[Cincygal]

I received my Omega 3s today in the mail! Ordered Dr. Weil brand through drugstore.com . I am so excited! Simple pleasures.

[tiger]

Yes. Definelty messing with the period. Of course, the doctors say no. What do they know. They are started to piss me off.

quote:Originally posted by 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?

[rina]

Wow- you know your stuff! Thanks so much! Several months for the withdrawals is really disappointing! I will make a trip to the pharmacy, though, and try your suggestions. Also- I remembered after I read your message that I have had several bouts of stomach bloating and upset, and just "chalked" that off to something I ate. It's almost scary to think of what all might be attributed to this drug's withdrawal! Thanks so much to you all!

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.

[tiger]

WOW> I HAD THE SAME SIDE EFFECTS> then i got my period and it was
HORRIBLE> so i GAVE UP like a coward and went back on the lexipro after 2 weeks of success. but IT"S JUST AS BAD. NOT GETTING BETTER AFTER TAKING THE NORMAL PILL FOR 5 DAYS> WHAT SHOULD I DO??????
GET BACK ON TIL I FEEL NORMAL AGAIN AND TRY OVER OR GO BACK TO GETTING OFF IT EVEN AFTER I ALREADY WENT BACK ON FOR 5 DAYS????
HELP SOMEONE. MY DOCTOR SUCKS.........
TIGER

quote:Originally posted by 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!!

[tiger]

aunty,
thanks for writing back. did you mean go back to the 5mg (i've been back on 5 for 5 days) and wait til i stablize agiain? im still not
feeling good even after going back to the 5. (i was tapering for 2 weeks)...or should i retry now? i'm afraid my brain doesn't know what to do...i'm dizzy and spaced out still. i thought i might get back to normal faster than this by reinstating. help!!!!

thanks for your help. i'll be waiting for a relpy. my doctor isn't helping me.

quote:Originally posted by 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).

[tiger]

Aunty,
One more thing. SHould I take any supplements??? Does this interfere with the lexipro??
thanks,tiger

quote:Originally posted by 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).

[tiger]

Aunty,
One more thing. SHould I take any supplements??? Does this interfere with the lexipro??
thanks,tiger

quote:Originally posted by 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).

[Mr Spock]

Hello all,
Mandy, sorry if I was a bit vague with my suggestion, but I meant to stay on each taper dose, (taking it daily, not every second day) for several weeks until you stabilise.
Tiger, from what I can gather, you were on 5 mg for a period of time, then had been on 3.75 mg for two weeks but started to get the withdrawal effects, so went back up to 5 mg again for 5 days. Is that right? Even if you have done that, it will take a few days to get back to square one. Be patient. Like I am doing, I would follow Aunty's advice and reduce slowly (5-10% every few weeks), but it may be worth now just stabilising back on the 5 mg again and taking it slower...
Rina, I went cold turkey from 10 mg Celexa, and it has taken me months. In the end I have had to go back on a slow Prozac taper. This length of time is a bit unusual but quite possible. Some can withdraw within a month, some a bit longer etc. The withdrawal effects are horrible, as you know, and unfortunately, not many doctors seem to be aware of the severity of the problem.
Aunty, no relief yet. I really am expecting that, due to the fact that haven't had any SSRI for 4 1/2 months, the initial side-effects are going to knock me around until things start settling and I don't think that the withdrawal effects are going to go for another few weeks. My Dr has absolutely no idea, in fact, I have instigated this whole process with your (and DR's Healy, Tracy etc) input, so there is no Plan B. By the way, there is plenty of room for all of you on my local beach. Bring your sunscreen!!!
Debbie, how's your day? Are you seeing your Dr on Friday (blood tests)?
Peace and Long Life.

[debbie724]

Mr Spock, my day was another good one... with the exception of being a little "physically" ill this morning. As for my doctor, my appointment was supposed to be this Monday (past), but I had to reschedule it! It was with my GYN. I'm supposed to go to my GYN and my GP twice a year and whomever is at the 6 month blood test time request my testing. Unfortunately I got my period Friday evening, so I couldn't see my GYN on Monday. I've had a recent history (couple years) of pre-cancerous (spelling? or is that even a word?) cells and I'm sure that you know (as a nurse) that being on your period can cause a bad pap reading. SO, my appointment is now scheduled for Monday. I guess you didn't really need to know all of that.

