[Kendra]

Hi Red,

To answer some of your questions regarding *my* experience:

I was on Lex short term (two months). I drink occasionally (a wine cooler or a beer here and there) but didn't touch a drop the whole time I was on Lex. I'm not a vegetarian. I'm a 37 year old female who was in moderately (but not excellent) physical shape before I started this drug. Lexapro seemed to have all (negative) physical effects and no good psychological effects on me.

"Why do doctors know very little about the effects we are dealing with?" Doctors are no longer doctors. They are puppets for HMOs and salespeople for drug companies. Look at all the stupid drug commercials on TV that say, "ask your doctor." Its like the medically untrained (us) are supposed to make the decision regarding treatment and convince our doctors to write a prescription. They are more sales pitches than they are suggestions for treatment. I think doctors are sold on the "benefits" of the drugs and not told too much about the downsides. After all, if a drug is seen as "faulty" no doctor with a conscience would be able to "upsell" it.

Also, I'm a very vocal person. I made sure to tell my doctor just what this drug did to me. Another friend of mine did the same with a drug that he was on. But I was STUNNED to talk to other friends who weren't even aware of WHY they were having certain symptoms. And those who DID know didn't want to "bother" the doctor with feedback or speak up. *sigh* Until I found this board, I had no idea why I was feeling what I was feeling. I thought the sweats were a fever. I also had sinus pressure. So maybe I was getting sick. I blamed the weight gain on simply just eating more and figured that was stress. I blamed the dizziness and confusion on not eating right and not getting enough sleep. I blamed the insomnia on worrying too much. And I blamed my lack of energy on the insomnia. I consider my self to be an intelligent person but before I found this board, I had NO CLUE that the symptoms I was experiencing were due to Lexapro.

I'd like to know how the clinical trials are done on these meds because its like WE are the test group. I wonder how many people are tested. Someone once told me that you can't trust ratios like "4 out of 5 people experienced no side effects." That sounds like a great percentage, but in reality, they ONLY need to survey FIVE people. Scary!

Regarding our different reactions to this drug, I can tell you that regarding other drugs, I seem to always be the exception. Pain pills tend to do nothing to me. Other people report a decrease in pain and severe drowsiness. I experience nothing. The pain remains and I don't get sleepy. As a teen I hung around a bit with a bad crowd who smoked pot. They seemed to really be happy and mellow from it. So I tried it. Nothing. No mellowness. Not even the munchies. I tried a few more times after that. Same thing. I've seen some people drink and get totally blitzed and not even know the next day what they've done. I've gotten totally blitzed and get more tired with each drink. According to friends, I don't act that different drunk than I do sober. I just seem to get sleepy!

At first I didn't want to believe that Lexapro was doing all of this bad stuff to me. There was just no way. After all, drugs hardly ever have any effect on me. My mind and body have always been too strong to be controlled. Ha! So much for that. If I had no internet or computer, I wouldn't have found this board. And I would still be taking Lexapro, having no idea that my feeling bad was because of that drug.

_________________

Just say no - to Lex-a-Pro!

[RedPA]

Hi all,
I haven't been posting for a while, so just took a few hours to try to catch up on all the new posts.

Answering some questions of my profile for Lexapro usage: I'm a 39 yr old female who was in excellent physical condition prior to the last few yrs (last 2 on Lexapro). I have a drink very rarely. I am not a vegetarian. I feel that my liver has some issues with it as I've decreased my Lex dosage the last few months (I'm not completely off it yet). I still have yet to lose a pound of the weight I've put on the last couple yrs, and my stomach is very bloated.

quote:Originally posted by Kendra



Also, I'm a very vocal person. I made sure to tell my doctor just what this drug did to me. Another friend of mine did the same with a drug that he was on. But I was STUNNED to talk to other friends who weren't even aware of WHY they were having certain symptoms. And those who DID know didn't want to "bother" the doctor with feedback or speak up. *sigh* Until I found this board, I had no idea why I was feeling what I was feeling. I thought the sweats were a fever. I also had sinus pressure. So maybe I was getting sick. I blamed the weight gain on simply just eating more and figured that was stress. I blamed the dizziness and confusion on not eating right and not getting enough sleep. I blamed the insomnia on worrying too much. And I blamed my lack of energy on the insomnia. I consider my self to be an intelligent person but before I found this board, I had NO CLUE that the symptoms I was experiencing were due to Lexapro.

