[letmar]

Hi --I've been going through these discussion regarding around "electric shocks" that go through the body. I noticed many of the conversations were from 2005 -- here is my issue --

I was on Lexapro for 1.5 years -- for a very stressful job and problems sleeping. I've gained 30 lbs over the past 1.5 years, but have moved to a less stressful job and am ready to wean off Lexapro and begin to lose weight.

I started the weaning process a month ago and wrote down all of my symptoms. During the initial weaning--no side effects that I couldn't handle. 20mg; then weaned to 10mg for 2 weeks; 5mg for 2 weeks and I'm on my 4th day Lexapro free and experiencing what others describe as "Shocker, the symptoms you are experiencing are not the dizziness, they are separate symptoms that make you feel like you are recieving a jolt of electricity, going from your head to your extremities. These are rare side effects of SSRI withdrawal, but they are symptoms."

My concern is where do I go from here? I do not want to start on Lexapro again -- don't have flu like symptoms yet, but am getting progressively tired. I exercise and watch what I eat as I'm diabetic.

Anyone find another other way to deal with the "shocker" feelings?



-L

[letmar]

um, I'm new to 'posting to forums' and didn't realize that 2006 entries were on p.146 of the discussion. I'm now reading that many of you have experienced what I have to some degree.

So, I guess I'm going to hang on and wait for the symptoms to subside. I refuse to let these symptoms get the best of me. [B)]

Just need a little guidance -- I get freaked out 'cuz I'm afraid I'm having a stroke or something. I check my blood sugar and pressure and all in check....

-L

[Playinthruthepain]

My mom found this forum when I complained of extreme dizziness, numbness & tingling in my left arm down to my foot, inability to concentrate, vision problems, sensitivity to bright light (today I had my sunglasses on in the office) and high blood pressure. First I thought I was having strokes, and although my doc didn't think it was necessary, I agreed to have an MRI because, what if I've got a BRAIN TUMOR or something! I wish I could remember exactly when I got off the 10mg of Lex I took for about 8 months. I guess it's been about a month. I weened myself off according to my doctor's instructions and at first I felt okay although I was very moody and quick to explode, but I have a 14-year-old and what person raising a teenager isn't sane? But then the other symptoms started and I'm thinking I'm really sick! And let's not talk about the weight gain. I've been going to the gym regularly for months and actually gained some weight! I can't imagine how much I would have gain if I hadn't been working out!

I started taking it because of mild depression. I was hesitant but I realized I wasn't dealing with my son's issues the way a mother should and knew I needed help (single, of course). My doc liked Lexapro because HE SAID IT DIDN'T HAVE MANY SIDE EFFECTS! When I went to him about my dizziness, he didn't say a word about the Lexapro. Prior posts are right, doctors don't seem to know about these side effects.

Now I have an MRI I gotta pay for and a fat belly I hope I can get rid of! I'm glad to know I'm not dying.

[warblerwren]

Let me add my story to all the stories here. I tapered from 10 mg of Lexapro to none over about two months, and have been off of it altogether now for a week. I have been having a very unpleasant, hard-to-describe sensation of dizziness--it's as though when I turn my head there's a slight delay before my brain turns too. I feel emotionally volatile, extremely irritable and dissatisfied, occasionally quite anxious, and various other not-so-pleasant things. During the two years I was on Lexapro, I gained 25 pounds. (I had always been one of those mostly effortlessly slender people.) I felt happily padded against the difficulties in my life, but also ever so slightly out of touch with my own experience. For example, I was less easily moved by things that used to move me--beautiful music, poignant stories, etc. And it was that slightly deadened feeling that finally prompted me to taper off Lexapro. I suspect it's too early to make much sense of any of this, but I'm glad to be able to read about others' experiences. If I had known before I decided to take Lexapro that this would happen when I tried to go off it, would I have made a different decision? I don't know. But the fact that there is nothing about withdrawal on the official Lexapro web site infuriates me--it seems hugely unethical.

