[Beachie]

Oh, thank goodness I found your wonderful post.. I am having a really tough time..
Here is the post I put up 2 days ago on another site, but I think it may have been a dead link.. Reading it now,, I THOUGHT I was having a hard time then.. But the past few days have become paranoid, and filled with crying spells, and feeling like I want to just push everyone away after weaning from 10mg to 5mg.

Suddenly I feel Numb.. LIke I had to ask myself, "do i love my boyfriend?" I suddenly think, well i thought i did..hmm.. but i can't feel anything.. I mean what is that??" My friends have been really helpful reminding me that this numbness that suddenly came on 6 days ago cooouuld be the medication. Plus the flushing in my cheeks, diziness, weakness, etc.

"I am a 32 yr old woman and I went into Rehab for alcohol recovery over 2 years ago and have been clean and sober ever since! The same day I went into rehab my doctor started me on Lexapro, needless to say i was depressed.. but alcohol is also a depressant. SO, I figured eventually it would be time to come off of it. They also put me on 150 mg of Trazadone. Over the past few months I have weaned down to 50 mg. and feel ready to start going off my Lexapro.

So For the past few days I went from 10mg to 5mg and called my doctor requesting he phone in the script for Liquid Lex so I can wean myself slowly. My doctor really doesn't know much about it, but said that it sounded fine. Yes, I know not really a hands-on guy. But my health and recovery is my responsibility right? so, I was doing great until yesterday, now the withdrawal affects are starting to come i guess. Low blood pressure, Hot and cold flashes, anxiety when I tried to lay down last night, general headache, and stomach ache, shaky. And here I thought I was getting off easy until then!

Even though it's too soon for my insurance to cover the liquid lexapro I think I may go buy the liquid myself, I think 10mg to 5mg after 2 1/2 years is too much... I feel so uncomfortable in my own skin right now, achy, nervous, a little irritable...

I am trying to remind myself that you have all done it successfully and that I can persevere.. I mean, I'd just like to know who I am without any substance at all, but I have to admit that if I were going to feel like this for the rest of my life I would go back on 10 mg forever... Ok this is day 4. Thanks for listening."

Well, this is now Day 6..really struggling to remember how i feel is not necessarily reality.

My very best to everyone on their journey

[annaoffmeds]

hi again,
thanks so much for the support (and the comment about the doc from auntybiotic) Some docs just don't get it- medicine pushers....
anyways, I've been reading a lot on the supplements you can take for withdrawl problems you're experiencing and I'm glad theres some simple things to help out.
Any ideas about the shocks?? Is that just something that needs to run its course? Any relief from it?
I have a baby to run around with that has colic--- doesn't help the shocks!!
Becky, sounds like we're down similar roads- I don't have the answers, but I will be trying some of the suggestions that were listed, so we can be trying together....being a military spouse doesn't make anxiety, etc. any easier....but we can do it. The struggle is always hard, but knowing I'm off these meds in the end will make me happy....."eye on the prize" comes to mind.[:I]
I will let u know about the supplement help!
anna

[annaoffmeds]

opps, meant the military part for safriend!!!
sorry about that....
between the baby and my withdrawl my thought process isn't very smooth!

[vaughny]

Hi Beachie - I have been on 10mg for 2 years so about the same as you. I am on day 7 of weaning down to 7.5mg. I think some here will tell you to taper even slower than this especially since you are having some w/d effects right now that you'd likely like to see gone. But for me, the 7.5 for the last week has not been bad. I actually got a little surger of energy out of it. I will probably wait at least another week to go down again but I will go by feel.

Anyway - I don't have much to help you other than letting you know maybe the going down to 5 was a bit fast. I think it really depends on the person. From reading the board you'd think everyone struggles very badly getting off Lexapro but I know someone who cold-turkeyd it from 10 to 0, had been on it almost 2 years, and said "maybe it wasn't the best way but I was a little grouchy for two weeks and that was it..." Wow if we could all be so lucky. But for me the 7.5 is OK so far, and I really feel excellent (better than before I started the taper even) after working out. You may not have the energy to do that right now, but if you can stabilize some it really seems to help. I almost never "run" full out and the other night on the elliptical for 30 mins I went faster than normal and felt excellent and like I didn't want to stop. I think the endorphins help.