... If I had no internet or computer, I wouldn't have found this board. And I would still be taking Lexapro, having no idea that my feeling bad was because of that drug.

_________________

I agree with everything you are saying, Kendra. Plus, my physician wanted me to stay on Lexapro (was taking 20 mg for much of the time), and blamed my weight gain, my mind fog -- on getting older. Geesh, that is a sad thought. I still feel young. I just feel my IQ has dropped so much the last couple yrs - I am such a slow thinker.

Shel

[enaek]

Hey Redbled,

I am a 28 year old female, not a vegetarian, social drinker (4 or so a week), social smoker, in good shape (but unable to lose the weight gained from the lex)...

I went to my doctor and asked for Lexapro about 6 months after I was separated from my husband. I've been slightly moody throughout my life, but never severely depressed...but after my separation I was unable to eat, sleep, work, or socialize. I went on the Lex to snap myself out of it...that was about a year and a half ago. I definitely think my depression and anxiety were situational and now that time has passed and I have moved on, I no longer feel like I need the drug...

I've been off now for 3.5 weeks, and I'm doing O.K. I've definitely experienced some withdrawal, but it's been bearable. I believe that my withdrawal has been relatively easy because of the length of time I spent tapering off the meds...

I wish we could understand more, especially the effects the lexapro had on our metabolism.

[Shifty]

As far as diet and physical condition go, I was 6'4", 27 years old, and 257 pounds when I started the whole Paxil ordeal. I was quite an athlete as a child (football, wrestling, cross country running, Marines) but had become sedentary in the past 5 years. Every time I quit Paxil I went on an intense workout routine that involved a 2 mile run every day.

Coming off of Paxil both times was one of the best times of my life. I felt the euphoria of running and the return of my emotions as a good thing. (Although after much self-analysis, I was probably also on a manic-episode high as well)

Regardless of the circumstance, my diet is, was, and will probably always be terrible. I guzzle caffeine all day, skip breakfast, and then gorge out on high-carb, high-meat foods for lunch, dinner, and 2nd dinner.

I quit caffeine and Lexapro recently, maybe because the Lithium is working, or maybe because it isn't and I'm starting another manic episode.

I'm 30 now and thinking it would be a good time to start another workout routine.

It sure is nice to not feel angry and frustrated all the time. I hope this lasts.

I've noticed over the last few days that my emotions are starting to return. I still feel the anti-depressant cloud, but I'm feeling really confident that it will go away.

I guess I should define the cloud in my own words for the benefit of people trying to understand their withdrawals...

My "cloud" is a feeling of knowing that the link between my body and my mind is numb. I can think and perceive things normally, but my body is slow to react to my thoughts.

An example: My mind is thinking "I should look out the window, it's no big deal". My head feels heavy, so another part of my mind thinks "that sounds like alot of effort, are you sure you wanna do that? Why not just relax?" The other part of my mind thinks "ok, whatever, it's no big deal". So i don't look out the window unless there is a really compelling reason to do it. 3 years ago I would've just looked without a self-argument or hesitation, almost instinctively. Maybe that's what it is, a complete numbing of instinct. It's hard to explain, but I hope somebody feeling this way knows what im talking about.


---

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'm a 28 year old African-American female who is not in shape, and I drink occassionally (maybe once every two to three weeks). I'm overweight, and I love meat. I was on Lexapro for six months. I'm not sure how this information will affect your theory.

[MAETIGGER39]

I started lexapro at age 37 due to situational anxiety & depression.Prior to that I did not suffer depression ever.And was a little on the nervous/anxious side.I believe I have always had a fast metabolism I was always a little to thin without even trying.I am not a vegetarian. The medication made me calmer I gained 45lbs without trying.But I did feel slow,I had no anxiety,no depression while taking it and it helped me through a very traumatic time.When the trauma was over & I quit the drug it was 6 wks before I experienced withdrawls mostly moodswings,however I did have twitching eyes,& wierd off balance feelings & dissiness that have slowly improved.I am far more emotional than I was before I took the medication. It has been about 5 1/2 months since I stopped I took it for two years.I started losing the weight after about two months.The withdrawl symtoms do improve,intial symtoms headaches,brain jolts,are gone.The emotional withdrawl symtoms scared me until I found others going through the same thing.I did encounter anxiety ,about 3-4 months off the drug and I'm trying to deal with it naturally but I do have xanax it is .25 & I cut them in half I use this if I just feel to overwhelmed with anxiety.I also have been using the loset dose of St Johns Wort I wonder if anyone has advice on this.At the tree month off point I fealt so teary & anxious & I didnt want to go on another prescription med. Thats my story.I feel it has been a batlle not to go back on the drug,I feel that is very wierd OK! I thought it would help til the bad time is over & then you quit.! One Day at a time! Also I am an occasional drinker as in I like a glass of wine or two maybe three times a month. I am interested in hearing about other people's experiences in trying to stop this & other meds & what works & doesn't work for them.

