[auntybiotic]

Hi Everyone,

Anna,

The bloating is truly unconfortable..........Primal Defense by Garden of Life (avalable at Health Food Stores) is great for the bloating, cramping and stomach issue, It is expensive but I think worth it.

Kimi,

This forum is also keeping me informed by everyones daily experiences and willingness to share. I have learned SO much about Lexapro withdrawal thru these posts. How could I not try and alert NEWCOMERS to what may be expected on the road off lexapro.

Cindy,

Sounds like your tapering plan is working well.....keep it up.

[sarita]

Aunty B,
Thanks for your advice. I haven't attempted a taper again. Just now feeling "back to normal" after getting back on the 5 mg. I know you said i'm lucky on 5 mg. but why after only 2 weeks i as a mess????
Maybe I went too fast.I went to like 4 mg. I will ask my doc for liquid and do this. But i did have one more important question.

After I do your taper, you said i'll stabalize after about 3 weeks. Does that mean i'll feel "back to normal".??? after the first taper
adjusts?
thanks SO much.

quote:Originally posted by 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!

[TJP]

quote:Originally posted by 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!

[lalalamort]

Today is day 11.

I feel so incredilbaly bad. I jsut can't stop thinking about death and eternity and afterlifes and all this bads tuff that could happen. My pain is so great i ahve been vomiting when i feel to tensed up. Please someone tell me what is happening and whether I will ever feel better again

[Cincygal]

Hang on Lalalamort!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You will feel better soon!!!

Praying for you my friend!

[lalalamort]

thanks

[annaoffmeds]

lalalamort-

did you have anxiety, panic before you went on the medication??... or was it the depression only? I can't rememeber what i read.

I was remembering what my panic was like before i went on the meds, and now that I'm off A LOT of the same feelings are comming back. I find that everyday I'm challenging myself to do things that make me nervous....and its super hard considering my emotions are all over the board. You have to say, whats the worst thing that can happen- i cry, i sound depressed....i get irritated???

Going off the meds is going to make you feel like this...at least at first.....allow your brain to heal. you also have to be ready to be emotional for a while- i know it sucks, i really do.....just keep with it, tell yourself its the withdrawl making you feel crazy and allow your mind time to heal and calm down...spend time with friends, keep busy and allow yourself to be emotional for a while, it'll pass in time.

also, never rule out a counselor, they talk to you without pushing medicine in your face.
hope that helps a bit.
anna

ps- thanks auntyb for the med advice! much appreciated

[lalalamort]

thanks anna for the advice....

its just hard to keep in mind the winthdrawal and that my brain is messed around, chemically at the moment. Im fine with my panic attacks at the moment but I just can't seem to be able to get these thoughts of death and eternity and all these mind *&%#*ing things out of my head and i am seeing a psychologist.....( after I got sick of spending all my time at my psychiatrist talkinga bout medication)

anyone else ever withdrawn this psychologically bad?

[annaoffmeds]

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook; third edition is by Edmund J. Bourne

.....helped me out a lot...easy to pick up and put down, good worksheets as well!
anna

[mandymcj]

quote:Originally posted by lalalamort

thanks anna for the advice....

its just hard to keep in mind the winthdrawal and that my brain is messed around, chemically at the moment. Im fine with my panic attacks at the moment but I just can't seem to be able to get these thoughts of death and eternity and all these mind *&%#*ing things out of my head and i am seeing a psychologist.....( after I got sick of spending all my time at my psychiatrist talkinga bout medication)

anyone else ever withdrawn this psychologically bad?

lalamort: in a word, yes. My withdrawals have primarily been psychological, not physical, although I have had minor physical symptoms (strong headaches, rage, etc.) I've had more than my share of equally torturous thoughts of suicide, the meaningless of life, and just the general feeling that I'm going completely insane. You're right, one of the hardest things is to convince yourself when you're in the middle of it is that it's a messed up brain chemical thing and isn't your true self even though it's so real and intense. And sometimes even if you know that it's not you you still want to end it because it's so horrible.

I feel like I've been through hell the last couple weeks as most of us seem to feel. Just know that it IS the withdrawal and it WILL be over someday.