I also started (I'm not making a recommendation, just telling you what I did) some Acetly-L-Carnitine (ALCAR). This is seeming to help my energy and focus a bit. And I take Lecithin which is Choline. ALCAR is somewhat more expensive and I ordered online. The Lecithin you can find at any grocery store for dirt cheap. I take 1200mg x 3/day. This was noted in this board to help prevent muscle twitches which I've had none (So either it works or I wasn't going to get any anyway, in which case it doesn't matter). Vitamin C I take a lot of - has been shown to reduce stress reponse. I now am up to 2g per day. And a good multi.

Good luck

[hammer]

Thanks for your input...
AuntyB...I did went back to the doctor today..She prescribed Ambien.
This is day 6 for me. I am so dizzy. Other than not getting a sound night of sleep, I think I am doing good. The Omega 3 Cod Liver Oil must be doing something to stabilize my system.

AuntyB, How long more I am going to get these Dizzy spells? I feel like I am drunk and about to loose my cordination!( I will only us the ambien as a last resort.)

quote:Originally posted by auntybiotic

Hammer,

Why the drop from 2.5 to 0?? That's really BIG!!! You may want to try and taper to 2 Mg, then 1.5 Mg then 1 Mg and so on to make it easier on you.

I would not suggest Ambien because it goes thru the P 450 Cytochrome system and will just make it harder to get the lexapro out of your system.

Benydrl works excellent for sleeplessness and is not addictive.

Also magnesium also helps with sleeplessness. I will try and paste a article from another site later.
Lexapro depletes the body of magnesium and makes sleeping difficult.

Mr. Spock, You OK?? I am trying to look thru old emails to get your address, could you save me time and email me again.book is ready to go downunder, just need to find the blasted address.

Dalper,

Draminine will help the dizziness, Omega 3 Fish oil 1000Mg will help with the shocks and moodiness. Why did you taper so fast.....it is almost cold turkey and may be very hard recovering from such a fast taper. Usually waiting three weeks in between tapers, possibly two but three is best.
You should not taper more then 5 to 10 % of your present dose of lexapro. This is the safe way to taper. Let us know how you do with the withdrawals.

Primal Defense is geat for stomach issues. Magnesium for anxiety, restless legs and sleeplessness.

Fast tapers can bring nightmares and vivid disturbing dreams so be aware of this. Also crying jags and a horrible temper.

[lalalamort]

thanks aunty for the advice

[annaoffmeds]

does dramamine make you really tired? I am already super tired, but the dizziness is insane- I went to the grocery store today and had many trips and almost fell.

I have begun a fish oil and magnesium regimine, so hopefully the symptoms will start to go down a bit.

The flu like feeling I have with the fever and hot-cold feelings and all over just feeling not in my own skin is crazy. I also get the shocks and a lot of moodiness and confusion....same stuff as before.

Also, I wanted to say that Airbourne is helping me a bit....going out in public places a lot and it seems as if my immune system is way down and Airbourne is a defence...it also contains ginger for nauseau and plenty of vitamins! I usually only take it once in a day or everyother.
stay strong!

[annaoffmeds]

p.s. beachie,
sounds like we're having similar symptoms....
sorry the withdrawl is so strong....stick with it!

[Redbled]

Man, this site sure has taken off lately. I'd say its good to see all the new people, but then again, that means more people are suffering 6 months off Lexapro for me, and just now starting to think I'm recovering. For all of those here, know that you could be in a for a long haul, but I very much believe you can be normal again. Aunty is right, the doctors know some of us come crawling back because we can't stand the withdrawal effects. I think someday all of this will be exposed. It might make a good movie. With Brad Pitt blowing up the Forrest plant or something

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. 5 months now and feeling better most every week. There is hope, don't give up.

