Lexapro Withdrawal

[auntybiotic]

Overeasy,

What dose of Lexapro were you on? How long after stopping did the withdrawals hit you??

Are you going to reisyaye and then taper from there SLOWLY!!

Many supplements will help...the important part is to GO SLOW to avoid painful and possible permanent side effects.

[mer]

I just found this forum this morning, and I'm SO glad I did! I was on 20mg of Lexapro for two years. I recently told my doctor that I wanted to think about getting pregnant in the fall and he told me to come off of it. He told me to start taking 10mg for a "couple weeks" then 10mg every other day for a "couple weeks." Well, I did that, and I've been without anything for a week now. I was sent home from work one day because my dizziness and headaches were so bad. That is getting better, and emotionally I was ok for a couple days, but this weekend has been h*ll! Last night I sat here and cried for hours over nothing, and told my poor husband (who has to be out of town for work right now) that I wanted to die. This morning I feel better that way, but I'm sooo irritable. Everyone keeps telling me to go back on the meds, but I really don't want to do that. I didn't have these symptoms before I went on the medication, so I'm really hoping this will go away at some point? My doctor gave me a two week supply of Clonazepam, but that just puts me to sleep. Besides the Lexapro, does anyone know what I can do when I get depressed like last night? Just knowing that this isn't just me helps a lot.

[sarita]

My libido has drastically diminished since getting on the lexipro.
My husband and I used to do it at least 5x a week, now it's once.
I feel bad for my husband but he's been cool. I take care of him
in other ways.

While withdrawing, has anyone felt their libido come back?

quote:Originally posted by auntybiotic

Overeasy,

What dose of Lexapro were you on? How long after stopping did the withdrawals hit you??

Are you going to reisyaye and then taper from there SLOWLY!!

Many supplements will help...the important part is to GO SLOW to avoid painful and possible permanent side effects.

[overeasy]

Aunty -

I'm on 10mg. It took almost exactly two days for the horrible effects to hit me last night. I was flabbergasted at the night I spend! Paranoia mixed with dread and suicidal ideation mixed with the shakes and motion impairment and nightmares that made me understand why many people believe in Hell!

I am now going to try some version of tapering....and I'll take it slow. Obviously I can only speak for myself, but if anyone is thinking about kicking this stuff cold turkey...thnk again!

By the way, you mentioned long-term consequences of kicking Lex that way; what are you referring to?

Thanks for the help...and to everyone who posts here...

Easy (if only it were!)

[Gapske]

mer,
your tapering was done exactly like I did mine. Knowing what I know now, I would have gone slower. Once I was in the throws of withdrawal I thought I would be much better being back on the drug then going through that hell!
I did consider going back on the meds. just because "I thought I was going crazy" and wanted all the symptoms to stop! BUT...after finding this site and realizing that others were going through the same things and that there would be and end to it eventually, I decided to plow ahead.

You have to listen only to yourself and how you feel, emotionaly, physically, etc. Unless these "other people" who tell you to go back on it have had the experience of withdrawal from Lexapro, they don't understand. Have they been through it?

What does the Clonazepam do? Why did your dr. prescribe it?

The way I feel is that your body is trying to get back to normal after having a drug in your system that shut down all these emotions and physical symptoms we haven't experienced for awhile.

As far as depression goes, I hate to give too much advice on it. If you are having serious bouts of it and are suicidal, you need to seek a therapists help or a hot line. I do understand it though, I've had a couple days of wanting nothing more than to "not be here." I quickly found solace in this group and talking with my husband. Fresh air, even the really cold crisp air we have, doing anything; walking, staring at the sky. Crying is ok. I haven't had such great cry sessions for 2 years I was numb from the stupid drug.

Keep writing to us, it's such a great thing to have.

Use those icons too!!

[mer]

Thanks Gapske! I don't think I need to go back on it either - I wasn't like this even before I took the meds, so it's got to get better, right? The depression thing is scary, but luckily I am able to remember that it is the meds, and not really that I want to do something stupid. The whole crying thing is weird too - I didn't realize how numb I have been for the last two years! I work in a methadone clinic, and my clients describe a similar feeling when they detox, and now I can totally relate.

The Clonazepam really just calms down the anxiety and irritability. Mostly, it puts me to sleep after awhile. Apparently though, it can also help with dizziness. My mom has a vertigo disorder, and she takes it to help with that. I don't want to end up hooked on the Clonazepam either though, so I only take it when I really need it. I think my doc prescribed it because he didn't know what else to do with me when I called him crying and freaking out over my symptoms. From now on, I will definitely talk more with my clients about SSRI withdrawal before I refer them for medication!

