[Torxis]

i too have rls
This response submitted by mari ,from lesueur, mn. on 2/5/97.

Author's Email:
i was diagnosed approx. 1 and one half years, by having a sleep study test. after many trials of different medications, i finally found relief with klonopin, sinemet and sometimes tylenol with codeine. now i am able to rest without having my sleep interrupted. my physician is established with hennepin county medical center, in mpls., mn. i can finally wake up feeling more rested.

This response submitted by cynthia aspengren on 1/22/97.

Author's Email: aspenc@tron.cochise.cc.az.us
A good part of my family on my mom's side has this problem. Our choices for control run from diet to exersize to medication. I don't know how the dialysis and lack of kiddny function affect this. I cannot eat chocolate; not even one M&M. My Mom cannot use any caffine and has to avoid foods high in protien. My uncle (my mom's brother) used a combination of diet (no chocolate, caffine, high protien foods), he jogged, and he took Haldol, which is used a sleep aid, among other things. He was a heavy smoker and the smoking was the biggest aggrivation to what my grandmother called "The leg ache."
I am not a doctor, I am an English teacher so I am certainly no expert, but I hope I have helped a little. I know it does not help to say I understand. Big deal. You just want sleep. Hope you can get some.

Cynthia, a fellow sufferer
This response submitted by Bill Cash on 1/21/97.

Author's Email:
I have suffered from this syndrome for a few years and was amazed when I tried a Yogi Tea found at my local health food store called bedtime tea.
Every night I drank it, I didn't suffer from having to get up
every hour to watch tv, exercise, read or whatever else came
into my mind. Because of this experience, I thought that there
was something to this tea.

However, I experienced a period when I just didn't take the tea
and I started to experience my restless leg again. Two nights
ago, I was awake because of it and after staying awake past 1:30
I decided to go down and drink my tea. After a cup of tea
I went back to bed after 2AM and the syndrome was gone.
This tea has been wonderful for me and I wanted to share
the information with you.
I hope it works for you as well as it has for me.

Bill



This response submitted by joyce elswick on 9/7/96.

Author's Email: button@full.net
I was troubled with this very agravating condition, and found if I simply put my legs out from under the covers and let them get "cold" the sensations of creeping would go away. Also, if you would get up and "scrub" your feet on the carpet it seemed to help.

leg
This response submitted by Judy on 8/24/96.

Author's Email: waynebo@gte.net
I also have occasional restless legs. The only thing that seems to help me is streching. I strech my back and leg muscles about three times a day.....Give it a try..can't hurt! Good Luck

Next Article

This response submitted by kC_SAmpson2wow.com on 6/21/96.

Author's Email:
i take 2 mg of klonopin and 500mg of vicodine. This is after 3 years of Drs. and it finally helps most of the time.

Restless leg syndrome
This response submitted by Dan Bedell on 10/6/95.

1See a neurologist and ask about the drug Sinemet. It1helps.


Not much help here but I'll keep looking>>>>TOM

[tiger]

Hi. I'm new here so i'm not sure if I'm doing this right. I wanted some advice. I've been on only .5mg of lexipro for about 8 months
and really want to go off of it. Unless i'm in denial that i have a
chemical imbalance, I'm hoping to go back to my old happy self before
this pills. I must admit, I've been feeling better. So, why go off?
I hate medications and feel like i took they only cause i was so depresses and having anxiety attacks because of an injury that left me on the couch for 5 months, then i had a miscarriage, and a rupture cyst. I was a mess, but normally a happy person.

1. Does anyone think i'll have less withdrawls due to the fact i'm only on 5 mg?
2. how do you know if it's just withdrawls or that you really need to be on the stuff because of a lack of production of seritonin?
3. do you think i'll be able to go to work? how long will this take?
4. is it as torturous as how you felt before going on them and while your body was adjusting?

thanks,
tiger

quote:Originally posted by Torxis

i too have rls
This response submitted by mari ,from lesueur, mn. on 2/5/97.

Author's Email:
i was diagnosed approx. 1 and one half years, by having a sleep study test. after many trials of different medications, i finally found relief with klonopin, sinemet and sometimes tylenol with codeine. now i am able to rest without having my sleep interrupted. my physician is established with hennepin county medical center, in mpls., mn. i can finally wake up feeling more rested.

This response submitted by cynthia aspengren on 1/22/97.

Author's Email: aspenc@tron.cochise.cc.az.us
A good part of my family on my mom's side has this problem. Our choices for control run from diet to exersize to medication. I don't know how the dialysis and lack of kiddny function affect this. I cannot eat chocolate; not even one M&M. My Mom cannot use any caffine and has to avoid foods high in protien. My uncle (my mom's brother) used a combination of diet (no chocolate, caffine, high protien foods), he jogged, and he took Haldol, which is used a sleep aid, among other things. He was a heavy smoker and the smoking was the biggest aggrivation to what my grandmother called "The leg ache."
I am not a doctor, I am an English teacher so I am certainly no expert, but I hope I have helped a little. I know it does not help to say I understand. Big deal. You just want sleep. Hope you can get some.

