise!! Lexapro was a life saver for me!
I have a family history of depression and because of that I have learned that some people's brains just don't produce enough "Happy Juice". I have family members who have battled it their whole lives.
When I asked my doctor about going off of Lexapro, she wanted to know why. Did I feel so much better that I did not think I needed it or were they just not working? Well I did feel better after 1 year of 20 mil. but I still wasn't jumping stumps! She decided that instead of increasing my dosage that maybe we should try a different approach. I am now taking Wellbutrin and I am feeling better than I have in a very long time. Now I might can try other helpful ideas along with my meds. And like you, I thank God everyday for this healing medication!

[Pugcrazy]

I luv your pug! Ihave a black one and a tan one. The are so lovable but very difficult to train. They are 3 years young and have a still crazy! But I adore them. Lol they never have a problem dealing with my mood swings from lexapro w/d!
Pug

[Pugcrazy]

Sorry I did not address that post. You all must think I am crazy talking about my dogs like that. That post was to be adressed to Elizabeth ann. Sorry!

[IM_LORI]

I'm not sure how to use this site, but quick question for anyone. I've only been on Lexapro 2 weeks today. After reading all the difficulties people have getting off it, I decided yesterday I do not want to be on this. I'm using it to help me cope with the death of my son, and it's helping with the depression and anxiety, but am having the common side effect of sexual dysfunction. Overall it is seeming to help me, but do feel a little apathetic, or just sort of non-emotional, but don't mind it. I am finally getting to see my boyfriend this weekend after him being away for 2 months and I don't want the sexual side effect bothering me, and am scared of getting all these nasty withdrawal issues. I'm only on 10 mg for 2 weeks. How likely is it that I will get any withdrawal issues if I cut off completely? Last night was the first dose I didn't take. I did get a significant headache about 2 hours after the missed dose.

[mims]

Lori,

I'm not sure anybody can answer your question.

It might be a good idea to taper off instead of quitting cold-turkey, since you said you're already feeling the effects of the medication after only 2 weeks.

[Pugcrazy]

Lori I agree I would taper and not go cold turkey! I did it cold turkey after 6 years and it has not been easy to say the least! I would look back at some posts because there is actually one person who was only on lexapro for 10 days and had a difficult withdrawal so I would definately do some sort of tapering. Hope this helps.
Pug

[mimmie2008]

Originally Posted by **********catdolls

I was mildly depressed and got on lexapro -
within 2 weeks i was suicidal and homicidal.
fine now - but has anyone had that happen?

Although some people can take this drug and stop with no side effects what so ever and some of us have problems coming off of it after awhile on it, some are hypersensitive to it. I was. I only took 3 pills and it messed me up so badly and yes I had horrible suicidal thoughts just from the small amount that I took. I read ever message on this board trying to get through it in the best way that I could. That helped me a lot. I think the only good thing that did come out of this whole mess was that it sent me packing back to church real quick. Isn't it sad that it takes a calamity to return you to your faith? I have put the suicidal thoughts away, thank goodness but it did take awhile to get through it. Hope you do well and post away here, even the bad, someone will respond and help you through it. They did me.

[tabcat]

I've been reading this topic for days...
I was on lexapro for almost a year, and then my doc switched me to celexa. Two months ago I switched back to Lexapro. I had a kidney infection (or thought I did) during my taper from 10mg to 5mg, I was weepy, and I had akasthisia. I was on phenergen, which seemed to help.

Anyhow, I went two weeks without lexapro, getting through the rage and zaps with fish oil, and hoping it would get better with time. During that two weeks I took celexa three different times.

When I got to 8 days without any AD whatsoever, I started having suicidal thoughts, and attempted to cut. I had read all the books about potential withdrawal symptoms, and tapering more slowly, etc.

I went to my doctor, knowing he wouldn't believe me, and he diagnosed me with a new panic disorder. My symptoms after two weeks off lexapro were severe anxiety, to where I felt paralyzed to leave the house.

My doctor recommended I go back on 20mg of lexapro!!! (I was basically on lexapro/celexa for 1.5 years at 10mg, no more.) I tried 5mg, and I had severe restlessness the next day, and severe panic attacks, they were more concentrated, like I'd been shot up with adrenalin. After a day of klonopin 3x/day, I got through it, and tried 10mg the night after the next.

The panic was so terrible, I felt like I'd been injected with bad speed. I got through the day holding very still and not doing much.

