Lexapro Withdrawal

[bobstar79]

When I think of it, I don't know anyone on an SSRI that has quit it. My mom is in her 60's and she's been taking Luvox for about 6 years. She had a single episode of major depression in 1999, but she also realized that she had dysthimia and OCD. She felt like there was always a "black cloud" hanging over her and couldn't describe it until she saw a doctor. Her OCD was obvious to everyone but her. At her age, she has decided to keep taking Luvox for life.

My sister-in-law has tried to quit Prozac but she had symptoms of depression coming back and she'd didn't feel well quitting it. These are probably withdrawal symptoms. She went back to taking Prozac, but she's at the lowest dose of it.

One of my dad's tennis partners has been on Prozac for 20 years. Don't know if he's tried to quit, but he's getting pretty old and will probably take it the rest of his life.

And there's a disturbing number of people at work that are on SSRI's, mostly due to depression caused by job stress. That's how it started for me. Who knew being a federal employee would be such a stressful job?

Does anyone know of a good general support forum for depression or SSRI's? I'm off of Lexapro now and I don't want to get too off-topic on here.

Overall, Lexapro did little to nothing for me. At first I thought it was working, but that was probably the placebo effect. The psychiatrist increased the dose and I still ended up with suicidal thoughts after several weeks at the higher dose. Worse yet, I got all the side effects. Nausea was pretty bad, but that diminished after a week or two. The dry mouth never went away. The medication also made me tired and gave me headaches.

I do think there's a strong tendancy for doctors to minimize the side effects of any medication. Whenever I see my psychiatrist, I take a list of questions with me and also discuss any side effects I am feeling. Luckily, I'm not seeing an HMO doctor, but even in the PPO system, doctors like to rush their patients through a meeting. So, by coming prepared I can maximize my time with the doctors.

I remember reading somewhere that doctors that give out free samples tend to prescribe newer and more expensive medications to their patients. So not only are we getting bombarded with TV commercials about the latest drugs, our doctors are getting the same from pharmaceutical sales reps.

[Mr Spock]

Happy New Year,
It is just after midday on New Years Day on the east coast of Australia, so we're already into 2006.
Bobstar, the article I mentioned yesterday had some interesting comments about the effect one gets from first starting an SSRI anti-depressant such as Lexapro. Basically what happens is that when you start taking it, large amounts of cortisol and adrenalin are released, which can make one feel "energised" and euphoric. This can last for a period of time, and Charly (the author) speculates that this is the reason that people appear to get a good initial response from the drug. This could also explain the initial benefit that you felt you were receiving from the drug, and your subsequent disappointment... I also believe, and many studies show, that the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms will occur once the neuro-receptors become downgraded. This however appears to be affected by a number of variables which include length of time on the drug, the CYP 450 enzymes, liver status and whether other medications are being taken at the same time. Certainly the latter variables may indicate a vulnerability, but these symptoms are really incredibly debillitating, so the consequences of one getting them are quite formidable and really affect one's quality of life.
I think its great that you are gaining knowledge from this and other websites, and I know that you will use this information wisely, if or when you come off the Effexor.
By the way, I actually withdrew from Celexa, not Lexapro, and nobody has deigned to kick me off this forum, yet!!!

Peace and Long Life

[Redbled]

Mr. Spock,

I'm sorry, I sure didn't mean to leave you anxious The Naturopath I was talking about is sending me several things he says will "rewire" my brain in about a week. I'm still very skeptical, but figure its worth a shot. Two things that concern me about it is he said I could take St. Johns Wart if I'm still anxious, which I don't plan to do. Another is he's getting me on a lot of vitamin B. Both of these things I have read not to do, but I've seen so much information that was contradictory that its hard to know which direction to go. There are 2 other items he's giving me. Once I get them all in my possession, I will post the details on them. I'm hesitant to tell anyone about any of it because I would rather try it out and see what happens before posting it here and having someone do it without any of us seeing results first. I should have it by the end of the week. I want to post here all the details before I take any of it to get some opinions first.

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.

[Kendra]

Happy New Year All!

Just a quick check-in post:

I'm taking my multivitamins and Omega-3 (Aunty, you should be nominated for sainthood ). I'm finally coming out of the Lexapro fog but I realize its possible the withdrawal isn't over yet and that feeling better may come and go. I'm just happy any time I realize that even ONE withdrawal symptom is gone. For the time being, I'm pretty darned happy that I no longer feel the need to eat everything in sight.