Cynthia, a fellow sufferer
This response submitted by Bill Cash on 1/21/97.

Author's Email:
I have suffered from this syndrome for a few years and was amazed when I tried a Yogi Tea found at my local health food store called bedtime tea.
Every night I drank it, I didn't suffer from having to get up
every hour to watch tv, exercise, read or whatever else came
into my mind. Because of this experience, I thought that there
was something to this tea.

However, I experienced a period when I just didn't take the tea
and I started to experience my restless leg again. Two nights
ago, I was awake because of it and after staying awake past 1:30
I decided to go down and drink my tea. After a cup of tea
I went back to bed after 2AM and the syndrome was gone.
This tea has been wonderful for me and I wanted to share
the information with you.
I hope it works for you as well as it has for me.

Bill



This response submitted by joyce elswick on 9/7/96.

Author's Email: button@full.net
I was troubled with this very agravating condition, and found if I simply put my legs out from under the covers and let them get "cold" the sensations of creeping would go away. Also, if you would get up and "scrub" your feet on the carpet it seemed to help.

leg
This response submitted by Judy on 8/24/96.

Author's Email: waynebo@gte.net
I also have occasional restless legs. The only thing that seems to help me is streching. I strech my back and leg muscles about three times a day.....Give it a try..can't hurt! Good Luck

Next Article

This response submitted by kC_SAmpson2wow.com on 6/21/96.

Author's Email:
i take 2 mg of klonopin and 500mg of vicodine. This is after 3 years of Drs. and it finally helps most of the time.

Restless leg syndrome
This response submitted by Dan Bedell on 10/6/95.

1See a neurologist and ask about the drug Sinemet. It1helps.


Not much help here but I'll keep looking>>>>TOM

[tiger]

LEXIPRO.....5 mg. for 8 months

Hi. I'm new here so i'm not sure if I'm doing this right. I wanted some advice. I've been on only .5mg of lexipro for about 8 months
and really want to go off of it. Unless i'm in denial that i have a
chemical imbalance, I'm hoping to go back to my old happy self before
this pills. I must admit, I've been feeling better. So, why go off?
I hate medications and feel like i took they only cause i was so depresses and having anxiety attacks because of an injury that left me on the couch for 5 months, then i had a miscarriage, and a rupture cyst. I was a mess, but normally a happy person.

1. Does anyone think i'll have less withdrawls due to the fact i'm only on 5 mg?
2. how do you know if it's just withdrawls or that you really need to be on the stuff because of a lack of production of seritonin?
3. do you think i'll be able to go to work? how long will this take?
4. is it as torturous as how you felt before going on them and while your body was adjusting?

thanks,
tiger

[debbie724]

Tom, good to hear from you. How are you doing? Thanks for the info. on RLS... if it continues to get worse at least now I have some ideas of things to try to help it. (Sometimes it is pretty bad at night and I wish I could call my mommy to come over and rub them like she did when I was a little girl.) It's not every night and the zapping pain is not terrible. Hopefully it won't get worse. And thanks for yet another "male" opinion of my present situation. It's been almost 24 hours since I responded to his email and informed him that I would want us to get to know each other better before becoming intimate... haven't heard a peep from him. Guess he didn't like that huh? His loss!

Tiger, I'm fairly new in here... so I can't really advise you. I'm sure that auntybiotic, Mr. Spock, Redbled, or anyone else with more knowledge will respond to you when they next check in. You can learn a great deal about Lexapro by reading the pages in this forum. When I first came here... I spent many days and many hours reading. auntybiotic supplied us with a list of symptoms on page 78 or 79 ish... from what I understood, this list applies to withdrawl symptoms and/or symptoms while taking lexapro. Happy reading... and look for a response from someone else soon.


debbie

[tiger]

thanks alot. i'll do that.

quote:Originally posted by debbie724

Tom, good to hear from you. How are you doing? Thanks for the info. on RLS... if it continues to get worse at least now I have some ideas of things to try to help it. (Sometimes it is pretty bad at night and I wish I could call my mommy to come over and rub them like she did when I was a little girl.) It's not every night and the zapping pain is not terrible. Hopefully it won't get worse. And thanks for yet another "male" opinion of my present situation. It's been almost 24 hours since I responded to his email and informed him that I would want us to get to know each other better before becoming intimate... haven't heard a peep from him. Guess he didn't like that huh? His loss!

Tiger, I'm fairly new in here... so I can't really advise you. I'm sure that auntybiotic, Mr. Spock, Redbled, or anyone else with more knowledge will respond to you when they next check in. You can learn a great deal about Lexapro by reading the pages in this forum. When I first came here... I spent many days and many hours reading. auntybiotic supplied us with a list of symptoms on page 78 or 79 ish... from what I understood, this list applies to withdrawl symptoms and/or symptoms while taking lexapro. Happy reading... and look for a response from someone else soon.


debbie

[tiger]

so, can any please answer my questions? look above..thanks! tiger

quote:Originally posted by tiger

thanks alot. i'll do that.

