[debbie724]

Shifty, hang in there... I know to well where you are coming from. We are here for you!!!

debbie

[Shifty]

Ya Ginger, it's good to feel good, but you are right, you dont want to jump the gun. I was feeling wonderful at one point, like I could never lose again, but then I started working again and I'm back to a tedious state.

My abuse of caffeine, cigs, alcohol, and to a much lesser extent hydrocodone has me on a roller coaster. I wish I had an endless supply of pain pills so I could fade away into a narcotic-bliss, but i have only two left from my last dental visit and I'm not going to do anything illegal to get them. I used one today because I had to visit the in-laws and didn't want to be a jerk looking at the clock. My kids wanted to stay and play and they did.

I'm almost to the point that I may have to go back on one of these monster SSRI/SNRIs until I pull my life together. I'm not ready to give up yet, but im on the line. I'll do Lex before I'll go out and start soliciting pills from hoodlums downtown.

Just gave away one of my Lortabs to the wife for her migraine so theres only one left.


---
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]

auntybiotic, I live in Annapolis... Maryland's Capital... it's a beautiful city and I love it here. How far are you from here? Good luck on the night stand. Have you considered looking into JC Penny's for furniture. It's easier to assemble and not bad prices? I can't believe you "ex" boyfriend comes home and tells you all about his weekend... be it from hell or not!!!! You really need to get out of there. Love you!

If anyone cannot sleep tonight... send me an email or a message. It's 12:00 and I'm not feeling sleep coming on anytime soon.

Redbled, Mr Spock and Torxis... you guys okay? Haven't seen a post or heard from you guys... Here's hoping that no news is good news.



debbie

[Redbled]

I'm here. Been spending a lot of time with family this weekend, and watching some football as well. I've been feeling very well lately until tonight. Some stomach issues, think it may be a bug, but can't be sure. I'm definately still calmer, that in itself is wonderful.

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, glad to hear you are okay and that you had a good weekend. Sorry about the tummy ache... hope it feels better soon.


debbie

[debbie724]

Hi Tom, I'm still up... just sent you an email.


debbie

[Torxis]

My God, GingerGirl just made me realize you guys have been at this a whole year! I can't believe a topic could last so long. That's really great. Is there any body still up?

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
Are Opiates Destroying Your Life?
http://suboxone.com/

[debbie724]

Tom, why do my responses to your posts always end up before yours???


debbie

[Mr Spock]