[auntybiotic]

I think the P 450 Cytochrome system is the entire reason that some experience the withdrawals. When the liver is unable to metabolize the Lexapro, the levels build up to toxic amounts and then the side effects begin while taking it.

I think most everyone will have some withdrawals unless they suppplement lexapro for another SSRI or serotonin enhancing herb and then the withdrawals will come after that is stopped.
Lexapro alters the brain chemistry and until the brain can LEARN to function again, there will be withdrawals.

After stopping lexapro or tapering we all will experience LOW SEROTONIN levels as the Lexapro reuptake mechanism held the serotonin at the synapse longer. Without the lexapro doing this there is less serotonin and the body reacts to this as the article related.

Some say the neurotransmitters that died off during lexapro use will regenerate but that is still unknown. Possibly the four month mark with the anxiety rearing it's ulgly head is the brain trying to stabilize. There is so much unknown as NO ONE will research this except victims such as us.When a person has a brain injury such as a stroke it takes about 18 months for a recovery.............manywho cold turkeyed say it took about 18 months and some say they never were 100% but close. Slow tapering allows the brain time to try and get use to the minute drops in serotonin.

Everone seems to bloat, I think it is due to Cushing's Syndrome that lexapro causes from the cortisol levels being constantly high........Cushing syndrome cause excessive bloating in the stomach and thighs. It is described as looking like one is 4 months pregnant.
Also adrenal fatigue causes the bloating.

[akak8]

I found the medicine useless and stopped taking it. I didn't have any withdrawal that I was aware of.

quote:Originally posted by auntybiotic

I think the P 450 Cytochrome system is the entire reason that some experience the withdrawals. When the liver is unable to metabolize the Lexapro, the levels build up to toxic amounts and then the side effects begin while taking it.

I think most everyone will have some withdrawals unless they suppplement lexapro for another SSRI or serotonin enhancing herb and then the withdrawals will come after that is stopped.
Lexapro alters the brain chemistry and until the brain can LEARN to function again, there will be withdrawals.

After stopping lexapro or tapering we all will experience LOW SEROTONIN levels as the Lexapro reuptake mechanism held the serotonin at the synapse longer. Without the lexapro doing this there is less serotonin and the body reacts to this as the article related.

Some say the neurotransmitters that died off during lexapro use will regenerate but that is still unknown. Possibly the four month mark with the anxiety rearing it's ulgly head is the brain trying to stabilize. There is so much unknown as NO ONE will research this except victims such as us.When a person has a brain injury such as a stroke it takes about 18 months for a recovery.............manywho cold turkeyed say it took about 18 months and some say they never were 100% but close. Slow tapering allows the brain time to try and get use to the minute drops in serotonin.

Everone seems to bloat, I think it is due to Cushing's Syndrome that lexapro causes from the cortisol levels being constantly high........Cushing syndrome cause excessive bloating in the stomach and thighs. It is described as looking like one is 4 months pregnant.
Also adrenal fatigue causes the bloating.

kmw

[Shifty]

My theory about the weight gain is that it is entirely appetite related. Paxil made me not want to eat and now that im off it im super-hungry.

Does anybody else feel this way?

*Side Note* I just realized that I'm experiencing severe reboots today. It's worse than it ever was with Paxil. Of course, I'm also not working out this time, so that could also explain the intensity increase.
It's throwing a wrench in my theory about lexapro being weaker than paxil. I guess I just assumed that (less side-effects == less potency).


---

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

[MAETIGGER39]

When I think about it I did experience bloating while I was on the Lexapro.& For a good while after I was off.I am not having that problem now at all! And I can tell you that stopped two months ago,so that was about the 4 month point right about when anxiety became a bit of a problem. I'm a seventh Day Adventist while alot of us are vegetarian I am not.However people at my church were a great source for eatting healthy,& exercising.So at the same time I quit the Lexapro without realy weaning I started eatting better,& began exercising & maybe my body is slowly flushing it out of my system.But my quitting was real close to cold turkey I didnt taper long at all.So emotionally it is difficult.I am six months off of Lexapro next month & 10 months off of cigarettes.Maybe between the two & approaching 40 its no wonder I have been a cry baby for months!