[debbie724]

Tiger, be patient... I think that most of the people in here only come here once a day... unlike me... and obviously you. I promise... someone will address your questions as soon as they sign on.


debbie

[Redbled]

Tiger,

1. Does anyone think i'll have less withdrawls due to the fact i'm only on 5 mg?

I was only put on 10 Mg's for 10 days, and I'm still having withdrawals 5 months later, though much better than at first. You may or may not have them, but I don't think the amount you take is that important.

2. how do you know if it's just withdrawls or that you really need to be on the stuff because of a lack of production of seritonin?

This one I'm not to sure about, sure Aunty and Spock will help you on it.

3. do you think i'll be able to go to work? how long will this take?

I missed a handful of days of work the first month. It can be pretty bad. If you have a job that really needs your attention, you might need to take more, mine does not.

4. is it as torturous as how you felt before going on them and while your body was adjusting?

It was much worse for me, since I was wrongly prescribed this drug in the first place. I had no anxiety or problems at all before going on Lexapro.

Hang in there, this is the place to visit as you go through what you may go through. I hope you don't, but you will live through it.

To everyone,
My home internet connection is out. Just in case you wonder why I may be scarce the next few days.

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.

[Mr Spock]

Hi everyone,
A bit rough today but no point whingeing. I had a vivid dream last night that I would like to share with you. At the same time I was on my "chemotherapy" (see my first post 20 pages or so back), my uncle was diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, it was fairly advanced with secondaries in his spine and lung. So, during this time, he started chemotherapy, although his was a LOT more brutal than the type I was on. Anyway, we probably hadn't had much to do with each other over the years, mainly due to geographical reasons but I have always been very fond of him, and admired him.
Anyway, every month I had to go to this clinic in Sydney (1 1/2 hours drive south from here) whilst I was on the treatment for blood tests etc, and my mother would accompany me as she lives nearby and we would have lunch with my aunts (her sisters) and my uncle. Due to our shared situation, and the fact that we were both laid back men, we developed a real cameraderie that I will always treasure. His initial response to therapy, despite loss of weight, hair etc was favourable. Anyway, this went on for abour 5 months, until December 2004. I will always remember, despite the fact that I was unlikely to die from the illness I was fighting, his courage and selflessness. The last thing he ever said to me on that December afternoon, is "You keep fighting".
Two weeks later, he had a major relapse and died shortly after.
Anyway, I had a dream about him last night, I don't remember much about it except to say that I believe that this is a message from him to keep fighting these withdrawal symptoms, and a way of giving me strength to keep doing so... So, Uncle Chris, this one's for you!
I mention this because sometimes when we are vulnerable we need an inspiration to help us to keep our resolve, particularly during this time...
Auntybiotic, I'm sorry to hear about your lack of fulfillment in the love sphere (so far!!!!!). As long as on this journey of life we keep learning and living, it surely will come your way. I am convinced that with each relationship I have (don't mean to sound like a gigolo, I'm not), I'm starting to realise what I want, and more importantly, what I don't want!!! I sent you an e mail through this forum yesterday, and also through a Yahoo address I found via Social Audit. If you haven't received either of these, perhaps the "whipping boy" (Redbled) if has he recovered from all the icecream and flaggelations, could enlighten us how to do it as I have received an e mail from him.
Debbie, try not to take anything unless you really have to. Did you say you were Star Trek fan? If so, watch the first movie "The Motion Picture". Its so slow, it will put you to sleep...
Tiger, there are stacks of posts everywhere about getting off these drugs. The best thing, though is to withdraw really slowly. I went cold turkey, and even from 5 mg, its far too high to stop suddenly. Aunty is an expert on this, with her own experience tapering her daughter. Also have a look at the "Healy Protocol", or Joseph Glenmuller on the web, as well as Ann Blake Tracy. Good luck!

[Mr Spock]

Whoops, its Tamra who is the Star Trek fan.
Also Aunty, thank you for the kind offer, I will take the book as a gift, as that is what you want to do.

Live long and Prosper.

[JayGM]

I am new to the forum and have gotten a huge amount of info. I was on Lexapro (10 mg) for about 16 months and quit cold turkey two weeks ago. I had tried to go every other day last June but the zaps scared me off.

I gained a huge amount of weight since that time-- the dreaded belly fat-- and decided I was going to give it a try. I was feeling depression from the weight gain! Once I quit the drug, I cut the refined carbs and sugar immediately which has helped immensely.

This week was only half as bad as last week and my mental state is much clearer than it has been for quite some time. The zaps and spacy feelings are not near what they were. I still have severe hot flashes that seemed to get much worse in the last year or so. Now that I have quit the drug, I am hopeful that they will ease up as time goes by.

