Lexapro Withdrawal

[Mr Spock]

Redbled,
I forgot to add the really vivid dreams, although I sleep quite well, and the tooth grinding, or jaw clenching, which is probably what they call a form of akathesia. By the way, I've just had a browse over the first 28 pages of this topic, as you do, and noticed that you were only on the Lexapro for 10 days or so. However, the significant thing is that you were also on an antibiotic at the same time and, as Aunty alluded to and what also affected her daughter, is that the antibiotic potentiated the effect and blood levels of the Lexapro by inhibiting its excretion. So, even though, you were on it for a very short period of time, you may have fried your neuro-receptors as well. What is your liver function like?
However, if your symptoms diverge a bit, there may be another explanation, such as Chronic Fatigue. I don't know, so this is only a suggestion... I have often wondered myself, particularly after my recent treatment (see my first post) and then I get a little "zap" to remind me of my current belief!

[Redbled]

Mr. Spock,

Great insight. Its encouraging you have very similar issues to me currently and also that you believe we will get over this. That's still the toughest part for me still. I will feel better for a couple of days, and then go right back to feeling icky the next. Today I have a ton of mini brain zaps, and that has been mostly gone for some time now. I am not really sure what my liver function is like. I assume it is solid. I know that either during the time I was taking the Lexapro or shortly after my liver was tested and looked great I was told. At the time I was not sure what was wrong with me. Its good to know about the antibiotic being a factor, I'm not sure I had realized that, or if I did, had forgotten. Just makes me know even more how out of touch with this drug my doctor is. I'm really not sure my dreams are much different than ever, at least not that I can remember. The phrase "fried your neuro-receptors" really is not a good one to hear I just hope and pray I truly will get over this. Even if I knew it would take a year, I could handle it if I knew I would be myself in time. I hadn't noticed clenching my jaw, but have noticed the past week that the right side of my jaw will hurt sometimes when I'm eating, and that had never happened before. What was your official date off of Lexapro? Nice to have you on the boards helping out. BTW, I'm tempted to try some dramamine, have you tried it?

[mohannie]

Hello everyone and happy holidays:

I made it through Christmas!!!!! Right now, I can't feel a thing though. I guess the Paxil is starting to kick in. I was surrounded by food yesterday, but didn't eat any of it. I haven't cried in days, but right now it seems as if I have no feeling at all. I probably need this time to reevaluate my life and do the things I need to do. I usually put the feelings of others above my own, which causes a lot of problems. It's time I put myself and my feelings first for a change. How has everyone been doing? I hope all is well today. Talk to you soon.

[Miss Lee]

Hi all-

Mr Spock and red:

You describe my symptoms to a T. I just feel that they are so much more do-able than during my reaction. Living is not just for the healthy. My anxiety has went down a little. We are in the same boat-and headed for land!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kisses and hugs

Miss Lee

[Redbled]

Miss Lee,

Are you talking about your reaction meaning the first days of withdrawal? I just wanted to be sure.

Glad to have you guys to hang in there with. My wife loved the advice you gave earlier to me concerning living isn't just for the healthy

[MAETIGGER39]

I was on lexapro for 2yrs.I had never been on a medication for mental health before.I had anxiety off & on but dealt with it,without medication.Well I suffered an extremely difficult ordeal,I lost three loved ones,was under investigation in a murder trial,was forced to testify three times,all the while not being able to afford to miss work & raising two teenagers who were quite devestated by our losses & needless to say this would make anyone more than anxious.I lived through it,on the lexapro,I can say I lived through it quite well,numb,but well.I gained 40lbs,was tired,but glad to be functioning.After the trials were over,& life begain to fall back into place I thought it was time to stop the medication.I was feeling good,celebrating overcoming such a horrible couple years,just thankful.And then friends,....I weaned only by cutting my 20 mg in half about two weeks,skipping a few days & then stopped.That was July, by mid August my headaches & anger surges had peaked & waned.August began the crying jags.I cried like a broken faucet,I could not bear any sort of emotional photo,commercial,song.This continued until I went started vitamins,St Johns Wort,and on horrible days I take 1/2 of a .5 xanax. I only take 1 St Johns Wort once a day,I take Black cohosh dailly,omega 3 fish oil, b-complex.I joined a gym three weeks ago.My crying improved on the St Johns Wort. I do have awful panic attacks sometimes now,and I hope after six months I'm on the road to wellville here! I cannot believe this happened from this "non addictive drug"!! I quit smoking 02/06 while I was on it,I have not started again tempting as it was, I'm super careful about the xanax my doc gave me 45 .5 tablets in July & I only take half a tab when I feel as though Im just not gonna hang on to much longer without crying hard & I'm at work.I feel like havoc was wreaked on my hormonal system because the best description I can give is like mega PMS.I also was real dizzy & off balance,& sort of shaky headed inside.That is slowly improving I practice when I'm on the treadmill letting go & walking without holding on.My family Dr gave me the intial statement of some people have to take medication they're whole life.And see prior to the two years on the lexapro,I wasn't "some people" I can see some people have panic attacks & might need a med on an as needed basis.But until they can tell us long term effects Isn''t it just a little to scary to dailly medicate the small stuff?