The freash air really does help - I washed my car today and felt great afterwards. [8D] I'm planning to just keep going and do whatever I can to manage my symptoms. Sorry for the long post - but this is a great resource to have!

[tamra]

Hi Mer! So, how long have you been off Lexapro now? Your crying/depression/ and everything else sounds like what we've all been going thru the last week or so. I gets better!

Today was one of those very odd "good days" full of energy...probably a wave of "mania"?? maybe? does this happen at this stage of the game? or did I just have a genuinely good day?

I started stipping the old wall paper from our huge bedroom..cleaned out all the drawers and closets, rearranged, vacumed...dusted all the dangling dust bunnies off the ceiling, went out side for a little while, made supper..(a huge healthy supper), cleaned up and now I'm relaxing and starting to think about how comfortable laying in bed would be. I haven't felt this good since i was ON lexapro!! the sun was shining brightly! YEEEHAW! I hope I don't crash tomorrow!

On the "period" thing...yes, I'm much more emotional for the week before, bad back ache & sick to my stomach. The entire experience is pretty "bad (heavy)" for the 1st 3-4 days and then I'm ok for the rest...sorry to be graphic...but, does this sound familiar to anyone else?

Here's a question...probably off topic from the entire Lexapro w/d...but...just in case it's not....here it goes...
I have an itch...like, under my skin...no red marks, no reason...it's on the left side of my neck by my collar bone in the front. ??? I've got the cough/cold thing going on again...and I started on my allergy pills....if you have allergies...you'll know what I'm taking about...like your face and forehead itches...only it's on the front of my neck! strange....my husband was joking with me today..he asked when I was going to "stop falling apart"....if he said it last week, I would have gone to bed crying...this week, I dished it right back to him. We'll see what else is falling apart tomorrow...I'm pretty tired now, so I'll talk to you all tomorrow!

Live every day to it's fullest!

[debbie724]

auntybiotic, I'm sure with all of the new postings here that you didn't notice that I posted several days ago. Please email me.

With all the new people here... it's hard to respond to everyone. Tamara, I do want to tell you that I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts! I think you should consider being a writer!

I am approximately 3 months since stopping Lexapro. I think that I am doing pretty good. I've definitely gotten over the WORSE! I still have occasional mood swings... but who doesn't? No, this is not normal for me looking back at my past. But, I will take those occasional moods swings over the early days of withdrawal... ANYTIME! Hang in there... to all of the newcomers! There truly is hope... and time will heal. Stick with the friends that you have made here. I couldn't have done it without them!

Speaking of which... How are all my friends of the recent past? Miss Lee, Tamara, Kimi d, Mr. Spock, Torxis, Shifty, Redbled, and of course auntybiotic... and all the other wonderful people that were there to support me... that I may have forgotten to mention. Even though we have some what become a thing of the past. I read the recent posts... and I see where I was months ago. It's there turn now. We can follow up on them and listen to their posts... but I think it's amazing how this forum just keeps going.

Thank you, to each and every one of you that have been there for me. I love you all!


debbie

[tamra]

Hi Debbie! Glad to see you're doing much better...and that you checked in to see how we're doing...I haven't seen any of the others from a little while ago....I'm hoping that means that they're feeling better and are not remembering feeling the "love" of w/d's.

It took forever to get to sleep last nite...then my 6 yr old son had a bad dream & was in the bed with us...then my husband snored...and the furnace kept running and it got too hot. Take my son to his bed again, put on a movie, spray his room with "sweet dream spray" to keep the bad ones away, turn down the furnace, go back upstairs, put on cooler pj's and listen to my husband snore! The sun is shining again...and I woke up (somehow) full of energy and enthusiasm...I am hoping and praying this is the "new me".

I am holding onto alot of spiteful feelings for some reason though...I guess it's good that I'm realizing it and can talk about it with my husband. Maybe it's all part of the experience. Well, lots to do! Have a great day everyone!

Live every day to it's fullest!

[Gapske]

tamra,
what do you mean you're "holding on to a lot of spiteful feelings?"

We woke this morning to a winter wonderland. It really is beautiful! For having a really mild winter, I don't mind this snow so much. The pristine of the white makes me feel that everything is new and clean. I also know that spring is just around the corner, the robins are back, my tulips (I planted almost 300 last fall) were starting to pop through before the snow came. This weekend it's supposed to be in the 60's! Yeeha!

Anyway, I'm feeling good. Had a rather rough weekend being that I got my period and I was so irritable and tired. Finally did a workout and felt much better.