I'd love to hear from people who have weathered the transition--does the "unconventional dizziness" subside? Have those of you who've gained weight been able to lose it? How did how you felt emotionally after being off Lexapro for awhile compare to how you felt before you took and while you were on it?

Many thanks, and good health all around.

[delraybeach]

Exercise, exercise, exercise until you can't. If you are having a hard time coming off Lexapro working out will help you tremendously. It really helps with the irritability and the brain shivers. Also massages can bring a lot of relief too. Just taper the drug off slowly by taking half your dose until you can't decrease it. Then every other day. I only take it when I get a brain shiver and then try and go longer and longer in between.

The biggest problem I am having is sleeplessness which is driving me crazy because all I ever wanted to do on that stupid drug was sleep. I'm also looking forward to getting rid of my fat butt because I was always so lethargic on this drug. My personal trainer says he has never seen me happier though. I tend to just get pissed off easily. I'm still not completely off it. Down to 5mg ever few days though.

Effexor was way worse. Don't ever take that drug. It's like quitting crack. Horrible.

[Choda]

OK, I have never posted on any "board" so please forgive me if i commit some horrible breach of conduct or if i offend anyone. But this forum has been a lifesaver! I was on Paxil for 2+ years with few problems, then a year ago a new doctor suggested Lexapro because my main "problem" was anxiety and not depression. after a year on Lexapro i realized i went from someone who exercised 4-5 times a week to NEVER exercising, I had gained 30 pounds and i never did anything...much to the chagrine ofof my wife and four young kids. my doctor never told me about ANY side effects. I tried quitting and had horrible withdrawals! Again, i was never told that if i tried to quit i would feel like this! So, i have been off it a week now and feel OK. I am doing the program suggested on The Road Back, which i found out about on this site. It helps! I dont usually go for supplements and herbs and all that, but they really are helping with the withdrawals. My concern is this: people keep asking on here if the weight comes off after quitting and no one replys. I am assuming this means that the weight does NOT just "melt" away when you quit the drugs??? Can ANYONE share their experience regarding losing the weight after getting off of Lexapro? Not that anyone cares but i will post again regarding my withdrawals, how bad, how long, if the supplements help, etc. I will agree with someone else that said exercise helps. it really does! i just had no energy when i was on Lexapro and i am slowly getting back into running and i feel better after a run or even a walk around the block with the family. YOU CAN GET OFF OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Choda]

WARBLERWREN: I am experience the exact same thing! I try and explain to my wife but i cant, its not just dizzyness, its a weird feeling in my head that i cant shake. Try the Omega 3 and The Road Back (www.theroadback.org). As I said, i dont usually go for the herbal/supplement stuff but i was desperate and figured "what the hell, i cant hurt" and it really helps. I find that right after i take the Omega 3 and CLA i feel MUCH better. It wears off but it helps! Also, i got the stuff at GNC, you dont have to order it online from the site they suggest. I wasnt going to wait for the delivery, i needed relief RIGHT NOW. Also, I too felt "better" on Lexapro but also felt that i wasnt quite there, wasnt quite a participant in my own life. My wife and kids noticed it. My wife also said that she noticed my weight gain, but she was most concerned that i look "puffy, tired and unhealthy all of the time"! Good Luck!

Can anyone say how long it took for their withdrawal symptoms to STOP?!?!