[lalalamort]

i went from compeltely off lexapro 8 days ago from 5mg to 0

can anyone out there share their personal experience to how long this will actually last? how long until i start to feel better

a day by day estimate of the withdrawal e.g. when it will be the worst and when will it get better

[mandymcj]

quote:Originally posted by Beachie


Suddenly I feel Numb.. LIke I had to ask myself, "do i love my boyfriend?" I suddenly think, well i thought i did..hmm.. but i can't feel anything.. I mean what is that??" My friends have been really helpful reminding me that this numbness that suddenly came on 6 days ago cooouuld be the medication.

Beachie: You are so not alone. That's the exact feeling and questioning I have. Wondering- do I love my boyfriend? Of course I do, I know I do...but it's led me to wonder- where are my feelings? The only consolation is that I don't seem to have feeling for anyone or anything, so it's not just him. My 3 year old cousins who under normal circumstances I completely adore, I can appreciate them on a very shallow level, but I don't really care, you know? Or seeing my mom or my home which used to be my only source of comfort (I'm in college away from home). It's all kind of blah. Which means that this is messing me up on all kinds of levels. I understand that's it's a really weird and scary frame of mind to be in, but we both have to just remember that it's only a phase, Lex is messing with our minds, and we will get through it.

My boyfriend goes to school in Virginia (I'm in TX) and I haven't seen him since mid January. I'm going to visit him in 3 weeks and I'm really worried about my feelings. They probably won't resurface by then, God who knows what's going on in my head. But EVENTUALLY this will be over. It's the same thing, I can appreciate him on a shallow level, he makes me laugh and smile, but this can't even compare to how I used to feel. It's been so long in this state of apathy that I'm forgetting how I used to be...but hopefully, Beachie, your state won't last this long.

[auntybiotic]

Becky,

If you can get Lexapro liquid that would be great. I would taper either by .5 Mg or 1 Mg which would be 5 to 10 %.

If you cannot get the liquid that's still OK. Here is hat you want to do. Get a accurate measuring cup, one used in chemistry would be more accurate then one used in cooking.

Put ten ounces of cranberry juice into the measuring cup and crush your lexapro tablet between two spoons, there is a coating on it but it can be crushed. Now mix well in the liquid for about three minutes,
Discard either one ounce and drink the remailing 9 ounces of liquid for a 10% reduction.

For a 5% reduction, discard 1/2 ounce and drink the remaining 9 1/2 ounces. Make sure you mix the whole time to keep the lexapro suspended in the liquid. When done add a little cranberry juice to the cup and swish arounfd to get any lexapro that may have remained in the cup.

As you can see this is not as accurate as the factory made liquid lexapro but it is a way of tapering and does work.
If you are having really bad withdrawals right now you may want to talk to you doctor about going the 5% until you stabalize which would be about 3 weeks after the taper.

Please remember that I am not a doctor and you may wish to check with your physician, not that they may have a clue what to tell you to do.



There is a less drowsy version of dramamine available, Benadryl works as does tylenol PM but is easier on the liver.

Beachy,

Everyone is different as far a length of time withdrawals last. I would say 4 months on average but some like Redbled have had them 6 months. Ms. Lee has also started to stabalize after six months, Fast tapering or cold turkey off lexapro makes for a long recovery in many cases.

I have not read the book the Road to recovery but am interested in what they suggest for tapering. Please sgare that info with us once you get the book.

Gotta Run

Mr. Spock,
Cannot find your email of recent.

[Redbled]

Lalamort,

I am 6 months removed and just now starting to feel I'm recovering. Every case is different however. You might get lucky.

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. 5 months now and feeling better most every week. There is hope, don't give up.

[Beachie]

WOW,

Thank you everyone for taking your time to post responses. I reaaalllly appreciate it..

Yesterday, was absolutely terrible.. and it's funny you read the experiences but until you have one you really don't know. Once again, I thought I was in crisis when I was writing, but my goodness right afterwards.. Uncontrollable crying, headache,fear, anxiety, the idea that my boyfriend no longer loved me and I didn't love him either, doom and gloom. My friends were really worrried as was I since I am normally one of the most consistent person they know.

It passed after 3 hours and I was just emotionally beat up. Today, I am sore, headache, and I just stepped out for air from my office and decided to sit in my car for a minute due to the overwhelming urge to let gravity win (sleep and I passed out for an hour.

