[debbie724]

Mr. Spock, my father, my brother, myself and my daughter have all been diagnosed as bi-polar. My father was the only one with "typical" bi-polar behavior. My brother, myself, and my daughter's experiences were that of on again - off again - days/weeks of severe depression and/or extreme mania. We all had similar behavior and yet we all were very different. None the less... we are all on medication for bi-polar and depression. I do very well on my wellbutrin, depakote and ativan. The energy and excitement and talkitiveness that I have been experiencing of late is just a reminder to me of the days when I was manic. They are not nearly as extreme... as I am still on medication for them. I actually crashed today. I slept last night until 5:30 AM... got up for a while and slept again until 1:00 PM. I've been dragging today and feeling very emotional. I guess I shouldn't have bragged about all that energy... jinxed myself! So, how are you doing?


debbie

[auntybiotic]

Just wanted to say Hi and to mention to Mr. Spock that the email did not go thru. I have not recieved your emails.

Kimi I did get your email and reponded, can you tell Mr. Spock how you sent it??

Debbie,

I forgot to mention that my daughter is NOT bipolar, it is a drug induced (withdrawal) from the lexapro that causes manic like reactions for about 7 to 10 days after a taper then it goes away until the next taper. Since I have been tapering by less then 1/2 Mg she does not get the mania anymore.

[kimi_d]

Hi Debbie,

No worries. I too try to keep up on the posts. And everyones story. Forgive me if I've missed checking in with you also. It seems we all have the unfortunate bond of Lexapro and it's side effects.

I have never been diagnosed as bi-polar. But I have often wondered if that was the case with me. I remember taking those quizes and they were negative for bi-polar,,,but how accurate are those??

Sometime I'll fill you guys in with "my story". I didn't want to put anyone off here, and I had a lot going on anyhow with withdrawling from Lexapro.

Funny you mentioned bi-polar though, I was feeling very manic today, and I have to force myself to go to bed in order to get some sleep. Even then it's usually not until 2 am. I just don't know if it's from withdrawl of the Lexapro, or my normal chemistry. I'm sure the next few months things will sort themselves out. (At least I hope so!!)

Chin-up!

[Redbled]

Mr. Shock, err, I mean Spock,

I couldn't resist with the zaps we all have dealt with The welts feel good, thanks for asking. I always have to think so hard when you aussies write dates down. My life would be easier if our founding fathers had not so much wanted to get away from anything English We'd drive right, err, I mean left, and we'd believe that freezing was actually at zero degrees. Anyway, I so hope you're right, if you are, 2 more weeks and I should be singing praises.

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]

Aunty,

I sent you an email???????? I must have REALLY lost my mind in this Lex-free fog I've been in? Please tell me it wasn't me, because I haven't a clue.....and if I ever remember, maybe then I can let Mr. Spock know how I did it!!! LOL

P.S. I am also so happy you had a wonderful night out! The good guys are out there ladies! I still get foot massages (almost everynite) even after 14 years of marriage !!!!

Mr Spock, I'm sorry I didn't cry this time. Have you lost that "effect" already?

Hugs, Kim

[auntybiotic]

Kimi,

Your post made me laugh, that felt so good as my exboyfriend has a new woman in his life and I still am sad for the loss of a relationship that was at times less then rewarding. guess being a romantic, my brain has sifted thru the memories and has focused on the "wonderful" times we had years ago. I need to remember that lately I always felt SECOND BEST and like I always needed to try and be someone I wasn't so that he would like ME. Isn't that ironic.

Well, I don't want to turn this post into a lonley hearts club so............

The post must have been from another Kimi that reads and does not post. I just assumed it was yoy. (Kimi, if you are reading this, how did you get the email to me, Mr. Spock needs to know.)

Redbled, what were the welts from??

Have any of the womwn noticed an increase in breast size since being on lexapro.