I told my husband this morning that sometimes all of his teasing (in fun) and joking around is really getting to me. So if he could just notice when I'm starting to fume to back off that would be great. He seemed to understand.

Debbie,
it's great to hear from someone who feels that they are past the worst and are feeling good. I know I'm getting there.

mer,
I'm so glad to hear you will be spreading the word about the withdrawal symptoms of SSRI's. I know I will be. I think it would be great to get something out on the web about it. Anyone out there who is really web savvy? Not a forum, but an informational site for people who are considering even taking an SSRI, what the consequences are while taking it, how to taper safely when going off it and what to possibly expect after you're done.

[Gapske]

overeasy,
How are you doing?

[mer]

Hi Tamra! I've officially been off now for a week and three days. For some reason the whole depression thing seems to get really bad at night, and then subside by morning. I got into a huge fight with my husband last night, and of course the whole Lexapro thing is his scapegoat for everything now - it couldn't possibly be that he is insensitive...[]

I am also having periods of mania - last night I put up new curtains in my kitchen, cleaned off all of the counters, and rearranged the appliances! I have been like suddenly cleaning closets and stuff! That part I don't mind, but I do worry about the crash.

On the whole period thing, the only thing I can suggest is talk to your doctor about birth control pills. They really work for me as far as that goes - less cramps, less PMS stuff, lighter, etc. Of course when I try to have children next year that will all have to change, but I'm only coming off of one medication at a time!!! Good luck!

Have a great day!

quote:Originally posted by tamra

Hi Mer! So, how long have you been off Lexapro now? Your crying/depression/ and everything else sounds like what we've all been going thru the last week or so. I gets better!

Today was one of those very odd "good days" full of energy...probably a wave of "mania"?? maybe? does this happen at this stage of the game? or did I just have a genuinely good day?

I started stipping the old wall paper from our huge bedroom..cleaned out all the drawers and closets, rearranged, vacumed...dusted all the dangling dust bunnies off the ceiling, went out side for a little while, made supper..(a huge healthy supper), cleaned up and now I'm relaxing and starting to think about how comfortable laying in bed would be. I haven't felt this good since i was ON lexapro!! the sun was shining brightly! YEEEHAW! I hope I don't crash tomorrow!

On the "period" thing...yes, I'm much more emotional for the week before, bad back ache & sick to my stomach. The entire experience is pretty "bad (heavy)" for the 1st 3-4 days and then I'm ok for the rest...sorry to be graphic...but, does this sound familiar to anyone else?

Here's a question...probably off topic from the entire Lexapro w/d...but...just in case it's not....here it goes...
I have an itch...like, under my skin...no red marks, no reason...it's on the left side of my neck by my collar bone in the front. ??? I've got the cough/cold thing going on again...and I started on my allergy pills....if you have allergies...you'll know what I'm taking about...like your face and forehead itches...only it's on the front of my neck! strange....my husband was joking with me today..he asked when I was going to "stop falling apart"....if he said it last week, I would have gone to bed crying...this week, I dished it right back to him. We'll see what else is falling apart tomorrow...I'm pretty tired now, so I'll talk to you all tomorrow!

Live every day to it's fullest!

[mer]

I think that is a great idea! My sister has designed websites before, she could give me some info! I WISH I would have had something like that before I got on the meds! We really should try to get something together. I am going to be making some handouts for my clients at work about SSRI Discontinuation, but I think a website would be awesome. I'm willing to do whatever to help start that! [^]


mer,
I'm so glad to hear you will be spreading the word about the withdrawal symptoms of SSRI's. I know I will be. I think it would be great to get something out on the web about it. Anyone out there who is really web savvy? Not a forum, but an informational site for people who are considering even taking an SSRI, what the consequences are while taking it, how to taper safely when going off it and what to possibly expect after you're done.
[/quote]

[Beachie]

HI everyone,

Wow, it;s just amazing how consistent the experiences each of us are having.. I think it's been about 2 weeks for me since I went from 10 mg to 5, if you read my previous posts.. the 1 st 2 weeks were absolute hell.. Then I regained my sense of self for like a minute. and then this weekend had crazy thoughts, headaches returned, the dizzying shocks to the brain where it feels like the world got turned sideways. Was sure everything was wrong.. but it really wasn't nearly as debilitating as the days prior, so I know it is getting better.

Thanks to the advice on here I went and got the liquid lexapro 2 days ago.. just so i can be exact, instead of splitting the pill. I am going to go down to 4, 3, 2, 1.... I was planning on doing this like 1 mg a week? Do you guys think that is too fast? I mean, My thinking is that the 10mg to 5 mg taper HAD to be the worst. Any thoughts here? I see also that some people went 5mg to 2.5 and then 2.5 every other day>?

