[vestabula]

Mims...I had the crawling sensations on my legs before Lexparo...I was dx'd with restless leg on top of everything else...But. 'Crawling/creeping/numbness sensations are a side effect of both taking the drug and withdrawing from it. Of course, I didn't know this when I started the drug. It 'heightens the symptoms of RLS' according to Lexapro's own site. Did my doctor tell me this? I haven't slept with my husband in two years because of my leg movements that are involuntary as I try to relieve the crawling sensations. So the drug made that worse and I kept the hubby form getting any sleep. Lovely.

Pugs...as far as the lack of emotion...I was an emotionless drone for the two years I was on this drug. I can not tell you how many tmes a day I would say 'I don't care'. And I didn't. At one point, we were concerned that I might have Sjogrens Disease because I could not produce any tears. I cried once in two years and that was when my 18 year old Dalmation died...she was my comfort and best friend. But the tears sure are flowing now...and I have saliva back (the dry mouth was horrific and all the glands would swell when I ate)...so I'm not going to worry about the Sjogrens.

Fibro symptoms are common with Lexapro withdrawal. I hope they go away for you all...I really do have Fibro and have learned to live with it but it's hard. There's a new pain surprise every day but I know the differnce between the pain I am having from Lexapro and my fibro flares. I'll take the fibro.

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by pboy

Just curious, what is the difference between fibro type pain and regular muscular aches?
Since Lexapro my body aches all over, especially my legs. The magnesium helps but doesnt get rid of it completely. Also my circulation in my arms seems to cut off, like if I'm laying in bed on my arm it goes numb very easily, I never had this before Lex either.

No way, you too? My arms fall asleep easy too when I lay down and asleep. Also, sometimes, the back of my scalp goes numb temporarily while I am asleep. I move my head another direction and it goes away. Yeah, I didn't have this pre-Lexapro or during.

Aches and pains?! Low back pain here! It's been chronic, everyday!!! It started 3 months after Lexapro! I got an X-Ray first and was told degenerative joint disease. WHAT?! I'm 33. And then a month later, I get an MRI and I am told probable arachnoiditis (nerve clumping) on my L4, L5 area. WHAT?! I don't match the causes nor the symptoms. I have this annoying dull ache on my low back, in the middle.

Lately, I have been getting this creepy crawly thing on my right leg. It doesn't hurt. It's more annoying than anything. It feels like 1 or 2 ants are on my skin and walk like a couple of inches. Sound familiar anyone?

[pboy]

That does sound familiar Aeroman, I've had a lot of weird crawling sensations in my legs and feet. One day I was panicking because I was stood up and all of a sudden there was this awful pain in my feet, so I couldnt move, I was stood in one spot.
Lately my feet have been going numb to, like the arm thing.

I was reading on wikipedia earlier about fibromyalgia and it said that SSRIs are a TREATMENT for it. What?! Ummmm yeah more like they are a CAUSE.

[rujoking]

well it seems we all have a lot in common -

Aero - I think we have talked about those crawling sensations yes? I still get them in my upper arms and lower legs and have even had them in my abdomen - sometimes it is pins and needle like sometimes in sorta vibrated like a cell phone....so strange

I sure hope the back ache subsides for us all - it is exhausting - like I said, mine is better but still present - some days are better than others....I also have woken with cramps in the arch of my foot! OUCH!

vesta - interesting about the dry mouth - I always have to have gum or a mint in my mouth it is so dry now - this can also wake me at night - I actually feel like my tongue is paper and the is NO moisture at all - I wake to sip water at least once in the night!!!! Have started using toothpaste and mouthwash for dry mouth but it does not help all that much - good grief - what else will this junk throw at us?

All in all not a bad day today - all of these annoyances can get old is all...

Trick or Treat, indeed.....LOL

ruj

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by pboy

That does sound familiar Aeroman, I've had a lot of weird crawling sensations in my legs and feet. One day I was panicking because I was stood up and all of a sudden there was this awful pain in my feet, so I couldnt move, I was stood in one spot.
Lately my feet have been going numb to, like the arm thing.

I was reading on wikipedia earlier about fibromyalgia and it said that SSRIs are a TREATMENT for it. What?! Ummmm yeah more like they are a CAUSE.

Yes, very familiar! I read somewhere that Serotonin is the "Pain Gate Keeper"...how long does your foot numbness last?