[Mr Spock]

Hi All,
Well, I had a bit of a bad day yesterday on the 26th, a public holiday we call "Boxing Day" which I am sure has nothing to do with rampant pugilism!!! Last night was similar, although today is not as bad. I mention this not for pity or charity, but to introduce an extension of some of the theories and treatments that people have been advocating whilst we suffer these horrid symptoms. I must confess, on Christmas Day, I really got stuck into the chocolate!!! My mother had made these rather delicious chocolate slices, and I am afraid that I couldn't help myself. As I mentioned yesterday, I felt pretty good the whole afternoon, but rotten since. Why is that? The link relating to serotonin and diet thoughtfully provided by Kendra gives the reason. That is that carbohydrates are the main source of serotonin (not Cheese!!!), and simple one's such as sugar also release it really quickly. To some up, I had such a rush of serotonin, that it made up for the damaged receptors, as I felt almost normal!!! The fact that I took a mixture with a bit of St John's Wort which I've now stopped, could also could have been a factor (Thanks Aunty for your advice). This, of course could not be sustained, which is why I came a cropper afterwards. I would like to expand this argument a little further. Although the most recognised theory is that we are probaby still producing normal amounts of serotonin, our receptors have become downgraded (I used the word fried, previously) by the large levels of serotonin whilst we were on the SSRI.
This is similar to what happens to the dopamine receptors. Dopamine is the "pleasure" neuro-transmitter. When one smokes nicotine (which is a poison), this causes the release of large amounts of dopamine which leads to the down-regulation of the receptors. So, when one gives up, it takes a while for the receptors to grow back. Furthermore, if one breaks, and has a cigarette before the withdrawals are over, it de-sensitises the receptors to a degree, delaying resolution of the problem. Incidentally, dopamine also relates to taste, and is released after food which is why recovering smokers rediscover their sense of taste as well as appetite!!!
I now believe that the same thing is true from SSRI withdrawal. From my readings yesterday on this forum, there were all sorts of suggestions about taking 5HT, Same, or St John's Wort, and facetiously, chocolate. Certainly these measures should alleviate the withdrawal symptoms, but I now believe that they will delay the healing of the receptors. So, unfortunately, it may be better to suffer the withdrawals with their full severity, with the knowledge that this will (hopefully) shorten the length of time one takes to recover by two ways. The first is obviously by not over-stimulating the existing receptors we have left, or impeding the growth or repair of down-graded ones, and the second is to help make the body aware that there is a deficiency, so it needs to repair itself. I believe that our bodies are wondrous things with great resilience and capacity to not only absorb abuse, but to heal itself. As long as we do the the right thing for example by correcting any glaring deficits (ie vitamin deficiency), we will come good. Another thing is to avoid burdening our livers as much as possible, so only liver-friendly supplements. Unfortunately, it takes different amounts of time, however, we are not helpless, or "victims". We can take control and empower ourselves by acknowledging that we are nurturing our bodies, and this will also pay off in the long run. Also, I have found that being unwell for a long time (in my case 17 months since I originally started my treatment) has taught me a great deal of patience and humility, and I am really excited to achieve "great things" once this withdrawal wears off, which it will, for all of us.
Redbled, received your e mail and will reply when I'm not on one of these diatribes like today. Certainly liver function is an issue, but even with someone with a good liver, such as Auntybiotic's daughter, the combination of drugs that are metabolised by it, can lead to excessive blood levels. I stopped taking "Cipralex" (cousin of Lexapro) over 3 months ago, and even then it was only 10mg ie 1/2 a tablet. Also, I have liver impairment although from what I can gather, it is already healing itself, after a probably successful treatment (I find out definitely in 5 weeks).
Auntbiotic, no doubt you are celebrating holidays as well as school holidays for your daughter. I'm just wondering that the lack of stress or pressure makes a difference to your daughter's symptoms and speed of recovery. In other words, would it be feasible to slightly speed up the taper over this relatively relaxing break?
Miss Lee, thanks for the kind words and the kisses and hugs. Keep up the good work with the weight gain, and you'll be even more huggable than you would be now!!! I also believe we are all well on the way to normality, so we can just continue to be patient...
Mohannie, when one is going through a difficult time, any self-reflection will be coloured by your emotional state, so I would advise you to not make any big decisions or judgments, just give yourself the time and opportunity to clear your head and heal your body. However, putting your own interests first is not selfishness, but self-fullness, it is only the former if you do it at the expense of others. Are you taking the Alprazolam? This may have something to do with the detached feeling you have...