[warblerwren]

I don't have anything new to add to my post of yesterday, but I wanted to thank the people who have already responded to me. I did find the web site about the "road back" and may try some of what it recommends, although I'm already taking some of those supplements in other forms. I spoke to my lovely family doctor today (she's not the one who originally prescribed Lexapro for me), and she said the unpleasant sensation in my head is pretty typical, although the slower the taper, the less likely it is to occur. She said it should subside in a week or so (making two weeks since I stopped taking the drug), but if it didn't I could take 2.5 mg every other day, then every 3 days, etc.--in other words to slow the taper down even more. I'm going to try to tough it out because I don't want to confuse my brain even more (although she reassured me taking that little bit at ever-greater intervals wouldn't be harmful). As for the weight gain, I'm reassured (and also angry) to hear how many other people experienced it. I thought it was because I'd turned 50, because I had no self control, etc. (Those things may be true, but they're not the only factors! :-) ) So far I have no desire to exercise, but I will try to push myself because I'm sure I'll feel better if I do. About the sense I had while on the drug of being slightly dulled--I am feeling things SO much more acutely: it's as though my emotional volume has been turned way. It's a bit uncomfortable, and I feel challenged to stand back a little and engage my "observing ego" so I don't lurch up and down every wave. But I also feel more alive, and I think that's a good thing, even when life hurts. (Sorry to write such a long posting!)

[vickwa]

Hi there, yet another new-bee here, but happy too that I found you all. So many topics that you have discussed are applicable. 18 months of LEXAPRO 20 mg for me = gaining 15 lbs + feelings of being "just not quite connected", unable to be fully present or emotional + lack of sex drive + heightened desire for alcohol (happy to find I am not alone on that one) + lack of motivation to get out, see friends, excercise, which ultimately equalled = state of "I really don't care" that I am fat, not present, non sexual, or lacking motivation... oh boy and so it went.

So while on Lexapro I was more or less content, more or less everything actually. Not overwhelmingly happy, or sad but frustrated at my awareness of my trying to cover a wound. I got myself back into therapy a couple of months ago. (FYI: was not in when I decided to speak with my GP about lexapro) I attempted to discuss the truth of my realities realizing I was not quite capable of that in my present "lexaproed" state. After hour number one and having been hit over the head with the fact that I felt like a Stepford Wife on her shrinks sofa ( "I know I am not happy, but it's OK".... ahhhhh so wrong) I knew it was time to try to taper off the drugs. So I (without the aid of the GP that so happily prescribed it to me, not so smart probably) decided to take the band-aid off. To face the music, face my "questionable" marriage... and here I am, five weeks of tapering, a week off completely and yes... I am too going a little nuts. Thank goodness my family are all out of town, or not. Is it OK to weep and weep until I am dehydrated? Is it OK to be angry at my husband for not being the guy I wanted him to be? Oh hang on, that's why I started taking this drug. Man, it ain't easy anyway you cut it is it? Anyway, yesterday was horrific, today not so bad. Feelings of "it would be easier to die, an easy way out" come up - and hadn't for the time on Lexapro - but there have been no real thoughts of how I might go about it! That's good right? I dont seem to be experiencing the "brain zaps" I read about, but have the dizziness and nausea. Am taking vitamins and fish oils so that is probably helping.

I suppose facing the music is not always easy, but it is interesting that- in retrospect - I see that by band-aiding my situation for the time I did has only made me stronger and ready to ask for what I need in my relationship/life (as I pull the band-aid off and see what really is going on). Does this make any sense? Its time for me to step up to the plate with out the drug. This drug has been great for that reason, its like I have some kind of "control" by which to see my situation now, with out that "sterile time" I would not have.

I believe it will get better, I have already lost some weight (could be all the weeping and lack of appetite for being so shell shocked at my departure from Stepford Wife territory), but hey, we all have each other here and I thank each and every one of you for being there for me (a stranger to a message board) and for each other. All the best, hope this is a little helpful, or at least slightly entertaining!


vickwa

[stormy8798]