[sunnyrose]

Hello auntybiotic, this is very informative. How did you learn about this? I'm trying to understand more about it. Also, would you have any advice for me. I didn't have withdrawel symptoms until 1 month after I stopped lexapro. I tapered the dose over a 3 week period before I stopped it. I was on 15 mg before i reduced the dose and got off it. I'm not sure if i should get back on the lexapro since i last took it about 2 months ago. I'm having muscle twitches throught my body, especially my legs and fatigue, stomach distress and increased depression, crying easily. Thanks for any feedback you can give me. I'm seeing a new psychopharmacologist next Tuesday.

sunnyrose

quote:Originally posted by auntybiotic

I think the P 450 Cytochrome system is the entire reason that some experience the withdrawals. When the liver is unable to metabolize the Lexapro, the levels build up to toxic amounts and then the side effects begin while taking it.

I think most everyone will have some withdrawals unless they suppplement lexapro for another SSRI or serotonin enhancing herb and then the withdrawals will come after that is stopped.
Lexapro alters the brain chemistry and until the brain can LEARN to function again, there will be withdrawals.

After stopping lexapro or tapering we all will experience LOW SEROTONIN levels as the Lexapro reuptake mechanism held the serotonin at the synapse longer. Without the lexapro doing this there is less serotonin and the body reacts to this as the article related.

Some say the neurotransmitters that died off during lexapro use will regenerate but that is still unknown. Possibly the four month mark with the anxiety rearing it's ulgly head is the brain trying to stabilize. There is so much unknown as NO ONE will research this except victims such as us.When a person has a brain injury such as a stroke it takes about 18 months for a recovery.............manywho cold turkeyed say it took about 18 months and some say they never were 100% but close. Slow tapering allows the brain time to try and get use to the minute drops in serotonin.

Everone seems to bloat, I think it is due to Cushing's Syndrome that lexapro causes from the cortisol levels being constantly high........Cushing syndrome cause excessive bloating in the stomach and thighs. It is described as looking like one is 4 months pregnant.
Also adrenal fatigue causes the bloating.

[Mr Spock]

Hi everyone,
Great to see so many posts. It has been an interesting and valuable discussion on the correlation between serotonin levels and emotions, and from all your experiences and the literature supplied, there is obviously a correlation.
First of all, the main comment seems to be that when one is on an SSRI, the person feels "dead" emotionally. This is certainly corroborated by Mohannie. Also, people have noted that when they are withdrawing, they are much more vulnerable to emotions and are more impulsive. The literature provided by Auntybiotic examines this from a different angle.
My opinion is that these drugs, far from being selective, affect all the other neuro-transmitters in the body. Although, there may be normal blood levels of the relative neuro-transmitters remaining, the relationship between them is completely changed dure to the increased serotonin!!! I have previously mentioned that there appears to be an inverse relationship between serotonin and dopamine anyway, which means that if the serotonin is low, the dopamine will be higher, or there will be an increased need to increase it. As mentioned a couple of days ago, dopamine is the pleasure neuro-transmitter. This may explain why people eat more (see Shifty's last post), have re-discovered the delights of passion (ie sex), and may drink more alcohol. However, dopamine is relatively short acting, which is why we want more!!!
The other aspect is that once the dopamine does wear off, our bodies are craving the serotonin, which could explain why I feel so exhausted for a couple of hours or so following a meal, but eventually come good as the serotonin from that meal "kicks in". This is also mentioned by someone a while back who explained that after sex, the person felt "dissapointed, whilst Shifty felt energised after whilst on his SSRI, as he had serotonin to burn!!
I really don't know what neuro-transmitters are affected by alcohol, although I suspect that the supply of/ release of /excretion of serotonin is affected. There are two things I do know about alcohol, however. The first is that it is a depressant, and the second is that it is a disinhibitor. This is a particularly deadly combination. In fact, I read somewhere that in 50% of all suicides, the person was intoxicated, as initially the depressant action made the person contemplate killing him or herself, and secondly the disinhibitory action gave them the "dutch courage" to carry out the deed. In line with what Aunty has revealed to us, this combination also can result in great violence. It has been shown that alcohol intoxication inhibits higher brain function.
There is a similarity here as has been mentioned in previous posts, our symptoms of confusion, poor memory, low mood, and anxiety also relate to low serotonin in the frontal lobes of our brain. So ther could be a similarity in action.
So, even though I've rambled a bit today, just be cautious with the alcohol whilst withdrawing as you are particularly vulnerable to feeling worse, at least short-term.
Redbled, I think we are being punished for our good life-styles!!! I also don't drink or smoke these days, and currently live a "life of virtue"!!! I do believe what Aunty has said about the CYP 450 system is relevant. In fact, there is a percentage of the population who either do not have or have in small doses the CYP 2C(9/19) enzyme due to what is known as "genetic polymorphism". This particular one is the one that metabolises Citalopram "Celexa", and I assume "Lexapro". This may provide some answers as to why you, me, Miss Lee, and Aunty's daughter, all probably ended up with excess levels of the SSRI in our bodies severely downgrading our receptors...
Sunny, welcome read the posts but be aware that whilst you have side-effects, they may be disabling, but will dissipate (time frame unknown-could be shorter or longer) but you will suvive and learn from the experience. Angel- likewise.
Mae-Tigger, from what I've read on another post, the 3 month mark can quite often be the worst. Many give up (understandably as it is horrible). One woman stated that she had got to the 12 week mark 3 times !!! before going back on the anti-depressant!! The last post I read from her, though, was that this time she was going all the way to get off it.
Miss Lee thanks for the words of encouragement, bring on the finish line.
By the way, the mowing went okay, and now I am gently pushbike riding for 30 minutes in the day, at least 3 hours after lunch (see above comments), even though, here in the "Land Down Under" it is summer and really hot with today being close to 40C (100 plus F). Its very flat around here, and another way of empowering my self over these withdrawals, giving a sense of purpose, and quite pleasant!