What are your experiences with either? Miss Lee? Aunty, any other veterans out there.. your thoughts?

[overeasy]

Just checking back in. Thanks for the concern!

I spent the weekend returning to a "normal" state. Got a lot of sleep...

Now my plan is to begin to taper off. I'm just worried it about it, because I can't really afford to be out of commission for any amount of time. I have a new job and I will be on the road over the weekend...so the timing is a big tough...but I still want to do it.

I'll let you all know how it goes once I take the plunge!

Thanks again.

Easy

[auntybiotic]

beachie,
The lower the dose the more difficult the cuts. I would wait at least two weeks inbetween tapers, it can take that long for the full effect of the withdrawal to hit, best to wait three weeks.

You will begin to see the withdrawals about a week after you taper. See how it goes. Good Luck. Get a box of tissues ready for the mood swings.

[Gapske]

To those women who responded to my [?] about periods; what I was really wondering was this...if you started yours just after discontinuing Lexapro, were your symptoms worse? I'm trying to get a grasp on how my hormones were affected while taking Lexapro.

Thanks.

Still snowing...it's wierd though, it's 41 degrees out! [:0]

mer,
I had one terrible day of mania about 11 days off of Lexapro. I was up at 6, which isn't normal, took the dogs out, started breakfast for the kids (they're old enough to do their own now), did some painting (art), went to the chiropractor, laundromat (had big stuff to wash and dry), did a workout...when I got home around 11 a.m. I had a very big crash. Felt very depressed, anxious, had a major panic attack out to lunch with my husband and thought "this is not right, maybe I should go back on the meds." But after a few hours of coming off it and getting back to normal I realized that I was feeling so "high" on my good energy that I kind of brought it all on myself.
I now just go along with the feeling of good energy and try to spread it out because I'm so afraid of getting so high on it I'll immedietly crash and I really, really didn't like that feeling. It seems to be working for me. I try not to "fly" through at a fast pace a bunch of stuff I have to do.
I think it's a "normal" thing to have huge energy surges once in awhile, but not so much that we crash, I think that's a part of the Lexapro package that we were dealt. I never felt that way when I was on it, just felt I was always on a steady pace, or just a "snails pace."

[sarita]

gap.
my periods have gotten so bad on lexipro. i get really anxious and
depressed at it lasts a week during the cycle. more flow too. i'm on
it now and i just want to cry.

for those of you going through w/d, has your libido gotten better?
i'm only on 5 mg. always. but i'm scared to death to begin this. maybe that's all my anxiety. how do u know u don't need to be on this? how do u know it's just withdrawal? does anyone feel good yet?

quote:Originally posted by Gapske

To those women who responded to my [?] about periods; what I was really wondering was this...if you started yours just after discontinuing Lexapro, were your symptoms worse? I'm trying to get a grasp on how my hormones were affected while taking Lexapro.

Thanks.

Still snowing...it's wierd though, it's 41 degrees out! [:0]

mer,
I had one terrible day of mania about 11 days off of Lexapro. I was up at 6, which isn't normal, took the dogs out, started breakfast for the kids (they're old enough to do their own now), did some painting (art), went to the chiropractor, laundromat (had big stuff to wash and dry), did a workout...when I got home around 11 a.m. I had a very big crash. Felt very depressed, anxious, had a major panic attack out to lunch with my husband and thought "this is not right, maybe I should go back on the meds." But after a few hours of coming off it and getting back to normal I realized that I was feeling so "high" on my good energy that I kind of brought it all on myself.
I now just go along with the feeling of good energy and try to spread it out because I'm so afraid of getting so high on it I'll immedietly crash and I really, really didn't like that feeling. It seems to be working for me. I try not to "fly" through at a fast pace a bunch of stuff I have to do.
I think it's a "normal" thing to have huge energy surges once in awhile, but not so much that we crash, I think that's a part of the Lexapro package that we were dealt. I never felt that way when I was on it, just felt I was always on a steady pace, or just a "snails pace."