Hi Everyone! I am also new to this posting thing, but just want to say to all of you 'THANK YOU' for providing this information about Lexapro. As most of you, my physician, who I truly trust, didn't give me any 'withdrawal' information on this drug. He didn't really push me to try it, but said 'you deserve to be happy' and I was at a breaking point. I was up to my eyeballs in medical bills thanks to constant anxiety and panic attacks. Briefly, 8 years ago my mother-in-law, who I loved dearly, died very suddenly one night after a day of partying and having fun of a massive heart attack. That death stunned me. She was always so alive and happy and always had a smile for anyone. Within the past 4 years, a friend's brother died of leukemia---30 years old and never sick a day in his life until his diagnosis, and my kids' grandmother died of lung cancer. For 8 years I have been pre-occupied with death. I became overly in-tune with my body and if I had the slightest chest pain, I convinced myself I was having a heart attack. One night I was outside with my family on our deck and decided to go inside to get a drink, and I looked at the top step of our deck and thought 'what if I die right there' and I couldn't move. I finally made an appointment with my doctor who gave me 5 weeks of Lexapro samples. This is not the first time a physician has suggested I was anxious and depressed, but taking pills scared me. Just thinking of possible side effects sent me into a panic. It took me a week to finally get up the courage to take it. That first day I was SOOOOO HAPPY. I knew it wasn't the drug taking effect yet, but I had a great outlook on life....for the first time in years maybe I'd finally be able to be 'normal' again and not worry. But I still had the nagging doubt about taking the drug, and that's when I found this site. I really tried to type in key words to find someone that said 'I had a great time getting off of Lexapro...no problems at all' and I couldn't find one for the life of me. So, I read this site. I was on the Lexapro for only 10 days and had a major panic attack. Out of the blue, for no apparent reason. I tried to talk it down, but when I couldn't and realized I was on the Lexapro and my heart was racing and then slowed down my boss finally drove me to the hospital. Again, just anxiety, but my blood pressure was through the roof. Not necessarily because of the attack, but it had been since I was on the pill. I know I wasn't on Lexapro as long as most of you, but I decided 'that's it. I'm done'. Maybe I didn't give it time to work, but I decided I didn't want to after reading what you all have said. I asked about tapering off of it, and they did say to do it slowly....I took 5 mg from 10mg for 7 days, and am now almost done with the 2.5mg for 7 days. They put me on a heart monitor because the doctor asked me 'DO YOU THINK THIS IS FROM THE LEXAPRO?'. I thought, 'huh, seems I should be asking YOU that question'. I told him I had no idea and they decided they'd put me on the monitor for 30 days to make sure. He said that Lexapro can cause palpitations. Even being on it for such a short time, I feel dizzy and nauseous and lethargic and sometimes lose my balance while withdrawing. Some days I swear I'm seeing little black bugs out of the corner of my eyes. When I focus, naturally, they aren't there. These feelings aren't all-encompassing to where they interfere with my daily life, but they are there. I started therapy and my therapist said I should up my dose. When I told her I was going off of it, she was surprised, but also did not push me to continue or switch to another drug. I bought a meditation CD that has done wonders. My therapist has helped me with some cognitive therapy --- I was in the beginning of a panic attack the other day and the thinking actually worked! She said thoughts equal feelings equal actions. Your thoughts guide your feelings which guide your actions. When you begin to panic, say 'what should I be thinking of RIGHT NOW?' and 'how am I hurting myself'. Between those and the meditation guide stating 'say to yourself you are safe...everything is peaceful...you are ok' and deep-breathe and focus on what is RIGHT in your life....focus on how this has happened before and you were fine.....I know it sounds cheeky, but when you truly relax yourself, it works wonders. I decided like someone else said, panic and anxiety is easier to handle than Lexapro or the withdrawal. I won't say they didn't help. Even for the short time I was on it, I was SOOOO relaxed...numb actually. I could honestly say my brain was empty...I thought of nothing. But that wasn't good either.

Anyway, sorry to be so wordy. I just want to thank you all for helping me realize these symptoms too shall pass, and if you can be drug free it's definitely the way to go. I wish you all the best of luck !