Hi all,
Still around... Its about 4.15 PM over here so no doubt you are all sakely tucked into your beds.
Auntybiotic, I'm mystified as to why you haven't received my e mail. I will have another go after I have posted this. I had to laugh, and I'm sure you did with your thinly disguised glee at the misfortunes or your ex. Its a very healthy thing for you to do. As for remembering the good times. Definitely, most relationships have those special times. This is why as far as I am concerned, if a relationship hasn't ended up acrimoniously, I've kept them as friends. However, whilst I still treasure the moments that I had with one's who turned to be complete disasters, I am incredibly relieved now that the relationship finished when it did. There are several reasons for. The first is that some of the women I have been out with have been "bad news". An example was one who I was very smitten with until I found her hitting up speed in my bedroom. I embarked on a mission to save her which had the predictable failure. She was also an alcoholic, although I thought she was just a bit of a "party girl". Anyway, she eventually took up with a fellow who had a similar lifestyle, but became bored with him after a few months. However, he was a bit of a psychopath, so when she came home one day after a night with her latest beau (a bikie), she found him with a bullet in his brain!!!! Yes, he'd shot himself!!!! The final twist to the story is that she was deported back to England for drug dealing shortly after. Although she was very pretty and beguiling, fairly smart, and we had some magic times together, she was an out and out monster!!!!!As this was 1989, I have no doubt that unless she got herself together (which I really hope she did), she must be dead by now...
The second reason is that I really believe that this bloke has been holding you back in several ways. Some insecure men (unlike the male contributors to this forum!) cannot handle an independent thinking, free spirited woman . They are afraid of them. (I personally am very attracted to them). As such, they will use every trick in the book, including emotional blackmail, and verbal abuse etc to subjugate women to their will. The really unfortunate thing, however, is that all too often, they are successful. At present you're ex is engaged in this very same activity with this new woman. Not to love and respect but to conquer, subjugate, and make emotionally dependent on him. Pretty pathetic really... A lucky eascape for you, though.
The final aspect is that from my personal experience, I've met some pretty wonderful women, which I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do so if I was still in a previous relationship, particularly one which wasn't working...
The last point I would like to make, and this tallies in with my earlier comment about ex's becoming friends, is this. Essentially, with a friendship there are two basic elements which are trust and respect. However, with a relationship, there is also attraction, so even if the attraction dissipates, as long as the trust and respect remains, its easy to stay friends, and due to the shared intimacy, special ones at that.
However, I believe that it is unlikely that you will be friends with this ex as it sounds like you dont particularly trust or respect him... I know it sounds a bit arbitrary, but I really have found that by relating one's circumstances to these criteria, it makes it a lot easier.
With regards to self love, don't forget the greatest love of all...
Debbie, how are you going? I have thought abour your situation and would like to run something by you. I looked up Valproic Acid, and guess what? It is metabolised by the CYP 450 system of the liver. Now, if you remember, the reason that Aunty's daughter, and I believe, Redbled, came unstuck is that their livers were attempting to metabolise two drugs at once. However, the opposite applies to you!!! Because you are off the Lexapro, your liver is much more able to metabolise the Valproic Acid, therefore I would not be surprised that your blood level is a lot lower than it should be. As I said to you a few days ago, I had a feeling that your brain chemicals, including neuro-transmitters were all over the place. I now think this could be part of the reason why. So, I would encourage you, even for your own reassurance, to see your doctor, and have a blood test... Good luck with the furniture. By the way, I looked Annapolis on the map, you're not far from Washington DC, or New York for that matter.
Anyway, I saw my local doctor today, which is why my post is a bit late,and he really is grasping at straws. I showed him a couple of Dr Healy articles as well as your advice Aunty about a withdrawal regime. I am going to the clinic for the "verdict" next week, and will talk to them there, and see him the next day. Whilst I was in the waiting room, I was getting zapped all over the place, plus the stiff neck and head full of lead. So, unless there is some sign in the next 1 1/2 weeks that this is going to settle on its own, I am going to start a prozac liquid slow taper. I'm going to start at 5 mg a day, and then once I am stable I will reduce by 1/2 mg a month initially, and then from 2mg down, by 0.2 mg a month. What do you think, Aunty?
I know you're disappointed Redbled, but it will be 4 1/2 months by then and I have had absolutely no improvement (unlike you and Miss Lee) and all told it has been 18 months that I have been off work, although I was able to continue and finish my law degree. Basically I am running out of money, and apart from the desire to get back to work, I also have the practical legal training (15 weeks at a cost of $7000 Australian) to go...
Anyway, I'll check my e mails and catch you later...

Peace and long life

[mysticL]