As for you, hang in there... I know your days are going to get better!

When can we all come to your beach??? [8D]


debbie

[rina]

Thanks Mr Spock! I completely agree with you that the doctors don't seem to know a single thing about the withdrawal symptoms! I've talked with both my primary care and OBGyn and neither of them can tell me anything except to go back on it!!! And to think these people make the big bucks!!

Tiger- you seem to be as frustrated as me and with no good answers and bad doctors, too! I wish I could offer you more help, but I am really in the dark on this stuff, too! I'm just relieved that I found this website- and someone was able to tell me that this is all normal! By the way- if this does help at all- I am on the b/c pill and have been all along, while taking the Lexapro. My periods were horrific while on the Lexapro. Since being off the Lexapro for the last 2 weeks, (I'm still on the b/c pill) and having just started- this one already seems much more back to normal- like it used to be before going on the Lexapro. So, I don't know if that helps you- but I'm so with you!! Hang in there!!

Thanks to everyone on this board for your info and help!! This is a great resource- the doctors should try reading some of this!!

quote:Originally posted by Mr Spock

Hello all,
Mandy, sorry if I was a bit vague with my suggestion, but I meant to stay on each taper dose, (taking it daily, not every second day) for several weeks until you stabilise.
Tiger, from what I can gather, you were on 5 mg for a period of time, then had been on 3.75 mg for two weeks but started to get the withdrawal effects, so went back up to 5 mg again for 5 days. Is that right? Even if you have done that, it will take a few days to get back to square one. Be patient. Like I am doing, I would follow Aunty's advice and reduce slowly (5-10% every few weeks), but it may be worth now just stabilising back on the 5 mg again and taking it slower...
Rina, I went cold turkey from 10 mg Celexa, and it has taken me months. In the end I have had to go back on a slow Prozac taper. This length of time is a bit unusual but quite possible. Some can withdraw within a month, some a bit longer etc. The withdrawal effects are horrible, as you know, and unfortunately, not many doctors seem to be aware of the severity of the problem.
Aunty, no relief yet. I really am expecting that, due to the fact that haven't had any SSRI for 4 1/2 months, the initial side-effects are going to knock me around until things start settling and I don't think that the withdrawal effects are going to go for another few weeks. My Dr has absolutely no idea, in fact, I have instigated this whole process with your (and DR's Healy, Tracy etc) input, so there is no Plan B. By the way, there is plenty of room for all of you on my local beach. Bring your sunscreen!!!
Debbie, how's your day? Are you seeing your Dr on Friday (blood tests)?
Peace and Long Life.

[Redbled]

Rina,

I was also on 10MG's about 5 months ago. It has taken up till the past week or two before I really started to feel a lot better. I'm still not done of course, but it is nice to get better. Hang in there. If you stay the course of cold turkey, it will get worse before it gets better. And some days when you feel ok and think you're getting better, be ready for a crash again. Its not like any sickness anyone has ever seen.

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.

[tiger]

Mr Spock.
Thanks for your input. Yes, that's exactly right. I tried to taper for 2 weeks 3.75 and then i freaked so i went back to the normal
dose of 5 mg. but it's been 6 days already and i STILL don't feel
normal. How long will this take??? I don't know if i cry more from the guilt of how my husband suffers (lack of sex, disconnecting, etc)
or if it's this stuff. I HATE IT!!! I should've just stayed on it for
awhile longer so we could have some peace for at least a year after
2 years of wondering what the hell was wrong with me physically.
So, how much longer????

Rina,
Thanks for writing back too. Even though you don't know that much yet, it helps that you write. This is the only place i have to talk
besides my mom who drives me crazy. Always wants me to do it her way.
She's on lexipro too, but 20 mg. Rina, tell me what your going through...

TIGER.............

quote:Originally posted by Redbled

Rina,

I was also on 10MG's about 5 months ago. It has taken up till the past week or two before I really started to feel a lot better. I'm still not done of course, but it is nice to get better. Hang in there. If you stay the course of cold turkey, it will get worse before it gets better. And some days when you feel ok and think you're getting better, be ready for a crash again. Its not like any sickness anyone has ever seen.