Live long and prosper.

[Redbled]

Nice stuff Mr. Spock. I will be printing it and sharing it with my wife, who does most all of our cooking I'm becomming more and more convinced that diet plays a huge role in this whole affair. Chocolate really messes me up. Other things have as well, cheese I still believe in excess was not good for me. Neither were several egg salad sandwiches I ate a couple of days ago. I'm very tempted to eat only rice for a few days and add other foods back slowly to see what reactions I get. Yet another interesting thing for me is this. I do better when I am at home, working and living my normal life than I do traveling to see family for Christmas. There is much more stress to me there than the regular routine. But its been good from the standpoint that I'm further a believer that the external stresses around us really impact the way we feel. As a wise woman once said, "living is not only for the healthy"

[auntybiotic]

Mr. Spock,

I have tried to "speed up the tapers" during breaks and it was a diaster. She strugles so much daily at school to keep up her A grades and complete all her assignments in spite of the withdrawal.

She looks forward to the holidays to enjoy herself. It would not be fair to make her feel anxious even more then with the normal slow taper. She might spend the week emotional with anger spurts and not sleeping as I have found out. I play it by ear by how she responds to the tapers. If she is tolerating it well I may do the next taper in 3 weeks instead of four.

Remember the turtle wins the race. As much as I hate Lexapro.......I realize the importance of helping her life remain on a even level..........remember she is a teenager and I have hormones to deal with also so I try to time the tapers away from that time of month. I also want to enable her receptors a chance to get use to lesser amounts of the serotonin..............it is really a juggling act. In the long run, I have found that the slowest of tapers have ended up with the least amount of disfunction in the long run.

This has been a nightmare for all of us. Three of her fiends are on Lexapro for various reasons.I feel sorry for the time they decide to stop.

[enaek]

Is vomiting a withdrawal symptom for any of you? Both this past weekend and the weekend before I was very nauseous and threw up. I was visiting family both weekends and I'm trying to determine if it was caused by withdrawal (I'm 3 weeks off Lex) or anxiety from being around my family...

[mohannie]

Mr Spock,

The only thing I'm currently taking is Paxil. I had a rough Christmas as well, but I made it through. I saw my therapist for the first time today and the session went well. I am going to see him every two weeks, and through this, I hope to be able to determine where my depression stems from and how to best manage it. To everyone, I would like to say hang in there and we will all get through this together.

[mohannie]

Enaek,

I've experienced nausea wiht Lexapro, but I haven't actually vomited while taking it. The nausea has been terrible though.

quote:Originally posted by enaek

Is vomiting a withdrawal symptom for any of you? Both this past weekend and the weekend before I was very nauseous and threw up. I was visiting family both weekends and I'm trying to determine if it was caused by withdrawal (I'm 3 weeks off Lex) or anxiety from being around my family...

[MAETIGGER39]

quote:Originally posted by enaek

Is vomiting a withdrawal symptom for any of you? Both this past weekend and the weekend before I was very nauseous and threw up. I was visiting family both weekends and I'm trying to determine if it was caused by withdrawal (I'm 3 weeks off Lex) or anxiety from being around my family...