hey everyone my names heather i am new to the forum. I am 20 yrs old and have been suffering from major depression for most of my life. Its hard for a lot of people to believe because i am an optimistic person and generally have a lot of fun, and people have fun when they are around me; generally, unless suffering from a major episode, where i will conviently disclude myself from civilization. I still am not sure if i made the right decision yet or not but i decided to stop taking my lexapro 20 mg daily. It was a bit of an impulse decision i was traveling in europe i felt good and i was sick of taking it! honestly i have been medicated since i was in the fourth grade and it is so traumatizing, having to go the office every day to get your pills! and wow i cannot even recount the variations of pills i have taken for mainly my A.D.D anxiety and currently and most prelevent; depression! which everyone i am sure can relate to me really sucks and i am so angry to have to constently deal with this, and for it to interfere with every good relationship that i begin, and of course its hard for others to understand. I dont know, its been about a mo. now and things are gettiing bad. I sleep all day no really ALL day, i wake up and go to work for a few hours around 3 come home go back to sleep wake up around 10pm stay up til like 7am than go to sleep for the rest of the day. I wake up angry and tired. I am irrated with pretty much everyone in my life right now but am afraid to confront anyone because i know alot of it could have to do with my medications and the withdrawls that i am experiencing. I did all this without informing a doctor or my therapist. and i really dont want to talk to anyone about it, because i know they will just want to put me back on it. everyone else i talk to aplauds my decision i think alot of it has to do with the antidepressants bad reputation. i think it suprises people that i take it because i deal with most things naturally and wholistically. but with this i feel i have tried so much and i find myself becoming comfertable in my depression again which is a terrible sign of me not getting out. so i guess i am writing this because i do want help, because i know the heather that everyone loves when i am well, when i am well people will do anything for me and enjoy so much my company, but now i am so alone and i dont think anyone would enjoy my company. i dont want to get back on my lexapro for many reasons, and would like to find some alternative, i have little energy but i know i need to get out of bed and do SOMETHING to help myself. thanks for reading and i would appreciate any advice anyone has to offer!

heather

[debbie724]

Hello Mr Spock, good to hear from you. Yes, I am just outside of D.C., so if you ever want to come visit... I would be more than happy to be your tour guide. I do have an appointment to see my doctor on February 6th. I will be ordered blood tests at that time. I know I've been acting wacky... sometimes it's good... sometimes it's not. But, I too believe it is due to the valproic acid. I think in some ways it has saved me... as far as depression is concerned. I've mostly been up... knock on wood. But, sometimes I'm to up... if you know what I mean. That's what I was trying to tell you in an earlier post... that I feel manic some days... but not as severe as I did before medication. Last night I almost had a panic attack. I had such hard palpitations and anxiety and other things going on... I realized that I forgot to take my Ativan before bedtime... so I took it and ended up falling asleep and okay. Anyway, I'll let you know what the blood work shows. As for you going back on the small dose of lexapro... God knows you have suffered long enough. Do what you have to do! I hope this will work for you. Is there something that you can take to offset the severe withdrawl symptoms... as I also mentioned in an earlier post? I wish you the best.


debbie

[debbie724]

Mysticl, I can relate to everything you are saying. No one around me ever could believe that I suffered from depression. This only made it 10 times worse. No one understood, no one could relate. Take it from someone that has been there and done that. There is nothing wrong with taking medication... if it is the right medication. People with heart disease take heart medication... etc. People like you and I and many others that have suffered depression most of our lives will probably have to take medication for the rest of our lives. I accept that and have no problem with that... now. I too self medicated whenever I felt better. I always ended up back to square 1... I think it may have even gotten worse with each time. Why were you taking lexapro? Did you suffer panic attacks, major anxiety??? Have you taken any other meds for depression? You found the right place for support. You are NOT alone. Stay with us and we will do what we can to help you.


debbie

[auntybiotic]

Mr. Spock,

I GOT THE EMAIL!!!! Now you need to explain what you may have done differently to get this one thru.

You post was wonderful, How about being the next Dr. Phil. Don't know if "downunder" has the Dr. Phil Show but here in the states it comes on everyday and you would be an excellent replacement for him.

Trust..............I have not trusted him since a former girlfriend called me up and described the house he and I previously lived in (with him) in detail..noting each and every item of personality I had brought into his home and the location. This showed me she had recently been there as my daughter had painted a flock type poster and she told me where it hung on the wall. She also told me that my ex never loved me and just didn't know how to get rid of me. He denied this but I now believe her.

Then we go to his (my ex) standing me and my daughter and my mom up, for a previously planned date to a play, no phone call or any explanation. A few days later he said his friend introduced him to a Iranian girl who needed to get married to stay in the US and he was "enthralled" by her.

The other straw that broke the camels back was in the fact that I have done everything for him, (he had nothing when we met), I bought him clothes, furnished his house etc. He used to go back to Greece twice a year to visit family. When I was unpacking his suitcase I saw souviners from Greece but they were never given to my daughter or I. It turns out he bought these gifts for his former girlfriend and co workers but not for my daughter or for me who has bought him EVERYTHING.