Obviously don't dismiss it entirely because I know how intense the feelings can get. Take it seriously. The other night when I was near suicide my boyfriend (on the phone) kept reminding me "this is the Lexapro Amanda, this isn't you. I'm not going to lose you over something that is just temporary stage and you will get out of." Hopefully you have someone you can turn to who will tell you similar things when you're in the deepest. If you don't then you can always come here for support. Be strong, I know you can do it.

[auntybiotic]

Sarita,

You will feel back to normal after three weeks following each taper. You can delay the next taper if you have something special going on in your life so that you are not in withdrawals.

Each taper will bring withdrawals on about day 7 lasting to about day 20 then you will feel good again until your next taper. The slower the taper the less tramatuic the effects of withdrawal will be.

LALALAMORT,

This is withdrawal. How did you taper and what dose and how long were you on lexapro. It sounds like you did a fast taper. Are you tryong Omega Three fish oil.

Go to the Health food store and ask them the order Bach's Flower Essence in Cherry Plum. Take as directed, three to four drops under the tongue and then add four drops to a bottle of water and sip throughout the day. This will reduce the hopeless, sucidal, what is the purpose of life thoughts dramatically. It is a flower essence and very safe. Also get Bach's Flower Essence in White Chestnut. The Cherry Plum and White Chestnut Drops will help you thru this phase of the withdrawal. I know it sounds corny but this will help. Go online and research Bach Flower Essences to learn more.

If you are getting that depersonalization detached feeling, Nanoi Juice, four ounces daily will help with this. This is available at the health food store. If the taste is too strong, (it taste like prune juice, you can mix it with water.

You will get thru this. The drops may take about four days to see dramatic results, do not give up if you don't instantly feel better after the first application. They cost about $12.00 a bottle and can be ordered online or thru the Vitamin Shoppe. Let us know how you do.

We are always here for support, please ask, even if you need to post 20 times a day, we are here to help get thru this ordeal.......you will get thru this phase of the withdrawal. Be aware that you may feel good in a couple of weeks but it is very common to fall back into the bad thoughts for a few days, then better then bad again. It is a healing process. Keep a diary because you may forget, during the bad times that you actually had a few good days mixed in and a diary helps to see that you are improving...........sometimes it is not that obvious.

[tamra]

Good Morning!! The sun is shining and it's a good day!! This weekend was spent with my husband and I with out heads in the computer trying to figure out some things to help me....because I was feeling worse and worse each day. He has been supportive but not actively involved until this point...he found the source of my feeling worse.

I'll try to put this into words. Please feel free to add info, edit, correct things also....this is just my "little" AAAAAAHHHHHHAAAA breakthru here.

There are interactions with certain drugs (prescription and over the counter) that interfere with a Lexapro taper. Advil, Motrin, decongestants, etc... I've had the cold/flu & allergy symptoms since before Christmas...so, I've been taking Advil for the Lex headaches (bad), decongestants/cold/allergy pills (bad)...Aleve for pms...It's no wonder I'm feeling badly! My cold germ has been conquered. The doc prescribed Allegra..(hope this is ok...please tell me if it isn't!) for allergies without the decongestant.

Now...for the vitamins. I've been trying to do the right thing...lol. I've been taking a Multi Vitamin..a super B complex stress formula. My husband found the info that if you are getting over a certain amt of one of the B vitamins - it can make the noise sensitivity and mental crazies worse...I didn't take it yesterday and felt 100 x's better...hhhmmm. I bought Centrum normal multi vitamins. The fish oil does help with brain zaps...1000 mg. Vitamin C (keep away the colds). Apple Cider Vinegar (supposed to help detox and I've got it in the cabinet). My husband found an article that said Bee Pollen helped someone be more mentally stable. I bought it but am hesitant to add it in because it says to start small to be sure you aren't allergic to it (the last thing I need!). I found Noni Juice at Walmart! I don't know what to do with it! lol help please. I also found 5-HTD for weight loss and it says it's a mood enhancer and promotes balanced serotonin levels...I'm also hesitant on taking this because of the possiblility of making things worse. I've been off Lex completely for 10 days....but still feeling the "love" of w/d.

wow! lotsa vitamins and lotsa info! There's also the issue of eating small snacks (of the right things) between meals to be sure that your blood sugar levels don't drop too quickly.