I REMEMBER BEING NAUSEOUS & HAVING REALLY BAD HEADACHES,THE EMOTIONALLY RELATED WITHDRAWLS DID'NT TAKE A STRONG HOLD UNTIL ABOUT SIX WEEKS OFF.AND I'D SAY 4MONTHS LATER ANXIETY STARTED REALLY RAGING IN.BUT I'M DEALING WITH IT ONE DAY AT A TIME! THE MAJORITY OF PHYSICAL WOES ENDED ABOUT THE TIME THE EMOTIONAL ONES BEGAN.

[Mr Spock]

Redbled,
From my experience, I do believe that any extra form of stress or too much exercise is going to make you feel worse when you stop. If I am in a situation when I need to "perform" I dont feel too bad at the time, as this is when other neuro-transmitters such as adrenalin, and maybe endo-morphs will take over. Moderate exercise is known to increase serotonin levels as well, however, as alluded to yesterday, this is not the problem. So, at the moment, we are more vulnerable to becoming exhausted easier, so when we stop, and the day after or so, we feel more fatigued than usual. Having said that, I am going to have to mow the lawns this afternoon, so will be a wreck tomorrow!!!! As far as diet goes, download the link from Kendra's post a couple or so pages back. I found it really interesting and useful.
Mohannie, keep it up, and if you can, don't go on the Alprazolam. How are you sleeping?
Enaek, a lot of the serotonin receptors are in the gut, so your vomiting could be related to withdrawals...
Auntbiotic, I fully understand your approach, and as you are in it for the long haul, a month here or there is of no consequence if it lessens the impact on your daughter. No child should have to go what she is enduring, thank goodness that she has a mother who is really on the ball. The other thing is that from the anecdotes that I have read on various posts, is that the closer one gets to being off the drug completely, the harder it is, so it may be a case of having to taper even more slowly towards that inevitable goal...
Miss Lee, how are your physical symptoms these days? Have they settled so that you are now in "stage 2" (which is where the physical symptoms abate but one still has the psychological one's such as anxiety and depression to deal with) yet?

Peace and long life.

[mohannie]

Mr Spock,

I'm currently taking Lunesta in order to sleep through the night. I still find myself waking up periodically. I'm not sure if I need a stronger dose or not. I like Lunesta because it's non-narcotic. I still find myself being tired when I wake up in the morning. I'm not sure what's causing this because the Lunesta should take care of that.

[Shifty]

On Paxil I felt intense nausea and stomache pain for the first 2-4 weeks. I never threw up though.

I have noticed that I get sick when I visit family because I'm exposed to new viruses I don't normallly encounter in my area. I get sick like clockwork every holiday season and I doubt it's the stress, because I actually enjoy my family once I finally get the guts up to leave my house.

My treatment with Lithium is going really well. I didn't experience any panic attacks or anger tantrums during the holidays this year (a first in a long time) I even hung up some lights, which I used to love before I was crippled with my illness.

Hang in there guys, the holiday season is almost over. I know it's lovely and terrible all at the same time.

Even though I feel like I'm getting better, it really helps me to know there are others out there feeling the way I am. I still keep coming here because as well as I feel, I still want to have friends here if things turn out for the worse.


---

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

Currently:
450mg Eskalith CR (Lithium)

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

Quit Lexapro cold-turkey Dec 22, 2005

Ask me anything, nothing is off-limits.

Shifty

[Kendra]

I've been off of Lexapro for two weeks now. Taking the advice of Aunty and a few others, I began to take Omega-3 about a week ago. I don't know if it's psycho-somatic (sp) but the ravenous hunger is finally going away. I actually ate only 3 meals yesterday (instead of the 10 or more). Too soon for any weight loss though.

I "survived" Christmas with only one major crying jag, which was amazing since I spent Christmas Eve and most of Christmas Day alone. I'm still experiencing dizziness and occasional confusion.

Mohannie, you mentioned feeling groggy after Lunesta. I didn't at first, but once the Lex kicked in, I couldn't seem to sleep enough. I normally need 9 hours of sleep but can function with 7 or so. When weaning from Lex and then taking Lunesta, I would wake up after 12 (yes) hours of sleep feeling tired enough to sleep 12 more.

I try to visit this board once a day. I wish nothing but good health and happiness to all of you in 2006. That may sound like a sappy Hallmark card, but I mean it. Literally, may God help us all.

_________________

Just say no - to Lex-a-Pro!

