[debbie724]

Tiger, Mohannie, Shifty, and everyone else that is having a hard time right now. I spent 1/2 of my life in the dark hole of depression before being properly diagnosed with bipolar. Thanks to the reassurance of others, we have to keep reminding ourselves that what we are going through right now... will pass! My good day today makes up for 10 of my bad days! Thank God we have each other. As hard as it is... don't let this take you over. This is why I reached out yesterday morning. Everytime I reach out... I am reminded that I am not alone. Don't be alone. Reach out!


debbie

[debbie724]

Shifty, I know that you are especially having a hard time right now. Don't try to take this on alone. We are here for you! [:I]


debbie

[auntybiotic]

Debbie,

You may want to hold off on the B Complex, many have found it too stimulating. The Omega 3 will help with the depression and moodiness.

Mr. Spock, How are you doing today?

Hello to everyone, Shifty hang in there, we are here for you. Tiger, try draminine non drowsy formula.


Stanbo,

Glad you found us again, welcome back.

Everyonw will help you thru this.

Ginger, things will get better.............its two steps forward and one step backwards.


Redbled, doing better?

[debbie724]

auntybiotic, what do you mean by being too stimulated by the B complex? I feel that I could use all the stimulation I can get. []

debbie

[debbie724]

auntybiotic, when are we doing lunch? Do you want me to come to your house and help you with the final move?

debbie

[debbie724]

GingerGirl, email me... we need to talk. d.menocal@comcast.net

debbie

[debbie724]

Torxis, where are you? Check you IM...

debbie

[Mr Spock]

Hi All,
Just a short one today. The Prozac is really knocking me around which is to be expected. Unlike Lexapro, and Celexa (the one I was on), it is not particularly "selective", in that it also affects dopamine and nor-adrenalin. However, I am now convinced I am on the right track as I really didn't think that my withdrawal symptoms were going to resolve in a hurry, which they haven't yet. However, withdrawing cold turkey for 4 1/2 months was not a waste of time as I only need to withdraw, albeit very slowly from the 7mg Prozac. The other aspect of this is that these inintial symptoms from the Prozac would be far greater, if, by example, I had started with 20mg... My symptoms from the Prozac, are weakness, hot flushes, "pressure" in the head, anxiety, the usual fogginess, and I supppose libido, not that I am pursuing, or even contemplating some romantic liaison, let alone HOT SEX!!!
I'm more than happy Aunty to feedback to you on my withdrawal as particularly I was very much influenced by your advice to start it.
Everyone else, try to stop chopping and changing. I know its horrible but you really have to continue to be incredibly patient...
Anyway, the sun is out so I'm off to the beach!!!
Peace and Long Life.

[JayGM]

I have now been off 10mg of Lexapro for 5 weeks after going off cold turkey. The zaps were driving me crazy the first week which is when I found this forum. After seeing that everyone had some sort of zapping going on, I felt much better and just rode them out. I also had been experiencing frequent hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and crazy dreams.

The third week I was sick with some viral thing-- cough, stuffed head and nose for a good two weeks. I didn't notice any withdrawal during that period since the symptoms of my respiratory thing were so strong. Last week I actually started feeling like I was well enough to stop the Mucinex and cold pills. I still have zaps which seem to be more bothersome at the end of the day when I am tired. I also notice them when I am going from my warm indoor environment to the arctic cold in my outdoor environment. These are quite acceptable and some days are worse than others.

I have more energy, am more clear-headed, and less wiped out throughout the day than I was when I was on the drug. (I was taking it for a year and a half.) I have noticed that the bloating in my stomach has begun to go down. I am limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates which seems to keep me feeling better. With time and staying on this way of eating, I expect to have lost the many pounds I gained on this drug.

I know I haven't gotten this drug completely out of my system yet, however I am sleeping much better and the hot flashing is lessening quite a bit. I expect that as the weeks continue, I will notice that more of the bad effects of Lexapro are going to be lessened.