I have a hugely stressful job-- I teach 6th grade in the equivalent of an inner city school. I haven't missed a day yet and I feel that I can cope better now than I could before going off the drug cold turkey. I do wake up during the night and have noticed a few nights with weird dreams. It was almost a relief to get up-- sleeping was lots of work!

From what I have learned in this forum, I think we all have experienced some common symptoms. Some have surely suffered much more than I have. Thank goodness I have had no nausea or dizziness. I was a bit concerned about that since I wouldn't have coped very well with it.

I am grateful to all of you on this board, past and present, for all of your information. It has made things much easier just knowing what to expect. Knowledge really is power in a situation such as we here have.

So far, things are going okay for me. With each passing week, the severity of the zaps have decreased. I am used to them now and don't notice them as much either.

Tiger, hang in there. Maybe you might want to try going a day without your dose-- just to see what happens. If the symptoms are uncomfortable, you can usually get rid of them quickly by taking the usual dose. If you are feeling really uncomfortable going a day with and a day without-- consider going to half your dose and tapering off. I wish I had gotten off this drug a year ago. My symptoms of depression and severe anxiety had lessened and the situation in my life that had precipitated them was taken care of. This drug works well in the short term. Once you feel your mental/emotional state has stabilized-- it might be smart to start getting off the drug.

My advice is to get off this drug as soon as possible. Unfortunately you will feel some side effects. There has been much good advice given about treatments and vitamins one can get if things get too uncomfortable. The quicker you start the process, the sooner it will get better.

Thanks again to all you here-- This board is a godsend.

Jan

[debbie724]

JayGYM, I'm glad you decided to join us here. Keep reading... you can never learn enough. We are all in this together. It's like an extended family here. My life has changed SO much since I found this site. I care...

debbie

[kimi_d]

Hey guys,

Gee whiz! I stay away from the forum what ? a day? And I have 3 pages to catch up on! I missed you guys.

I know 2 days ago, I think I said I was on day 4 of cold turkey. Turns out I am on 16! I lost 10 days somewhere!!!! I laugh at myself, but I really think I have been in a withdrawl fog. And I'm also sure much of my teariness is due to withdrawl also. I have been really fortunate by being spared the zaps. But all in all, things seem to be looking up.

I live in the Northwest, so winters here are very gloomy. Getting out of the house has been my toughest challenge lately. So yesterday I went on a 6 hour shopping trip with 3 girls (my 9 year old, and my two nieces 14 & 15)...... I had the most fun I've had in over a year!

This forum is by far the best therapy. (And trust me on this one...I've had lots of therapy).

Mr Spock , you started my tears again........you said "hello" . And by the way, can you wish a little Aussie sunshine my way? (I would do almost anything for a little sunburn right now)

Redbled, thanks for the reminder I will continue in my soppy ways, it's part of who I am, who I've become. I just try to remember that it is ok.

Aunty , thank you for missing me , you always make me feel important. You are a kind and genuine soul. I truly hope you find someone special in your life who recognizes this gift you have. I know we all do here. P.S. You're right, I have needed the large box of Kleenex.

Tamra, I also feel I've been led here. The spirit here is just, well, too wonderful.

Love you guys! Chin up!

[kimi_d]

Just wanted to say hello to Torxis, tiger and JayGM . Welcome guys, now I'm officially not the newbie here!!!!

[debbie724]

Mr. Spock, that's wonderful for you that your uncle came to you in a dream last night. It's even more wonderful that you figured out why he came. You... like auntybiotic and Redbled have been an inspiration to all of us and we look forward to reading your posts. I apologize from the bottom of my heart... I feel so selfish... I had NO idea you were so new here... nor did I have any idea of the trials and tribulations of your life. How are you today?

auntybiotic, if I remember correctly... your daughter too suffers from bi-polar??? I think that has something to do with our trouble sleeping and our increase in energy. I haven't run across anyone else yet (in my reading) that seems to be going through this. I personally have always enjoyed the manic phase of being bi-polar. As I've mentioned before... it's easy for me as I am not presently working... so lack of sleep is not controlling my life. I wish I could bottle up this energy and take as needed in the future... or share with those who need it too. My biggest "bi-polar" symptom is diarreah of the mouth which everyone here has seen in me. I'm not complaining... it's the most I've wanted to talk in years. I hope that I have not bored anyone.

Kimi d, I'm sorry that I have not acknowledged you here... there is SO much to read... I must have missed your posts. Do you have a history with bi-polar? My daughter's name is Kimmie.


debbie

[debbie724]

A question for anyone and everyone... I have asked this before... can anyone tell me about "weight loss" after lexapro? I'm down 7 1/2 pounds and have not changed my eating habits. I think a lot of this has to do with my new found energy... since lexapro.