My thought process is still pretty screwed up. I constantly lose my train of thought mid-sentence. The worst thing is thinking one thing and saying another. Upon complimenting a stranger on his NHL jacket the other day, I actually said, "I really like your joke!" ?!?!?!?! And quickly corrected myself after I realized what I'd said. Of course the guy looked at me like I was nuts. The other evening I was telling a friend about something that was on TV and actually said "refrigerator" instead of TV. Friends who realize why I'm doing that kind of chuckle. I guess they don't know what else to do. If it were just because I was drunk or tired, I guess it WOULD be funny to me but its not. I type emails and have to proof read them first because you would not believe some of the strange typos I've found myself typing. A friend's mother in law had a stroke a few years ago and SHE uses words where they don't belong. So it kind of scares me, wondering what is wrong with my brain and hoping this is also just temporary.




_________________

~ I was on Lexapro for two months -- up to 20mg. Slowly tapered to 15, 10, 5. Last dose was Dec. 14. ~

[mohannie]

Happy New Year to All!!!

I have gone a couple of days dizzy free and I'm so happy about that. I still, however have negative thoughts creeping into my mind, however. For those who have successfully stopped taking Lex with few withdrawl symptoms, I salute you. I wish there was a way to know exactly what is going on with my seratonin levels, but as I've discovered, nothing short of an autopsy will make that happen. I'm still finding it difficult to concentrate at work, but I'm dealing wtih that leaving myself lots and lots of notes. When I first saw my therapist last tuesday, he told me that I was severely depressed, so I may be one of those people who will actually be on medication for the rest of my life (I hope not). At 28 years old, that doesn't seem like something to look forward to. Auntie, how's your daughter? Spock, how have you been holding up? Shifty, how has the Lithium been treating you? Kendra, I'm glad to hear that some of your side effects are subsiding. 2006 will be a very good year for you. Can't wait to hear from you all and again, happy new year!!!

[Mr Spock]

Hi All,
Redbled, I wasn't really anxious at all, just "mucking around". It's interesting that your naturopath friend is suggesting St John's Wort, and Mega B's. As mentioned before, my naturopath put in some St John's Wort into my last tonic mixture, but following Auntybiotic's advice, and realising that a lower serotonin level is going to facilitate a resurgence in function of the neuro-receptors, I ended up tipping it out after a few days. I remain avidly interested in any ideas, but have come to the conclusion that nothing short of a brain transplant is going to make a major difference, even though this procedure obviously has a few side-effects!!!!! In fact, I have even resisted any Omega 3 as I have noted that its main assistance is in regards to depression and weight loss rather than neurological function, although I remain very open to changing my mind if a benefit can be explained to me.
Kendra, you are probably very much in the "dissociative" state of withdrawal where things aren't completely real. I had a practical experience of this yesterday. Very near where I live, we had a big bush-fire yesterday with several houses and cars burnt out!!. I went on my now usual bike ride to have a look. It was extemely hot (45C -110F), the air was full of smoke, my eyes were stinging, many people were out of their houses watching the flames in the distance (200-300 metres or yards away), helicopters were flying over with big buckets of water, sirens blaring, and fire engines hurtling past me so it was quite unreal... As I was riding around, I really thought I was in "War Of The Worlds", and was half expecting a Tripod to come over the hill intoning "ULL-AHHH"!!!
This dissociation must be related to the sensory disturbances of withdrawal. Any way, we had a cool change overnight with even a little bit of rain, not to mention no tripods or Tom Cruise, so the danger has abated!!!

Live Long and Prosper

[Kendra]

Hi JeeperDavid,

I experienced the same kind of leg cramps that I get when dieting or hiking a lot. When dieting (on such diets as South Beach) and in need of potassium, I took potassium supplements. When I got leg cramps after a lot of hiking, that's dehydration -- something I definitely experienced with Lexapro. I did supplement and increased my water intake so I'm not sure if both did the trick or it was one or the other!

Mohannie and Spock, thanks for your kind comments.

(PS: Edit after post. How in the *world* did my post and response to David end up being posted here BEFORE his question?)