I held in the hurt for many years but recently told him how rotten it was of him to "remember" the others in his life with souveniers but not to even buy my daughetr and I a postcard.

I did have him recently sign notorized papers that I have ownership and will be taking every item of furniture and paintings that I have purchased for this house and which I listed on the papers. I wondered without the notorized papers if I would have been able to move the things out peacefully as he could have said I was stealing his furnishings. So Mr. Spock, you can see I should be celebrating the disolving of this relationship. rather then being sad at mssing the distant "good" times.

In retrospect, I was a fool to have forgiven his past behaviours. I do believe what goes around comes around and he now appears to be exactly as I was in the beginning of our relationship............ with his potential new beau.

Will do anything she wants or spend uncharactorastic amounts of money to win her affection and possible love........... (I know this DOES NOT WORK). While on the way to NY he put up with numerous phone calls from her former date via cell phone calls that were unanswered by her but had to be bothersome. (How must this be stroking his ego to have another man calling throughout the evening).

If he is foolish enough, as I was, to endure this continuing behaviour, he may be in the same boat I am in with his ego shattered. That is not to say he will not have many great memories. but in retrospect are they worth the price paid emotionally........I would say a RESOUNDING NO!!!!!!!

He did give my daughter and I a place to live and did pay the household expenses. He does have many wonderful qualities and was initially romantic and took my breath away............. My daughter and I and he were a famil, remembering holidays, birthdays, being here when he came home and truly loving him unconditionally................. We sadly brought out the WORST in each other. Yelling and screaming over nonsense till we grew to dislike one another at times.


You are right, most men are not honest. This man has never been married and I suspect may never marry............ possibly commitment interferes with HOT SEXXX. Possibly he is strong enough emotionally to not need companionship.

.He told me that he has never been "close" to anyone in his life family included. Does this mean he is self sufficient getting all his needs met by himself??

Now back to Lexapro Withdrawal issues.

Mr. Spock,

Those that have tried the Prozac need 7 Mg to stabalize. You may be able to do it on 5Mg but I am suggesting what I know has worked in the past for several posters. Try 5 Mg and see how you do, after three weeks if you are not feeling at least 80% better, then I would up it to 7 Mg at your doctor's approval.

Heather,
Welcome,

How long were you on the Lexapro and at what dosage the entire time. How long ago have you stopped. What other medications and or supplements are you taking with the lexapro.

AS you are aware that Lexapro is similiar to speed in the fact that it increases cortisol whuch in turn increases adrenaline.........therefore when you take away or decrease the lexapro..you have just pulled the rug out from under you on the daily supply of "speed" in the form of lexapro..thus being extremely tired. This will improve in time.

Any nightmares, nightsweats, chills, crying jajs. We will all offer advice...but we need more detaols. What exactly are you feeling right now??

Debbie,

I am a hour an a half from you. Maybe we can meet for lunch someday when the weather warms up on my side of the Bay Bridge, there are some resturants on the bay. It would take me about 45 minutes to drive there. I never looked into Penneys for furniture. I like the sleek contemporary look..............do they have similiar items.

Gotta run.

[debbie724]

auntybiotic, good morning. I would love to meet you for lunch some day... just say when and where. We can compare bloke stories. You can go to jcpenny.com and check out their furniture. I ordered a dining room set w/6 chairs, a shelving unit w/a desk built in, a console table, 3 lamps, and 3 wall shelves... including shipping & tax for $1,700. The only thing that I have taken out of the box thus far is a lamp. I'm very happy with it. I woke up today feeling a dark cloud over me... I'm hoping it's not going to be "one of those days". Hello friends... shifty, torxis, mohannie, mr spock, redbled, miss lee... and all.


debbie

[Miss Lee]

Hey all!

You are all posting feinds! I was away for the weekend (I usually am!) and tried to kick this cold. It is almost gone.