[mohannie]

Kendra,

I've been known to sleep like that when taking the Lexapro with Lunesta. No matter how much I slept, it never seemed like enough. I think the Paxil is kicking in now, because I'm feeling very little emotion today. In situations where I should be upset, I'm not. I have been able to focus on work a little more, which is good. I hope everyone is doing well and just remember, that we will all get through this!

[auntybiotic]

Serotonin and Aggression: "The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Effect" By
> Cardwell C. Nuckols, PhD
> Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr.
Hyde
> demonstrates that "good" and "evil" can exist within a single
person.
> As you might remember, Dr. Jekyll ingests a formula and is
> transformed from a mild-mannered English physician into an
> antisocial, violent criminal.
>
> Any formula that interferes with the actions of serotonin in the
> brain can bring about changes that resemble Jekyll's
transformation
> to Hyde. While less dramatic than the Mr. Hyde effect, serotonin
> deficiency can create tendencies toward anxiety, depression, out-
of-
> control impulsivity, and violence toward self and others.
Considering
> our current understanding of neurochemistry, Jekyll's formula may
> well have contained a potent anti-serotonergic drug
(http://www.life-
> enhancement.com/article_template.asp?ID=208).
>
> Researchers have found that violence related to low serotonin
levels
> can be either inner- or outer-directed. P. Placidi and colleagues
> studied 93 individuals suffering from depression. These
researchers
> found that a higher level of aggression was strongly associated
with
> lower cerebrospinal fluid levels of 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-
> HIAA). 5-HIAA is a major metabolite of serotonin. Their data also
> revealed that lower levels of 5-HIAA were found in successful
suicide
> attempters (Placidi, et al., 2001).
>
> A group of Danish scientists measured levels of 5-HIAA in 16 men
> convicted of homicide, 22 men who attempted suicide and 39 healthy
> male controls. The lowest levels of 5-HIAA were found in those men
> who had killed a sexual partner or had attempted suicide (Lidberg,
et
> al., 1985).
>
> Many studies have found that low serotonin levels are linked to
> aggression, alcohol abuse and mental illness. At the National
> Institutes of Health (NIH) Primate Center in Poolesville, Md.,
> researchers Suomi and Higley studied the link between behavior,
> serotonin and environment in rhesus monkeys. They found that 5 to
10
> percent of monkeys in the wild and laboratory populations have
> elevated impulsivity and aggression. These monkeys also have the
> lowest levels of serotonin when compared to the rest of the
> population. In the lab, they're antisocial, inappropriately
> aggressive and will drink to intoxication. In the wild, these
monkeys
> seek out danger. They will make risky leaps between trees that
other
> monkeys would never attempt
> (http://faculty.riohondo.edu/mpilati/.../serotonin.htm).
>
> It has been more than one hundred years since Stevenson's literary
> masterpiece. In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have
created a
> number of pharmacological agents that can produce Jekyll-and-Hyde-
> like changes.
>
> The appetite-suppressors fenfluramine (Pondimin and Ionamin) and
> dexfenfluramine (Redux) both act by depleting serotonin and may
> permanently destroy serotonergic neurons in the brain. Even weight-
> loss diets that are extremely low in fat have caused Hyde-like
> behavior patterns in some people.
>
> Severe irritability and aggression have been attributed to
> cholesterol-lowering medications called "statins"
> (http://www.americanchiropractor.com/...276&category=4).
> Among the best studied of the "statins" are Lopid, Questran,
Lescol,
> Mevacor, Zocor and Pravachol. In another study, patients with low
> cholesterol showed hypersensitivity to detecting anger and sadness
in
> themselves (Penttinen, 1995). Low serotonin levels appear to be
> involved.
>
> The relationship between alcohol, depression, and violence is well
> known. A high proportion of suicide victims are found to have been
> drinking heavily at the time of their death. Similarly,
perpetrators
> of violent crimes are often intoxicated when they commit a crime
> (Murdoch, et al., 1990).
>
> In animal studies, some drugs that decrease serotonin activity
> increase alcohol consumption. When animals are given drugs that
> enhance serotonin activity (serotonin, tryptophan, 5-HTP or an
SSRI),
> they drink less alcohol. Rats that have been bred to prefer
drinking
> alcohol to water have been found to have reduced serotonin
activity
> compared with normal rats (Pihl, et al., 1993).
>
> Human studies have consistently demonstrated reduced alcohol
intake
> among various groups, including social drinkers and alcohol-
dependent
> males, taking SSRIs (Pihl, et al., 1993). Alcoholics have also
been
> shown to have reduced serotonin activity as indicated by low
levels
> of 5-HIAA (LeMarquand, et al., 1994). As alcoholics progress in
their
> illness, they become less able to control their emotions and
physical
> actions.
>
> Pihl, et al., state that people with low serotonin are likely "to
> appear depressed and aggressive, more driven by appetites (more
> motivated by food, water, sex, and drugs of abuse), and more
> impulsive (less able to control behavior) in the face of threat."
> They may also be more likely to use aggression to achieve rewards.
> Specifically with regard to alcohol, decreased serotonin may lead
to
> an inability to terminate drinking once started. And if a person
with
> low serotonin levels starts drinking, they likely will exhibit an
> increase in aggressive behavior.
>
> In some people and in some situations medications that can enhance
> life can also create unhealthy dispositions. In every situation,
risk
> must be measured versus benefit. Because of the serotonergic
lowering
> effects caused by such drugs as the "statins", for some the risks
> outweigh the benefits. Mr. Hyde-like problems make there use
> untenable. In the case of Redux and fenfluramine (the "fen" in fen-
> phen), both drugs have been removed from the market in great part
due
> to the underlying anti-serotonergic effects. The actions of
serotonin
> in the brain are not extremely well understood. What does seem
clear
> is that alterations of serotonin levels can have far-reaching
> cognitive, emotional and behavioral impact.
>
> Cardwell C. Nuckols, MA, PhD (cnuckols@e...) is President of
> Cardwell C. Nuckols and Associates, LLC, a national and
international
> training and consulting
> organization.
>
> Reference