If I was as crazy as I was yesterday I would seriously either be locked up or happy to be taking medication for the rest of my life. It is such a good thing to have these boards, because its funny how these things aren't listed on the their website. I can just imagine, thinking that was the real me and running back to the doctor. HA!

Well, today is drawing to a close on day 7 I think? I have no idea, I have been so foggy all day and confused. It's just remarkable how real it all seemed yesterday during the wave of chaos. I just have to trust that what you have all said is true and the support of my friends that it will pass, this is not really me, and that I should be grateful that I am being given this opportunity to get rid of the drugs from my body and reconnect with the real me.

Of course I can say this now, yesterday.. LOOK OUT! Thanks again for your comments I really appreciate you responding, it's amazing how much it helps to have others to relate to on this.

Best wishes to everyone....
Beachie

[mohannie]

Hi All,

I hope everyone is doing well. Thanks Mr. Spock for letting me know that you guys missed me. I will say that when I got sick, I stopped taking the Paxil (because I forgot) and I haven't taken a pill since. And fortunately, I'm not feeling any of the horrible withdrawl symptoms that comes when one stopps taking SSRIs. That's not to say that they aren't coming, but it's been over a week since I've taken a pill, and I feel ok. I'm going to see how this goes and hope for the best. I wish you all luck with your tapering and such, and I'll try not to stay away so long.

[tamra]

Hello everyone! I've been away for a little while again...I've realized that I have a tendency to feel worse if I surround myself with like problems...so, I tested my theory....I've been off Lex for a week...after a very slow taper...today is 7 days & I'm wishing that I was feeling better...I know that it's all part of the "ride". I have 2 boys - ages 6 and almost 3....I can sympathize with each of you that have little ones to take care of while going thru this! Your tolerance levels are at rock bottom, you are so dizzy, you can't see or walk straight, you're nauseaous, head pounding, and you MUST go on.

I have found a few things that help that I have not seen mentioned...I've stumbled on to them purely by accident....get some fresh air....I don't mean the old..."get out..it will due you good"...with kids, there's no time...I mean crack a window and take a breath of fresh air...it takes 2 seconds. Don't let the winter air in and catch a chill (that's another problem I've got going on..I'm freezing!) Second thing...especially if you are an at home mom or dad taking care of the kids....Call someone on the phone...talk with another adult for just a minute or so...it will anchor you back to reality. If I just sit in front of the computer and type emails I will continue to feel terrible...If I open the door to get the mail or call my friend, husband or mom, I will feel a sense of relief and relaxation. I hope these easy techniques help.

Now...my turn...Does this sound familiar to anyone?? I was advised to have bloodwork done to check for thyroid problems 3 yrs ago when I went on lexapro....I never found the time...now I have changed Dr.s and he has ordered the test again...out of curiosity I did some online checking about thyroid problems....Good Grief!! I've got the majority of the symptoms on the list!! Now....alot of the symptoms that are on the list, I have thought that they were more Lexapro related...weight gain, fuzzy thinking, etc...I'll be getting the bloodwork done in about a week to tell for sure what's going on. I know that Lexapro effects the metabolism & so does the thyroid....would the test be an accurate picture of me or the post-lexapro symptoms?

I'm sorry for the long post here...but I'm hoping that some of the "veterans" here with some medical background can guide me in the right direction. My past doctor did not disclose the potential side effects of lex & the w/d BEFORE I started taking it...he only agreed with me after I brought the issue to him. I don't think my small town is up on these "modern meds"...they only know how to prescribe what the sales team sends.

Any help here is greatly appreciated! Tamra


Live every day to it's fullest!

[tamra]

WOW! I've checked for any reply's for the last few hours and nothing...then I realized...for the "rest of the world" it's friday nite!! Happy Weekend! Enjoy!

Live every day to it's fullest!

[auntybiotic]

Tamara,

I am willing to bet that all the tests will be normal and that what you are experiencing is lexapro related. You may want to get a 24 hour saliva cortisol test done, I am betting that will be high due to the lexapro.Let us know.