And totally off the wall... I'm craving a "five guys" hamburger as I sit here and laugh that we have a "three brothers" and a "five guys"... just curious... does anyone else have a "two, four, six, etc. anything"?


debbie

[debbie724]

One more thing... as I sit here and want to wish everyone a happy Martin Luther King day... I realized another GREAT thing about this forum. Who knows and who care what color our skin is? In here we are all equal... looking for love and loving...

debbie

[auntybiotic]

Hi Everyone,

I only have about ten minutes because I have to meet repairmen this morning but Welcome Tiger and JayGM. I wanted to address Tiger.

Tiger, I wanted to let you know that tapering from 5Mg can be just as troublesome as tapering from a larger amount if you have taken it over 30 days. It has chemically altered the way that your body utilizes serotonin, keeps your own serotonin soaking longer at the receptors so stopping Lexapro throw the body into a sate of having to naturally pick up metabolizing serotonin.

The best way to taper is to get the liquid form of lexapro prescribed. Start by reducing by 5% to 10% (that is 1/2 of a milligram for 10%) Your pharmacist will give you a BP measuring siringe for free if you ask. Ask for a 5 Mg syringe and a 1 Mg syringe.

Now for your first taper I would suggest that you measure the 4 Mg of liquid in the 5 Mg syringe and the .05 in the 1 Mg syringe. This will be more precise.

You will know that it is withdrawals because you will start to see a pattern as you reduce. About the 4 to 7 th day you will begin to get symptoms such as sleeplessness, anxiety, sweating, bad dreams, increased appetite and so on. The symptoms will level off afer about three weeks and you will start to feel better again. It is suggested to wait a addittional week to let your body have a break and then to srart the next taper. You may just notice moodiness as a symptom.

If the withdrawals get rough, say if you do not follow the slow tapering and decide to break the pill in half and taper by 50%. The symptoms will appear to resemble return of depression but if you reinstate the medication, these symptoms will go away..........because the symptoms are actually withdrawl from a chemical dependence to the lexapro.

It can take depression months to return, not days as happens when one stops lexapro and the withdrawals start. The makers of Lexapro want people to believe that the symptoms are indeed depression and run back to taking their expensive medication. This is not the case as withdrawal mimics depression and bipolar.

Try to taper and in about 4 to 7 days you will start to get the symptoms. Yes, you will miss work if you taper by large amounts and in the long run you may be off of lexapro quicker but the withdrawals will be around longer as your brain strugles to get use to the changes in the serotonin levels.

Start cautiously, you can always speed up the process if the first tapers prove to be miminal.

Mr. Spock, RedBled, Kimi, Debbie and Torxis and Tamara..........

all of yo are like friends and thank you so much for posting.

Well guys, I went out with a girlfriend to a singles get together. I have not been in search of meeting a man in over six years. I had a glass of wine and looked around and saw a 6 foot 2 hansome man standing at the bar so I walked up and said hello. (Very bold of me but I have learned to go after what one wants as the opportunity may not arise again). Anyway, we talked on the phone several times and went out for the first time last night.

I am floating om a cloud, he was a perfect gentlemman, we talked for hours about our life experiences and I was so impressed with his compassion, Mr. Spock, he reminded me of what you are like.

Debbie, there are great men out there but the secret is to start out beibg a friend and getting to know what they are like. We held hands for most of the night and I had butterflies like a 16 year old. I have not felt that type of attraction in years. Time will tell what may develop but if nothing else......... I have had fun getting to know the ins and outs of this mans life and how he relates to his children everyday and what he has learned from his past relationships that have not worked out. It's amazing that we had talked for five hours and the time seemed like 30 minutes.His tenderness, the hand holding and hugs were more powerful and more satisfying then many previous sexual encounters . Women love tenderness and so many men forget this. I am Planning to take this real slow as respect for one another makes for a stronger bond.

Mr. Spock,

It is great that your Uncle gave you strength to get thru this turn on the path of life. It is amazing how spiritual and strength is provided.

Gotta Run, will check back later. I have not had a chanve to check my emails Mr. Spock but I will later.

[mohannie]

Hi everyone,

Happy MLK day. I myself am celebrating the legacy of Dr. King at work. I'm not having a good day today but I'm going to work through it. I'm not in danger of harming myself, but I am feeling blue. I am now aware that when I have "crying spells", I'm experiencing a form of anxiety. I had one of those spells last night. I took some Niravam in an effort to make it go away, but it just left me feeling high. I'm still taking the 12.5 mg of Paxil in liew of the 10mg of Lexapro, but it doesn't seem to do me any good. I went to the doctor on Friday and asked if I could stop taking the Paxil. She asked me if I've cut myself lately and I told her no. She then decided that I need to stay on the medicine. What she doesn't realize is that the medicine isn't helping with the depression. Auntie, I'm glad that you've found someone that you've "clicked" with. Debbie, thank you for reaching out to me, I greatly appreciate it.