I have been very lucky as I haven't suffered near the ill effects that some here have. It really looks as if some people are very sensitive to Lexapro and are probably not metabolizing it as the doctors expect. It is so unfortunate that doctors who are prescribing this medication are so clueless as to how it affects or can affect different people. My own doctor seemed to think that there would be no withdrawal effects at all. I knew that there had to be some since I always felt them and knew when I had forgotten to take a pill.

Thanks to all who have responded to my questions. I don't have much time to respond in here but I check the posts daily and I will update you on my progress. This information is all that is out there for others like us to go by when we are weaning or quitting this drug.

Thanks to all of you. It has made my discomforts much more tolerable reading your daily posts. I wish the best to you all.

Jan

[lisa99]

Hello all... sorry I haven't checked in. I was very busy with work last week and am now finally getting some time to rest.

I'm back off Lexapro... I tapered from 5 mg. to 0 and had some pretty bad dizziness and nausea so I went back on it at 2.5. Did the 2.5 thing for a week and now I'm off again... been off since Sunday.

I feel OK so far, but I remember that the last time I tapered the symptoms hit me on a Wednesday. With that coming tomorrow, I'm hoping I won't get hit again.

I still have a little dizziness and a persistent neck pain, but the good thing is that my mood is good.

I hope everyone else is continuing to hang in there. You are all wonderful and beautiful people!

[mandymcj]

Aunty: Thank you so, so much. I am so grateful for knowing what to do from someone that's knowledgeable about the whole thing (how sad that it isn't my doctor!). I'm definitely going to do everything you said to do.

I'm going to order Omega 3's and such from www.puritan.com , but some of their multivitamins suggest that certain minerals affect the absorption of certain medication...Hmmm....


Mr. Spock: Are you saying that I shouldn't wait 3 weeks in between and should go down a little each day?

To everyone: Have most of your withdrawal symptoms been the same as your symptoms when first getting on Lexapro?

I saw the psychologist at school yesterday and am changing from my idiotic doctor to a psychiatrist who specializes in depression and the medication that goes with it. However, my goal right now is to get off of everything, though I get worried that once off of Lexapro I'll go back to being incredibly depressed again. I'm not sure if being numb is better or worse...right now I'm sick of apathy.

[debbie724]

JayGM, lisa99, and mandymcj, nice to hear from you all. Yes, we are all in this together and all suffering the same. Good days and bad! Since I am still working on a good day... I can easily say... hang in there! mandymcj, I'm sure that Mr Spock did not encourage you to tapper off more quickly than auntybiotic recommended. She has been a Godsend to all of us... unfortunately at her daughter's expense. Even though Mr Spock is a nurse... he has always referred to auntybiotic for suggestions on tappering, etc. Glad you are still with us. Hang in there... we will get through this!


debbie

[Cincygal]

I'm in the middle of tapering off. I have 20mg. pills that I have cut in half and now in quarters - so I'm down to 5mg each morning. Should I be taking it at night?

Also, I'm not reading much of people who feel like Lexapro messed with their hormones. I went from having regular periods to a dramatic stop of them over 9 months ago when I went up from 10 to 20 mg. of Lexapro. I also had the weight gain. I had my doctor twice in this time check my blood work for thyroid issues which were normal. I really really think the Lexapro had an affect on my period - as just last week I had my first period in over 9 months - coincidentally during the time I am tappering off the Lexapro. Coincidence???? Anyone else have issues like this?

Finally, I want to give you all my support in this difficult time for many of you as you figure out medication and depression. Though we've never met, I care and pray for better days for you!! Know that you are valued on this board. Your experience has been so helpful to me as I journey through this Lexapro issue. Thank you!!!!

[auntybiotic]

Debbie,

Thanks for the offer for the final move, I have hired two moving men and a U haul for tomorrow and hopefully this will complete all but a few boxes and clothes.