[lalalamort]

thanks redbled for the reply

[kevinw1028]

Thank you for all of your comments. I have been on lexapro for 4-5 years. I have been taking 10mg for a long time due to anxiety attacks. It's been about a week since I stopped and I have been short feelings of passing out... kinda of like brain zaps that was mentioned by someone. I was glad to read that, I was wondering what was going on and it was good to read that someone else is feeling these.

Another reason I wanted to reply was a book I read that helped me understand that "I wasn't dying or something horrible was wrong with me". It's called "Hope and Help for your nerves"
http://www.amazon.com

It really helped... I was told by a therepist to read it twice, which I did. I have never had another attack since.
About me... I was having incredibly bad attacks and have come to understand I have a chemical imbalance. If there was a "line" that you crossed you would have a anxiety attack, I hover just below it with spikes that put me over. I stopped just because I ran out and wanted to see if I could do without. I started a exercise program at the YMCA and hope this helps me get off the stuff....

Thanks again,

[tamra]

Thanks Auntybiotic! I don't want to treat a condition of Lexapro. I am concerned with test results showing something wrong (that is related to the lexapro) that will get better on its one as the drugs leave my systems.

I felt so rough yesterday that I found a few quizzes on www.about.com related to thyroid, cortisol, and adrenal fatigue....I must have problems with everything. I also stumbled onto the discussion here (again) having to do with eating at the right time, fish oil 1000 mg., & blood sugar levels. I tried it last nite and felt better within 1/2 hour. I'm going to keep this going all weekend and see if I can prevent the symptoms rather than have to treat them. We'll see what happens. So far this morning, I feel like a normal person again. The extremes of feeling good or bad just amaze me.

Hello to all the new members...the number of people looking for help is growing as rapidly as the initial popularity of this "new wonder drug" did a few yrs ago. When did it come on the market? Does anyone know?

Thanks for being here...everyone. Each new question asked provides reminders to me on the simple things that I can do to help myself...vitamins, fish oil, timing of meals etc...

Have a great weekend! Tamra


Live every day to it's fullest!

[autimom4ever]

First let me say THANKS for all of your support/suggestions..

This is what I have done...(anty.. I started this before seeing your reply... I work primarily weekends..Working 36 hours from Fri-Sun)

I am a little TOO hard headed to taper so slowly..
I cut my 10 mg tablet in half and plan on taking that for a week.
Then I plan on taking it every other day
THen I will "try" to cut it in forths and take a forth every other day for a few weeks...

I found Bonine is helping a lot...It is also helping with the sleep..
Also... I will keep on exercising... (except this weekend... no time)

Have a great day all!!!!



Becky

[annaoffmeds]

hello everyone!

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone on this forum- it really helps knowing I'm not the only one feeling this way right now.

So yesterday was my rock bottom day- emotionally at the end of my rope- crying uncontrolablly and wondering if I'll ever feel like myself again. I was soooooo close to calling the doctor- I actually called the office and then asked about when my doctor normally worked and it turned out that he wasn't in until monday. I took it as a sign that hes bad news and that I can't give in now to this medication. (This is the doc that told me I should never be without meds for the sake of society)....
needless to say I called my mom, baby in hand, trying to get some sort of an answer. she told me to come home and I did- she said that I'm not alllowed to call the doc (thank goodness)...funny, I didnt think I would be going home because I didn't feel good....its like I'm back in elementary school!

Needless to say today I feel better- it was just this crazy spark in my system that just went off for no reason! My physical symptoms are still all over the board, but at least I have a better outlook.

I wanted to mention to Kevin on here that my panic has been comming back since going off the meds....but you just have to tell yourslef that it's just the withdrawl. Your emotions don't really know how to handle themselves and your body reacts just like it did before- keep off the meds and know that it's only withdrawl!! Thats the one thing this forum has really enforced in me!