[Miss Lee]

Mr. Spock-
(and all)
I never truly felt depressed. I did feel hopeless that this wouldn't end and scared of the word "suicide". But depressed, not really. I am a lucky gal to have all the symptoms together in one huge bag. I haven't cried in awhile (three days) and the episodes are only lasting a few minutes (where they used to last all day) Maybe that was my depression. I am still "WAY TOo THIN" and the trembling is still there. I have an extreme back ache up near my heart. The base of my head hurts. But my heart has mostly stopped dropping beats (excpet if I am exhuasted). I do notice that If I get overtired- I am more bothered by lights and noise. I also stopped fellowshiping with my problem. That has helped.

Hand in there all. I do conclude that cold turkey has proven to be the most devestating in the withdrawal stages.

Miss Lee (3.9 months off after an extreme reaction to lex.)

[sunnyrose]

Hello, I'm new to this group, I've read a number of posts re: lexapro withdrawel. Does anyone have any advice for me. I was taking 15 mg of lexapro. I was on lexapro for 1 1/2 years (I was on 15 mg for the last year. Before lexapro, I was on 40 mg of celexa for about 2 years. I reduced the lexapro dosage over 20 days and got off of it on 11/1/05 (per my psychiatrists instructions). About 4 weeks later on 11/29, i started having withdrawel symptoms, twitching throughtout my body, especially in my legs, fatigue, reduced digestion-some stomach pain and more easily bloated after meals, crying more easily. I've had these symptoms for the past 4 weeks.

I'm not sure if i should go back on the lexapro-a small dosage and slowly taper off. I've heard that an abrupt withdrawel can prolong the withdrawel symptoms. Does anyone have any knowledge of this? Or should I focus on healing-proper nutrition, exercise, supplementation? I'm concerned about the twitching(involuntary muscle movements) not going away. It scares me to think about what if they are permanent. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[melccu]

Maetigger,

I can totally relate to what you have said. Began the meds two years ago to help me cope with overwhelming circumstancs of which I had absolutly no control over. After weaning myself I have been totally of Lex for six weeks now. Once the physical side effects subsided, the emotional ones imediately threw me for a loop. spent the last three weeks without a dry eye...and for what reason?? not a clue. I keep thinking of it as a relapse of depression. The last three days have been a complete blessing in that my emotional status has leveled around a 6 (kinda in the numb range). How long did this last for you? Is it a false sense of secutity that im beginning to "feel" better or seriously, should I brace myself on the emotional rollercoaster to continue? I have not introduced any other vitamins or suplements yet. My doc doesnt even know I took myself off the meds. I plan to talk with her at my next appointment (01/31). I dont want to take the wrong thing and prolong the withdrawl process. I am sooo glad that im not alone here, I truly am in my "real life", nobody understands what it is Im going through except you guys which brings a sense of comfort...Im really not "loosing it"!