_________________

~ I was on Lexapro for two months -- up to 20mg. Slowly tapered to 15, 10, 5. Last dose was Dec. 14. ~

[JeeperDavid]

Hello and Happy New Years,
I recently stopped using 20mg a day of Lexapro (with 1.5 years of use), and I did not do a good job of tapering off. However, I seemed to have gotten off the Lexapro without too many problems. The biggest problem, and the point of my question, is leg cramps. About a week after stopping the Lexapro completely, I started having continuous sever leg cramps. Is this a symptom of Lexapro withdraw? If so, how long might the camps last, and what can I do for them?
JeeperDavid

[Redbled]

Jeeper,

I have not had leg cramps during my withdrawal, but sometimes when I sit with my legs in the same place, I get the urge that I need to move them. This can be really bad as a passenger in a car for instance.

How many of you have had serious anger issues during your withdrawals? I have always had a slight temper, but the past few months, the smallest things will set me off, particularily with family. I haven't hurt anyone, myself, or anything, but I often get to where I don't feel I have control. Its very scary. I have never had a lack of control in regards to my emotions before. Maybe I can go down to the Forrest company and take out some rage in the laboratory

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.

[MAETIGGER39]

I just finished reading some of the posts on pg 75.I can relate to the cramps,twitches,the wrong word leaving your mouth.I take the Omega 3 fish oil,multi vitamin,magnesium.Black Cohosh two weeks of the month for my female issues.& St John's Wort 1 capsule dailly I think they reccommend 3 capsules of the gnc brand I chose.Just 1 seemed to help tremendously with the overwhelming crying.I couln't afford a natural Dr. & I can accept that I do suffer from anxiety the Lexapro helped me with that alot.I just didn't think it was safe to take something like that long term when no one can tells us the potential effects of long term use.Then when I quit I had withdrawls,and it will be six month this month.I have alot of teary times and mood swing,from ok to teary to anxious some days.I just try to breath deep & hang on cause these swings don't last very long at all.I am not 100% sure this is from the medication withdrawl could be perimenopausal who knows.All I know is that I did have some sure withdrawl symtoms and I do not want to take any new sri med again. I will say the weight comes off in a few months with good eatting habits.My energy came right back within a couple months & I love that,I had such a hard time getting up while on the lexapro.Now that is long gone.The right words often come out of my mouth now,and I am able to focus once again.I was quite afraid right before I quit I seemed to have such a hard time paying attention.That is way better.Recently my balance issues have began to improve but I work on that.I force myself to take the stairs any chance I get,& try to walk everyday.I say force because with the anxiety I would much rather just not do anything that feels scary,or even slightly uncomfortable.I move my legs alot,always did except for when I was on the Lex it made me slower I didn't fidget. I also was very forgetful while on the medicine & that to has improved.I basically feel like I have come back to myself after a couple months of migraines,but I have come back with bouncy emotions fortunately not anger just tears,& anxiety.I had a few anger swings when I first quit & Thank God that subsided quickly.The tear thing that bugs me because I really was not a cry baby before,& I do not have to be sad to get the "cry urge" intially it was alottt! It has slowed and the cry spells are way shorter It is wierd to me!Anxiety I have dealt with my whole life off & on.Its ugly but I know what it is.But I only used to cry at really sad times,& feel like it at pms time.This is like pms time but more than one week a month.Happy New Year to All

[Kendra]

quote:Originally posted by auntybiotic

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

Aunty (and others),

I've noticed that a few people on this board, quote what others say and then respond in some general conversational way. They post short responses like, "Wow, can you elaborate?" Or, "I agree" or post poems or thoughts that seem "deep" but actually have nothing to do with what the original "poster" said.

Check out the responses of "Jayden" and then "Erin," "Rose" on the page before this one and check out the first post of THIS page (Liliana). Don't bother responding these posts. They're *not* posting to actually add to the conversation.

I've noticed that most of those who post these strange replies seem to be listing themselves (here) as being from Austria (which I'm sure will change after I post this) and they all have ???????? or scheme links in their signatures. Also if you check their profiles, they are also full of ???????? links and if you check what they've posted, they only post "non answers" or "vague responses" to messages instead of actually participating in the conversation or telling their own stories. I'm assuming this is for the purpose of attempting to "legally" post the ???????? link in their signature without it being considered SPAMMING a board (I'm not sure what the outside link TOS rules are here).