Oh, another book for people with anxiety and panic-
"The anxiety and phobia workbook".... can't remeber the author right now, so I'll post that later, but its probably the only large 8 X 11, thick paperback book of its kind. Helps just working out your feelings and really helped me through everything.

whew, that was long- i have to get better at Shorter messages!
Stay strong!
anna

[sunnyrose]

AuntyBiotic, I've read many of your posts. Thank you for all of the information about withdrawel. I have a question for you. I stopped lexapro around 11/1/05. I tapered off the drug in 3 weeks, I was taking 15 mg for 1 1/2 years. I've been having muscle twitching since around 12/1/05, for about 3 months. Would you recommend taking prozac to help my body adjust better and to eliminate the twitching more quickly?

To Everyone: Has anyone had success using Prozac to help eliminate withdrawels, like the twitching?

The twitching has gone down. In early january, it went down by about 40-50% after I got a glutathione shot. Then after about 2 weeks the twitching flared up again, even thouth not as bad as when it started. My doc, suggested another shot, which I got this past Friday. The twiching got worse for a few days aFter the first shot so I got scared and thought my improved diet and exercise were the reason for the reduction in early Jan.

The twitching is the major withdrawel problems I've been left with. It's a troubling problem since it occurs a lot still, I notice it when I'm sitting and lying down. The other withdrawel symptoms are not as disturbing - some fatigue, I've needed more sleep, and have sugar/carbo cravings.

[auntybiotic]

Sunnyrose,

No I would not suggest Prozac to help the twitching. I would suggest lecithin and it may take up to several months for it to go away but you will see improvements. There was possibly nereve damage from the lexapro and the lecithin will help to heal this.

Prozac will not help this to heal and in your case may even compound the situation when you weaned off of the Prozac.

[annaoffmeds]

crazy dreams are for sure my night problem--- so I'm sticking with the supplements and even got out of the house today.

I've made it a point to make plans...not huge ones like parties with a ton of people, but meeting a friend for lunch etc. just to keep my anxiety at bay. See before I began to have phobias of public places and crowded situations due to my anxiety and panic and thats comming back (f=worrying that something will go wrong because of my physical symptoms and emotions), so I'm pushing the envelope ever so slightly now. If you've got panic, you have to keep pushing the envelope with little things or you'll find yourself slowly shifting into your old patterns.

My physical symptoms seem to make me get emotional because I'm so frustrated, but I'm staying strong

One question...does anyone know anything good to take for all the bloating, etc? It feels as if I've gained 10 pounds and its not comfortable....

My "shocks" arent any better, but I'm trying to stay positive.

hope everybodys doing well....I'll get that book author tomorrow when i'm back at home.
anna

[annaoffmeds]

Tamra,
funny how that new wonder drug is now the source of all these funky symptoms huh? crazy, isn't it...(thought that was a sad, yet somehow funny observation)
but its good that this is out there,...if nothing else it might sway people away from the drug or at least let them know what they're getting themselves into....
later,
anna

[kimi_d]

Hi to Aunty, the ever faithful and passionate one to keep the newcomers fully informed of this mountain that is one of the most diffucult to overcome for many of us.

Debbie...........HUGS.........HUGS............HUGS . I'm thinking of you.

Mr. Spock, I sent you an email. Let me know if it got to you alright.

"And even perhaps
where I once
saw
a
moth,
Therin may emerge
a wing
of
a
butterfly."


Kim

[Cincygal]

I wanted to check in to explain what I have had success with. When I tapered from 10mg to 5mg, I had the withdrawal symptoms. I have been cutting my 20mg pills with a pill cutter. After the 5mg (or quarter of a pill), I cut the pills in half to 2.5 mg. Well, they do not cut so well at that small of a piece. So, I ended up with different sizes. This actually has been a good thing.

So, I separated out the sizes and grouped them by approximate sizes. I have approx. 4mg, approx. 2mg, and approx 1mg (tiny tiny). Now in each baggie of each group. I take the largest size piece each day and they dwindle down in size as the big ones are taken. So I have a gradual tappering. It will take me over a month more as I go through my baggies.

So far so good - and just wanted to share what has been working for me since the withdrawal tapering from 10mg to 5mg. Ouch!

Everyone take care!

[Cincygal]

I should add also that I am taking Dr. Weil's Omega 3 supplements also - either one or two a day (500mg or 1000mg). One in the morning sometime, and one in the afternoon sometime.

[8D]Best wishes everyone!