[angel144]

Hi I want to thank everybody. I went off lexapro cold turkey about a month and a half ago. Yes I feel dizzy and confused at times still. But the thing is I FEEL!!!! I don't believe that everybody should be off all anti-depression meds. But let me tell you I have never felt better in my life!! Yes I cry but why is that so wrong. I have feelings. I also get angry. But I am also allowed to do that. I am NOT sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day anymore. With the help of two .25 zanix (the generic form) I get 7 to 8 hours of sleep and feel rested.
No my life is not wonderful. I still see my Doctor. But let me tell you I am out of a fog that I had been in for 5 years. And I feel wonderful (yes I know I can't say it enough!!} I finally had realations with my husband and oh my god I remember what got us together in the first place. (if you catch my meaning[:I]} I get up in the morning and go out. I want to take that shower and put makeup on. I started making breakfast for my son again. And he is not asking me if I need a nap!! The funny thing is My mother is still dieing. She has cancer. I am still getting a hysterectomy at the end of January. But I am getting threw the hurt and the pain. with talking to my Doctor and friends and of course you guys. I am off sleep mode and I feel great!!!!! So everybody who is going threw withdrawl. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and let me just tell you, you remember what life is about. My 8 year old doesn't even know who I am. but he likes this mommy alot better then the old one he tells me. I would never and I mean never go back on this drug again. I feel it does good in the beginning and then you just forget how to live and let the drug take over. Thanx for letting me ramble. It has just been 5 years since I have been this happy and nope nothing changed in my life except I got off Lexapro!!! Be good

[MAETIGGER39]

[quote]Originally posted by melccu

Maetigger,

It may vary per individual,my crying is no longer all day, but I know I cry more than I used to before the medication,& it bothers me.Maybe three-five short cries the week before my period or the week after then I'm better.Intially it was not in that cycle.I also struggle a little with the detached feeling.It is hard to describe....but the good news is in time these things improve.Now had I not found lots of little places like this where men & women report the same symtoms,I may have believed it was me.But I think it was the drug & it takes your brain a long time to re-adjust.&If you went on due to trauma you couldn't control,you still gotta deal with that,they just put a bandaid on it for us,but we still have a boo boo that will take time to heal.Also if you had anxiety or depression don't be surprised if you still do.The medication didn't cure it,it was only novocaine.Myself I'm choosing to adjust as naturally as possible,healthy diet,excercise,prayer,vitamins,and I will use a half a xanax for panic attacks occasionally.I do not want to be addicted to any drugs,& I do not want to take a drug long term without full knowledge of risks & side effects of long term use.The talk about the lexapro being non addictive leads you to believe that you can take it for a six-12 month term of trauma,or anxiety,get better & quit & all will be o.k. & that is not what happens when you quit.When you feel well enough & decide hey I don't need this I'm dealing with things fine now,..& you stop...boom you go through emotional termoil for months and I do believe most of us are unprepared for that so we go panicking & crying back to the Dr. who will gladly give you another round of another drug,or even the same one.If my gas tank was leaking gas,and the mechanic suggested I simply keep pouring in more gas,that would not solve the problem now would it? Seek to solve the problem not cover it up,or feed it.And shoot for one day at a time.Thats big for anxiety & depression because when we don't feel well we feel like thats forever.Feelings aren't forever! So you have a bad moment,hang in there,the next moment might feel better.I would prefer laughing spells to crying spells,but then we would likely get locked up.Take Care!

[angel144]

I would also like to thank Aunty. Took your advice and it worked great. I was just wondering. I reread some post. Is it true that in 4 months I will get my anxiety again. Is that a givin in everyone. I was put on lexapo after I had really bad post-pardum (spelling sorry) depression. Since I was 20 always delt with panic disorder. Drank threw alot of it. Got sober 12 years ago. I was doing ok until the birth of my son. So they put me on Lex. and Zanix. I am still on the Zanix to sleep. On a lower dose then what they started me on.
Started .25 4x a day. I went down to one a day. And know I am on 2 so I can sleep at night. Without having anixiety. I am doing ok with the anxiety so far. Only one anxiety attack but thank god it was not a panic attack (will take anxiety over panic any day) I know that there is alot of questions here. but if you have any answers I would appreciate them. Thank you (sorry about the spelling)

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by auntybiotic
> Many studies have found that low serotonin levels are linked to
> aggression, alcohol abuse and mental illness.