Peace and Long Life.

[kimi_d]

Hey Guys,

This is my first post. I'll try to be brief. I have been on 10 and 20 mg Lexapro for approximately 3 years. I went on it thinking it would be temporary.

Now I'm seriously thinking of going off the lexapro, and trying to figure out the best way by reading past posts. Looks like you guys have a nice support group going.

My biggest reason for wanting off is the weight gain. Mine seems small in comparision to others, 10 1bs , but that was put on within a month after my dose was increased. From my own experience, Lexapro has increased my appetite 10 fold!

In answer to one of the others' post... I am a 39 year old female, good health, non-vegetarian, non-drinker/smoker, have always been on the slender side with a small appetite.

I have also tried getting off the lexapro previously, but it seems my anxiety,insomnia, and depression came back. Perhaps I didn't give it enough time. So here I go again. I'm gonna give it another shot. And I'll be checking back here frequently.

Thanks for listening,

[Redbled]

Great stuff by all, I'm glad we could get this sort of discussion going. I know its been great for me. The information I have found here is all I had to hang onto at times.

MAETIGGER39, I too am an SDA. I guess its a small world. I would be curious to talk to you via e-mail and learn more. If you're up for it, feel free to e-mail me through the forum's system, or just write me at crayfishguy@aol.com.

Keep hanging in there everyone. I learned some neat things earlier today from a natural Dr. but I will wait to tell what it is until I have more clarity on it. Let me just say he is the husband of one of my mom's best friends, and has been practicing for 35 years. He seems to know his stuff, and is talking to me for free as a family favor. I had never met him before today, but Christmas sort of brought us together. He talked about working with a number of people going through SSRI withdrawals, and talked of ways to repair the wiring in our brains that has been damaged. He did say it would not be permanent. Anyway, I've said more than I intended to on the subject, but will give updates later.

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.

[kimi_d]

Hello everyone,

Was reading the posts again, has anyone come to a conclusion to which is better.....weaning or cold turkey? Part of me wants to go cold turkey just so I don't drag it out. But I'm a little scared.

Maetigger39 ... your last post was very helpful ... and could have been writin by me! I was suprised your withdrawls came weeks after stopping and wondering if anyone else experienced this.

I can relate to the "non-emotional" feeling while on the Lexapro. I also suffered a great loss in my life and it helped me get through the traumatic times....

But I am so ready to experience passion again.....even the downwards kind...I just want to feel again......something I think the Lexapro has taken away.

But I'm scared...........