My weight is still REALLY LOW! and I have been trying to add food back into my diet. Maybe Ben and Jerrys will be a welcome addition to my thighs!

Red- Yep. The lump in your throat may be from you nervous system rebuilding. Your nervous system controls all sphincter muscles (like the one in your throat) . So maybe it is just regrouping. That is why you feel your throat tighten in a panic sistuation (or during a panic attack). I have it as well, but it is more off than on these days

Debbie- How fun to live so close to another member!

Spock- I did have a bit of an anxiety attack about this prozac thing. I undertand that you are a professional and makes choices on all the info at hand, but I worry. You are supported with whatever decision you make. Hang in there, some of my worst symptoms came in the beginning of month 4.

Well I feel pretty OK lately. My body is still a little off kliter, but that is to be expected. I know that this will pass. I feel a TON better than last month and that is a blessing. HANG ON !

Here is a song quote for today:

I...I will survive... as long as I know how to LIVE I know I'll Be ALRIGHT!

Thank you Ms. Gloria Gaynor!

Appy this quote to YOU today!

XOXO
Miss Lee

[Miss Lee]

DEBBIE-

CHOOSE to make it "not one of those days". Choose you attitude. Choose positivity. Choose happiness.

And everytime you feel attacked by negative thoughts tell them "You cannot stay in the name of Jesus". Say it til your voice is raw.

Did you pick up that book??
Miss Lee

[mohannie]

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to let you guys know that I'm still having good days, I am, however, still having trouble sleeping. It's now to the point that Lunesta no longer works for me. I'm not letting the "little things" get to me, and I'm going to do my best to keep my head up. I'm going to enjoy my good days, because I know that good days won't always be here.

[kimi_d]

Hey Guys,

Been reading your posts, I've just been a little silent. I've been having really good days, except for a moment I flew off the handle and lost it with my husband and daughter. I hate that feeling of lack of control. Before going on the Lexapro, my anger and lack of control was an everyday thing. Thankfully this last time, it only lasted a moment. So I am still hopeful. I think now I am about the 1 month mark off lexapro.....I'm actually feeling inspired to start painting again (I am an artist)... I haven't picked up a brush in over a year.

I'm curious about something that has been happening, and wondering if this is a lex withdrawl issue...and if it is, how long it may last....sometimes I'll be talking and my words get mixed up in my sentence. I try correcting myself and I still can't get it right. Or I mispronounce a simple word that I have never had trouble with before.

Mystic, when I first tapered/went off lexapro, I seemed to sleep 20 hours a day. It got better for me after about a week.

Mohannie, thanks for the smile project....it's just that lately I've laughed so much, I've had trouble pinpointing one thing in particular...but I'll tell you this....everytime I smile/laugh lately, the name Mohannie pops to mind!

One last thing, to everyone who posts, I truly appreciate you! I was wondering if anyone would be interested in staying in contact at... '' Myspace.com" .. registering is pretty easy and it might add a little fun to any friendships made here. We could still post here, this would just be an addition.

You guys rock!




"I felt like I was flying so high, so high above the clouds, but when I looked down I was standing on my knees".
---Jackson Browne (originally posted by Mr.Spock)

[Miles]

Please permit my observations about the many problems with Lexapro and SSRIs in general that have been discussed at this site. One may wish to keep them in mind as one seeks assistance for problems in one’s daily living.

* Over the past 50 years, there has been an astonishing increase in severe mental illness in the U.S. The percentage of Americans disabled by mental illness has increased fivefold since 1955, when Thorazine – remembered today as psychiatry’s first “wonder” drug – was introduced into the market.

* The number of Americans disabled by mental illness has nearly doubled since 1987, when Prozac – the first in a second generation of wonder drugs for mental illness – was introduced.

* There are now nearly 6 million Americans disabled by mental illness, and this number increases by more than 400 people each day.

Because this epidemic has unfolded in lockstep with the ever-increasing use of psychiatric drugs, an obvious question arises: Is our drug-based paradigm of care in the U.S. fueling this modern day plague?