[angel144]

hi thanks to everyone that gave me info about thier joint pain.

gapske: when I was on Lexapro I had 5 years of bleeding pretty much all month long. I even went as far to get two operations Essure and Thermochoice. This was suppose to help stop the bleeding problem. what I had to give up was having more children. At the time I thought this was the only thing that was going to help and did it. Well those two things did not work at all. Then I went off Lexapro and had wierd periods for the first couple of months and now they are normal. I have real bad PMS I still get very angry.

karl1000: You want to talk about being angry. A fork would fall on the floor and I would freak out for about 20 min. Let me tell you anger is a big part of getting off lexapro. I think because your body is actually feeling now. And any emotion is going to be 10x it's norm. But nobody tells you when you are being to happy and you yourself don't notice it. We only notice the bad things. I had anger for awhile then I was in the best mood for about 2 months also. Nothing could get me down. So keep your chin up things will get better.

sarita: Don't worry about it my libido came back 10 folds. You were saying you had sex 5x a week which is great. I am telling you that won't be enough. And now that your body actually has some emotion back to it, it's like doing it for the first time. (you know the first six months with someone where you just can't get enough of each other.) So just sit back and enjoy.

Sunnyrose: thank you! I am hoping that this will go away. I went to Florida with my family and I couldn't even walk around Epcot. I felt like I was 90 years old. Everything seems to take about 2 months with going cold turkey so figure after that time if it is not better I will go see a Doctor. Thanx again

[Miss Lee]

Oh my goodness-

I posted a few pages back about my period being totally different going off Lex. A lot of clotting and emotions out of control. A lot of crying and feeling blue. It happens about a few days before and last till about a day after. Any one have this experience as well?? I feel like I could cry at a drop of a leaf. Yuck!!

Sarita and Gapske- Is this what you expereince?

Aunty can you shed some light?

I am going to a reproductive endocronologist for some tests on Monday the 13th. Any suggestions on what I should inquire about?

Who asked me a question earlier? Could you ask again? I lost it!!!
Miss Lee

[sarita]

quote:Originally posted by auntybiotic

beachie,
The lower the dose the more difficult the cuts. I would wait at least two weeks inbetween tapers, it can take that long for the full effect of the withdrawal to hit, best to wait three weeks.

You will begin to see the withdrawals about a week after you taper. See how it goes. Good Luck. Get a box of tissues ready for the mood swings.

[sarita]

aunty
but what if you're actually STARTING the tapering at 5 mg.?

quote:Originally posted by auntybiotic

beachie,
The lower the dose the more difficult the cuts. I would wait at least two weeks inbetween tapers, it can take that long for the full effect of the withdrawal to hit, best to wait three weeks.

You will begin to see the withdrawals about a week after you taper. See how it goes. Good Luck. Get a box of tissues ready for the mood swings.

[auntybiotic]

Sarita,

Your withdrawal will not be nearly as severe as those on higher doses of lexapro. You will still notice symptoms but the length of time to get off the drug will not be as long. I would still suggest not tapering more then 5 to 10 % of your current dose to play it safe.

[mandymcj]

Oh my goodness, I'm overwhelmed by all the responses from the flood of posts! Most of what I was going to say has already been covered...so I'll just add a couple more things.

To whoever was talking about this...we all have to realize that the days of absolute hell, the suicidal days of just bleakness are PART OF THE PROCESS. You just have to take it one day at a time and wait it out.


To whoever asked about libido: mine is definitely returning, thank God!

I'm on 1mL now...although I think it's less than that. Because I'm slow sometimes, I didn't realize I was using the syringe wrong for the liquid lex, so it seems like it's barely anything anymore. I was measuring from the bottom of the little black thing instead of the top...if that makes any sense.

The only consistent emotion I seem to feel is extreme anger. I just want to punch so many people for no real reason. Plus it's the week before my period so the PMS is kicking in. Awesome.

I've been better lately, on the whole though. During the worst weeks of lexapro withdrawal it was gloomy and cloudy every.single.day. Thankfully the past week has been sunny and I've tried to get out in the sun as much as possible. It really has made such a difference. My omega 3's came in the mail last week so I've been taking 3 a day (flaxseed oil).

For everyone: Sunlight makes such a huge difference. I've been so ridiculously busy with transfer applications and midterms so I've been really low on sleep. We all need to remember not to underestimate the importance of a good night of sleep. I know lots of people are having difficulty sleeping b/c of withdrawal, but try to get as much as possible. It's probably just as important as sunlight, exercise, and proper nutrition to getting better. I seem to have forgotten that which is no good.

Sorry if that was a bit rambling, I'm tired.

[tamra]

It must be that we're all feeling a little better here! Yaahhhoooooo! (or at least a little more talkative!)