[mohannie]

Hello everyone,

I'm experiencing a day without dizziness!! I haven't known what that was like for a while now. I do have a goal of being Anti-Depressant free one day, but I'm not sure how far off that day will be. I still have very litte emotional feeling like I had when I stopped taking the Lex, but I have a feeling that's going to wear off soon.

[auntybiotic]

Kimi d,

What dose of Lexapro were you on and how long did you take it. Were you ever on any SSRI's prior to Lexapro> Are you taking any other medications?

Have you had any side efefcts while on the Lexapro, sweating, anxiety, weight gain, bloating, muscle jerks, sleeplessness?

If you wee on a low dose 5 Mg for a hort time you may not have the serious withdrawals. If you also lacked any side effects, that could signify that your liver is able to metabolize the lexapro.

If you were on 10 Mg for over one month, then the chemistry in your brain has been altered and you will most likely have withdrawals.

[mandolin]

I have been on 10 mg of lexapro for 3 years. I have been trying to wean myself off for a month now and I feel like a junkie, the withdrawal is so bad. I want to eat all the time (which is bad because I am diabetic), I am constantly dizzy, having nightmares, waking up in full-fledged panic attacks, and feel disoriented. I can't concentrate, don't feel like I should drive, and I am just going to go back on it ASAP because I can't handle this. I feel like I am going to lose it. I feel so good and well adjusted when I am on the medicine...this is hell. This drug is supposed to be non-addicitive but I think they are lying to the public. I can't function this way.

[mohannie]

Mandolin,

What made you want to stop taking Lexapro?

[MAETIGGER39]

I'm glad if my post helps anyone.Rose, I will email you this weekend.To the person who asked if cold turkey was a good idea,..nooooooooooooooo! Ok got it Nooooooo.Make it as easy on yourself as you can.Once I realized what was happening to me I didn't want to start again,to do it all over I would go slow! The other point is the medication worked for me it helped me.I just feel that we were not given enough information to make an informed choice.They are prescribing this stuff like bandaids & candy.People are taking it for years,and they cannot tell us what happens to you if you take it for years.They do not even admit that it is very difficult to stop taking it which is scary!!And wrong.Major mental illnesses may have to be treated with medication & side effects might outweigh risks.But certain conditions can be treated with safer measures & we deserve to know what treatments are available,& what long term effects to expect.We are not guinea pigs.And I believe the majority of us trully did not have major Mental Illness.Maybe "Major Life Crisis",anxiety,depression for a reason and maybe just maybe you do not need to take medication everyday for something you do not have everyday. Even before a terrible chain of events & losses happened to me I was high strung,but not everyday.I wouldn't voluntarily get addicted to a street drug,or alcohol just because it would make me feel better,calmer,or happier.And I feel like that is what happened here. another thought I have on this withdrawl/recovery period it is seeming to me that my emotions came back in an exaggerated way. Mostly the sad ones.When something is funny I dont find myself having uncontrollable laughter.But if something is sad I pour tears,it was difficult to control that.It is improving,but it is still wierd!The other is anxiety when it came back,it came back worse and not in proportion.And you feel it you're like "oh that is adrenaline I remember that,& there goes your heart beating away." other symtoms which I thought were anxiety which made me scared & produced anxiety were eye twitching,muscle twitches,balance problems.Those are better.It makes me scared & sad knowing they are handing this medicine to teenagers,my personal experience tells me teenagers wont handle coming off of this well at all.Teenager had a difficult time controling they're normal moods,& emotions.If this stuff makes it hard for a very in control adult to control emotions I can't begin to imagine what it does to a teenage brain to put them on & off of these medications.

[MAETIGGER39]