[tamra]

Greetings from the "sickie" house! I lived. I crawled under about 8 heavy blankets because I was so cold and went to sleep. I DID take my lexapro last nite, on a very empty stomach. My son woke me up at 2am because he was thirsty, hungry (he didn't eat all day yesterday), and wanted me to watch a movie with him...[|)] I slept on the couch and he watched movies. I think we'll spend the day watching movies and waiting for the rain to arrive..every now and then a rainy day is welcomed. I'm just hoping that the temps warm up rather quickly...we're borderline freezing rain all day and then 50mph winds tomorrow...so if you don't hear from me...It's just that our electricity went out...and we are all sitting around staring at a candle! lol

To anyone that used the tapering off method..did you stop tapering at 5 mg, 2.5, or keep going to tiny fragments? Thanks! Tamra

Live every day to it's fullest!

[auntybiotic]

Tamara,

When tapering go to the smallest fragment possible and it will make stopping easier.

To comment on the weight loss issue after stopping lexapro.many say that no matter how little they eat the weight does not decrease. I am not a doctor but in researching how SSRI's affect the body and hormones, I do think the high levels of Cortisol produced by each dose of Lexapro is the reason so many are unable to lose weight.After stopping lexapro there are still HIGH circulating cortisol levels circulating thruout the system.


For those wanting to control cortisol levels which are doubled with each dose of Lexapro, then the high cortisol causes anxiety and weight gain and bloating, I have posted a aricle about a natural herb that cuts cortisol levels, helps to cut food cravings and promotes restful sleep.
History and use of Relora:
You have no doubt heard about the link between the stress hormone cortisol and weight loss. Excess stress, may lead to high cortisol levels that stimulate your appetite, with the end result being weight gain or difficulty losing unwanted pounds. Recently cortisol control supplements such as Cortislim and Relacore have gained popularity due to intense media marketing campaigns. Relora is a much cheaper, yet effective alternative to these popular diet pills that has been proven to reduce cortisol levels.

Relora® is a natural proprietary blend of a patented extract of Magnolia officinalis and a patent-pending extract from Phellodendron amurense. Relora® was developed as an ingredient for dietary supplements and functional foods that could be used in stress management and for stress-related appetite control. This patented blend of plant extracts is the result of screening more than fifty plant fractions from traditional plant medicines used around the world.

Human Fat/Stress-Related Hormone Trial Results

37% Cortisol Reduction (P = 0.01)
227% DHEA Increase (P = 0.003)
Human Open Trial Results

8 out of 10 people felt more relaxed.
7 out of 10 people enjoyed more restful sleep.
7 out of 10 people reduced stress-related snacking of sweets.
9 out of 10 people said it was gentle the stomach.
Relora is a natural stress management ingredient that helps control stress-related eating and has the added value of being non-sedating. In central nervous system receptor binding assays the plant extracts in Relora binds to several important targets associated with stress. It does not bind to the benzodiazepine receptors that would cause sedation, yet has the relaxing qualities that have been demonstrated in both animal and human studies. In addition, it normalizes hormone levels associated with stress-induced weight gain and eating behavior. Stress has been shown to play a significant role in a variety of conditions. A large percentage of overweight adults have excessive abdominal fat due to stress-related over eating. Relora can maintain healthy cortisol and DHEA levels in stressed individuals and act as an aid in controlling weight and stress-related eating. If you are looking for natural supplement to help you control hunger and maintain low cortisol levels, then Relora is the perfect supplement for you. Relora has been shown in clinical studies to be safe with little or no side effects




Label Information and Ingredients:
Relora 250 mgSuggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take one (1) capsule, two (2) or three (3) times daily at mealtime, or as directed by a health care professional. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light.

Supplemental Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule

Main Ingredients Amount Per Serving % Daily Allowance
Proprietary blend***
Magnolia officinalis*
Phellodendron amurense* 250 mg *

*Daily Value Not Established

*** From Relora, a patent-pending proprietary blend of extracts of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense, standardized to 1.5% honokiol and 0.1% berberine.

Other Ingredients: Gelatin, glycerin, water (capsules), (May contain one or more of the following; cellulose, magnesium stearate, vegetable stearin and silica).
Contains No Added sugar, salt, dairy, yeast, wheat, corn, soy, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.

Keep out of Reach of Children
QUALITY AND POTENCY GUARANTEED.