I do have two IKEA nightstands, a bedframe and abed rolling stand that are in boxes and need assembling (smile). I remember how experienced you were with your multiple JC Penney boxes.

Once I settle in I would love to meet for lunch, maybe the weather will warm up again, BRRRRRRRRR!!!!! it's 27 degrees today. Mr. Spock, is there any room on your sunny beach for me and my daughter??

Mr. Spock,
I am praying the Prozac gets into your system and stalizes you. Do you notice any minor improvement at all?? Sleeping better or moods?
Everyone is different so I do hope this choice works for you. Did you doctor have a Plan B just in case? I almost am certain the answer to that question is a resounding NO!!

Jay,

Congrats to being 5 weeks off lexapro after going cold turkey. You are doing great!!! Be aware that you may not be out of the woods yet so be prepared if a low mood or crying spell hits you that it is only the withdrawal. Same with nightmares or stomach cramping. You may want to try Primal Defense by the Garden Of Eden for the Bloating. it really seems to help this issue. Keep us informed of your progress.

Lisa,

I am hoping that today did not bring the withdrawals as before. You are in the early stage of Lexapro withdrawal so you may expect short temper, dizziness, possible electrical head zaps, bloating and stomach issues, naseau and sleeplessness. Even toothache and nasasl stuffiness are withdrawals from lexapro, so be alert. We are all here to help you get thru this hell. If the withdrawals get too difficult you could always reinstate 1/4 of the lexapro dose and taper from there............. the lower the taper the less severe the withdrawls, but they are still there no matter how small the taper.

To anyone tapering, I would not suggest tapering by changing your lexapro dose daily as the neurotransmitters in the brain are not capable of
keeping up with the serotonin changes that quickly. It takes about three weeks on average for the brain to stabalize after a reduction, some may be able to handle two weeks, others may take 4 weeks but daily is TOO fast. This way of tapering will make you constanly miserable with no stabalizing.

Cindy Girl,

I think a morning dose of lexapro is best due to the fact that lexapro icreases cortisol production which affects the adrenaline which in turn stimulates the person initially. This stimulation is not good at bedtime and can keep you awake till the wee hours of the night. Is there a reason why you think morning is not best?

Debbie,

I forgot to add that the B complex made many anxious or nervous but try it for a few days and see how it may affect you, everyone is different. I know that sub lingual B 6 placed under the tongue will help with the fatigue without the "stimulating" anxious feeling. If the B complex proves to make you anxious, you could try just the sub lingual B 6.
Miss Lee,

You have not mentioned acupuncture lately, are you still having treatments?? How often??

Shifty,

Are you off the Lexapro and wellbutrin yet?? Are yo beginning to feel better. I am so concerned about you, pleasse let us know how you are.

A GOOD QUALITY vitamin with minerals is safe for those going thru lexapro withdrawl. Magnesium citrate is also excellent for anxiety issues and muscle cramping. Lexapro robs the body of vitamins and minerals especially magnesium.

Gotta pack MORE boxes, How did I accumulate ALL this STUFF!!!!!!!!

Gotta Run

[debbie724]

Good Morning All!

auntybiotic, do you know how much omega 3 I should be taking? On the package it says that "some doctors recommend up to 500 mg. daily". Then it says to take one a day and they are 120 mg.???? Like I said... they taste kinda like orage Starburst (my FAVORITE candy) so I ate 3 yesterday. Figured that was in the middle. What do you think? As for the B complex... maybe the Ativan will keep me from feeling anxious??? Was that a hint about your IKEA furniture??? Would you like for me to come help you???


debbie

[Cincygal]

Auntybiotic,

I read on this forum about taking at night - I have always taken it in the morning and will continue to do so with your recommendation.

Anyone else have experience with Lexapro messing with your hormones and menstruation?