I wanted to mention how awesome it is to get on here & read some "real information on this topic & share as the doctors don't seem to be admitting to anything! I read for a few weeks until I posted.I just wanted to let everyone know there are also message boards at about.com about depression/& anxiety. I post there occasionally as a support group atmosphereRegardless of you're choice of contuing medication,withdrawling from it,or seeking info.Anxiety & depression are debilitation in themselves I am all about alternatives at this point due to the withdrawl experience,& newly found knowledge on srri's & support has an effect that works as good as medicine sometimes.! Knowledge does to I just reread Mr Spocks post about the 3 -4 month mark & alot of people giving up & I was so relieved to read that.At exactly then,.. I ran to the dr crying in hysterics but refused another sri,started the st johns wort real low dose & will use the half a xanax only when I have to .I feel so elated when days/weeks go by that I don't use any.I never want to be addicted to anything again it is such a tough road back.I do feel if you took the medicine long enough to get the withdrawls you're body got addicted to it.And that was not fair.That is where they lied & decieved us.Think about it would it be legal to tell a patient "We can help you through this you need to take the 20 mg heroin everyday in six weeks it should relieve your anxieties and you can take it til this crisis is over." Would that be the case?You know the other bummer?if they did do that they at least could tell you what withdrawl symtoms you would have.With these drugs for some reason they act like they don't even know there are withdrawls!!!They say "oh you're depression came back,or youre anxiety came back"Well that did'nt jive with me,it was two years since I lost my job,two years since the death that sent me reeling.I was at a new job.So the response was maybe you need a little counciling,maybe we all do,.....but maybe I have withdrawls & if you had told me that & I understood I wouldn't be as freaked out!!!

[kimi_d]

Hi Auntybiotic,

Thank you for your reply. I was originally put on Lexapro 10mg 3 years ago. At first I had horrible side effects. GI upset, loss of appetite, insomnia,sweating. My doctor kept telling me to stick with it and it will get better.

Well some of those side effects did get a little better, but I still experienced anxiety, which was why I was originally prescribed the med. But I was also going through a hard time. (loss of my sister and marriage issues). So whether the anxiety was from life issues or the medication ... I really don't know.

Since I was still experiencing anxiety on the 10mg, my doctor thought an increase to 20mg was what I needed. I have been on 20mg of Lexapro ever since.

They did try other SSRI's (zoloft, paxil), but the side effects at first always seemed to be the same. GI upset etc...

So in the past year, I have felt emotionally good. But I have had a great therapist. I also gained 10 lbs in a month, which really bothers me. I have always been petite, with a small appetite. I've noticed the Lexapro makes me sooooooooooo hungry. Especially when my dose was increased.

For a week now, I have been cutting my 20mg in half. And just trying to figure out a way to get off this stuff. It's like Maetigger said...I just wish they would have told me it's not easy to withdrawl from. I'm really concerned about long term effects we may not know about yet.

Oh and no, I don't take any other meds regualary,,mostly ibuprofen for headaches.

Thanks for listening, again.
Kim

[kimi_d]

Mandolin, hang in there. Maybe we can do this together.

Kim

[auntybiotic]

Kimi D,

Wait about three weeks at the present 10 Mg dose and see what type of withdrawals you get.............possibly nightmares, anxiety, mood swings,sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness, possibly the "zaps" and increased craving for carbs.

See if your stomach starts to bloat.

If you seem to handle the 50% drop well, then you are one of the few lucky ones. If the withdrawals become bad you can always go back on the 20 Mg and reduce by less.

It takes about 7 days for the withdrawals to hit and they last from day 7 to day 20 usually then you may start to stabilize.

Do not cut again until you are stable. Start with a good multivitamin with minerals and magnesium, calcium and Omega 3 Fish Oil................let us know how you do.Good Luck.

[kimi_d]

Auntybiotic,

Thanks so much, thats alot of helpful information. Really what I needed to know.

I have been having the sleep issues. Can't usually fall asleep til 2am. But I can deal with that right now. I've been nauseaous, with bouts of the runs. Don't know if I have a bug, but I'm guessing it's withdrawl kicking in.

It has been a week since cutting in half. Think I'll stay this route for 2 weeks, then go down again.

Thanks again, will keep you posted.

[auntybiotic]

Here are some websites about antidepressant drugs if you're interested:
You can read about others that are having the same difficulties getting off of Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft and other SSRI's. This should keep those wanting to learn busy over the holiday. Happy New Year. hope 2006 brings strenth to those withdrawaling.

www.antidepressantsfacts.com
www.prozactruth.com
www.psychwatch.blogspot.com
www.ahrp.org
www.socialaudit.org.uk
www.paxilprotest.com
www.drugawareness.com
www.healyprozac.com
www.benzo.org.uk
www.antipsychiatry.org

I've got numerous other links

[Mr Spock]