So, Is there anything that I'm missing? anything that I shouldn't be taking or don't need? How about the Bee Pollen? What do I do with the Noni Juice? Could it be the right time for the 5-htp? Has anyone had anything bad or good come from the 5-htp?

Now, I've got a dozen vitamins here. If I take them all with a full glass of water and a meal...I'm too full & burp vitamins...ick. When does everyone else take their vitamins?

Oh Yes!! The afternoon coffee.....I stopped that and my heart pounding tight-chest feeling before bed wasn't there! I also noticed that smoking a cigarette made me feel worse...I know...quit...BUT...this is another breakthru that may help me quit...I was feeling great last nite, ate dinner, sat for the after-dinner smoke...when I was finished I noticed that I could feel stuffiness in my head and felt instantly worse. Not like sinus stuffiness, but like brain stuffiness between my ears. I usually smoke a pack a day...and at times when I'm feeling my worst (like this last week) I would sit at the computer and read emails, window shop on ebay, look here to see what's going on, and smoke...

Taking the pills for the sniffles, too much B in my multi-vitamin (waaaaay to much, I found out)& chain smoking - I felt like I was going down the bathtub drain! The more effort that I was putting into helping myself feel better...the worse I felt.

It's a new day and the sun is shining! I'd better start organizing my vitamins! Thanks for letting my babble on! I think I needed to type all of this out, just so I could understand what's been going on also!

Live every day to it's fullest!

[tamra]

Aunty, I just read your last post on the Noni Juice...4 oz per day....does an oz. in a glass of ice water....4 x's per day sound correct? or 4 oz. in the same glass of water? [:I] I want to make sure I've got this right before I do anything else to myself!

I just may come outta this situation being....healthy? and eating right? and not smoking anymore? what a concept! Thanks for your wonderful advice! I found alot of my info on your past postings and conversations with bodyelectric around page 32 was it? Thanks! you're a life saver!

Live every day to it's fullest!

[Gapske]

I tried posting a week ago and never saw it on the site, so here goes again.

I am so glad I found this site. Just reading others posts and knowing that I'm not alone in feeling like ****!

I was on Lexapro for about 2 years. Anxiety and depression were the cause. I actually felt good when I finally did decide to go on it because I had been avoiding any kind of medication for years. I knew that I had a history of minor depression but didn't want to take any thing for it.

I started at 10 mgs. and finding that wasn't enough went up to 20. After a year and a half I started just feel numb, tired, had gained about 10 lb.s I just wasn't in to "life." Sure I wasn't snapping at everyone and I hadn't had an anxiety attack in 2 years, the depression was somewhat at bay, but I started to feel like I had no emotions. This is especially hard given that I'm an artist. I had no inspiration, and even if I did I never could execute anything.

The turning point was my daughter. She had been having anxiety issues for a few years and at the age of 14 I finally got her in to a therapist. She has done remarkably well and without any meds. Here I was giving her advice to get through it and I wasn't even following it. I decided to go off of the Lexapro.

I did talk to my Dr. about going off of it and he gave me a little advice on it, never once mentioning the withdrawal affects.

I went from 20mg.s to 10mg.s no problem then started cutting back to 5 mgs. Then every other day on the 5 and then was feeling so good I stopped.

Ugh!!! I have been feeling so nauseated, dizzy, moody, head wierd for 2 weeks now. I'm tempted to call the doctor just to see if this is withdrawal symptoms.

Is the feeling of your head being squeezed/ringing/sensitive to sounds part of it?

[tamra]

Hi Gapske! Yup, you're feeling the "love" of Lexapro w/d. I felt much better during my tapering period than I am without any Lexapro. You can find great info on this site about proper tapering and timing. I went thru a slow taper, however, an even slower taper was recommended by Auntybiotic...a very knowledgeable member on this site..I've been taking her advice for a little while now and I'm still discovering things every day...as you can see from my posts. I'm really not in any position to recommend anything at this point. I'm still trying to figure it all out. My doctor also said nothing about the withdrawals..I'm not sure that he knew or maybe he wasn't going to scare me with the details.