[debbie724]

Cincygal, I too have had problems... but unfortunately NOT the lack of a period! I'm not going into details here, but I was convinced that I was having early menopause and had my hormone levels tested a couple times and they were fine. Thyroid too. I'm sure it was probably the Lexapro. I also remember reading at least one other person that stopped having their period.



debbie

[debbie724]

At 3:13 AM I created a "new topic" asking if anyone was awake. Within 12 minutes I had two people talking to me. My daughter (she's 21) was still out and I was worried. This is a wonderful site and I am so glad that I have it and all of you in my life now!

debbie

[debbie724]

I guess those of you that really know me can tell that I am off to a good start again today. YEAH! I hope it stays with me!


debbie

[tiger]

Hi Everyone.
I'd like to share my experience of withdrawals so far. I was on
5 mg. for 8 months. For two weeks, I did 3.75. I was fine. Then
PMS came, and i don't know if that was it, but i got nightsweats,
flu like feelings, dizzy, so i freaked.....and went back on it for
4 days. Today is the 5th day, and i don't know what to do. My shrink
is nuts. One day she says i won't have side effects, the next time she says i'll be dizzy and have headaches, the next day she says just go cold turkey, suffer for 2 days....2 days?? and that's that.
DOES ANYONE HAVE ADVICE??? My uncle is going to ask his physh. friends and i'll let you guys know. I'll try again i guess. Maybe
do it around the PMS some how? I get bad periods. (sorry guys)...
but my doc says she doesn't think it's that, but i definelty do...
thanks guys

quote:Originally posted by debbie724

I guess those of you that really know me can tell that I am off to a good start again today. YEAH! I hope it stays with me!


debbie

[debbie724]

tiger, I'm pretty sure that auntybiotic will come back on here today... she will help you with what to do.


debbie

[debbie724]

Redbled, what were you taking that was making you feel so bad? Even though "emotionally" I feel good today... physically I feel like ****! Cramping, headache, etc.


debbie

[GingerGirl]

Miss Lee.... Thanks for your encouragement... "poopy".. Love that. Good visual! Today marks seven weeks post Lex... so not quite 3 months out yet. Oh, and, nope......not from Oregon. Hope today finds you doing well.

Debbie... Hope you're still having a good run on the "up days".... Hopefully you've turned the corner!

Cincygal. Yep... I'm having a heck of a time in the hormonal department as well. For the months prior to my last straw on Lexapro, I had my period (light) every single day. My GYN tested all hormone levels, thyroid, etc. He even had a biopsy performed to rule out ovarian cancer. Everything was negative. Could it be the Lexapro, I asked?? "Never heard of anything like that before" yada, yada. Same old, same old ignorant Doctor reply that so many of us on this board have heard before to the myriad of Lex side effects.

Then the day after my last dose on December 21, my period went from every day to nothing. Like you, I was always regular to the day. The other hormonal thing is my hair. Thankfully when I stopped Lex it started to grow back, but I had incredible, staggering hair loss.

[Shifty]

Found out i've had strep throught for the past week. I'd imagine that's not helping my state of mind much. I'm in auntybiotics now (teehee) so i should be getting better.

---
Meds: 450mg Eskalith CR
You are listening to the opinions of a certified crazy person.

[debbie724]

Shifty, strep throat can really make you feel like ****! Not glad that you have it, but glad you know what's probably been causing a lot of your misery! Feel better!


debbie

[rina]

Hi Everyone. I'm new here and I'm hoping desperately for some peace of mind! I went on Lexapro this past October (10mg/day) and two weeks ago I quit cold-turkey. I was on it for anxiety- things are much better and I wanted off of it. If I could share some of these symptoms with you all- and maybe you could tell me if it's normal, but even more- [u]how long does this last</u>?? If it doesn't subside soon, my anxiety is going to sky-rocket!! I keep thinking I must have some horrible, dreaded disease!!

Ok- the biggest thing I have going on is the lightheadness, dizzy, floating feeling/sensation. It comes and goes, but is pretty constant and worse in the evenings when I'm really tired... which is another one- extremely tired! I read some of you posting about that "time of the month," and had I not started today, I would have sworn by these symptoms that I was pregnant!!