[auntybiotic]

Hi again,

It is my belief that the high cortisol levels due to Lexapro make the metabolism slow making it hard for many to lose weigh and causes the bloating in the belly that so many have from Lexapro.

Another related article:

Recent studies have identified a link between elevated blood cortisol levels and weight gain. This relationship sheds light on why, for some people, weight can be very difficult to shift and does not respond well to dieting and exercise.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the cortex of the adrenal gland. It plays a critical role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, as well as monitoring sodium and potassium ratios. In addition, it is a powerful anti-inflammatory but also slows healing and depresses the immune system.

Cortisol is released by the adrenal glands under times of stress. Its role is to invoke the “fight-or-flight” response, that is, its evolutionary function is to help the body mobilize forces to either fight the threat or run from it. As stress has become an increasing feature of modern life, it is not uncommon for cortisol to be continuously excreted into the blood stream, resulting in permanently elevated serum cortisol levels. Over time, depleted adrenal glands struggle to cope with the stress that modern Western life presents.

Unfortunately, chronically high levels of circulating cortisol contribute to the laying down of fat reserves in the abdominal area of the body, resulting in an “apple-shaped” profile, comprising a thickened torso—including stomach, back, neck, and upper arms—with a relatively slim hip and thigh structure. This classic apple shape is of concern to both doctors and sufferers because fat that predominantly occurs in the upper half of the body increases the likelihood of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It is also particularly difficult to shift and often does not respond in the customary manner to a change in dietary and exercise habits.

To complicate matters further, it has now been recognized that the stress that strict dieting puts on the body actually stimulates cortisol output, thus making weight control even more difficult for some individuals. In addition, constant secretion of cortisol to fuel the “fight-or flight” response results in rapid swings in blood sugar, which ultimately leads to further overeating. Individuals also differ in how much cortisol their bodies produce under stress, resulting in further uncertainty in correlating stress levels, cortisol secretion, and fat deposition.

So, what can be done to break the cortisol cycle? Stress reduction is the first line of defense, but stress comes in many forms and individuals should explore what issues need to be addressed and what techniques to counteract stress would best suit them. Part of any stress reduction campaign should include a healthy diet, and it is in this latter area that nutritional supplementation appears to help reduce the cortisol levels.

[Redbled]

Aunty,

The welts comment was senseless banter between Spock and myself a few days ago. Its not at all real or important



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.

[debbie724]

auntybiotic, I sent you an email... explaining how to send an email. Let me know if you get it.

Good morning to all.


debbie

[debbie724]

auntybiotic, I also sent the info to Mr Spock as you requested. Hope this works for you guys.


debbie

[Miss Lee]

Wow!

I left on Friday for the weekend and had to read (or got to) 4 pages to catch up. Welcome to all newbies. I am an old timer who is on 4 months 3 weeks off lexapro. I had a bit of a bad Wednesday and Thursday, but got back on track. I laughed outloud at the "LOVE" postings. It feels good not to fellowship with the problem, but to interact on a more personal level. Not much time now, Hang in there. Everyday is getting brighter (sometimes literally -is anyone else experiencing adversions to artificial lights??)

I may not post everyday, but I am reading and keeping track. I only have an internet connection at work!
Keep on keepin' on!

Miss Lee

[Redbled]

Ok all,

I've been waiting for a couple of weeks now to get my new drugs, and just today received them. They're from the nat doc. I just wanted to run them by you guys and see what those who know more than I do think. I'm feeling decent, but not right of course yet. I fear taking them, yet am intrigued to at the same time. They are:

Pantothenic acid-It just appears to be a vit supplement. I'm not sure if I should list ingredients, let me know if more is needed.

Neuro-Ps-Phosphatidylserine-It says it helps boost mental focus, improve learning and improve age related memory decline. Made by Biochem

Also by Biochem, Memory Formula-Says its an advanced dietary supplement containing citicoline, vinpocetine, and Huperzine A.

All of these supplements are vegatarian, though I didn't specify that I was. I'm inclined to take them unless someone can point a serious problem to it. The nat doc had said it would take about a week on this stuff to get my brain rewired. I'm very nervous, and that's not like me much at all normally.