[flurey3]

Hi everyone, well i've been taking lexapro for about 6 months and now i've been off for about 2 weeks and i can't sleep first it was the dizziness and now my legs always feel like they are moving i hate it makes me want to jump out of my skin. I also asked my doc if there was any risk in weight gain and of course she said no well 10lbs later now i have to fight with that and get upset when my cloths don't fit i was a size 4 before this happened now size 7/8 i have to find a otc sleep aid tylenol pm doesn't work what the heck, i hate this it stinks. Good Luck Everyone

[vickwa]

You will get through this I know, daily it is getting better for me. As for sleep, well last night I tried the melatonin, not to any great affect, but in the past benadryl has been great. (make sure you dont take the day time one with the speedy stuff in it). Hang in there, the tylenol pm is not a good one in my opinion, it can make you even more "tweaky", at least it does me. Take care. Vicky

vickwa

[Choda]

I now realize, thanks to memebers of this group, that my anxiety and obsession with my health started shortly after my father in law died from diabetes. he was the poster child for what NOT to do when you have it and as a result he had all the worst complications, amputations, dialysis, blindness, etc. It was horrible watching him wittle away and i never put 1 and 1 together (not very bright, am I?). Of course my doc didnt ask what was up, just gave me the drugs. I guess he is not a therapist but still, i am a little disappointed the side effects (weight gain, lack of energy/motivation) and the withdrawals where not explained/discussed.

SO, Day 10 off the LEx cold turkey and i woke up for the first time with NO DIZZYNESS! it comes and goes now but i am excited, maybe i can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Also, i lost 3 lbs last week!!!! I have exercised more but the point is i never had the desire to get off my ass when i was on the Lex! Its not all Sh*ts and Giggles though, my wife is ready to kill me. When i started this i told her i needed a few weeks of patience from her while i battle my demons, if you will, and deal with the withdrawals, mental and phsyical. she was tolerant for about 4 days and has no patience for it now. She has no idea what its like, the mental and physical difficulty of working 12 hour days at a bank and having to be "On and responsible" to a staff and come home to four kids ages 3-10 AND deal with the withdrawals. I understand her frustration but is it really asking too much for 3 weeks of tolerance? has anyone else had relationship problems getting off the drugs???? it wasnt something i anticipated and i feel robbed...i was very "tolerant" when her father died, for years actually. OK, WOW, didnt mean to vent about THAT! I guess you all are cheaper than a therapist!

By the way, therapy helped me as well. The one thing it helped me do was to be aware of when i was being irrational about my health or other things. That is a HUGE step, to be able to step back and say "hey, i really DONT have MS/AIDS/Diabetes/Cancer/etc"!! I am still working on what to do at that point, how to stop the downward spiral, and i fully acknowledge that the Lexapro helped with that.

OK, I SWORE i wasnt going to do a long post again. sorry. Good luck to all, my point was going to be AT DAY 10 I AM FEELING BETTER FOR THE FIRST TIME! HANG IN THERE!!!!

[dana1969]

Hi I have been taking Lexapro for 2 months for sever anxiety..About 2 years ago I took effexor for about a year and had a heck of a time coming off of it. Since I have been on lexapro i ahve had 2 bladder infections and a real hard time urinating.Its been terrible.. My GP switched me Cymbalta which I just started and it made me seriously ill to my stomach. I have now decided to just stick with the xanax on an as needed basis its not worth all these side effects. While on the Lexapro my urinary tract problems have been a nightmare. The only upside of Lexapro is I lost about 15lbs. My GP said that I could come off the Lexapro and I shouldnt have much trouble maybe some nausea and a headache. can anyone give me some insight?

[flurey3]

Hello again, well thank god for unisom i have had 2 good night sleep.
My best friend is on effexor and i tried telling her that, that one is the worst but you can only say so much. Yea well my doc put me on cymbalta too i didnt even take it i stayed on lexapro fair worning stay off it too many problems getting off even if you slowly get off and huge weight gain regardless what the docs tell you i never gain weight like this. I'm just glad i got off it (lexapro)[:X] anyone needs help i'm here for you cause i went through it....GOOD LUCK

[velroc]

Hi All,

Very glad I found this forum. I'm a male age 63 and dealing with depression and have been on many antidepressanats for the past 4 plus years. I have been on 15 mg Lexapro with 100 mg Lamictal since 2005 and was turning into a vegtable, lethargic, sleep a lot and no sex drive.