[daniobentley]

Hi. OK, new to the forum but here goes...
Anxiety and panic disorder as well as negative thoughts about life and the whole point in it, as well as how real it all is...
Started 10mg cipralex this time last year. After 2 months, felt much better. In November, started tapering off as follows:
10mg 2 days, one day off (for 2 weeks)
10mg every other day (for 4 weeks)
10mg every 3 days (for 2 weeks)
None (for a week) during which I had 2 panic attacks and a lot more anxiety.
5mg every other day (for one week) during which I felt rather anxious and dizzy
5mg evry 3 days (for one week so far) and I had another panick attack, feel dizzy, a bit ill, and the negative thoughts have come back...

I think I will go back back onto 5mg every other day - good idea?
Also, when do I cut down to 5mg every 3 days? When I feel "better" again? Or do I go back up to more? I really just wanna come off them, it's taking so long, but I don't want to undo all the good they've done for me. Whilst on them I was feeing a lot less anxious and only had about 2 panick attacks in 8 months. I want to be back to to feeling "normal" but how do I do this?

Please help...
Dani, 21, London

[tiger]

Hi and thanks so much for your quick reply. Mu doctor told me there's less withdrawls for a smaller dosage but i didn't believe
her. She said only dizziness and headaches. I also didn't believe her. I"m scared to death to go through withdrawls. and my husband is too. but i don't think i need this medicine.
So, how do you know you need to be on it or not? or that it's just withdrawls? has anyone every been on smaller doses like 5 mg of lexipro and been ok with the withdrawls? doubt it, huh.....

quote:Originally posted by auntybiotic

Hi Everyone,

I only have about ten minutes because I have to meet repairmen this morning but Welcome Tiger and JayGM. I wanted to address Tiger.

Tiger, I wanted to let you know that tapering from 5Mg can be just as troublesome as tapering from a larger amount if you have taken it over 30 days. It has chemically altered the way that your body utilizes serotonin, keeps your own serotonin soaking longer at the receptors so stopping Lexapro throw the body into a sate of having to naturally pick up metabolizing serotonin.

The best way to taper is to get the liquid form of lexapro prescribed. Start by reducing by 5% to 10% (that is 1/2 of a milligram for 10%) Your pharmacist will give you a BP measuring siringe for free if you ask. Ask for a 5 Mg syringe and a 1 Mg syringe.

Now for your first taper I would suggest that you measure the 4 Mg of liquid in the 5 Mg syringe and the .05 in the 1 Mg syringe. This will be more precise.

You will know that it is withdrawals because you will start to see a pattern as you reduce. About the 4 to 7 th day you will begin to get symptoms such as sleeplessness, anxiety, sweating, bad dreams, increased appetite and so on. The symptoms will level off afer about three weeks and you will start to feel better again. It is suggested to wait a addittional week to let your body have a break and then to srart the next taper. You may just notice moodiness as a symptom.

If the withdrawals get rough, say if you do not follow the slow tapering and decide to break the pill in half and taper by 50%. The symptoms will appear to resemble return of depression but if you reinstate the medication, these symptoms will go away..........because the symptoms are actually withdrawl from a chemical dependence to the lexapro.

It can take depression months to return, not days as happens when one stops lexapro and the withdrawals start. The makers of Lexapro want people to believe that the symptoms are indeed depression and run back to taking their expensive medication. This is not the case as withdrawal mimics depression and bipolar.

Try to taper and in about 4 to 7 days you will start to get the symptoms. Yes, you will miss work if you taper by large amounts and in the long run you may be off of lexapro quicker but the withdrawals will be around longer as your brain strugles to get use to the changes in the serotonin levels.

Start cautiously, you can always speed up the process if the first tapers prove to be miminal.

Mr. Spock, RedBled, Kimi, Debbie and Torxis and Tamara..........

all of yo are like friends and thank you so much for posting.

Well guys, I went out with a girlfriend to a singles get together. I have not been in search of meeting a man in over six years. I had a glass of wine and looked around and saw a 6 foot 2 hansome man standing at the bar so I walked up and said hello. (Very bold of me but I have learned to go after what one wants as the opportunity may not arise again). Anyway, we talked on the phone several times and went out for the first time last night.

I am floating om a cloud, he was a perfect gentlemman, we talked for hours about our life experiences and I was so impressed with his compassion, Mr. Spock, he reminded me of what you are like.

Debbie, there are great men out there but the secret is to start out beibg a friend and getting to know what they are like. We held hands for most of the night and I had butterflies like a 16 year old. I have not felt that type of attraction in years. Time will tell what may develop but if nothing else......... I have had fun getting to know the ins and outs of this mans life and how he relates to his children everyday and what he has learned from his past relationships that have not worked out. It's amazing that we had talked for five hours and the time seemed like 30 minutes.His tenderness, the hand holding and hugs were more powerful and more satisfying then many previous sexual encounters . Women love tenderness and so many men forget this. I am Planning to take this real slow as respect for one another makes for a stronger bond.

Mr. Spock,

It is great that your Uncle gave you strength to get thru this turn on the path of life. It is amazing how spiritual and strength is provided.

Gotta Run, will check back later. I have not had a chanve to check my emails Mr. Spock but I will later.