I'm a webmaster and its hard to scam a scammer (or should that read "spam a spammer?). But its a shame that something potentally harfmul to us is on a board that is for the purpose of all of us getting well. But now that I think of it, that's what a few doctors did to us with SSRIs.

All you ???????? folks? Consider getting out of the online ???????? business. Work for a pharmaceutical company. There, you can LEGALLY trick people into ???????? with meds and their health and get paid to do it.
_________________

~ I was on Lexapro for two months -- up to 20mg. Slowly tapered to 15, 10, 5. Last dose was Dec. 14. ~

[Kendra]

UPDATE:

I found the drugs.com TOS here: http://www.drugs.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7

I also found out how to contact a moderator.

Let's see what happens.


_________________

~ I was on Lexapro for two months -- up to 20mg. Slowly tapered to 15, 10, 5. Last dose was Dec. 14. ~

[debbie724]

Hello... I have been on Lexapro 10mg. for approx. 3 - 5 years... and on 20mg. for the past 6 - 7 months. Over the past few years I have noticed that my weight just continues to go up... more quickly in the most recent many months. I looked into the possibility of weight gain with any of the meds that I take and was happy to see that Lexapro may be my problem. I don't eat sweets at all... I had a problem with benge eating in the past and had to give them up years ago. I eat a lot of salads and vegis. I'm not saying that I always eat healthy... but I sure don't eat bad enough for a 40+ lb. weight gain over these few years (10+ lbs. in the past many months). I was always a small person and this extra weight is not making me feel good about myself. I cut my Lexapro in 1/2 about a week ago. The only symptoms that I am experiencing thus far are... itching (don't scratch... it makes it worse... when it's bad a benadryl will help), sleeplessness (watch TV or do something... don't just lay there and get mad because you can't sleep), headaches (tylenol helps so far), severe anxiety pressure in my chest... which in the past has led me to panic attacks... with symptoms of a heart attack (I am also on Ativan 1mg. and have learned to not let that pressure scare me into a panic attack). I plan to gradually decrease the Lexapro over the next month. I hope that I don't get any worse symptoms. Does anyone else know anything about weight gain and Lexapro??? And, has anyone else stopped the drug to stop the weight gain... and were you succussful? I just want to make sure that I am doing the right thing.

debbie

[kimi_d]

Hello all,

I'm now about day 8 on my Lexapro taper. Still on the 10mg/day.

Auntybiotic, could you elaborate on the bloat? Is it a fluid bloat? In any of the tissues? ... My scale tells me I am gaining weight, yet my appetite and eating has decreased. This is depressing in itself.

I'm also having some mild stabing pains in my leg. They seem to come like waves and then subside. Sleeplessness is still an issue. But none of these things have gotten bad enough to make me go back to the 20mg dose. I know from past posts I am only at the beginning of perhaps a long road, but knowing what may come has helped so much. Thanks to everyone on this board.

Debbie, I'm a newbie here , but I can certainly relate to the weight issues. There is so much good information here (at times overwhelming for me)... but the one thing I learned for myself...know what may come, it makes it easier...if you really need/want off the Lexapro.

[mohannie]

Debbie,

I think everyone will agree with me when I say consult your doctor before doing this. Naturally, your doctor will try to talk you out of it, but you should discuss the side-effects with you. There are a lot of us here who are tapering off of Lexapro, so if you need support, there is a lot of it here.

[auntybiotic]

kimi d,

I can explain the bloat as being similiar to a week before your period. It seems to affect the stomach area. Some even say they look pregnant. If you look up Cushing syndrome on GOOGLE and request photos you will see some of the bloating I am speaking of. Lexapro and lexapro withdrawal can cause cushing syndrome due to too much cortisol being produced by the body.

It messes with the hormones, even men get this bloating.

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by 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.

I think you are going to be side-effect-free since you are switching from a seratonin-effecting drug to a seratonin-effecting (and SNRI) drug.

I switched from Paxil to Lexapro with no effect whatsoever. In fact, Lexapro lessened my side effects. Of course, that was only for 3 weeks.

This is my third cold-turkey off of SSRI's and this time it feels alot worse. Instead of getting quick reboots (like with Paxil), I'm getting long ones.

I'm convinced that Lex is harder to quit than Paxil now.

I do believe that most of the people are here because the system failed them. We are the 1-10% that slipped through the cracks. I don't think anybody could really dispute that (could they?)