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.

[stanbo]

I think I am going crazy. I wrote a really long post and I sent it but it never appeard. it happenned twice - so you are all spared of my rantings....for the time being.

Doing ok, feeling a little buzzy and I have a metallic taste in my mouth. Like when I took wellbutrin before (w/o lexapro) to quit smoking (several years ago) and it made me really anxious). Now that I am down to 5mgs of Lexapro, I think I am starting to feel that effect of the Wellbutrin.

Oh, who knows what I feel anymore. I want free of all this ****!

Plus, I need to go to my doctor. And I am too ashamed to go because I gained 30 pounds since my last visit. He is very weight and exercise conscious. Am I crazy or what....ashamed to go to a doctor because I gained weight. But that's how I feel....

Everyone hang in there - Shifty, hope that strep gets better - that can really wear you down so be careful and take care of yourself.

[debbie724]

stanbo, I don't think that there are many of us that don't share in your weight gain shame! [xx(] I'm trying something new called Hoodia. It's from a plant in Africa. Be careful if you try it... make sure it's the real thing. It's natural and doesn't make you feel like diet pills do.

Mornin' Tiger!

debbie

[debbie724]

Stanbo, you posted on page 108 and I know I responded to you, as well as others may have too. If you have posted since then and forgot to sign in first... your post goes GOD knows where! I've done that a couple times and it's really frustrating.


debbie

[bansheebird]

Thank you all for your honest posts. I was put on lexapro to help me get through a very tough patch with a teenager out of control. She is grown and the issues have subsided, so I decided to take myself off lexapro. Doc had said "situational", well, the situation is gone.

Holy cow! The first thing is the dry mouth. Then WHACK! comes the dizziness. I don't think I was prepared for that! Don't stand up too fast, don't turn your head too quickly, ease back into your chair. It's been five days, and I feel like I'm walking around drunk. Reading that you all get through this and it subsides is a real light at the end of the tunnel!

Then last night "WHO TURNED ON THE HEATER?"... nope, it was just me. Through off the covers, face is bright red, racked with waves of heat. Oh, no, now I'm FREEZING!!! flip flop.

Who knew that it would be true withdrawals? Thanks for all your honesty - you've given me a good picture of the weeks to come - that I WILL SURVIVE!

[tiger]

HI Ban,
Did you go cold turkey? How long were you on it? and how much mg?
I was on 5 mg. then went to 3.75 mg for 2 weeks. The, boom, same
as you, but i was a coward, and went back on it. But i STILL feel
like ****. And it's been 6 days already and i'm still dizzy. kinda
wish i kept going now. darn. i wonder how much longer it'll take to
get back to normal ON it. and how long it'll take to get back to normal OFF it..hhhhmmmm.

quote:Originally posted by bansheebird

Thank you all for your honest posts. I was put on lexapro to help me get through a very tough patch with a teenager out of control. She is grown and the issues have subsided, so I decided to take myself off lexapro. Doc had said "situational", well, the situation is gone.

Holy cow! The first thing is the dry mouth. Then WHACK! comes the dizziness. I don't think I was prepared for that! Don't stand up too fast, don't turn your head too quickly, ease back into your chair. It's been five days, and I feel like I'm walking around drunk. Reading that you all get through this and it subsides is a real light at the end of the tunnel!

Then last night "WHO TURNED ON THE HEATER?"... nope, it was just me. Through off the covers, face is bright red, racked with waves of heat. Oh, no, now I'm FREEZING!!! flip flop.

Who knew that it would be true withdrawals? Thanks for all your honesty - you've given me a good picture of the weeks to come - that I WILL SURVIVE!

[tiger]

QUESTION FOR EVERYONE
HAS ANYONE SUCCESSFULLY GOTTEN OFF THE LEXIPRO AND ONLY LEXIPRO AND FEELS GOOD NOW??????

quote:Originally posted by tiger

HI Ban,
Did you go cold turkey? How long were you on it? and how much mg?
I was on 5 mg. then went to 3.75 mg for 2 weeks. The, boom, same
as you, but i was a coward, and went back on it. But i STILL feel
like ****. And it's been 6 days already and i'm still dizzy. kinda
wish i kept going now. darn. i wonder how much longer it'll take to
get back to normal ON it. and how long it'll take to get back to normal OFF it..hhhhmmmm.