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by rujoking

well it seems we all have a lot in common -

Aero - I think we have talked about those crawling sensations yes? I still get them in my upper arms and lower legs and have even had them in my abdomen - sometimes it is pins and needle like sometimes in sorta vibrated like a cell phone....so strange

I sure hope the back ache subsides for us all - it is exhausting - like I said, mine is better but still present - some days are better than others....I also have woken with cramps in the arch of my foot! OUCH!

vesta - interesting about the dry mouth - I always have to have gum or a mint in my mouth it is so dry now - this can also wake me at night - I actually feel like my tongue is paper and the is NO moisture at all - I wake to sip water at least once in the night!!!! Have started using toothpaste and mouthwash for dry mouth but it does not help all that much - good grief - what else will this junk throw at us?

All in all not a bad day today - all of these annoyances can get old is all...

Trick or Treat, indeed.....LOL

ruj

Hey Rujoking,

Yes yes, we did talk about this! You are so right - it is exhausting and it gets me down seeing people walk around, etc. I want out of this rut of pain! and i know you all do too!!!

I used to get that cell phone thing on my left side, below my gut...very annoying

[pboy]

Originally Posted by Aeroman

Yes, very familiar! I read somewhere that Serotonin is the "Pain Gate Keeper"...how long does your foot numbness last?

Luckily not long, it only just started recently, but of course this is probably the tip of the iceberg.

[pboy]

Originally Posted by vestabula

I take three Advil every six to eight hours, which by the way is a no no if you are on Lexapro as it can cause intestinal/stomach bleeding and my Rhuemy didn't even know that much when he put me on it. I also spend a lot of time soaking in a hot tub and use a moist heating pad during flares. Besides the pain, there are so many other symptoms that come with fibro...brain fog, fatigue and I have these crawling sensations on my legs that drive me crazy. Also skin sensativity...even the label on a shirt hurts and raises bumps. I have to say, however, that until I started Lexapro withdrawal I NEVER had this neck/upper back, shoulder pain that is nothing like the burning ache I get from Fibro. I think it is from withdrawal. I also never had headaches like this that feel like a sinus/tension/eyestrain combo. Even the bone behind my ears hurt where the bow of my glasses rest. NOT fibro.

I didnt know that about the intestinal bleeding, is it the same for taking paracetamol? Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in Advil I believe?

Oh and the sinus/tension/eyestrain...sucks doesnt it! I seem to have that constantly...I have never had my eyes ache so much, sometimes I sort of rub the top of my eyeballs above my eyelids for relief, I know that sounds weird but it seems to help. My friend must think Im nuts though!

Also, having a bath and submerging my head in the warm water, washing my hair, then using the hairdryer after...seems to ease my head tension pains for a bit.

[pboy]

Originally Posted by mims

pboy---I have the aching muscles too, even though it's beginning to improve for me. It's worse when I don't sleep well.

Yes Ive noticed that after having a good nights sleep the aches seem a lot better (well, as good a nights sleep as one can get on Lexapro anyway, more like a never-ending dream )

[mims]

ruj, I get cramps in the arches of my feet too. Also the back of my lower leg.
Some improvement recently - maybe the mag is helping.

[preza]

A doctor has recommended me magnesium for cramps at my toes, years before I started lexapro and I am sure it helps.

I am on my 1st week of tapering, and I haven't started magnesium yet. I am keeping it for when the symptoms start, I suppose that it will work better that way.

[zendj]

[QUOTE=auntybiotic;57622]Does anyone have any experience from withdrawaing from Lexapro 20 Mg for one and a half years?? My daughter is having a tough time tapering off lexapro.
She is getting sweats, anxiety, moodieness and manic like actions.

Let me know if anyone has sucessfully weaned off a SSRI and what happened along the way.
Thanks[/QUOTE OFF VERY SLOWLY.....cut down to 10 mg, then eventually 10 every other day....etc. I actually felt so badly that I took 4 months to finally got off of mine. NEVER just stop.....hasn't her doctor told her that????

[CB46]

Is weird head sensation normal during withdrawal ? Like there is cotton inside the head - And like the brain is getting deep fried

The funny part, my thought are not weird or in any kind un-normal

Btw. Great thread

[sayyadina]

I'm around the 5-6 month out mark, and while I do have some moments/days when I'm depressed, it hasn't been too bad for me.

Lately, I've been feeling quite tired and have difficulty getting things done. Though I've had episodes like this prior to going off Lexapro. Been tested for all kinds of things, and nothing has been found that would explain why I feel like this. Even saw a very well know Lyme specialist, and was told that what I was experiencing wasn't Lyme. I think it something like Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia, but none of the doctors I've been to, with various specialties in 2 states, have been able to figure this out. I've had bouts of fatigue & pain while on Lexapro, but it seems worse since going off it. I'm also quite achy & stiff in the cold, and I'm only 26. Have been tested for stuff like Lupus & RA, and I have neither.