I guess yesterday would qualify as a little crash...I woke up feeling great and had lots of ambition to continue on my spring cleaning. The day went really fast and I had all I could do to keep up with my 3 yr old & have the house in decent enough shape for us to get thru the evening. But....that's "normal"....I had a headache, icky belly, a little foggy & overwhelmed...but it's better than being numb. I'm also trying to figure out the right allergy pills to take...not enough decongestant, etc. That could have been part of the headache also.

the spiteful feelings....I noticed them starting (a few pages back) when I wanted to call my mom (who's on vacation in Florida) to talk about what I'm going thru. I thought that we had always been able to talk because we've got so much in common...she's finally on Paxil and had been battling depression & seasonal sunlight depression for years. Well, the bottom line in her eyes is for me to get off the computer & off my butt. Nice. I started remembering certain comments that she's made about my family's life..just past conversations, and I guess began to dwell on them. We bought our home 2 yrs ago & we've been needing to fix a few things and make some improvements...my father is a contractor and has said that it would be easy to do, we'll take a weekend and get it done...that was 2 years ago...I don't want to burden him, but these things need to get done. (here's where the spitefullness comes in)...Now, I've dwelled on it enough that it has me really irritated. I don't want to ask him for advice, help, anything...I'll look it up online and just do it myself. I guess just for my husband and I to prove it to ourselves that we can do it & to my parents also. They are so willing to offer their help and time to others that go to their church (but since we just can't fit it in to our lifestlye right now) but when it comes to family...we're just put off. My sister feels the same way, and she's never been on Lexapro! lol It's almost like my mom is too vocal in her opinions, or telling us what we "should" do...like go to church...get off the computer...etc...My husband and I & our boys have our own little life going on here...and I don't need it criticized or thier 2 cents whether joking or not. This has been continually on my mind since our conversation.....Then, there's the mother-in-law...she's been occasionally irritating...but is just full of advice. she says..."There's no reason that you can't get those boys bundled up and go out for a walk", "We just need to be a little firmer and let them know who's boss", "don't let the little guy take a nap, get him outside and run his little legs til there tired". Well, my husband and I are exhausted....HOW ABOUT AN OFFER TO BABYSIT AND SHUT YOUR MOUTH!! (I'd love to just go off! but instead I've been keeping things bottled up inside for years...not healthy...but), as soon as I'm thinking clearer and can put all my words together conversationally...and I'm not holding any grudges I'm hoping to be able to convey my feelings to others in the same way that they have NO PROBLEM conveying them to me.

I think what will help me the most is to get some warmer weather (this weekend) and some fresh air thru the house, stay busy, and keep to myself.

Libido, yeah, I guess it's coming back! lol My head could be spinning with "mommie things" and housework and my husband has spent the day "planning" in his mind...so...ok, fine, and I end up enjoying it...I keep telling him that we just have to stay in practice whether I'm in the mood or not...then I'll come to expect it and enjoy our new "hobby" lol.

Periods....I hadn't realized that we've all got the same things going on...I guess it must be related. Everything else going on in our body's has been effected. I was also given the option of birth control pills..but...I'm happier not having to remember to take any pills whatsoever. Hopefully it will either stabilize or I'll get used to it and know what to expect when.

Hey, new subject! Beer & wine.....When I was on Lexapro, I had 1/2 a glass of wine in a restaurant...and was numb! (cheap drunk!). It came on so fast that I've been afraid to try it again...I've been looking forward to a nice warm day and drinking a beer...now, with the exception of my "courting days" with my husband and a bottle of wine later...[:I] I would only enjoy maybe 1 beer or glass of wine a month...has anyone had this reaction on Lexapro (I know you aren't supposed to drink with lexapro!)...and has anyone had a beer since you've been off it? I'd like to know if I'm still that sensitive.

Let me know! Have a great day....(I'd better get "off my butt" and do something around here! lol)

Live every day to it's fullest!

[Gapske]

Tamra,
Ha,ha,ha,ha! Your last post had me laughing out loud, just because of the in-law issue. It's easy for them to give advice, especially if it's from far away. And you're right they should SHUT THEIR MOUTHS AND OFFER TO BABYSIT!! (If I knew you lived close to me, and it would be something if you did, I'd send my 14 year old daughter over to babysit, hey even my 12 yr. old son loves to play with younger kids. I would even offer some relief for you.) Didn't I write before that "you can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends?"

Do you have any friends around that could take the kids for awhile? I know when mine were younger I had a "playgroup" that was awesome and we would take each other kids, sometimes for just an hour or two to get some rest or do some house stuff, run errands.

My husband and I have always done stuff for ourselves. Our nearest family was always at least 3 hours away. When my kids were younger I had to rely on friends for support on the spot. The other family would come visit for weekends which could be almost worse than living close by!