I quite lamictal in the spring of this year with no problem.

Still acting like a Vegtable so got my shrinks permission to stop Lexapro, I wish now that I had found this thread before quiting. I went to 10 mg for a week or so the quit cold turkey.

I have been off about 40 days, the first 10 wasn't bad, the next 10 were worse and the last 20 have been terrible.

My symtoms are Slight Dizzy spells, Anxity, tired, No appetite ( lost 4 lbs) and feel terrible.

My blood sugar seems to be out of wack too. Yesterday afternoon I felt terrible, tired, yuk. I forced down a small dinner as I knew I should eat something, then had some spearmint candy. Magic I felt better. Had some I cream felt even better, less anxity.

I have also noticed I'm making a lot more trips to the bathroom.

Today I'm making sure I drink orange juice and eat the right foods and will start checking my blood sugar.

Is it possible Lexapro Withdrawl screws up your metabolism ??

I also exercise a lot ( suppose to help depression) and have been so tired when walking or try to jog. Today I had two big glasses of OJ and I felt much better, more energy.

How long will this last ???


Thanks for advice,
Velroc

[sbcgrace]

I have been taking Lexapro for 6 years and have just recently been to my doctor for my yearly check-up. I was speaking with him about my weight increase since my college years. (I graduated in 2001.)
He told me that my weight increase can be directly related to taking the Lexapro. When I heard that I told him that I immediately wanted to discontinue taking the drug but previously when I had forgotten to take my Lexapro I had experienced serious dizziness and a feeling of not being in my own body.
He suggested that if I wanted to quit the drug that I should do it slowly. I was taking 20mgs per day. He suggested that I cut my dosage in half for a few weeks and then take the 10mgs every other day. After a few weeks of doing this I just want to quit it TOTALLY.
My dizziness is so bad right now. Is there anything I can do? I have also noticed that I am having a really hard time sleeping at night. Should I speak to my doctor and request something to help me sleep?
I have to work and this withdrawl is killing me and making it hard to me to work on a daily basis!
Anyone? Suggestions???

[sbcgrace]

I just spoke with my doctor about changing from Lexapro to Wellbutrin too. He suggested that it might be a great switch. I am going to try it and see if my side effects from the Lexapro withdrawl will subside. Pray for me. These side effects withdrawling from Lexapro are making me crazy!!!!

quote:Originally posted by wonder4678

Hi,I took 20mg of Lexapro for almost a year, and was switched to Wellbutrin XL by my Dr. right before Christmas. For the first week I took both, the second week, I took the Wellbutrin, and Lexapro every other day, then took a half dose every other day, until I was taking only a half dose every few days. I still had side effects, but they were nowhere near as bad as stopping all together. It has been about 3 weeks since I have stopped taking it, and I am still having some side effects, although they are pretty minor. My advice is to wean her off gradually, it will make it less noticeable. Good Luck.

[Choda]

Wow, the wheels came off the bus last night! I thought i was home free with the physical withdrawals being over (except for what i will call "intestinal distress. coincindence??). Any way, last night i had an emotional break down, punched a hole in a wall (i am very laid back and have never punch anything in my life, never been in a fight, etc.). Then i cried for 2 hours straight. Keep in mind i am 6'5" and 250lbs (Thanks to Lexapro, i was never over 225lbs before i went on the Lexapro)and its a little strange to see a big guy curled up in the fetal position. Not one of my proudest moments!!! So my question is: is it normal to be hit so hard by emotions 2 weeks after quitting cold turkey? I have never been so ashamed and embarrassed, i have never lost it like that, i felt like i was watching a movie of someone flipping out!