In a review of the postings at this site, one may clearly see the SSRI path to a disabling mental illness. A depressed patient treated with an antidepressant suffers a manic or psychotic episode, at which time his/her diagnosis is changed to bipolar disorder. At that point, the person is prescribed an antipsychotic to go along with the antidepressant, and once on a drug cocktail, the person is well along on the road to permanent disability. Since Prozac was introduced in 1987, the number of disabled mentally ill in the U.S. has risen by 2.4 million people, and given the risk of mania and psychosis with the SSRIs, that increase was to be expected.

As with any epidemic, one would suspect that an outside agent of some type (e.g., virus, bacterial infection, environmental toxin) was causing this rise in illness. That is indeed the case here. There is an outside agent fueling this epidemic of mental illness and it is found in the medicine cabinet. Psychiatric drugs perturb normal neurotransmitter function, and while that perturbation may curb symptoms over a short term, over the long run it increases the likelihood that a person will become chronically ill, or ill with new and more severe symptoms. A simple review of the postings herein shows quite clearly that it is our drug-based paradigm of care that is fueling this modern day plague.

Miles

[Shifty]

quote:which everyone i am sure can relate to me really sucks and i am so angry to have to constently deal with this, and for it to interfere with every good relationship that i begin, and of course its hard for others to understand.

This is the worst part for me usually. People don't just not understand, sometimes they flat out don't believe you.

Get a job! Get a life! Get over it! Ever heard any of this? I wish everybody who said any of these phrases could be depressed just for 6 months so they could understand.


---
I have taken : Paxil, Lexapro, Xanax, and Lithium
Currently: 450mg Eskalith CR (Lithium)

I was mis-diagnosed for 3 years. They thought I had Generalized Anxiety Disorder with a Major Depressive Episode. The real problem was Bipolar Disorder.
Quit Lexapro cold-turkey Dec 22, 2005.
Ask me anything, nothing is off-limits.

[mohannie]

Hi Everyone,

I'm still having a day where I'm not depressed, even though it seems as if people are trying to bring them down. I've been going through drama with exes and such (southern accent), but I'm not going to let that type of stuff depress me. I have also been trying to explain my depression to my boss, and she's just not getting it. I finally had to show her the cuts on my arm in order to make her understand the severity of the situation. A lot of people ask me if the medication is working, and I say not really because I feel the way I've always felt. I have good days and I have bad days. I have finally realized that if I am or am not on medication, I'm going to have good days and bad days; everyone in this world has that. I'm on medication because I have a terrible, terrible time dealing with the bad days because something is biologically wrong with me. I used to think that something traumatic happened to me to cause this, but my therapist asked me "Do you want something to have happened to you?" I then realized that I wanted to blame my depression on something. I'm one of those people who actually need medication. The problem is, finding the right medication that works for me. I just wanted to give you guys something to think about, and this also gave me an excuse to brush up on my typing skills. I hope everyone had a good day today, and I'll check on you guys soon.

[Shifty]

It's an interesting theory Miles, and definately has merit. I have to offer a different opinion in the interest of fairness, not to tear you down.

We live in a much more fast-paced world where communities are almost non-existant and families are dissolving. (I'm speaking from a Sacramento, CA perspective) Think of your job options today compared to 20 years ago. Small companies are getting eaten up by Walmart, so forget mom and pops. Big companies are constantly bringing in analysts to make things more efficient. I've been efficientized into a panic attack!

I feel like ive been stressed out all my life and that a crash was coming. I didn't want to accept it, but it was always there. I just cant bring myself to blame paxil and lexapro.

I know I'm dealing with a tough crowd here, but I had to say what I think is right.

Having said all that, Miles, I think you may be on to something.

P.S. Ya, i know im agreeing and disagreeing with you, but im crazy, so 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.

[Redbled]

Miles,

I'll say this. I think these drugs have done more harm than good. Of course I am very biased since I was not a depressed individual when I was given one of these drugs. I enjoyed your post.