Reading this article is making me wonder if I made the right decision in quitting lexapro.

I still don't feel that any of these studies are 100% accurate though. How many times have we thought a side-effect was a cause and been proved wrong.

As an example: People who drink softdrinks stay up later than people who don't. Study #1: soft drinks have lots of sugar, it must be the sugar. Ban all sugar. Study #2: Caffeine-free drinks don't have the same effect. Ban all caffeine. If only anti-depressants were this obvious.

The problem is, in my opinion, the overwhelming amount of variables that are involved in brain-effecting drugs. Let me start a short list:
1) Misdiagnosis: Is it depression, bipolar, schitzo, low self-esteem, or something we can't even describe as a disease with our technology?
2) Our inability to control variables: We do not know what people are thinking. Problem #1 makes this problem even worse.
3) Patient inability to understand all of the symptoms: We don't always catch all of the things that are happening to us. If somebody reads us a list, we usually have exibited everything on the list to some degree, so the data becomes useless.
4) Doctor community support: Alot of doctors don't understand depression and treat their patients like criminals. Non-doctors are usually worse. It's not their fault, it's so easy to judge someone when you have never experienced it yourself. "I'm so depressed", "awwwww shuddup and get a job!"

All of these issues make mental health a big challenge. Just because a lab rat becomes more agressive doesn't mean seratonin levels are to blame. It could be another issue which lowers your seratonin and makes you more agressive so it looks like seratonin is the problem.

I can't really speak about the effectiveness of SSRI's because all they ever made me feel was emotionless/fearless and they never solved my real problem.

I just wanted to add my two cents, if it's worth anything.


---

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

Currently:
450mg Eskalith CR (Lithium)

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

Quit Lexapro cold-turkey Dec 22, 2005

Ask me anything, nothing is off-limits.

Shifty

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by angel144

Hi I want to thank everybody. I went off lexapro cold turkey about a month and a half ago. Yes I feel dizzy and confused at times still. But the thing is I FEEL!!!!

I think this is a very important point. I experienced the same joy when I got off of Paxil both times. Yes, there was crying, but it felt damn good to feel something.

You keep going and let us know how you are doing. Don't be a stranger!

---

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

Currently:
450mg Eskalith CR (Lithium)

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

Quit Lexapro cold-turkey Dec 22, 2005

Ask me anything, nothing is off-limits.

Shifty

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by angel144

I would also like to thank Aunty. Took your advice and it worked great. I was just wondering. I reread some post. Is it true that in 4 months I will get my anxiety again. Is that a givin in everyone.

If you are bipolar. Which post suggested that?

---

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

Currently:
450mg Eskalith CR (Lithium)

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

Quit Lexapro cold-turkey Dec 22, 2005

Ask me anything, nothing is off-limits.

Shifty

[mohannie]

I guys,

I totally agree with the non-feeling on Paxil. There are very few things I care about and I'm in this contstant dizzy state. Today has been a good day so far, although I'm constantly coughing. I do find myself yelling at cars on the road, but people drive crazy sometimes. Have a good day everybody.

[Redbled]

I had a question for those of you specifically who were put on Lexapro for short term issues, though I would love to hear from others as well. I keep thinking there has to be common variables on why some people have these withdrawal effects and some do not. Mr. Spock and I are both vegetarians, but I'm sure that has nothing to do with it. Why do doctors know very little about the effects we are dealing with? Has to be of course because we are in a serious minority of the people that have taking Lex. How many of you drink? I don't, never have, and wondered if that could be a factor? I doubt it is, but was just sitting here today trying to think of common links as to why some bodies were effected and some were not. We have talked about the liver function being different, is that the primary cause? And if it is, why are our livers different. Forgive the rambling, just trying to see where it leads.

Only took Lexapro for 10 days, as a doctors response to my brief anxiety over a treatable medical condition. Took my last pill at the very end of August.