---
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]

quote:Originally posted by mohannie
Shifty, how has the Lithium been treating you? Kendra, I'm glad to

Lithium is great for my mood and depression, but the Lexapro withdrawal is kicking my butt. My only comfort is that with a good attitude it isn't as bad.

Happy new year to you too!



---
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.

[Mr Spock]

Well spotted Kendra, and I now I wonder who Elizabeth40 is. I have heard a few jokes over here of the general theme relating to your president calling Vienna the capital of Australia!!! Well, in fact it is actually Canberra, not even Sydney (although Sydney is the largest city). So I dont live in Austria!!!
Anyway, its 15 weeks cold turkey for me today and the physical symptoms are just as bad as they were 3 months ago. So dizzy and my body still feels like lead. Still get the shocks and parasthesia, particularly after eating. Its very frustrating.... How are you other long termers travelling?
Miss Lee, Redbled?
I think the reason that we tend to have less control of our emotions is the lack of available serotonin to the frontal lobe of the brain. This area, of course affects emotions, concentration memory etc.
The main thing is not to blame yourself and if you are going to get angry, blame the rotten SSRI!!!
Mohannie, how are you travelling? You are obviously coping at work, so well done. I would imagine that your first priority is to continue stabilisation, and you are getting there... I think its a big call to say that you will need to be on these pills for the rest of your life. From reading one of your posts on another forum, I know that you are pretty young, so thats a long time. Anyway, dont worry about that at the moment as you dont need to.
Shifty, are you going to stay cold turkey, or go back on it and taper?
Until later...

LIve long and prosper.

[Redbled]

Mr. Spock,

Today was better than the past two, but this evening my head started feeling like lead again. Today was the first day I didn't take Dramamine, since I have the other items coming later this week, and want to have my system as empty as possible when I give them a shot. My stomach still bloats at times, and I have gut issues still. I'm finding I have to eat every 2-3 hours when I start feeing poorly. Just a small bite, not a whole meal. I also find the time after meals to be bad. I try to eat about half of what I used to at most meals, and that has helped some. I also drink that cam. tea whenever I feel bad, and that really seems to help me feel better and relax. Hang in there. Today was ok for me, but tomorrow might be much worse, that's still the most terrible thing I think.

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.

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by Mr Spock
Shifty, are you going to stay cold turkey, or go back on it and taper?

I'm really stubborn, so I'm gonna stick it out. I would only go back on it if I felt it would help me with a specific condition.

My goal is to never go on these things again. I hope the damage to my brain is only temporary. I hate the cloud I'm under, especially when never really needed these medications in the first place.

It's kinda like drinking alcohol to treat pain. It doesn't work very well and has consequences.


---
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.

[mohannie]

I agree with you Shifty. I'm only in this situation because I trusted a psychiatrist. I thought he was going to help me figure out what the cause of my depression was; whether it was caused by something that happened to me, or if it was just a part of me. Instead, he put me on medication that only worked for a couple of months. I still want to get to the bottom of this, and hopefully with the help of my new therapist (who doesn't prescribe medication) I can get to the bottom of this!

[Kendra]

New withdrawal symptom?

For the past few days it feels like my skin has been crawling. I am itchy as anything. It's winter and I figured maybe its just dry skin and even bought a humitidy meter for my house. But the humidity is fine. I haven't changed soaps or laundry soaps, etc. I finally went and bought anti-itch cream yesterday for fear of clawing myself too much more. I'm wondering if its another "wonderful" effect from Lexapro withdrwawal.

PS: I got a "thank you" from the board moderators. They "caught" 60 fake new members posting junk on here. I love this board! But Mr. Spock? I have absolutely no excuses for our president's geographical confusion.

_________________

~ I was on Lexapro for two months -- up to 20mg. Slowly tapered to 15, 10, 5. Last dose was Dec. 14. ~

[enaek]

Aunty, with all do respect I ask this...Why do you think that lexapro weight gain is caused by cushing syndrome? I have done a little research on it and it seems to be caused by things like pituitary gland tumors or steroid use. I haven't been able to find any information on cushing syndrome related to ssri's or ssri withdrawal.

Since I stopped taking welbutrin with my lexapro (that was about 4 months ago - I'm now on nothing)I've been gaining weight (approx weight gain is 10 lbs), and it has nothing to do with an increased appetite. I have been eating less than usual...