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.

[debbie724]

Redbled, I wish that I could help you... but I'm afraid you are going to have to wait to hear from the old timers. Speaking of which... auntybiotic, how's the new man?


debbie

[Miss Lee]

Red-

I also would be nervous. I can't say that I have tried any of those! Which is strange considering I feel that I have tried everything. My advice would be to (if you want to take them) to start with one and take it for a couple of days until you KNOW how you are reacting to it. Then add from there. I was taking to many supplements at once during my beginning withdrawal and couldn't figure out which one i was reacting to (it turned out to be the B's). Do some research as will I and post findings later.

Miss Lee

[Miss Lee]

Here is some info I found interesting (be careful for to many B's as they may act as a stimulant --

#Note the found in foods section- Your theory on Yogurt may have some ground.

Pantothenic acid (PA), a B-complex vitamin, is essential for humans and animals for growth, reproduction, and normal physiological functions. It is a precursor of the coenzymes, CoA and acyl carrier protein of fatty acid synthase, which are involved in more than 100 different metabolic pathways including energy metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, and the synthesis of lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, porphyrins and hemoglobin.

Deficiencies: Pantothenic acid deficiency has been induced in animals when fed natural feedstuffs containing low levels of pantothenic acid. Deficient animals had growth retardation with reduced food intake, functional impairments in all systems and sudden death. Pantothenic acid deficiency has also been induced in humans by use of a metabolic antagonist, w-methyl pantothenic acid along with a pantothenic acid-deficient diet. Signs and symptoms reported include depression, personality changes, cardiac instability, frequent infection, fatigue, abdominal pains, sleep disturbances and neurological disorders including numbness, paresthesia (abnormal sensation such as "burning feet" syndrome), muscle weakness and cramps. Biochemical changes include increased insulin sensitivity, lowered blood cholesterol, decreased serum potassium, and failure of adrenocorticotropin to induce eosinopenia.

Recommendations: The Estimated Safe and Adequate Daily Dietary Intakes of pantothenic acid are: 2 mg for infants 0-0.5 yr; 3 mg for children 0.5-3 yrs; 3-4 mg for children 4-6 yrs; 4-5 mg for children 7-10 yrs; 4-7 mg for children 11+ yrs and adults. The average American diet provides 2-3 mg pantothenic acid/1000 kcal or 4-6 mg pantothenic acid/2000 kcal, which is within the range of the suggested intake.

Food sources: Pantothenic acid is found in many foodstuffs. Good sources of the vitamin (>1 mg/ serving) include organ meats, lobsters, poultry, soybeans, lentils, split peas, yogurt, eggnog, avocado, mushroom, sweet potato. Pantothenic acid loss during processing is significant, as it is stable in neutral solution but is readily destroyed by heat in either alkali or acid.

Toxicity: In humans, the only reported symptom after intakes of 10 to 20 g calcium pantothenic acid was diarrhea.

Recent research: A pantothenic acid derivative, pantethine (two molecules of pantetheine joined by a disulfide bond), has been reported to have a hypocholesterolemic effect. A metabolic antagonist of pantothenic acid, pantoyl g-amino butyric acid (called pantoyl-GABA, homopantothenate, or hopantothenate), is widely used in Japan as an antidementia drug for treating cognitive impairments in pathological states such as Alzheimer's disease, presumably through increasing cholinergic activity in vivo. Reyes-like syndrome has been reported in patients using pantoyl-GABA, presumably due to pantothenic acid deficiency. Other recent studies have shown that uptake and metabolism of pantothenic acid seem to differ among organs and tissues. Fetal growth retardation and death reported in pantothenic acid deficient animals are due to impaired placental function.

For further information:

Song, W.O. (1990) Pantothenic acid - How much do we know about this B-vitamin? Nutr. Today 25: 19-26

Tahiliani, A.G. & Beinlich, C.J. (1991) Pantothenic acid in health and disease. Vitamins and Hormones 46: 165-228

Annous, K.F., Song, W.O. (1995) Pantothenic acid uptake and metabolism by the red blood cell. J. Nutr. 125: 2586-2593.