Today is slightly better, not as much panic, and the klonopin seems to be helping this time .5, but I've been so scared that I'm losing my mind. I was trying to go back on it so I could taper, but it looks like I waited to long, and I can't tolerate the medication.

Some of you are saying that you've had withdrawals for months to years, I was hoping I would get better in two weeks, but I gave in after 8 days, and I feel so terrible.

Does anyone know if I've started the process all over again by reintroducing the lexapro? And now that I can't seem to tolerate it, what are my options? I have no idea where to turn. My doctor keeps trying to force the drug back on me, or switch me to a TCA antidepressant like Pamelor. I just know that I'm so afraid I'm never going to get myself back again.

I keep praying and praying, while going through withdrawal I've hit everything from almost throwing up to anxiety through the roof. I've been afraid to leave the house and very tired. I just want to sleep for weeks, but I had trouble sleeping for a few nights.

My father went through this with prozac in the 90's, he had taken it for 3 months, and he took about 2 1/2 months to come back to normal.

I feel like I'm going crazy. I don't know if I've set myself back by taking the 10mg, or if the akasthisia and panic will go away, or if I'll just have to deal with it.

It seems the only thing that heals is time. There's a program that's hell of expensive called Point of Return that swears they can help, but IDK.

I'm so lost, I feel like I've lost my life to this medication, I feel like there's no way out, and I am battling with wanting to die to end the creepy crawly feelings.

If I could just get myself out and moving, I might be able to get through this, but I've read post after post looking for answers, and I can't seem to figure out what to do now that I've had a toxic reaction.

The days before I took the last dose I was so scared of everything, taking the dog out, moving from the couch, taking a nap, going to the bathroom, I feel like I need a shot of thorazine and to be locked up.

This is like a bad acid trip...

Will I survive? Am I back at square one? Has anyone gotten through this?

[IM_LORI]

I've read the blogs for 3 days straight,, tons of web sites. I've only been on this for 2 weeks, and it's working well for me, but already want to stop after reading the nightmare stories people write. But the one thing I've notice with people who successfully got off, is they did it SLOWLY! 10 mg, then 5 mg for a week, then 2.5 for a week, until they were literally breaking the pill into 1/8ths. Then they'd take it every 2 days, then every 3 days, until they were taking small pieces twice a week. That seems to be the way to do it.

[mims]

Originally Posted by hope for the best

I just wanted to check back in to update on my daughter's progress since stopping Lex in mid July so she's been 6½ months off. She has done very well since her slow taper which I'll copy from an earlier post rather than re-type. She had been treated for a probable case of Lyme during her time on Lex so she's had alot to recover from.

Anyway, I was watching for the dreaded 4 month off mark and about that time she did go through a period of something of a very mild depression or maybe more of dissatisfaction or frustrated exhaustion. For example, she'd been working hard to re-establish a relationship and then just about gave it up because it seemed too hard to do. She seems to be past that now.

The only thing I think is Lex related is that she gets muscle knots in her shoulders and neck. She doesn't handle stress as well as she probably should but that's improving and frankly that was getting to her pre-Lex and I think was related to the virus she'd had.

All in all she's doing well and I'd suggest a slow taper to anyone thinking of coming off. Anyway, here's an earlier post:

I just wanted to update my daughter's current condition after tapering off Lexapro. To recap, she started on Lex in 10/07 and ramped up to 10 mg. in November. She was on 10 mg for several months and then began tapering off. We expected withdrawal symptoms since she had experienced withdrawal when just being late with a dose at 10 mg. Here is her taper schedule (when it says 2 weeks it may be a few days shorter or longer):
7.5 mg......2 weeks
5 mg.........1 month
4.5 mg.......2 weeks
4 mg.........2 weeks
Decreases of .5 mg about every 2 weeks until down to the last .5
.25 mg.......2 weeks
Off

She did well with very few problems, mostly some vivid dreams until the last two steps down then she had some dizzy spells that lasted a few hours. Other than that she had very few complaints that could be linked to Lexapro. She had intended to take .25 every few days or if she started having any problems but has never needed anything since she stopped. She has now been off since July 15 so it's been over three weeks and she hasn't had any problems at all.

Before she began tapering she started taking supplements and continued most of them through the whole process. They were Omega 3 fish oil, magnesium, lecithin, vitamin C, and sometimes inositol and choline. She also drank DanActive (yogurt drink) and often a whey supplement.

To get the doses small we ground up tablets and measured them out in long lines (think about lines of cocaine) on a paper with increments marked and then put them in empty gel capsules. It was a little tedious but after awhile it went pretty quickly and seemed to be pretty accurate.

