[Miss Lee]

Hi all-

Today I offically have a wicked cold. I told my boyfriend that it's strange because even though I feel like garbage-I actually feel like a normal person who gets colds, instead of the person dealing with effects of Lexa-poison.

Red- did ya take anything?? Do tell!

Debbie- I notice that whenever I drink Coffee (like a fiend before LEX) I get shaky and panic easy. I have seen a lot of research that say lay off Caffeine if you have anxiety. Maybe this will help.

Mr. Spock- I am ofically 1 lb. Heavier. Watch out for these dangerous curves!

Aunty- How is baby Aunty? I feel for her struggle deeply.

If I missed ya , I am still trying to learn names. All I can say is LOTS of WATER, LOTS of SLEEP and LOTS of Prayer.

Miss Lee

[debbie724]

Miss Lee, sometimes I feel as though I HAVE TO have coffee. I take 1mg. Ativan in the AM. I know that coffee increases my anxiety and increases my chances of having a panic attack... but on days like today and the last couple... I feel like I'm in real need of stimulation. Do you know, or does anyone else know if it would be any different if I were to take the Ativan in the PM instead?

debbie

[Redbled]

Ms. Lee,

What my wife and I decided was to start on one pill at a time. So last night I took only one of the Pantothenic Acid. The thinking was that if I had any adverse effects, I would have a really good idea what is causing it. Then tonight I will take that again and add one of the others. We chose, and this is funny, based on the number of pills in the bottles which to start with. Then on Saturday night I will add the 3rd pill. If all goes well, starting Monday morning I will take all 3 pills, then again that night, which is what I was told to do by the nat doc. So far I feel normal for now.

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.

[Miss Lee]

Ativan is a benzo that acts as you take it. It isn't time released. I also believe that it is taken as needed (is that right?) It is the same as Xanex. If you take it in the morning, It must help you get through your day.

The problem I do see (and RED can attest with a valium incident) is that these meds interact with one another. Lexapro makes benzos more potent. So if you are going through withdrawal that might make you feel ****py. I can't remeber whether you switched to another SSRi or quit them altogether??

If you took it at night you would sleep really well. If you took it in the moring, it would mellow out your day. But from my expereince- they only work for about 4 hours. Is that your experience?

Hope this helps. I also once thought that I could not live without coffee. I could (5 months and counting!!!) I had to do it for my health.

Miss Lee

[debbie724]

Miss Lee, congrats on kicking the coffee habit. I take 1mg. to 2mg. ativan daily along with wellbutrin and depakote. That's it for me!


debbie

[Miss Lee]

Debbie-
Were you taking Lexapro on top of Wellbutrin and Depakote?

Miss Lee

[Miss Lee]

Debbie-
Were you taking Lexapro on top of Wellbutrin and Depakote?

Miss Lee

Is there something wrong with taking Welbuterin at the same time as Lexapro? My doctor prescribed 150 mg. of Welbuterin per day along with a decreased dose of 15 mg. of Lexapro a day (down from 20) for one week. Then I will go to 10 mg of Lexapro a day and 300 mg of Welbuterin. After that I will stay on 300 mg of Welbuterin and decrease my Lexapro by 5 mg a week until I am finally off of it! Does anyone see a risk with this? Any advice is appreciated.

[enaek]

I took both Lexapro (20 mgs) and Welbutrin (300 mgs) together for about 9 months. I didn't have any problems with the mix. Plus, the Welbutrin prevented me from gaining weight. It wasn't until I dropped the Welbutrin that I started to gain...

[debbie724]

Miss Lee, yes, I was taking wellbutrin, depakote, and ativan... while taking the lexapro.


debbie

[mohannie]

Hi all,

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm having good days. I did have a little trouble sleeping last night, but that's about it. I hope everyone had a good day, and Keep Hope Alive!

[Mr Spock]