[Miss Lee]

Hey all-

Mr. Spock, Red and long termers-
I tend to have good and bad days. i went and had a deep tissue massage (my muscles contracted horribly when I was on Lex) and I think that released some toxins in my system. I still cry easily, but the duration has cut down. And it is not as frequent. I also still have a major pain in my back/chest, akatheisia (Mr. Spock- what does your para.. look like?? and feel like??) and fear of the whole episode. Who knows what else-i've stopped paying attention! I am still rail thin and tried to gain weight over break and didn'y gain an ounce.

I did have leg cramps all throught this ordeal and my pupils are not dialting right so light id very painful to the eyes sometimes.

aunty- How is you little girl?

Miss Lee

[Mr Spock]

Goodday all,
Miss Lee, I may have meant dystonia rather than akathesia, suffice to say that it is a side-effect normally associated with anti-psychotics. Basically it is a bit of mild mouth restlessness and teeth grinding although nowhere near as bad as tardive dyskinesia, which is what I have seen with many people under my care as a psychiatric nurse. The parasthesia is a form of tingling, pretty well all over the body. I suppose the reason for it is the lack of successful serotonin transmission with the nerves close to the skin. I'm just wondering, Kendra, if this could be the cause of your itching as it sounds a little bit similar...
Redbled, sorry to hear about your good days and bad days. Its very frustrating in that just when you think that things are settling down, this comes back with a vengeance... I have found myself, though, when I don't feel too bad, I try and do more which probably makes me feel worse the next day. For instance yesterday evenings bike ride was pretty full on compared to my usual efforts... Interesting to hear that you also feel much worse after a meal. I've also cut down the size of my meals for that very reason.
Anyway, I've decided to be a bit more active with facilitating an end to this nightmare. So, yesterday have started on "Mega B" (particularly as vegetarians sometimes don't get enough B 12, and that your friend recommended it Red, as it is good for nerve rebuilding), and also Omega 3 (for the brain), although as I am not a pescavore (non fish eater, is there such a word?), the flax seed derivative. Also 1 gram Vit C, and Lethicin (for the Choline) and finally this Herbal pill known as Brahmi, which is also said to be good for the nervous system. From what I can gather, the Omega 3 may increase my Serotonin production levels a bit, but I am starting to wonder if our levels are a little bit low anyway, particularly after a fair period of time off the SSRI...
Would you be able to shed some light on this,please Aunty? Also I am really interested in what regime have you been using, and what have you found helpful for your daughter? Like Miss Lee, I am also wondering how she is travelling.

Peace and Long LIfe

[juleswha]

Hi, I am new to this forum but have been reading your posts for hours and FINALLY feel like I am getting some answers. I started taking Paxil 4 years ago for Dysthymia but put on so much weight I (foolishly) quit cold turkey, tried wellbutrin but is made me anxious and then settled on Celexa. After more weight gain I switched over to Lexapro. It did help with my anxiety and depression but the weight just kept piling on. I am calm but lazy and seem to have no shut off valve for food. This is not normal for me as I was always pretty skinny and active. The last few months I am gaining at an alarming rate and even when I careful watch my food intake I am still gaining. About a year ago I began to suffer incredible bloating, constipation and diarehea but my GP kept insisting was just my diet even though I am a healthy eater and no fast foods. My stomach started looking like I was 8 months pregnant and often was extremely painful. I went to a gastrologist who diagonosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome and has been treating me without drugs, just fiber and aloe etc and for a while that helped but the stomach swelling and bloating is back. I asked him if there was any chance that the SSRI could have caused this as I never had digestive rpoblems and he paid no attention. I have been reading and googling everything possible to see if there is any correlation and all I could find was the fact that people suffering from IBXS are actually prescribed SSRI to up their serotinin. After reading Aunties post about Cushings I am beginning to wonder if this is what I have rather than IBS? I am weaning myself off this damm stuff right now, down to 10mgs every other day. I am taking 5-HTP, Omega 3 fatty acids etc in the hopes that my withdrawals won't be as bad as when I went off Paxil but am feeling pretty lousy tonight. Sorry this is such a long post, just excited to see that there may be a related reason for my HUGE stomach! Please tell me if anyone else has suffered IBS symtoms from SSRIs

[auntybiotic]

For those wanting to learn more about Cushing syndrome and the effects of SSRI use, I have written below, excerpts from Dr. Anne Blake Tracy's Book: "Prozac Panacea or Pandora?" Below you will find a small sample of what is included in her excellent informative book. This book is about the effects of all SSRI's and how to safely get off of them by tapering.