[debbie724]

Dani and Tiger, hang in there... the more experienced people will get back to you when they check in here.

auntybiotic, I'm so happy to hear that you met someone. I did start out slow with this guy... we spoke for hours on the phone and connected immediately... went out several times... and only petted... after that he assumed the next time we got together there would be more. I know now that I have to leave my petting for my doggie and my 5 kitty cats and my parot. I learned my lesson with the help of all of you here.

mohanny, I'm sorry you are having a bad day... you KNOW that I care. Hang in there... one day at a time! You can get through today... look forward to sleeping tonight. If I lived closer I would give you a GREAT BIG HUG!!!

I slept until 1:00 (PM) today... can you believe it? I don't feel good about waisting half the day... but it feels great to have slept two nights in a row. I would still be sleeping if it weren't for my daughter calling me... she's on her way home from Texas and needed to give me her airline details. It's a great day!!!

How is everyone??? This has not only been a long weekend (for some) due to the holiday... but it started out with a Friday the 13th... followed by a full moon on Saturday. It's no wonder anyone and everyone felt someone odd this weekend.


debbie

[mohannie]

Tiger,

Everyone here has experienced side effects from the medicine as well as withdrawl symptoms when they've stopped taking the medicine. The thing is, that we're all making it through it. We have good days and bad days, but you are going to have that with anything in life. The bottom line is, you have to do what's best for you. With me, I've been suffering from depression all of my life, and we've come to the conclusion that I suffer from a chemical imbalance. I'm on medication, and I'm going to therapy once every two weeks to manage my depression. No one here can tell you whether you need to be on medication or not, but what we can do is share our experiences with you on what effect the medicine has had on us so that you can make an informed decision on whether you feel that being on the medicine is hurting you more than it is helping. We all support each other here; we mostly look to auntybiotic and Mr. Spock for advice on side effects and withdrawl symtoms. We all are either where you are or have been where you are, so we will support you in any way we can.

Debbie,

I'm starting to feel better now. I am, however feeling sleepy. For those of you who are now experiencing weight loss and a boost of energy, can you send some my way? I'm feeling very tired today, and I slept most of yesterday. I'll check back in with you guys later.

Mo

[tiger]

Thanks Mo,
I've always been a happy, fun, energetic person. I think it was just a really bad period in my life and it's unexplainable all the pains with negative results, and depression. It was scary. I feel great on the lexipro except for the tiredness, but i just don't want to be on
medicines. I never take anything. I take a half of aspirin for a headache!! If someone told me i'd have to suffer again coming off the pills i would have never gone on it. But i understand people do have chemical imbalances and it's like diabetes...your body just doesn't produce certain balances you need. so you need meds.
Someone please answer me....is going OFF these as bad as you felt when you're body was adjusting to getting ON them? i refuse to take kloniphin or anything that turns me into a zombie. what a nightmare that was.

quote:Originally posted by mohannie

Tiger,

Everyone here has experienced side effects from the medicine as well as withdrawl symptoms when they've stopped taking the medicine. The thing is, that we're all making it through it. We have good days and bad days, but you are going to have that with anything in life. The bottom line is, you have to do what's best for you. With me, I've been suffering from depression all of my life, and we've come to the conclusion that I suffer from a chemical imbalance. I'm on medication, and I'm going to therapy once every two weeks to manage my depression. No one here can tell you whether you need to be on medication or not, but what we can do is share our experiences with you on what effect the medicine has had on us so that you can make an informed decision on whether you feel that being on the medicine is hurting you more than it is helping. We all support each other here; we mostly look to auntybiotic and Mr. Spock for advice on side effects and withdrawl symtoms. We all are either where you are or have been where you are, so we will support you in any way we can.

Debbie,

I'm starting to feel better now. I am, however feeling sleepy. For those of you who are now experiencing weight loss and a boost of energy, can you send some my way? I'm feeling very tired today, and I slept most of yesterday. I'll check back in with you guys later.

Mo

[auntybiotic]

Daniobently,

Welcome. I do not believe that it is suggested to taper as you are, every other, every third day etc, You are jerking the neurotransmitters around by doing this. Try tapering from 5Mg for 3 weeks, then 4.5 Mg for three weeks then 4 Mg for three weeks, and so on. This may help you to stabilize,

Gotta Run until later.

[mohannie]

Tiger,

For me, when I first started the medicine, I felt a little dizzy and high. As time progessed, I started experiening nausea, headaches, and my depression was still there. Coming off of the Lexapro, I experienced what they call "brain zaps", and severe dizziness. There are some who don't experience any withdrawl symptoms. My mother is one of those people. No can tell you what's going to happen to you when you start to taper off of the medicine. We can only tell you our experiences and let you draw your own conclusions.

I am going through my first withdrawal symptoms after missing my 20 mg dose. I actually skipped it because I couldn't reach a doctor over the weekend and was having night sweats and chills I related to the medication. I had a serious crying spell and overwhelming anxiety and can't get my doctor to return a call. Does anyone have any advice on whether or not I should take my dose just to make the withdrawal symptoms stop? I am having the electric shocks, night sweats, chills, shaking, crying, etc.