[bansheebird]

OH - cold turkey. Earlier in the month I was moving the doses down slightly, got to the end of the prescription and opted to not get it filled. I started on 20mg, went to 10mg for two weeks, then off cold. I don't have any in the house so I can't crater to the relapse.

I mentioned this post to my husband - and he said "do you think that was what last week was all about?" I forgot about that - last week, while still on the 10mg, I spent two days crying. (And I don't cry). It had him all freaked out. I would wake up at night crying, a couple of times with nightmares. Nothing he could do about it, I couldn't tell him why... well, now we know!

I thought I might be having gall bladder trouble cause my eating has changed big-time. A bite of meat, and nope, can't handle that. I am sustained on V8 and crackers right now. Anything else makes me want to up-chuck. I was fixing to go to the doc to talk gall bladder, but I think I'll wait it out a little while longer.

And then there is the sex drive - you guys don't know me, so I guess I can tell you about this... I had none before. Well, its a good thing that I am a faithful wife, cause that has come back like a freight train making up for lost time.

What I have gone through makes me know that I don't want to go back there. I want my body and my system clean of this nonsense.

thanks,
bansh

[tiger]

Ban,
I lost my sex drive on it too. So, your's came back? even feeling sick? i feel so guilty because my husband is young and horny (ha ha)
and i want to make love, but it's not as enjoyable. maybe once in awhile. that's one BIG reason i want off. so, your feeling ok? how long has it been total? how long since the last pill? i wish i didn't go backwards, bad move for me...cause i'm suffering even going backwards. i have to work though and i've already missed two
days of work. do you work? and can you manage to function? how long do the crying spells last?

quote:Originally posted by bansheebird

OH - cold turkey. Earlier in the month I was moving the doses down slightly, got to the end of the prescription and opted to not get it filled. I started on 20mg, went to 10mg for two weeks, then off cold. I don't have any in the house so I can't crater to the relapse.

I mentioned this post to my husband - and he said "do you think that was what last week was all about?" I forgot about that - last week, while still on the 10mg, I spent two days crying. (And I don't cry). It had him all freaked out. I would wake up at night crying, a couple of times with nightmares. Nothing he could do about it, I couldn't tell him why... well, now we know!

I thought I might be having gall bladder trouble cause my eating has changed big-time. A bite of meat, and nope, can't handle that. I am sustained on V8 and crackers right now. Anything else makes me want to up-chuck. I was fixing to go to the doc to talk gall bladder, but I think I'll wait it out a little while longer.

And then there is the sex drive - you guys don't know me, so I guess I can tell you about this... I had none before. Well, its a good thing that I am a faithful wife, cause that has come back like a freight train making up for lost time.

What I have gone through makes me know that I don't want to go back there. I want my body and my system clean of this nonsense.

thanks,
bansh

[debbie724]

Shifty, I just wanted to say... I think those of us that are "bipolar" definately have a different reaction (withdrawal wise) from others that have stopped taking the Lexapro. I get the feeling that you too are off the wall with your emotions. One minute okay, another minute extremely high, another minute very low. Is this true with you?


debbie

[debbie724]

auntybiotic, how's the furniture building going? Are you pretty much moved in? I will come there in a heartbeat if you need me!

debbie

[bansheebird]

Well, it was me who felt jilted by losing my drive. Actually, my husband is handicapped and is recovering from spinal fusion surgery. I realized that my lack of interest was allowing him to drift. He has to try to have interest given his physical condition. With me seriously waned due to the drug, we were at risk of watching that whole part of our life go away and we are too young for that. With the daughter no longer causing the issues that caused situational depression, I decided it was time for lexapro to go!

I have been on some sort of depression med for 5 yrs. Lexapro for two, 20mg. I dropped to 10mg for two weeks and then off completely. Completely off for five days.

I work full time. I have lots of interests - mainly parrot rescue and hobby farming. I distract myself from my own problems when I find them creeping in. There is always something needing a hug, an empty food dish, something to clean. The crying jag went for nearly 2 days straight - absolutely disturbing!