Another question: I know i will have to go back on SOMETHING so i am wondering if people have had success with Wellbutrin and have they had the weight gain and lack of energy? Thanks. (have to go to Home Depot now and repair my wall...)

"Somebody ought to tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit every minute of every day. Do it, I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now."
- Michael Landon

[TPayne4shizzy]

I went on Lexapro shortly after a death in the family. I wanted to go on something for anti anxiety more than anti-depression. I wasn't really that depressed but I had a couple panic attacks (a whole other story in itself. Way to scary). After about a month on the 10 mg I went back to the doctor and reported that I had another panic attack since being on the 10mg. He Then moved me up to the 20 mg and told me there really isn't a ceiling as far as dosage because it was very safe to take.

Here I am, about 4 months later. I am now more depressed then I ever have been. The anxiety is subdued but at the cost of feeling drunk and tired all day. The side effects are undesirable (weight gain of 15 pounds, sexual disfunction, tingling in fingertips and feet like I have bad circulation etc.) I want to get off Lexapro. I just ordered some OMEGA3 Fish Oil capsules since they appear to come highly recommended. I cut all of my 20 mg tabs in half a moment ago. Will I experience withdrawl symptoms with this much of a drop? If you could recommend something natural for anxiety I would appreciate it also.

Thanks A Ton,
Tyler

"Day by day, in every way, I am better and better"

[lalalamort]

Hey everyone, I used to coem on here about 6 months ago when i was going off my Lexapro. And yes, I had most of the side effects you are describing. It is possible to get off drugs and you can do it. 10-14 days after going cold turkey off lexapro was my worst.....after that i pretty much have steadily improved over the last 6 months. Obviously i sitll ahve ups adn downs but at least i feel back to myself again, and arent crying 24/7........

anyway.....if anyone has any questions email me at

animals_ruin_our_world@hotmail.com

byeeeeeeeeeee

[Stormy]

TPayne, you asked if you will feel the withdrawls if you cut your pills in half....OH YES. I have been doing that I am now down to 5 mg from 30. Whoa. Every time I go down, I go through weeks of hell. Just ask my husband and mother and sister. It is nearly unbearable, but I keep going because I want off of it so bad. I too gained an additional 20 pounds. this stuff is horrible. I have not tried the supplements because I just can not afford them, but good luck.

quote:Originally posted by TPayne4shizzy

I went on Lexapro shortly after a death in the family. I wanted to go on something for anti anxiety more than anti-depression. I wasn't really that depressed but I had a couple panic attacks (a whole other story in itself. Way to scary). After about a month on the 10 mg I went back to the doctor and reported that I had another panic attack since being on the 10mg. He Then moved me up to the 20 mg and told me there really isn't a ceiling as far as dosage because it was very safe to take.

Here I am, about 4 months later. I am now more depressed then I ever have been. The anxiety is subdued but at the cost of feeling drunk and tired all day. The side effects are undesirable (weight gain of 15 pounds, sexual disfunction, tingling in fingertips and feet like I have bad circulation etc.) I want to get off Lexapro. I just ordered some OMEGA3 Fish Oil capsules since they appear to come highly recommended. I cut all of my 20 mg tabs in half a moment ago. Will I experience withdrawl symptoms with this much of a drop? If you could recommend something natural for anxiety I would appreciate it also.

Thanks A Ton,
Tyler

"Day by day, in every way, I am better and better"

[Stormy]

Choda,

I am so sorry, but I can say that is probably normal. I am going through days right now where I feel like I could choke everyone I come in contact with. My husband has given up even trying to talk to me for a while, because I am so angry on defensive right now. The other day I felt like everyone was against me and I sat and cried and cried for what, i don't know. I went off on my boss the other day.

I am on a roller coaster. I feel up and then slam down in a second. i had the weight gain. I was told there would not be any weight gain, yah, so much for that. I am heavier now than I was when i was pregnant.