If you have the chance....you'll find alot of interesting info on why you are feeling this way and what you can do to help. I use google for searching on my computer. Just type in Lexapro taper and search...look thru the links for the www.drugs.com website. When you click it, you'll go right to the page where there is a reference to Lexapro taper...I've found the most informative posts by Auntybiotic & bodyelectric.

I've been on here quite a bit the past few days looking for answers.....if you want to chat...chances are, I'll be here at least a few times today. Hope you'll get to feeling better soon! Tamra


Live every day to it's fullest!

[Beachie]

Hi Anna and Lala!
Sounds like we are all on the same page...
The crying for me only lasted 2 days, and now I feel like I have the flu, and just exhausted and I am trying to remember this is all a part of the withdrawal.

I, too have been having crazy nightmares, so I know I am also tired.. but am still trying to do some light exercise because I know it helps.

I guess the diziness that everyone describes feels like a really severe drop in blood pressure for me, here it comes right now??! My face feels all tingly, and my head gets really heavy then my hands. Just trying to breathe!

I have asked for help from my friends and have received it, this is day.. um.. 11 I think. It feels like a month, grr. but I am hopeful that like Aunti says that after 3 weeks it will be better.

(Sidenote) Auntibiotic, thank you so much for your information and support!!!

This is a real warriors path coming off of this drug. Easy way is to stay on it. Nice to be on the journey together.. I think we should all be proud of ourselves for fighting to get to the other side.

May today be a great day for everyone and if you're at the point where I am and a "great day" sounds like too tall an order, how about at least a better day!!

[Miss Lee]

Good Morning!

Beachie- I just wanted to say that your perspective on all this is refreshing. Seems like your rolling with the punches instead of fighting them.

To all new commers- I am Miss Lee. I had an extreme toxic reaction due to the lack of P450 liver enzymes. It is now month 6 and I am feeling a lot better (still with issues as my body took an extreme hit as well as my liver!)

I had every symptom known to withdrawal, so I will try to help where I can.

Aunty (and anyone else)- My periods are seriously different since this whole mess. (really heavy) PLus I am having severe PMS symp[toms (mood swings, crying at the drop of a hat, migraines, ect..) I never suffered these before my reaction. My period were always light and lasted for 4 days with a little back cramping. Could there be a correlation? I feel that my hormones are wacko??!!!

Beachie- I always felt that "whoosh" feeling when my heart would skip a beat (tacacadia??) totally misspelled. I was extremely dizzy to the point that I was scared to drive. It will pass.

Miss Lee

[mandymcj]

You guys...every day my apathy is getting worse instead of better. That doesn't make sense, shouldn't it be alleviated as the dose gets smaller?

This worries me because one of the reasons I was put on lex was because of my apathy. Though this apathy seems somewhat different, but maybe that's just my warped perception.

What if I get off Lexapro and even more apathetic than I am now? When will it end? I'm worried about this. Well, as worried as you can be when you have no feelings.

I have a question. In 2 weeks I'm going to visit my boyfriend who I haven't seen in 6 weeks. Literally the day before I see him will be my last day on Lexapro. However, I don't want to be completely insane when I see him. What should I do? Should I just be done with it and let it run it's course, now's as good of a time as any? Or should I postpone getting off Lex for a week more?

If so, then I guess I have to go get a new liquid Lex because I'll be all done. Which will suck becaus I'll only be needing a couple more miligrams and will have to spend the $ on getting more. Arghh...

[Miss Lee]

MANDY-

I know that what you are feeling is from the lex. Are you allowing yourself stablization periods between tapers? I know that you were on 5mgs. so what are you at now??

Miss Lee

[kevinw1028]

Off lexapro for about 8 days after 3 years. I can't take it anymore. The "brain zaps" as someone called them, is driving me a little nuts. I also have noticed I'm getting very emotional. I feel a little lost... I hope I don't sound like I losing it, but I feel I'm better on it than off it right now. No anxiety attacks though... the reason I started taking it. I wish all of you well, thank you for your support I see of each other. Just reading some of the posts makes me feel better.

tc

[lalalamort]

what exactly are these brain zaps people keep tlaking about?