Mr. Spock,

I'm not disappointed in you, just concerned. I have to admit I'm also intrigued. I'm curious if you choose this route how it will go for you. And if I don't get better in a year or so, it of course could be an option for me as well. Ms. Lee is right, the 4 month point was really tough, but after that things began to improve. Yesterday and today I'm not feeling well, but unsure if its the Lex cycle again or something else. Its most all in my stomach area, cramping, ickyness, etc. I may have just caught a bug. That's one of the toughest things with Lex withdrawal, you don't know if its the withdrawal or something else half the time. I can't even tell when I'm sick

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,
Aunty, it really sounds like you've been through the wars, and you've just finished a relationship with a "committophobic". The first point I would like to make, and I don't mean to be racist as I'm not. Greece is my favourite country in Europe, I've been there 3 times. I love the people, the food, the relaxed lifestyle, the incredible cultural heritage, the islands and country villages (absolutely idyllic), and even the character of some of the less touristly areas. However, many men of greek heritage are very traditional in their conduct of relationships, due to cultural beliefs and upbringing, so this may have been part of the problem. The reason that you were neglected as far as the gift thing goes was simply that he felt that he didn't have to try anymore... In his mind, you were already conquered, and I would imagine that he was quite astonished when you gave him the flick!!!
The last things that I would like to say about yesterdays d and m (deep and meaningful) is that some women do it too, quite often the person is not even aware that he or she is doing it, and that once the "molding" process is completed, the "molder" loses interest because he or she is not attracted or challenged anymore by the now obescient (? spelling) partner. So, in fact, they've dug their own grave...
I believe you can have HOT SEX with most people if you both click at the time. However, without being too ribald, I reckon if you really care about that person, the whole experience, including before and particularly after , makes it even better!!!
As for winning someone's love. He's trying to conquer, its about power!!! Love tends to bloom when people are given the opportunity to realise how adorable the other person is, and generally it just flows without effort. Admittedly, though, there's nothing wrong with presenting yourself in the best light!!! I'm now going to stop this soppy stuff!!!
Its great that you have received my e mail. I will check mine later.
I will also follow your advice and go on the 7mg initially.
Miss Lee, what are Ben and Jerrys?
Also, what about having an icecream every day, on top of your usual fare. Also, do you drink much tea or coffee, or do you smoke?
I would like to assure you that if there is any remission of any of the symptoms in the next week and a half, I won't start the taper. However, I think because I was on it over a year and my symptoms are worse than initially, having really come back at the 3 month mark, I'm not optimistic that this will occur. I have a lot of faith in the wisdom of Aunty in this regard and consider that she (quite justifiably) is the most anti-drug of the lot of us, so I trust her opinion and knowledge. However, I recently stopped all my supplements per your advice to see if it makes a difference. It hasn't yet, but I know it really helped you so we'll wait and see...
I'm so pleased that you are, at long last, coming good. I really liked the song quote. Very apt, as well as powerful.
Mohannie, I think that you, whilst have really settled a bit since starting back on the SSRI, there is more to come. I do believe you have the right idea on focussing on the positives, as they are really what makes life joyful.
Miles, a very interesting post and I agree with you 100%. Whilst I consider that there is a need for the careful usage of some psychiatric drugs, due to the possibility of iatrogenic (medical treatment caused) illnesses, this should be carried out in a cautious, knowledgable and holistic manner. The classic example and most relevant to this forum, is the common practice of mistaking SSRI withdrawal symptoms as a sign of the return of, or an exacerbation of the original problem. The Nemesis study in the Netherlands has found that a typical episiode of depression will resolve without pharmacological intervention in around 3 months. Yet, virtually everyone who presents at their doctor is put on one of these extremely addictive drugs instead, and for a prolonged period of time. Thank goodness for forums such as this (The No. 1 on the Web!!!), where individuals can freely share knowledge and experiences in a productive and friendly manner. I've found it invaluable and have "met" some really nice and interesting people.
Confusion, anger and mix ups are still part of the withdrawals Kimi, don't worry, you're not going senile.
Shifty, how's the coffee going? Give yourself a bit more time with the withdrawals, its only a month so far, isn't it. It may be over for you soon...
Debbie, good idea to see the local Dr and get that all sorted out. It sounds great you two meeting for lunch. I bet there will be a few blokes ears melting!
There really doesn't seem to be anything that will ameliorate the symptoms (I've tried 2 naturopaths and a few different supplements), unfortunately. The plan would be to go on a low dose of Prozac liquid. Prozac is much different in that its half life is around 4 weeks, instead of Lexapro (around 30 hours), Celexa (around 36 hours) and the worst, Paxil (around 20 hours).This means that in effect it has its own in-built taper so a withdrawal should be much more gentle and gradual I would imagine. The other thing to remember is that it will only be on a third (approximately) of the dose I was on, so I am not going backwards, or that my cold turkey efforts have been for nought. If I had started this at the beginnning I would have had to taper from 20mg. All this is going to do is get rid of the dreadful withdrawal symptoms, although it MAY mean that my withdrawal takes longer. Of course this means that I'll be active on this forum for a while yet...
Redbled, I have visions of you chained to the rack in the dungeon, eating icecream, taking your supplements and being whipped to within an inch of your life by your darling wife. Why don't you tell her you've a "good boy" and ask her if you can give us an update!!!
Just a parting note. I always approach this forum with the intention of writing a brief note but somehow end up with a novel. Perhaps I, have also become a "motor mouth"...