PPS: I have been eating avacados like a mother......Hmmmmm?????

[auntybiotic]

Hi all,
I agree with Ms.Lee,

Start with only one supplement at the lowest dose possible. If it says take one tablet a day take 1/4 for a few days then 1/2 etc.

Wait about two weeks and if you had no reaction add the second supplement.

The new guy seems to be very sweet..........time will tell but there is an attraction.

[JayGM]

I spent several days reading this thread and got up to about page 50. I then jumped pages to get to the current posts. As such, I am missing some information and simply do not have a few days to go back trying to find information.

Having said that, I do know that I remember reading about a few posters in here who gained weight on the drug but were eventually able to lose the weight after some time off the drug. Can someone tell me-- if you know or have had personal experience-- how long did it take before you were able to begin to lose the weight? I refuse to think that this drug has permanently done this to my body!

I have a new mantra-- patience and persistence. I have been off Lexapro (10 mg-- cold turkey) now for two and one-half weeks. I have altered my diet and the terrible carbohydrate cravings are gone. I have gained much energy-- I was a slug for the last few months on the drug. I still wake up at least twice at night, however-- I began doing that 7 years ago when I began menopause. I can live with that. The dreaming hasn't been so vivid lately and I am pleased to announce that my zaps and shocks are much more subtle-- or it may be that I am getting so used to them that I don't feel them like I used to! Seriously, they are less than half intense and frequent than they were the first week.

I really feel much more like the old me-- before the depression and anxiety got so bad I had to take Lexapro. I hate the weight gain, but I remain hopeful that as the weeks pass, the weight loss will happen. This is where my mantra comes in-- I will patiently wait and persist until it happens.

Does someone have any number available on the weight loss question? Like how long after quitting the drug can one expect to see some results?

Thanks again for all your help and especially for the warm welcome. You guys rock!!

Jan

[Mr Spock]

Good morning,
Debbie, I did receive your e mail so no problems there. As you are aware, bi-polar is very familial, so with your family history, the diagnosis sounds accurate. I suppose, having worked in the field for so long, I'm very aware and cautious about putting labels on people without a vigorous determination. Also, we are all looking for an explanation sometimes, and may end up seeking a diagnosis to explain our situation, so there is that to consider as well. However, if I have offended you over this , I apologise.
Aunty, I sent you another e mail a short while ago. If you haven't received the one from me or Debbie, would you mind sending me one, so I will have your return address. I have successfully received one's from Debbie and Redbled, so I should get yours. In regard to Redbled's welt marks, it was in refence to the wounds sustained from his whipping by his wife for eating icecream!!!!
Redbled, I'm not so sure about all this. I have a feeling that the main mechanism for response would be the St John's Wort, which seems to have similar actions to the SSRI in that it inhibits the serotonin uptake. Is this right, Aunty? If it is, its only delating proper resolution of the underlyng problem, not solving it! The other things may be helpful, but having tried two different naturopaths, and different remedies, I've come to the conclusion that there is no easy fix. However, obviously, the best thing is to try to help the body to heal itself in the best possible way, so the B vitamins shouldn't hurt. Also, being a vegetarian, and therefore not eating fish, I now believe that Omega 3 could be useful. I take the flax seed one. You mentioned the nerve tonic containing ceticholin, did you mean acetylcholine? If it is, this is also foung in lethicin as choline, and although it is good for acetylcholine production (another neuro-transmitter), I'm not sure if it helps serotonin, in fact, it may do the opposite... I don't know, however, I was taking it for a while as it is supposedly good for the "zaps" ie the symptoms rather than the cure.
To be frank, the US date thing really confuses me! It is logical to either go from largest to smallest (as in time), or smallest to largest (as we and the UK do dates) but you lot have the middle value (the month), followed by the smallest (the day) and then the largest (the year)! The only thing I can think of is that it may follow on from how many state the verbal ie by saying January 18th, instead of the 18th of January... I tend to stick to the latter even though its probably easier to say the former.
Miss Lee, welcome back, with a vengeance I might add. Are you starting to put a few more pounds on yet? It sounds like you are really coming good now, like a steamroller!
Kimi, glad to hear that the tears are settling, and it is reassuring that I don't automatically reduce women to tears!!! Sounds like you've got your husband well trained.