I am normally a very very strong person, but these last few weeks have been minimalizing that strength - but I know who I am and who I will be on the other end of this struggle. I just gotta get through the struggle no matter how long it takes. You have to find the reason you want off it and plan the things that are going to make it worth it. Write it down if you need to keep a list in front of you. You also have to figure out what you are going to do with yourself if you crater. But you have to keep showing up - whether that's to work or to the dinner table - you have to keep showing up. And you have to have someone in your life that you trust with the information.

I wish you well!

quote:Originally posted by tiger

Ban,
I lost my sex drive on it too. So, your's came back? even feeling sick? i feel so guilty because my husband is young and horny (ha ha)
and i want to make love, but it's not as enjoyable. maybe once in awhile. that's one BIG reason i want off. so, your feeling ok? how long has it been total? how long since the last pill? i wish i didn't go backwards, bad move for me...cause i'm suffering even going backwards. i have to work though and i've already missed two
days of work. do you work? and can you manage to function? how long do the crying spells last?

[debbie724]

bansheebird, hang in there... you are NOT in this alone. I predict that things will eventually be better in the "sex" department. I know that I have been very up and down with that. As soon as I was totally off the Lexapro... I was more horny than I've EVER been in my life! Then I went through other stages... and today I am back to feeling horny again (still crying easily and getting angry easy). I started taking Omega 3, Vitamin's B Complex, C, and E, and a natural diet supplement called Hoodia, along with green tea... three days ago. I have NO idea if any of this has anything to do with the fact that I feel better mentally... and am having strong sexual feelings again! Stay with us... we are in this together!

debbie

[sickofthis]

Someone tell me that this will end!! I have been on antidepressants and since January 1992 - going from sinequan, trying zoloft, then on nightmare Effexor XR, suffered trying to get off of that and then going my wonderful Dr. switched me to a diet of Ativan in the AM and PM with Wellbutrin and Lexapro inbetween!! I have gotten myself off of Wellbutrin, and am now down to 10 mg of Lexapro every other day, still on the 1mg of Ativan 2x a day and suffering like hell. Does everyone have loving supportive partners or does this wear your spouse/partner as is does mine? It is hard enough dealing with the painful symptoms, both physical and emotional, of withdrawal, but the guilt and feelings of failure are also too much at times to bear. OK, enough complaining!!! Really, I would just love to connect with someone who might understand what I am going through...to confirm that I am not just experiencing self-induced withdrawal symptoms as I am sure my boyfriend believes....
Thank you!!!
Signed,
Sick of this!!!

[sickofthis]

Someone tell me that this will end!! I have been on antidepressants and since January 1992 - going from sinequan, trying zoloft, then on nightmare Effexor XR, suffered trying to get off of that and then my wonderful Dr. switched me to a diet of Ativan in the AM and PM with Wellbutrin and Lexapro inbetween!! I have gotten myself off of Wellbutrin, and am now down to 10 mg of Lexapro every other day, still on the 1mg of Ativan 2x a day and suffering like hell. Does everyone have loving supportive partners or does this wear on your spouse/partner as is does mine? It is hard enough dealing with the painful symptoms, both physical and emotional, of withdrawal, but the guilt and feelings of failure are also too much at times to bear. OK, enough complaining!!! Really, I would just love to connect with someone who might understand what I am going through...to confirm that I am not just experiencing self-induced withdrawal symptoms as I am sure my boyfriend believes....
Thank you!!!
Signed,
Sick of this!!!

[debbie724]

sickofthis, you are not imagining ANY of this... nor are you alone! I'm not sure why you are stopping the Wellbutrin. I take Depakote, Wellbutrin, and Ativan... and I will continue to take them as long as they work for me. Lexapro... that's another story! Please don't stop everything at once! And, please don't forget that we are here for you.

debbie

[lisa99]

Ok, well I think I'm experiencing my first set of problems.

I have a job in which accuracy is paramount. Well twice today in my documents, I presented them with glaring errors. The first one made my normally cool boss go ballistic because of the magnitude of the error. I apologized profusely and then later that day turned in another document with a client's name written incorrectly! I know this client and had just talked to him minutes earlier... his name was right in front of me as I was typing the document!!!!

My boss said, "Lisa!!! What's going on?!!!"