Live long and prosper

[Shifty]

Ben and Jerry is ICE CREAM []

---
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.

[auntybiotic]

Hi everyone,

I have painters arriving at the new place shortly so I will be brief.

Mr. Spock,

Thanks again for your great post. After reading your posts I feel so much stronger. I know I can go back and read notes but how long were you on 20 Mg of Lexapro?

How did you taper off of it? When did the withdrawal symptoms begin, at what dose reduction?

What symptoms besides the zaps are you experiencing now?

I have spoken to several on the phone who have substituted the Prozac during the latter part of their taper and today which is about 1 to 2 years after the fact are perfectly fine.

Others that have cold turkeyed and it has been 2 years after the fact are still getting bouts of "waves of withdrawal". Don't get me wrong, they have improved immensely but are still not perfect.

If others that have quit lexapro and posted months ago are still reading, please give us a update on how you are doing.

Body Electric...............how are you and the new house?

Mr. Spock,

How was the weight issue with you?
Did you notice bloating after quitting the Lexapro, do you still have it. How about sleep and anxiety? Emotional liability?

Hello to Ms. Lee, Mohannie, Torxis, Tamara, Redbled and anyone I may have forgotten, Gotta Run to meet the painters.

[auntybiotic]

Debbie,

It's a date!! I was thinking of in the spring when the weather warms up to meet at a resturant on the bay. I will email you my phone number, if you would care to talk sometime. It sounds like we may have a lot in common.

I am actually going down to your area to look for a leather sofa this weekend but I am on a mission to find a particular brand and style so I will have no time for fun.

[debbie724]

auntybiotic, good luck on your sofa search. I've got 2 dining room chairs left to put together and then I will be finito! Spring on the bay will be perfect!

I love all guys... I don't know what I would do without this forum. whilst I don't have a lot of words today... and certainly had less yesterday... it is so wonderful to have your posts to read.

The black cloud has lifted... I feel normal today... whatever "normal" is. I don't feel great, but I don't feel bad. I guess that's normal.

I'm off to finish my furniture. I hope that everyone has a better day today. As my junior high school principal used to recite every single morning... "Good, better, best... Never let it rest... until your good gets better... and your better gets best".


debbie

[mohannie]

Hi Everyone,

I'm feeling a decline in my mood today. It's not to the point where I feel a crying spell coming on, I'm just feeling a little blue today. I'm going to try my best not to let my mood drop any further than it already has. I hope you all are having a good day and I will check in with you guys a little later.

[lisa99]

Big hug Mohannie.