"Abnormal increases in cortisol can be very damaging to the immune system. As cortisol and other hormones sift energy to the process of increasing blood sugar metobolism, they shift it away from the manufactur o proteins, including the proteins necessary for the immune system.Chemically inducing an elevated level of cortisol produce chronic stress."

"The preceding are hormone imbalances brought on by various stressors.Stress is measured by testing elevated levels of the adrenaline (epinephrine), corticoids, or ACTH. Another determining factor is Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF).
The medical diagnosis for elevated, nonsupressible cortisol levels is Cushings Disease or Cushings Syndrome."

Research has proven that SSRI use causes high uncontrolled excess production of cortisol thus giving one a chemically induced cushing syndrome.

"The inability to control the level of cortisol produces obesity9similiar to what is seen with someone on steroids such as Prednisone),depression, mania,etc."

"Cushingoid syndrome is the proper term when Cushing's is chmically induced as a side effect to drugs" (such as Lexapro.)
"Emotional liability is produced by this disorder as well as the inability to handle stress. This disorder can lead to fatal adrenal crisis as the adrenal glands reach the exhaustion point." When the Cushing's is chemically induced as with SSRI's, discontinuation of the offending medication will halt the disease process. Caution, SSRi's as Lexapro should not be cold turkeyed."

With Lexapro use there seems to be a common complaint of bloating and abdominal distress, there is a strong indication that these effects are being caused by the lexapro.

"A large majority of complaints correspond to the side effects produced by steroids and amphetamines." "Severe memory loss,hair loss, sleep disorders, headaches, joint pain, muscle contractions, sweating, naseau, severe abdominal pain, kidney pain, burming urination, hypoglycemia, diabetes, abnormal liver function, rashes, chronic digestive problems including poor metabolism, indigestion, gas, blurred vision, electric surges shooting thru the head,........bloating and weight gain, burning and tingling of the legs, swelling in the joints..these are all being reported as physical reactions to prozac" (and lexapro and similiar SSRI's).

"one of the most obvious of the glandular disfunctions is the rebounding of the metabolic process which has been revved up by Prozac (or Lexapro). "Far too many exaperience bloating as this system shuts down its processes and the patient discovers his inability to digest" "Male and female patients alike give the appearance of being pregnantas their bellies and abdomens become extended by the gas, a clear symptom of CUSHING"S SYNDROME." "They begin to accumulate excess weight from their inability to digest and process food."

"Vitamins and minerals depleted by drugs (such as Lexapro) need to be
replaced."Excessadrenalin flow found in Cushing diseaseis associated with a drop in potassium." "Mostsuccessful and popular drug withdrawal and rehabilation programs include a vitamin and mineral supplementation program".
"Vitamin C is always listed as the most critical ingredient these programs use" Most ex SSRI users cannot handle C due to digestive problems except for acerola C"

I hope this helps those wondering how the excessive cortisol produced by the Lexapro will cause symptoms that appear to be a chemically induced Cushing's disease in my opinion from the research that has been done.

[auntybiotic]

Does anyone know how to go back and correct typo errors, I do not see the icon at the top anymore?? Thanks.

[kimi_d]

Hey Guys,

It's about 1 am. on the west coast and well... I've been having a hard time. Very little sleep is catching up with me I think. Since my tapering it seems like my wake/sleep schedule is all screwed up. I lie awake in bed til 3-4 am and this seems to be the time I get really teary/crying spells. My heart also seems to be pounding really hard. During the daytime I feel like I'm in la la land. I have nausea and a persistant headache. I don't know where else to turn except here. I'm hesitatant to go to my doctor, knowing he dosen't quite know what to do except refer me to mental health.

I feel like crawling into a hole and hiding from the world. I have never been this depressed. I was put on Lexapro for general anxiety not depression. The worst part is, I think this is only the beginning.

Aunty, your last post was great information, and simple enough for even me, la la girl, to understand! Can you bind up this forum and make a book? (I just noticed I have the edit icon??? They must know how much more I need it!)

Mr Spock, I don't know you that well, but whenever I read your posts I always seem to hear an underlying message of "chin-up"... Thank you for that.

Thanks for listening.