Live long and prosper.

[tamra]

Thanks for the smaller dosage advice...before skipping days...I was recommend the skip a day and then every 3rd day by my doctor...but we all know about "recommendations". I'm going to get a prescription for smaller mg pills also...cutting a 20mg pill into dust is not a very accurate way of dosing. I don't think another week or so will matter...it would be nice to just stabilize on 5mg and then go down again...slow things down and take it easy.

My husband has the same symptoms that I had yesterday...so I think it was more of a flu/virus thing rather than a lex issue.

I started typing and then had to run upstairs to break up a kid fight and now I don't remember the name...relora?? I don't have much of an appetite anymore..so I don't think that stress eating was a problem..I think I got cravings on the lexapro...however, It sounds like the natural ingredients would be good to take as an over all stress helper and appetite depressant...does anyone else think so?

Aunty: Congratulations on your new "best friend"...you are right..the best relationships are built on a solid friendship...it also helps if there's a little zing there too!

On the weight loss...It's happening for me because I don't need the bakery group any more...it was much worse than any food cravings during pregnancy or pms..I HAD to eat these things and couldn't possibly satisy my appetite. I lost 5 pounds within the last 2 weeks or so, just eating when I'm hungry..without any special choices or limits. Hopefully it will just keep coming off so I feel better about myself for the summer time.

I'm so glad that all of you are here! It makes it much more tolerable to know that there are others that understand and have been there. To all the newly enlisted...I haven't been here for very long. I found alot of suprise answers just reading thru past posts. It feels like I have friends that understand this part of my life. Welcome!

That's all for now. Good nite all!

Live every day to it's fullest!

[Redbled]

The nat doc said to take one tablet of each in the morning and at night. So perhaps I should start by only taking it at night? I suppose if the worst thing it could do to me was make me feel poorly, that can't be that bad, I've felt like junk for nearly 5 months now Anyone think it could really set me back at all and hurt the progress I've already made? I'm thankful to have the chance to get all of your opinions, though I think in the end I will give it a shot anyway Spock, the bottle just says on the nerve one that it has Citicoline, so not sure about the other stuff. It does have in paranthesis (CDP choline).

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]

Hi guys, just checking in again.

I've been working for two weeks now, which is something I haven't done in 6 months.

Lately I've been having cravings to abuse alcohol, and cigs. It's hard to say if it's lex withdrawal or bipolar.

Rough day, but not unbearable.

---
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.

[debbie724]

Mr Spock, you did not offend me... I have a lifetime of experiences and knowledge that I could share with you... and considering your profession... I'm sure that you have heard it all... but I'm sure it would only bore the others if I were to go on. One thing I do beg of you... being in the position of helping people with mental health problems... please be open to a variety of different "types". Had it not been for my life experiences... I was the one that diagnosed and thankfully recognosed my father's condition... along with a very different situation with my brother about a year ago... and my daughter 6 years ago. Again, I could not have done this without my lifetime of experiences. I could tell you stories like you have never heard before... but only if you were closer and could hold me in your arms... as I don't have the energy to talk much more. Today marks day two of my dramatic change in feelings and behavior. I think my lifetime of experiences has made it easier on me... and it is with that attitude that I know these "not so good days" will pass. I'm sorry if you felt that you offended me. You, along with Redbled, auntybiotic, mohannie, etc. have made my days of recent SO worth being here for. I care... and I need. Tell me that isn't different of my recent posts?


debbie

[debbie724]

Mr Spock, one more thing... it's so wierd... I was addicted to this site... couldn't say enough and couldn't have enough said to me... the last two days all I have wanted to do is sleep... and everything that is posted seems different. I almost gave up coming in here... thanks for speaking personally to me... I think you probably know better than anyone where I am right now. I'm going back to bed... but I promise I will check in again.


debbie

[Torxis]