I'm tempted to tell them what's happening because I normally am NOT like this... sure we all make mistakes, but I've never made mistakes of this level in my five-year work history. I'm just afraid they'll think I'm making excuses and not truly understand.

Also, I don't want to blame this on medication withdrawal, but I just feel like I'm in a total fog! THINKING is difficult for me! Things that I've been doing by rote for the last five years are suddenly impossible! ARGH!

Well... on a slightly better note (and one related to some recent posts), my sex drive has really come back with a vengeance! This started almost immediately after my last day on Lexapro and my hormones are going crazy! Too bad I'm not married nor in a relationship... [] So I'm liking that, even though I don't have an outlet for any newfound horniness. Darn.

I just hope this mental fog clears soon. This isn't good for my work performance.

[gnp990]

Holy ****,

This thing is aweful!

As you can guess, I, too, am suffering from Lexapro withdrawal. I've been taking 20mg for about 9 months, 10mg during the last month, and 5mg for a few days. I've also been taking 300mg of Wellbutrin SR. (In all their wisdom, they thought this would somehow help my BPD-like symptoms. It didn't, of course.) Then I just got sick of waiting to get off this thing and I stopped both.

The first few days were symptom-free. But the past five days have been marked by intense dizziness, almost fainting, especially while walking, fatigue, and nausea... oh my, the nausea is the WORST. I can scarcely describe it. It comes and goes, so every time I think I'm through it, there's a nasty surprise waiting after a while.

Did someone say "chemical imbalance?" Please, go do a commercial for Eli Lilly.

What a joke that chemical imbalance quasi-theory of the aetiology of depression is... Unscientific nonsense.

How long does Lexapro withdrawal take on average? I believe this is my 8th day, now. (Please, lie if you have to. )

Best,

[auntybiotic]

Hi Everyone,

Debbie,

The moajor moving is over. just a few carloads of boxes and clothes. The moving men put the furniture together for me for $50 extra dollars!! Horray!!

I still need to buy the matching dresser so I may need you for that as I understand it comes with a milliobn pieces!! Maybe bring a suitcase along as it may take a few days.

So glad you are having a few good days. This is typical with healing after SSRI's. Keep a recprd of the good days because when a bad day hits you may not remember that you actually felt good for awhile. We will remind you!!

Tiger, Rina, banshee, Lisa and GNP-990,

Welcome to the new members and hello to the recent new posters. Just wanted to remind everyone that I am NOT a doctor. Just a mother of a child withdrawaling from lexapro who has done a lot of research and have talked to many people who went thru lexapro withdrawal.

Please remember that any suggestion is just that. Check with your doctor ( if you are one of the few lucky ones that have a MD who is aware of Lexapro withdrawal).

Tiger,

Everyone is different but it could take about three weeks to stabalize. Remeber you went from 5 Mg to 3.75 so you were getting adjusted to that change then you quit all the lexapro. You should start to feel better.

Lisa,

The brain fog and mixing up letters and numbers is quite a common complaint in withdrawal from SSRI's. I have spoken to a few who have also had some memory loss after stopping their SSRI.

After stopping the Lexapro the sex drive becomes hyperactive for a few weeks then returns to normal. Jus like the emotions. Everything was put "in limbo" for a while and is returning, the emotions, the sex drive etc.

The withdrawals are real, not imagined. So many thousands would not experience the exact same symptoms if it were all in their minds.

GNYP-99o.

How long will the withdrawals last. There is not an answer. It depends on how quickly your body will rid itself of the lexapro. This depends on the functions of your liver. On average I would say about four months. Some who have cold tirkeyed may take about a lyear and others as Body Electric are back to normal is a few weeks.

Supplements will help heal the damage done by the lexapro. A Good Qulaity Vitamin and mineral supplement. Omega 3's 1000 Mg (or as suggested on bottle) will aid in the weight loss and moodiness, magnesium citrate will help the anxiety and muscle crampting.

Primal Defense by Garden of Eden will ease the stomach issues and bloating (available at heath or vitamin store).

Dramazine will help dizziness.

Benydryl will aid in the sleeplessness.

Plenty of water to flush out the toxins.

Patience and time............

Mr. Spock,

I will be mailing out the book on oday. We are expecting 6 to 12 inches of snow over the next several days...........that beach is looking very desirable. How you feeling..............any improvement at all??