[annaoffmeds]

mandy-
have you talked to him about the meds and going off of them?? is there any way you can postpone seeing him for maybe 2 weeks?? It might be helpful if you're a bit more stable before seeing him. My husbands in Iraq right now, so i decided to go off the meds while hes gone- most would say i'm crazy, yet i think itd be worse if he came home and then i tried---- i'm already going to be emotional enough and i didnt want to add to the stress....
anyways, whatever you decide to do, be honest with him- maybe even share some of the side effects, etc you're feeling.

kevin-
shocks are the worst.....i completely understand everything- for me it seems that after a few days i got a little used to them in a way- it'll get easier in time- i'm feeling slightly better and its day 11. takin fish oil and magneseum to help as well.

i think the brain zaps are the seritonine trying to work again-- the inhibitors obviously stops this before, so now its once again trying to work....peparining the link. Just tell yourself thats all it is and it'll relax you.

stay strong everyone, thanks for all the help you give me...
anna

[kevinw1028]

For me, it's like a small surge. A small feeling that comes randomly and lasts a second. Almost if your going to pass out or have a seizure. It's kinda like being dizzy on a boat for a split second.

[annaoffmeds]

beachie,
i know it feels like forever- i'm on day 11 too with the bad symptoms as well..... stay strong!!!!!

[annaoffmeds]

beachie,
i know it feels like forever- i'm on day 11 too with the bad symptoms as well..... stay strong!!!!!

[annaoffmeds]

lala-
my brain zaps feel like a super strong heart beat through my whole body- like someone taking a videocamera and shaking it for a second. sometimes i do a little shake through my head cause i cant really see for that split second.
hope that helps, anna

[lalalamort]

Yeh i have those

but mine are more of a flutterly feeling like something has grabbed my brain

[mandymcj]

quote:Originally posted by annaoffmeds

mandy-
have you talked to him about the meds and going off of them?? is there any way you can postpone seeing him for maybe 2 weeks?? It might be helpful if you're a bit more stable before seeing him. My husbands in Iraq right now, so i decided to go off the meds while hes gone- most would say i'm crazy, yet i think itd be worse if he came home and then i tried---- i'm already going to be emotional enough and i didnt want to add to the stress....
anyways, whatever you decide to do, be honest with him- maybe even share some of the side effects, etc you're feeling.

He knows all about going off of Lex, he's usually the one I call when I'm freaking out. He was with me all during Christmas break when I was just getting used to the Lex, so he's seen me at my worst. He knows how suicidal I've gotten, the blankness that I feel...but he doesn't know to the extent that blankness also applies to him. He asked me the other day if I felt blank for him as well, and I don't lie to him, but I did then.

As my therapist and mom have said, what would be the gain in telling him I don't feel for him anymore? He couldn't help but be hurt and wouldn't be able to understand that it's all the meds, and it would only hurt the relationship once I get out of this nightmare. I know I love him deeply but I just can't seem to feel it right now.

Today on the phone I warned him that I won't be my usual self and not to expect me visiting him to change me completely back to my old self. He said okay, but I still think his expectations may be too high.

There's no way of postponing it. I have spring break so it's the only break I have from school this semester and I bought the ticket months ago.

I completely understand why you went off when your husband is in Iraq. In a way I'm glad that my boyfriend is gone for me being this insane (though it would be nice to have constantly) and so apathetic towards him. That just can't lead to anything good.


Miss Lee- I'm on 2-2.5ml now. My psychiatrist said I should have 10 days between tapers, which I have been doing.

Btw, I was on 5mg of Lexapro for 2 months.

[lalalamort]

Train of conciousness.......

Im enver going to feel better again. What if humans only exist to feel enternal pain when they die in their souls. I'm not religious. Nothing is certain. the idea of eternity adn infinity CAN YOU JUST STOP AND THINK OF THAT FOR A SECOND. I think im going crazy. Infinity, humans jsut cant grasp it.

sorry to burden you all with that

[hammer]

It's day 11 for me.

I have found that a daily dose of Vitimin B(high complex) and a good night of sleep plus at least 45 min in the sun doses wonder.

Here on the east coast, it's cooooooool. So I drive the car to a sunny spot facing the sun, turn on the heat to a comfortable level,and put on the music.

I think I am back to normal after 3 years on lexapro. I am still on 150 mg on Wel.

Hope this posting help those going through hell as I have. I know the feeling of THINKING you are going crazy. Hang in there snd good luck