Good Morning All, I Hope You Are All Well.
Just here to check in but do have a quick question. My question has to do with stopping Lexapro. Although I've come off it twice, thankfully with no ill effects, I'm just curious to know the underlying reasons for all of these "withdrawal" symptoms. Is it actual withdrawal or are these symptoms the long term effects of being on lexapro for a prolonged period. It seems to me that lexapro actually changes something in the way the brain produces and/or uses serotonin. To be honest I'm frightened by all that I'm hearing here. It seems like lexapro is a dangerous drug. Anything that may cause actual anatomical/physiological changes can leave permanent damage. I'm not trying to scare anyone, but isn't the manufacturer derilict in not providing ample warnings. I wasn't told any of this when I was put on Lex. It's true I abused drugs myself. Noone put a gun to my head. But you guys are innocent of self-harm. I really care about you guys and get more upset the more I read.
AuntyB.- Congrats and good luck with your new relationship. I think you have the prudence and understanding to keep from getting hurt. I just hope he doesn't turn out to be a jerk. Also, I sent you an E-Mail to try to get to the bottom of why some peopl are having trouble communicating. I'm not the most computer savy person so I guess I failed.
RedB.- I'm very curious to know how you make out with the new supliments. I want to try dietary sups also but don't know where to begin. I take a daily multivitamin and it helps alot. Please keep us posted.
JayG.- Patience and persistence, your new mantra is my old mantra. About weight loss/gain. It's all about calories in vs calories out. Your BMR (basal metabolic rate) plays a very important role and many drugs/supplements have marked effect on BMR. In regard to weight, your BMR determines how you handle calories when at rest. From your post it sounds like you are on the road, having gained energy. Please remember something though, you don't have to depend only on your BMR. You have the power to take matters into your own hands through exercise. Even if you just go for walks. You won't burn as many calories as you would if you run, jog, or work out, but you will burn extra calories. The important thing is to put some sense of control in your own hands. Good luck!

To All, be well and H.A.N.D. (HAVE A NICE DAY)
Also, remember, you can choose to act, or be acted upon!





My Clean Date:09.09.05
*NA RECOVERY LITERATURE**

http://www.na.org/ips/eng/index.htm

HOW TO FIND LOCAL NA MEET

http://www.na.org/links-toc.htm

[enaek]

Hey everyone! It's been fun reading all the recent posts!!!

JayGM,
I've been off Lex for about 7 weeks now, and I wasn't able to gain control over my weight until this past week...and I am down 3 of the 10 lbs I gained. I have been exercising like crazy, keeping track of my calories burned throughout the day by using a pedometer, and I also drastically cut my calorie intake. It's certainly proving not to be an easy task...but I will get there. I'll keep you posted...

I think aunty was the one who said that the first 6 weeks are the worst...well, it's proving to be true for me.

Over the last 6 weeks I have experienced many symptoms, including a little anxiety. I actually got so scared about 2 weeks ago because I thought I might have to go back on the lexapro. Now I know that with a little exercise, and proper dieting, I can control my moods.

Everyone here is great, and you all have helped me tremendously! Thanks!!!!

[debbie724]

Boy do I need to get out of this house today... and I'm going to force myself to do so. I'm on day 3 of the "bad" days. Sorry Mr Spock if it sounded like I was coming on to you [:I]. Basically what I meant is that I wish any and all of us were able to give great big hugs to each other when needed. I'm in a fog, talking in circles and having emotional outbursts. Forgive me.


debbie

[debbie724]

Redbled, do you think your wife could give me a few lashes [:0]. Just kidding []. Trying to make myself laugh in hopes of bringing myself up. Maybe some coffee will help. I want the other me back!


debbie

[debbie724]

Haven't mustered up the energy to force myself out yet... maybe this 2nd cup of coffee will help.
auntybiotic, you okay? Did my email go through to you? How's your friend?
mohannie, you okay?
Torxis, dani, tiger, tamra, Kimi d, Miss Lee... I'm sure I've forgotten someone (sorry)... Just wanted to say hello.
Hey, I think that coffee is beginning to give me a jump start!


debbie