[tamra]

Hello there all....maybe it was PMS... lol....I think it was a start of a very rough upcoming week. I was going to start skipping my lex (every other day for a week) but...Now my oldest son has a cough, sinus thing, fever, achey, etc. My youngest is a terror and ripping the house apart. My husband is ok so far...and then there's me. I go from a foggy, dizzy headache and chills...I thought it was the normal withdrawl excitement. I am exhausted tired and probably going to bed very soon. (6 pm - I need it!) I finally took 2 minutes to wash my face and brush my teeth from this morning (an hour ago! - yup, rough day with the kids) and my nausea kept getting worse until I lost my lunch. Now I'm just weak and tingly. hhmmmm virus? flu? something I ate? or the lexapro? only time will tell...rest will help though. I'll check back in maybe tomorrow.... sweet dreams!

Live every day to it's fullest!

[Redbled]

I just wanted to say I'm thrilled for you Aunty. You deserve to have some fun in your life. Enjoy each day with this gent for as long as it lasts. I'm hoping if you are happy, its a very long time. I'll be on more tomorrow guys.

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.

[Mr Spock]

Hi all,
Welcome to the new members of the forum.
Tamra, please try not to skip doses, or alternate days. The half-life of the anti-depressant is not long enough to do this and your neuro-transmitter levels will be all over the place. Best to take a smaller dose every day, and remember, withdraw slowly! If you miss a dose, though, don't take extra in an endeavour to "catch up".
Daniobently, this also applies to you, as Aunty has stated, and see further comments.
Tiger, I agree with Aunty. These drugs are really powerful. Basically, they have changed the whole relationship between all our neuro-transmitters and the organs that regulate them. I went cold turkey from 1/2 tablet (10mg) Celexa 4 months ago, and I still feel dreadful. Simply because the cessation of the tablet provided a total shock to my brain and nervous system. If I'd known then (or the first time I stopped, see my first post page 60 something) I would have been far more cautious.... However for me, it is too late to go back on it and taper, and I know that resolution time is nearing...
Also, I would like to take issue (in a nice supportive way) with the chemical imbalance story. I have worked in mental health on and off for 30 years and I always believed this imbalance analogy to be true. However, having read a fair bit about this over the last six months, I now disagree.
First of all, it is only an anecdotal theory. Much of the current theories on depression is that an episode will generally last for about 12-14 weeks and then will resolve by itself. Some double-binding studies (where half the participants are on the drug, and half are on a "placebo") suggest that up to 80% of the placebo group have had a reaction as good as the anti-depressant group!!! Furthermore, as explained in one of my earlier postings, when one initially goes on an anti-depressant, large doses on adrenalin and cortisol are released which can make someone feel that the anti-depressant is already "kicking in". There have also been studies that suggest that low serotonin levels do not automatically suggest depression. From my own experience of withdrawal from the physical symptoms that I have , I know that I have low serotonin levels, but whilst I feel a bit confused, and , at times, anxious, I certainly do not feel depressed.
Certainly, though, I do acknowledge that these drugs can be quite helpful in situations where the person is severely clinically depressed, and will continue to advocate for their use in those circumstances. However, I remain concerned at the current cavalier practice of doling them out as a magic fix with the mischievous and simplistic pronouncement of a "chemical imbalance" being the problem. Also, I believe that the severity of and the duration of the withdrawal symptoms has been hopelessly under-recognised by prescribers, and deliberately understated by the drug companies. This has often led to people who are still suffering either withdrawal effects of anxiety or depression being put back on a very addictive drug that they do not need or should be on...
Mohannie, I've probably scared you a bit with my above comments! However, If I was you, I would stabilise on the Paxil you are on for a while (say 3 months total) and then contemplate your future drug regime. As I've mentioned before, though, I'm not a doctor, so this is just a suggestion. We will all be here for you, you know that.
Debbie, you sound extremely energetic at present. However, I would like you to have a look at the post that I wrote to Shifty on page 67, before deciding if you are bi-polar. Generally people who are don't sleep at all for days. This mood instability could be related to your anti-depressant withdrawal.
Jay GM hmm, I wish you good luck woth the cold turkey, you may do all right, not everyone gets really bad withdrawals.... Keep us apprised of your progress.
Kimi D, sorry that you got a bit teary. you really are a soppy one aren't you! I didn't know that I had THAT effect on women!!!
Redbled, how are the welts? By the way, with all due respect you are only just over 4 1/2 months by the calender (not by weeks) so I reckon by the 31/1/2006 you'll be five and by then "fit and dandy".
And finally, congratulations Auntybiotic, I was absolutely thrilled when I read your news, he sounds like a real prince, and as well, I hasten to add, a very lucky man to have met you. I'm hardly the one to give anyone relationship advice, but keep doing what you're doing and take it nice and slow.

Peace and Long LIfe