Recently, I've started having heart palpitations when I lie down to go to sleep at night. I've had heart testing done in the past, which has shown nothing wrong, so I'm not too worried. But it makes getting to sleep very hard, so I'm going to see my naturopath tomorrow. I've had panic attacks before, and this is different.

Having issues with sinus headaches & fluid in my ears, but I had this before now.

There's so much that I need/want to do, but I don't feel up to it.

[rujoking]

sayyadina - everything you are describing is fairly common in w/d - and all of it will subside in it's own time - if you have not tried magnesium before bed you might consider it....it helps with the palps and can also ease your aches and pains...

CB - yes the cotten, foggy head thing is also common - this will pass but it may take some time...

pboy and vesta - I am convince that the mucle pain is from w/d also.....mine is getting a tad better the last fews weeks which gives me hope!

mims - amazing how alike we have been thru all of this eh? I have not had a cramp in my arches in a while - still waiting for the mag glycinate to arrive and will update everyone after I try it (still taking the mag oxide until it arrives though)

hang in there everyone,

ruj

[pboy]

ruj, it'll be good to hear how you get on with the Glycinate, I'm curious to see if it works better than the Malate. Once I run out I might try some.

[mims]

Somebody recently posted on paxilprogress.org about palpitations while in bed. If you'd like to read it, Go to that site and look under the 'general discussion' thread - the title of the thread was something like 'a trick someone told me' - has to do with sleeping position. This was just posted 3 or 4 days ago (by 'palm' I think) so it should be easy to find.

[pboy]

Ok I discovered today that it seems to be after walking a lot that I get my leg pains. Anyone else find that? It may seem kind of obvious, I know.

[pboy]

Ok I have a question for anyone who might know, or if you're reading auntybiotic.

I have noticed in the mornings when I get up that I have a 'pain' when I urinate, and even after. It's in the pubic area (sorry to be graphic) below the stomach. I can feel it now. Sort of like I need to pee, even though I dont. As I was walking home from shopping it was quite distracting.

My concern is that it's connected to kidney or liver problems. I dont really understand much about that sort of thing so can anyone relate?
Aunty, did you have your daughter checked for such problems after coming off Lex?

[mims]

pboy -- it's easy to blame all problems on w/d, but maybe you should see a doctor about those problems if they continue. You could have urinary tract infection, or something like that.

[babybottom]

I had the feelings to urinate all the time and would wake up several times a night to pee.I still feel the pressure there or a twinge but nothing really in there.I don't know if it's related or not to my own abrupt withdrawal.Since I've lost a few pounds it might have gotten a little bit better.Hope yours gets better.It sucks feeling like you have to pee all the time.

[mimmie2008]

Hey all. As some of you know, I was given Lexapro because of some stress that I was going through on 01/01/07. Apparently, I had an allergic reaction to it and could not take it and it caused a huge amount of problems for me for a very long time.

I have finally gotten away from most of the side effects of the horrible drug. I am STILL having problems with my vision. There isn't any known reason why my vision is blurring all of the time or why I am dizzy all of the time OR why I can not deal with any drama or stressful situations at all or in any way. I just can not cope with anything out of the ordinary and especially any disaster type problems.

I recently purchased a new set of tires and a week later I hit a sharp rock in our drive way. The tire was destroyed. I freaked. It was like the end of the world. It was so horrible. I had visions of the car falling off the jack and being destroyed. I just knew that the rim would be demolished. Afterwards I realize that it was nothing, but during the problem it is horrifying.

Any little thing will send me racing to my room where I will barracade myself with music and darkness. I can not seem to do the required steps to solve a problem anymore. It's like the amount of steps needed to correct the problem is MONUMENTAL. It is so horrific that I can't function.

My dishwasher needs to be replaced. The poor thing has lasted for 15 years. Just thinking of all the steps to get it done makes me break out in a cold sweat. My hands shake. My stomach clenches. The dizziness takes over. My heart pounds. I can't breathe. I just do the dishes by hand. It's just not worth it.

Thank goodness the zaps are gone and all those other annoying problems, but I don't know how much longer I can deal with the anxiety that is just getting worse. It amazes me that I never had it before the lexapro.

I DO NOT want to have to TRY to take any drugs for this problem, since drugs is what caused the problem in the first place. The doctor who gave me the lexapro even gave me valium to take to keep me calm till the lexapro was in my system. Good grief. Valium makes me feel like my head is going to spin right off. Trying to meditate and doing breathing exercises seems to help but you can't run to your room and hide all of the time AND I am getting pretty tired of washing dishes.