Wine and beer. Before taking the Lex. I loved a good glass of red wine at night. It must have been an interaction with the drug because once I was on it, I could hardly drink one glass without really feeling it when I was done and the next day feeling like I drank 3 glasses!

I basically switched to beers and not just any old Miller or Bud, I like the beers that have good flavors. We had a beer sampling party awhile back and tried small samples of alot of different beers. (Micro brews.)

I feel now like the alcohol doesn't affect me like it did when I was on the Lex. (I'm not a partier like in the "old" days, so 2 beers might be my limit, depending on the alcohol content.) Just try a nice glass of wine or beer some night while at home, take it slow and see how you feel.

Decongestants can suck the liquid out of your head (I think that's what they're for anyway. Drink lots of water!!) When I have to use a decong.I always try to take the least amount possible and then take more later if I need it. And never take it after 4 or 5 it'll keep you up at night.

I'm starting to cook with some love again. I see now that while on Lex. I was in ruts and didn't want to cook or bake anymore. I was just to out of it. (It's so nice my husband loves to cook! Otherwise we wouldn't have eaten very good.) I say with "love" because before I would just throw something together and it was "ok." Now I'm trying all kinds of new things and the family seems to be really loving it.

Miss Lee-
18 days off of the Lex. that was definitely what I was feeling just before getting my period and during it! Very emotional, crying at anything (even songs and commercials again! yeeha, what a sap!) I was amazed at the flood of emotions, had I really been that dead before?[xx(]

Just went out on the deck with dogs to soak up some sun. There is still snow out there but melting. I closed my eyes and let the sun fill me up.

Have a great day everyone!

[sarita]

Aunty,
Thanks for letting me know the w/d won't be that bad cause i'm
only on 5 mg. But it sure was bad on my first w/d. but i think i went
too fast. (3.75). Gonna go really slow.

Look forward to an active SEX LIFE again. hope it happens WHILE i;m
withdrawaling!! heee hee.

Periods....teriible. want to hit someone and hard. and wow, my husband better not lay a hand on me. SO sensitive and irritable.

My mom is the same. She wants me to stay on the pill. she's on
paxil . so i'm not even going to tell her i'm going to start the
w/d.

quote:Originally posted by Gapske

Tamra,
Ha,ha,ha,ha! Your last post had me laughing out loud, just because of the in-law issue. It's easy for them to give advice, especially if it's from far away. And you're right they should SHUT THEIR MOUTHS AND OFFER TO BABYSIT!! (If I knew you lived close to me, and it would be something if you did, I'd send my 14 year old daughter over to babysit, hey even my 12 yr. old son loves to play with younger kids. I would even offer some relief for you.) Didn't I write before that "you can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends?"

Do you have any friends around that could take the kids for awhile? I know when mine were younger I had a "playgroup" that was awesome and we would take each other kids, sometimes for just an hour or two to get some rest or do some house stuff, run errands.

My husband and I have always done stuff for ourselves. Our nearest family was always at least 3 hours away. When my kids were younger I had to rely on friends for support on the spot. The other family would come visit for weekends which could be almost worse than living close by!

Wine and beer. Before taking the Lex. I loved a good glass of red wine at night. It must have been an interaction with the drug because once I was on it, I could hardly drink one glass without really feeling it when I was done and the next day feeling like I drank 3 glasses!

I basically switched to beers and not just any old Miller or Bud, I like the beers that have good flavors. We had a beer sampling party awhile back and tried small samples of alot of different beers. (Micro brews.)

I feel now like the alcohol doesn't affect me like it did when I was on the Lex. (I'm not a partier like in the "old" days, so 2 beers might be my limit, depending on the alcohol content.) Just try a nice glass of wine or beer some night while at home, take it slow and see how you feel.

Decongestants can suck the liquid out of your head (I think that's what they're for anyway. Drink lots of water!!) When I have to use a decong.I always try to take the least amount possible and then take more later if I need it. And never take it after 4 or 5 it'll keep you up at night.

I'm starting to cook with some love again. I see now that while on Lex. I was in ruts and didn't want to cook or bake anymore. I was just to out of it. (It's so nice my husband loves to cook! Otherwise we wouldn't have eaten very good.) I say with "love" because before I would just throw something together and it was "ok." Now I'm trying all kinds of new things and the family seems to be really loving it.

Miss Lee-
18 days off of the Lex. that was definitely what I was feeling just before getting my period and during it! Very emotional, crying at anything (even songs and commercials again! yeeha, what a sap!) I was amazed at the flood of emotions, had I really been that dead before?[xx(]

Just went out on the deck with dogs to soak up some sun. There is still snow out there but melting. I closed my eyes and let the sun fill me up.