Hi All,
Tomorrow will be 4 months since I went 'cold turkey' from 10mg Celexa. I really don't feel any better at all. I still have the zaps, the parasthesia, the heaviness, the fogginess, the lethargy, and the tightness around the back of the head and neck. Anyway, I am going to see my local Dr next week, mainly for a medical certificate for another month, as there is no way I can work at the moment, particularly as a nurse, and get some blood tests, and then go the the clinic that supervised the chemotherapy I was on. This is to get the 6 month result of whether the treatment has "cured" me from the Hepatitis C. I am pretty confident that it has, as I was negative after 10 weeks, so it is very probable that I will continue to be so. Also, it was the clinic that prescribed the Celexa, so I'm going to give the liver specialist a bit of a serve as I haven't been there since June last year, ie before this problem revealed itself...
Anyway, I have made a decision in that if I'm not feeling a bit better by the end of 5 months, I may have to go back on an SSRI in liquid form and do a really slow taper. As Aunty has mentioned, it could take up to 18 months to fully settle. Dr Healy has mentioned that some can't get off it all. I refuse to concede that, but I'm really sick of feeling like this... More than likely, there will be some improvement in the next month and I will be more than happy with a modest one, as long as it is a sign of progress...
Debbie, I cannot imagine what you have gone through, although what strikes me is that you are a real fighter, and that your experiences have given you a wisdom and strength to soldier on. I didn't think you were trying to "race me off", particularly as I actually live on the other side of the world, but took it as a complement. I have to have my coffee each day at the moment, otherwise I'd be more of a wreck!
Miss Lee, 1 lb is a good start, I reckon your even cuddlier than you used to be although we'll have to obtain that anecdotal evidence from your boyfriend!
Redbled, it doesn't sound like these things you are on are going to anything much, except the St Johns Wort, which I urge you not to take. So, if there not hurting you, why not?
Torxis, congratulations on 4 1/2 months clean. Keep it up, although I'm sure it truly is one day at a time. As for the serotonin query, have a look through the back pages of this forum. I found page 28 with contributions by Body Electric and Aunty really interesting, and I have also had a much more modest effort at covering this issue... I don't believe that the "damage" is permanent, however, the effect of these drugs really throws the body out for a long period, particularly if one has been taking them for a while.
I'm going to check my e mails now, so now may post back later...

[debbie724]

Mr Spock, thank you! Sometimes I forget that you too are not doing well... as you are one of the most inspirational people here. I'm so sorry you are still doing so bad. These past three days have been misriable for me... I too had a thought of going back on the ssri's. But, then I remembered ALL of the bad things that have happened to me since beginning the lexapro and I think this has to be better and it has to get better. Please stay strong and hang in there. We need you. Good luck with your tests. I hope that you are still free of the "C". Mental hug...



debbie

[Shifty]

Mr. Spock - Have you tried daily cardio excercise? I was feeling some long lasting shocks that I never thought would end, but after two weeks of high-cardio (meaning you get to the point of breathing hard by my definition) I don't have shocks anymore.

I can't comment on the grogginess because I am on lithium and I can't tell if it's the lex or the lithium.

I've been pondering the addictive nature of SSRI's lately and I wanted to run my theory by you since you are so well educated in brain chemistry.

My crackpot theory on SSRI's:

I believe that SSRI's are not addictive by themselves because they only affect chemicals that are already present in your brain... BUT... the increase in seratonin could cause you to get addicted to an elevated level of seratonin, and in the absence of these elevated levels, you seek to self-medicate somehow to increase your high sensation.

What do you think? I'm desperately trying to understand why I'm so prone to abuse cigs/alcohol now that my depression and anxiety is gone and I can only imagine what disaster would befall me if I was abusing more dangerous drugs.

I may be on the wrong track, but I figured I'd throw it out there.


---
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]

Shifty, I completely understand where you are coming from. I too can and have abused alcohol and drugs. This is my theory... they make me feel good. Dumb theory huh? We've spent SO much of our lives feeling down and anxious... when something makes us "feel good" we don't want that good feeling to stop. I don't know if that helped one bit.


debbie

[debbie724]

Where is everyone? auntybiotic, you okay? Redbled, I hope I didn't offend you with the request for lashes... I was only kidding. Torxis, what do you mean about trouble communicating? Are you speaking of the email situation? Mohannie, I'm glad to hear that you are keeping it together. Stay strong!


debbie

[debbie724]

Looks like everyone has disappeared... so much for getting help in here. Shifty, I used the word "make" and it was supposed to be "made"... as I was speaking of past experiences. So long...


debbie

[debbie724]

Mr Spock, I couldn't even practice what I preached. I opened the bottle and took one. I've only been in this H _ _ _ for four days. I can't take it anymore. Way to much of my life has been exactly where I am now. I know when I am in trouble and when I'm in need. Take care! God bless! Best wishes!


debbie

[mohannie]

Hi Debbie,

Is everything ok? I'm sorry we haven't been there to support you as of late, but as for me, I've had some drama to deal with. Surprisingly, this drama hasn't thrown me into a deep depression. I will spare you the details, but the situation in itself has me a bit perturbed. We all fall down in our lives, but eventually we get back up. Hang in there, everything will be ok.