Dear all,
Further to my post yesterday, I would like to clarify one thing, and add another bit of information to make things even more muddied. First of all, in regards to the CYP 450 enzymes, another major one, and possibly more significant could be be the CYP 450 2D6 enzyme. Like the one mentioned yesterday, due to "genetic polymorphism", some people do not have it, and therefore are unable to effectively metabolise SSRI medications. In fact, an article I have read today stated that around 7 - 10 % of the population dont have CYP 2D6 or CYP 450 2C9/19 enzymes either in any meaningful quantities, or at all!! As well as the poly-pharmacy issues struck by Redbled and Aunty's daughter, the plot thickens...
I have also just read an excellent article on Serotonin and the Pineal Gland by Charly Groenendijk, which mentions a few other considerations. You can find it at <http://www.antidepressantfacts.com/pinealstory.htm>
Body Electric covered much of the same ground in a more user-friendly way on page 28 of this forum.
Anyway in line with what Aunty has mentioned earlier, a dose of an SSRI releases great amounts of cortisol, but also adrenalin, but after a while, the adrenals can become quite exhausted. And because of this it can take a while for them to recover. This could also explain the length of time one has to put up with these side-effects, and may be independent of the recovery of the neuro-receptors!!! Sorry to muddy the waters even more but anyway it keeps you interested.
Mohannie, I looked up Lunesta as I had never heard of it. It is not a benzo (like Valium, Temazepam) As it is relatively new, great claims are being made for it eg non addictive, and that it works just as well after six months as after one. Just remember it still may be metabolised by the liver, so don't take it any longer than you need to.
Redbled, stop keeping us on tenderhooks !! Out with it man!!! Tell us what is going to make our lives and withdrawals much easier and expedited sooner...

Live Long and Prosper

[bobstar79]

I've been off Lexapro for about two weeks now (switched to Effexor). I haven't noticed any major side effects, but it makes me wonder if I'll have side effects months later.

Does anybody think that there could be a selection bias in this forum? I would bet that the majority of people that stumbled on this website are having problems with their lexapro treatment or having withdrawal symptoms. If you felt great with Lexapro and have no withdrawals, you probably wouldn't be searching for this website and posting here.

So, if you were trying to figure out how many people have Lexapro withdrawal by looking at this forum, you would think it's around 90+%. Maybe it's much lower.

That's just a curiousity of mine. Unfourtunately, it's doesn't help the people that are suffering from Lexapro and other SSRI withdrawals.

[auntybiotic]

Bobstar,

I do believe that not all persons have side effects while taking Lexapro but in my opinion 90% (plus) of those on any SSRI WILL HAVE withdrawals because the drugs are altering their brain chemistry.

The exception is if you have been on a low dose, with Lexapro 5 Mg and less then 30 days. The drugs changes the amount of time the serotonin remains at the synapse in the brain, leaving it soaking longer thereby allowing the brain to be exposed to MORE serotonin. It does NOT produce more serotonin but alters the way the brain processes it.

Upon stopping, the brain will have to "learn" to process serotonin normally without a reuptake mecahnism.....this will create withdrawals. Many neurotransmitters are to believed to have died off and will need to be regenerated. There are also massive serotonin receptors in the gut so the digestion process and metabolism are also affected and will need to be retaught to reprocess metabolism of foods.

I am sure many who stop do not correlate the "withdrawals" to stopping the medication................ as the symptoms of withdrawal appear from seven days to months after stopping. Many probably think they have the flu or depression and anxiety returning but all the while it is Lexapro or SSRI withdrawal.

Since you are "switching" from one SSRI to another you will be spared the withdrawal because your brain will not have to learn to reprocess the serotonin. The effexor will continue to reuptake serotonin and at most you may experience discomfort until the effexor kicks in. When you try someday to get off the effexor, you will be able to ibdentify what withdrawal really is.

Look at the links I have posted above in the previous post. There are hundred of thousands of people experiencing SSRI withdrawals and that are just the people who are well enough to post. Take a look at just this Lexapro Withdrawal forum alone and you will see over 100,000 hits, is this a slanted number of people that are experiencing problems? I think this is just the tip of the iceberg.

I think because Lexapro is a newer drug, many on Lexapro have NOT TRIED TO STOP YET!!! In a year or two the STATISTICS may show that the numbers are so much higher as more people are trying to stop.

I have researched the SSRI's for over a year and have corresponded with numerous persons experiencing withdrawal. If someone can get by with no symptoms after taking Lexapro, Paxil, Effexor, Zoloft or any SSRI, they are the LUCKY EXCEPTION in my opinion.How I wish my daughter and ithers here were those exceptions.

[auntybiotic]

Jayden,

Could you elaborate on your depleted comment, I am curious of your experiences and maybe your information could help others. Thanks.