Have a great day everyone!

[Gapske]

Blah!!! Today started out so good.
It was definitely another "mania" day. I tried to do some excercise to get rid of some excess energy and irritablity and then listened to some music that got me all emotional. I started painting. I can say this, all this emotion is good for my art. Maybe I could have a Lexapro Show.

Anyway, it was amazing how fast certain thoughts ran through my mind at different times.

Angry, depressed, give up now! Ugh, I hate it I finally decided just to tell myself to calm down and hopefully I'll come off the high without any major repercussions.

Thanks for being here everyone, even if it's via this way.

[trish38]

try cranberry juice and water flush......i was only on this medication for about 6-9 days 10 mg but i knew it was not for me......my head is a little clearer now but i know there is still some of the medication in my system.................i think i am going to do the flush again for a couple of days to try and get my head totally clear of this mess.........and you call then brains zaps but it felt more like i had icy hot on the inside of my head at times but since i was not on this as long as most of you i probably did not experience the real severity of this drug but what i experienced was bad enough....why don't the doc's know about the side effects?

[sarita]

Aunty,
Wait. You said I won't suffer as much because i'm on 5 mg. Did you mean because it won't take as long or/and that i won't have as many w/d? or just w/d slower? cause according to my w/d plan, it's gonna take 2 years to get off of this.

quote:Originally posted by sarita

Aunty,
Thanks for letting me know the w/d won't be that bad cause i'm
only on 5 mg. But it sure was bad on my first w/d. but i think i went
too fast. (3.75). Gonna go really slow.

Look forward to an active SEX LIFE again. hope it happens WHILE i;m
withdrawaling!! heee hee.

Periods....teriible. want to hit someone and hard. and wow, my husband better not lay a hand on me. SO sensitive and irritable.

My mom is the same. She wants me to stay on the pill. she's on
paxil . so i'm not even going to tell her i'm going to start the
w/d.

quote:Originally posted by Gapske

Tamra,
Ha,ha,ha,ha! Your last post had me laughing out loud, just because of the in-law issue. It's easy for them to give advice, especially if it's from far away. And you're right they should SHUT THEIR MOUTHS AND OFFER TO BABYSIT!! (If I knew you lived close to me, and it would be something if you did, I'd send my 14 year old daughter over to babysit, hey even my 12 yr. old son loves to play with younger kids. I would even offer some relief for you.) Didn't I write before that "you can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends?"

Do you have any friends around that could take the kids for awhile? I know when mine were younger I had a "playgroup" that was awesome and we would take each other kids, sometimes for just an hour or two to get some rest or do some house stuff, run errands.

My husband and I have always done stuff for ourselves. Our nearest family was always at least 3 hours away. When my kids were younger I had to rely on friends for support on the spot. The other family would come visit for weekends which could be almost worse than living close by!

Wine and beer. Before taking the Lex. I loved a good glass of red wine at night. It must have been an interaction with the drug because once I was on it, I could hardly drink one glass without really feeling it when I was done and the next day feeling like I drank 3 glasses!

I basically switched to beers and not just any old Miller or Bud, I like the beers that have good flavors. We had a beer sampling party awhile back and tried small samples of alot of different beers. (Micro brews.)

I feel now like the alcohol doesn't affect me like it did when I was on the Lex. (I'm not a partier like in the "old" days, so 2 beers might be my limit, depending on the alcohol content.) Just try a nice glass of wine or beer some night while at home, take it slow and see how you feel.

Decongestants can suck the liquid out of your head (I think that's what they're for anyway. Drink lots of water!!) When I have to use a decong.I always try to take the least amount possible and then take more later if I need it. And never take it after 4 or 5 it'll keep you up at night.

I'm starting to cook with some love again. I see now that while on Lex. I was in ruts and didn't want to cook or bake anymore. I was just to out of it. (It's so nice my husband loves to cook! Otherwise we wouldn't have eaten very good.) I say with "love" because before I would just throw something together and it was "ok." Now I'm trying all kinds of new things and the family seems to be really loving it.

Miss Lee-
18 days off of the Lex. that was definitely what I was feeling just before getting my period and during it! Very emotional, crying at anything (even songs and commercials again! yeeha, what a sap!) I was amazed at the flood of emotions, had I really been that dead before?[xx(]

Just went out on the deck with dogs to soak up some sun. There is still snow out there but melting. I closed my eyes and let the sun fill me up.

Have a great day everyone!