[debbie724]

mohannie, thank you. Your caring started me bawling... which is how my daughter just found me. I'm so proud of her... she was my rock. She reminded me that I am going through withdrawl and that I need to give this time. She reminded me of how I was when I was on lexapro... the zombie that I became... no cares... no feelings... life passing me by each and everyday. She said she wants more for me. I love that kid (she's 21) with all my heart and soul. I'm very lucky to have her. Sorry to hear you are having rough days. You know my email address if you need to talk.


debbie

[daniobentley]

Ok, thanks for the advice, but i feel like it's too late to go back up doses, but I understand the importance of keeping it constant, so I'm taking 2.5mg everyday now until I feel "better" enough to go to less.
Is that OK?
I'm still feeling anxious and a bit disoriented, very similar symptoms to what I started the Cipralex for in the first place! I hope it's just withdrawals and will go away soon (rather than the actual problem coming back): I'll tell you the symptoms and maybe you can help me decide...
-When I turn head quickly it feels like my brain and focus follows behind a bit
-A bit dizzy
-Disoriented
-Emotional
-Shaky at times (shivery)
-Sight a bit funny
-Close to panic attacks
-Negative thoughts
-Anxiety

All of which are symptomatic of the Anxiety and Panic Disorder I've been treated for (and was getting better until I dropped my dose too quickly)

What do you think?

[mohannie]

Awww. I didn't mean to make you cry, but sometimes we need that release of emotions to cleanse our spirit. Stay strong....

[debbie724]

mohannie, I definately needed that cry. Thanks.
Dani, I wish that I could help you... but I have presently hit rock bottom and am struggling to help myself. I don't know where everyone is these days... maybe everyone else is having bad days too. I just didn't want you to feel ignored. That's really what pushed me over the edge.


debbie

[Torxis]

Hi All, I Hope You All are Well,

Hi Debbie, Yes I was refering to the E-Mail situation. I have tried EM-ing a few times. I've even tried E-Mailing myself, all to no avail.

For anyone interested, my E-Mail address is Idonursing5@aol,com. I have no qualms about posting it here. It would be helpful though to be able to communicate more directly with people at times. Especially when they are feeling down.

Ok, I'm going to type more and will be back soon.

My Clean Date:09.09.05
Remember, We Can Choose to Act or Be Acted Upon!

*NA RECOVERY LITERATURE**
http://www.na.org/ips/eng/index.htm
HOW TO FIND LOCAL NA MEET
http://www.na.org/links-toc.htm

[debbie724]

Torxis, I've emailed you a couple times of late... have you rec'd any of them? I've tried going through here... which definately doesn't appear to work... and I tried using your email address also.


debbie

[Miss Lee]

Hey-

My cold is still here with an attitude and now I have lost my voice. Rats.

Danio-
Those are the Exact same symptoms that I have had. Hang in there. It also gives you a chance to really deal with your anxiety and panic. I know exactly how you feel about being on the verge of panic during this. It is all normal (whatever that is!)

Mr. Spock- Don't believe that people can't get off this stuff. The road may be long and hard, but it is doable. Also please remember what your body has been through the last 8 months. Chemo, Celexa, and so on. it will take time to heal. give it time. Give it time. Give it time. Really what is 4 months in the grand scheme of things?? I am at 4 months and a couple weeks and still experience symptoms (and only took 12 doses!) I really believe that you liver is trying (also take a look at your supplements!) I know that when I stopped taking all the supplements that I felt a bit better.

Debbie- Please go to the library and pick up the book "Kitchen Table Wisdom" and read read read when you feel hopeless. It was one of the things that restored my hope. I strongly urge you to do this for yourself (and anyone else who whats a bit of light!) I have been where you are. I am doing better. SO WILL YOU. I believe this.

Well my day must begin. I wish I was at home with my comfy blaket and a mug of warm chai watching HGTV till my eyes go blurry!

Miss Lee

[debbie724]

Miss Lee, I'll do exactly that and pick up a copy of that book. My doctor told me not to take anymore of the lexapro. He wants me to increase my depakote to 3 times a day (starting dose) and take the ativan 2 times a day until I get through this. I hope it... along with the book helps. Thank you!

debbie

[debbie724]

Torxis, your email address shows up whenever I get a delivery failure notice. That's how I got it.


debbie

[debbie724]

Torxis, that's the 2nd time that has happened. I send a post to you after reading yours... but it appears above yours??? Sometimes this site is really wacky.
Miss Lee, I forgot to mention... feel better soon!


debbie

[Torxis]

Hi Debbie, no I've received nothing through the site. Also, I don't recall posting my E-Mail address before now. But no I've gotten nothing. We'll keep trying.

My Clean Date:09.09.05
My E-Mail:Idonursing5@aol.com
Remember, We Can Choose to Act or Be Acted Upon!

*NA RECOVERY LITERATURE**
http://www.na.org/ips/eng/index.htm
HOW TO FIND LOCAL NA MEET
http://www.na.org/links-toc.htm