[rujoking]

I had the pressure feeling for months.also..I went away....I just drank a lot of water and cranberry juice and used a product called D-mannose to ward off a UTI..very good results..

Aero - are you sitll getting the acupuncture for the back?...my pain waxes and wanes...cannot figure this out..this seems to be my longest lasting problem.??? I got my my mag glycinate in the mail today...willl try a small dose tonight (right now!) before bed...

vestabula and saryadina...you guys doing okay...stay with us ...good vibes coming your way..

ruj

[rujoking]

mimmie - good to have you back here...I see we were posting at the same time...lol

have you looked into to Cognitive behavioral therapy or anything like that..it never helped me much but
just a thought..also the books by Claire Weekes are very encouraging...

I have to think that those of us who went on this junk for anxiety are now left with an exacerbated problem when we get off...understanding that the symptoms won't hurt you and what they are doing can help a lot..

mimmie (or anyone else) - you can e-mail me at crazy-inca@hotmail.com....the e-mail function on this site is not enabled lately...

ruj

[vestabula]

I'm still hanging in there. Have had the worst fibro flare this week...it's so hard to tell what are withdrawal symptoms and what I can blame on the stupid fibromyalgia. Still get the swishing sensation when I move my head. Constant leg tingling and crawling. My vision is still blurred when I try to read or write on the computer.

I am trying to socialize more but it is very difficult. We played Bridge the other night and everytime I turned my head to talk to someone I got zapped. I could barely see the numbers on the cards. But...can't isolate myself. I'm afraid I'll lose all my friends.

Just wondering...do you all tell people what is going on or do you just try to function normally, and let them wonder why you are acting so disconnected and in obvious discomfort?

I'm only at week five...or maybe six. Don't even know anymore.

Be well...and so glad you are all here.

Donna

[pboy]

Originally Posted by vestabula

I am trying to socialize more but it is very difficult. We played Bridge the other night and everytime I turned my head to talk to someone I got zapped. I could barely see the numbers on the cards. But...can't isolate myself. I'm afraid I'll lose all my friends.

Just wondering...do you all tell people what is going on or do you just try to function normally, and let them wonder why you are acting so disconnected and in obvious discomfort?

Hey thats great that youre socializing despite all of this. Since this experience I have been isolating myself too much.

I told my best friend about the withdrawal and he's been very supportive of me. If Im feeling anxious or down, I will tell him. I've tried telling another friend, but he didnt really understand. So I guess it depends on what your friends are like, and how close you are.

The truth is though that no one but those who go through this will ever understand what it's really like.

vesta, did you cold turkey or taper? (sorry i cant remember)

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by rujoking

I had the pressure feeling for months.also..I went away....I just drank a lot of water and cranberry juice and used a product called D-mannose to ward off a UTI..very good results..

Aero - are you sitll getting the acupuncture for the back?...my pain waxes and wanes...cannot figure this out..this seems to be my longest lasting problem.??? I got my my mag glycinate in the mail today...willl try a small dose tonight (right now!) before bed...

vestabula and saryadina...you guys doing okay...stay with us ...good vibes coming your way..

ruj

Hi ruj, I went to acupuncture yesterday. I get it twice a week for the last 2-3 weeks. Its flared up more than usual lately. Yesterday I felt the pain go down to a 3 or 4. Today its back up to a 7 or 8. I hate this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[vestabula]

Pboy...I tapered over the course of four months but just stopped after a week of being on 2.5mgs. I guess that's why I'm in so much trouble!

Donna

[pboy]

Originally Posted by vestabula

Pboy...I tapered over the course of four months but just stopped after a week of being on 2.5mgs. I guess that's why I'm in so much trouble!

Donna

Yeah that does sound like too fast a taper...I'm only dropping by 0.2mg every 3 weeks or so.

Have you considered re-instating? I dont want to advise to do that but, it might give you a better quality of life while you taper down.

[vestabula]

Pboy...I think it is too late to reinstate now. I have been keeping in touch with my pharmacist who has been trying to get off this horrible drug for three years...but has had such dibilitating symptoms that she keeps on taking it, as she can't work with the zaps and dizziness. Anyway...she tells me afer 5 or six weeks of going off, I would probably suffer from the symtoms I had from going on it initially. Those were a real treat too. BTW...she has tapered very slowly also and still had horrfic withdrawals anyway. She gave me her phone number and asked me to call her if I found anything that would help her withdraw so she could do her job. Even all of the info she gets for every drug she distributes does not mention these horrible withdrawl symptoms. Just the ole 'consult your doctor before discontinuing this drug' and 'never stop abruptly'.

I am just going to try to duke it out..I've gone this far. But boy oh boy...what a life altering experience!