I'm a teacher and busy mom of a 5 and 2 year old. I desperately need (and want) my old energy back and to lose this feeling of dizziness! I can't stand not feeling like myself! I really wish I would have never gone on this stuff!!

Any help will be so appreciated!!

[debbie724]

rina, auntybiotic was on earlier today... but I'm pretty sure she will come on again. She can tell you what you should do. Meantime, hang in there and know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!


debbie

[auntybiotic]

Tiger,

Two weeks after tapering the PMS were Lexapro withdrawals. You should stabalize in another week or two. If not you could taper more slowly. From 5 Mg to 4.5 Mg using Lexapro liquid, Then wait three weeks and go to 4 Mg for another three weeks and then taper to 3.5 for another three weeks and so on.

You may experience the zaps which are jolt like sensations in the brain and extremities. You may also get short tempered and angry and cry easily. This will subside if you can hang in there another few weeks.

Rina,

Quiting cold turkey from 10 Mg can be quite unconfortable for several months. If the withdrawals get worse you may wan to reinstate and taper more slowly. Two weeks are just the beginning o fthe withdrawals, expect stomach cramping, bloating, anger, crying, anxiety, nightmares, sleeplessness and dizziness along with many other symptoms listed earlier on this forum.

Try dramanine or Bonnie over the counter sea sick medication to help with the dizziness, Magnesium citrate to help with the anxiety and omega 3,s to help with depression and moodiness.

Debbie, I will attempt to put the furniture but if I cannot I will pick you up and take you to lunch and even pay you to help. (Do I sound desperate)!!

Gotta take more boxes over............Debbie, what type of Omega 3 did you get. Mine are a large oil filled gel pill that has fish oil in it. They are 1000 Mg. What kind are yours?? I never heard of orange flavored Omegas.my daughter would love them.

Shifty,
I loved your PUN, being on anutybiotics..................you will SURELY feel better (smile).

[debbie724]

auntybiotic, I think Shifty said that he was "in" auntybiotics... but, either was sounds fun huh? []

As for picking me up, buying me lunch, and paying me... forget that! I would NEVER charge to help a friend! Let me know if you need me.

The Omega 3's are chewable and have no fishy taste. They are 120 mg. each. I ate 3 yesterday and 3 today.


debbie

[mandymcj]

Hey everyone, I just got back from the doctor from hell. I don't plan on ever seeing him again.

At first he was saying that he hasn't had many problems with Lexapro withdrawal and to taper off every other day should be fine. I was thinking you're the one who told me side effects were mild, which definitely didn't turn out to be true.

I told him I'd done a lot of research and wanted the liquid in order to decrease gradually. He agreed pretty easily, and wrote me the perscription. Unfortunately, the pharamacy didn't have the liquid, so they had to order it. It will be in tomorrow.

I'm disappointed because I wanted to get started as soon as possible in tapering off correctly...I know it's only one day but eh. I don't have a car here, so I can't just go to the pharmacy whenever I want.

I feel like my apathy has reached new heights (lows?). I don't feel anything for anyone. But I still seem like my normal self to others. My roomate has no idea all this is going on and we live in a tiny room together. I'm getting to the point where I don't care about the apathy. Great, right? I want to be myself again.

So far the side effects have been ridiculous insomnia (which is weird b/c on Lex I've always been so insanely fatigued) and a really, really bad temper. I'm almost violent, which is so not my normal personality. I know it's just the tapering starting to hit.

I was weighed at the doctor...I'm down to 115 again (I'm 5'5). This means I'm below the healthy level for my height. I don't want to be the annoying skinny girl complaining about how skinny she is...but I don't want to be a stick! I want to have an ass! I don't understand, I had gotten back to 120, I'm not sure what happened. I guess I'll just try to eat more?

I hope everyone is doing better and thank you so much for all the tips!!