I will report back as time goes on if she has any future problems but I did want to let people who might be reading this know that a slow taper seems to be a very very good way to get off Lex. I thank the people on this forum and especially Aunty who started this whole discussion for informing us out in the big wide world of what to expect and how maybe to deal with it.

For the newcomers:

I'm copying this old post (above) from hope for the best, who posted this successful taper schedule back in february.

Many people think that the "every-other-day" schedule for tapering only makes matters worse. From everything I've read, slow tapering, reducing gradually down to very tiny doses works best. Skipping days "confuses" your brain chemistry.

I wish I had known this before I quit abruptly.

[mims]

tabcat

Looking back at your previous posts, it appears you've had several medications to deal with. Were you able to get off the other meds you were taking? You must be really feeling discouraged with all you've had to deal with. Taking more than one medication makes for a more complicated situation, and I hope you'll be able to find a doctor you can trust. I really think you need to go back to your doctor (or find a new one if necessary) and try to work together on a plan for reducing prescription meds over a period of time. Maybe you're trying to make too many medication changes at once, or too quickly.

Try not to change doses from day to day unless you get your doctor's approval on that. You said you quit the lexapro and then took celexa several times over the next 2 weeks -- that's the kind of thing that might make you feel worse instead of better. (I did that myself at times, not knowing it was likely to make matters worse).

In all honesty, I think with several drugs in the mix, you really need to stay in touch with your doctor; you also need to let your doctor know about any other herbal or natural remedies you take.

[Pugcrazy]

Hi Tabcat, I tried to reply to this message once and it would not go through so I will try again. I agree with mims. I think being on different meds you really should get in touch with your doctor. If he or she is no help I know reading from some past posts on this web site manypeople have found help on a website call the road to recover. These people did a taper down system and were able to talk to a counselor type of person who was able to make a taper plan that worked for each person. I went cold turkey but would not recommend that to anyone. The first 6 weeks were horrible and right now I am feeling well. I am at the 2 month mark and understand from reading previous posts that the next few months will be difficult for me. I also know that going cold turkey may cause withdrawal problems for me for up to 18 months. I guess I will have to wait and see. I am taking supplements now and have an upcoming appt with a naturopath. I also have read that withdrawal from celexa is just as bad as wd from lexapro so I think for you getting help from a professional may be needed because I am not sure how it will be to wd from both meds. I also know that skipping days during the taper method is a big no no, so please very careful. Check out that website and see what they have to offer. Also anyone who has suicide thoughts concerns me so please if the thoughts continue or become worse please please seek some help.
pug

[tabcat]

Thanks for your replies:

Re: my doctor - he has no inclination to help me get off of drugs. He wanted me to start back on 20mg of lexapro, but even taking one 5mg pill puts me into a two day panic attack at this point.

I am also dealing with other medications I've tapered down recently. I know they are probably making this process harder.

I believe I need to find a new doctor, but I've grown weary of being told I just need more antidepressants, when I can't tolerate them at all. My doctor doesn't believe that I'm even in withdrawal, says I'm insane. He wanted to put me on Pamelor, a tricyclic antidepressant, if I didn't want to take lexapro.

I have no idea how to taper when I can't tolerate the medication. I'm scared to death, and I wish I had never taken 5mg after 8 days off AD's...

Out of all the medications I've tapered, the antidepressant is the worst, the hardest, the most miserable. I feel as if I am on a permanent acid trip and my brain will never heal. I've used the road back before for effexor, I don't know if that will help now.

[babybottom]

I don't know anything about reducing meds or any of that part. I think Mims posted some posts on that stuff.My experience was that I was on lex for six months with alot of side effects and decided to come off.I did not decrease medication I abruptly stopped it.I got the flu within a few weeks after coming off wHich I guess is part of withdrawl had some physical effects .After a while off lex I began to feel sped up racy all the stuff you described.The bad, bad , bad anxiety started around three months off lex.I thought I was going crazy too.I was always crying and just feeling worthless and all the while extremely anxious and really fast.The worst of that started getting better for me about seven to nine months off, but everybody is different.I almost went back on something due to the horrible feelings.I was beside myself.I came off in April 08.I never thought I would feel ok again.I prayed so much just to feel normal.THank god I feel alot better.You will too.What a shame that there are new comers who are going through these withdrawals.Just keep busy and stay positive and know you will be ok .Take care.