I have been on Wellbutrin, but it did not work for me. I think I have been on every medication there is, and Lexapro was the only thing that worked. Not sure what to do now.

Don't worry though. We are all going through this. you are not alone.

[Stormy]

Choda,

I am glad you are talking about the weight loss/gain, because like you, I have noticed that no one answers the multiple questions about weight gain. hey, if it is not coming off, could you tell us that? We all just want to know what to expect.

As far as the relationship thing, yes, i tried to tell my husband the same thing and he also was good for a few days and then thinks that I should just snap out of it and think happy thoughts. It does not work like that and unless you have been through it, they just don't understand. I can't just snap out of it. One evening, he said, "I am not even going to talk to you anymore. You are mean, nasty and ignorant all the time. I am tired of you being in a bad mood ALL the time."

This stuff is horrible. I want off of it so bad, but am afraid to reduce it. Right now I have the numb feeling in my head, can't sleep, can't concentrate, and have no desire to do anything. Very little makes me smile. I feel so horrible, I am considering just dropping the 5 mg that I am taking right now. If I am already miserable, maybe I should get it over with all at once.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
SO, Day 10 off the LEx cold turkey and i woke up for the first time with NO DIZZYNESS! it comes and goes now but i am excited, maybe i can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Also, i lost 3 lbs last week!!!! I have exercised more but the point is i never had the desire to get off my ass when i was on the Lex! Its not all Sh*ts and Giggles though, my wife is ready to kill me. When i started this i told her i needed a few weeks of patience from her while i battle my demons, if you will, and deal with the withdrawals, mental and phsyical. she was tolerant for about 4 days and has no patience for it now. She has no idea what its like, the mental and physical difficulty of working 12 hour days at a bank and having to be "On and responsible" to a staff and come home to four kids ages 3-10 AND deal with the withdrawals. I understand her frustration but is it really asking too much for 3 weeks of tolerance? has anyone else had relationship problems getting off the drugs???? it wasnt something i anticipated and i feel robbed...i was very "tolerant" when her father died, for years actually. OK, WOW, didnt mean to vent about THAT! I guess you all are cheaper than a therapist!

By the way, therapy helped me as well. The one thing it helped me do was to be aware of when i was being irrational about my health or other things. That is a HUGE step, to be able to step back and say "hey, i really DONT have MS/AIDS/Diabetes/Cancer/etc"!! I am still working on what to do at that point, how to stop the downward spiral, and i fully acknowledge that the Lexapro helped with that.

OK, I SWORE i wasnt going to do a long post again. sorry. Good luck to all, my point was going to be AT DAY 10 I AM FEELING BETTER FOR THE FIRST TIME! HANG IN THERE!!!!
[/quote]

[Choda]

Stormy,
Things are getting better. Other than my melt down emotionally the other night! Its only been two weeks but i have lost 2-3 lbs a week, but again that may be because i have more energy and have been getting SOME physical exercise. I have to say my biggest "disappointment" with the whole thing is the lack of spousal support. I know its hard to imagine the difficulty of getting off these meds if you are not on them, but having a spouse that experienced the same thing when she went off Zoloft i thought id get at least a week. Makes me wonder if the relationship has always been bad and the Lexapro helped me just plug along seeing everything through rose colored glasses? or am i just being a downer because i am still experiencing the emotional problems from coming off the drugs? A co-worker was telling me how bad our office politics are and i was saying i have started to notice over the last week or two how much of that goes on around the office and it dawned on me that maybe i never noticed before because i have been in my own little "Lexapro World"???

Whatever, i am just glad the physical withdrawals are mostly gone (i did notice a little of the dizzy-head thing yesterday but it went away). Now I will work on the emotional/relationship bridge and hopefully cross it successfully!

Oh yea, real quick...i did do the taper, at the end i was taking like a 1/4 pill every other day, then i would go 3-4 days and take a 1/4 pill...but i still got my ass kicked when i stopped completely. I think you can taper all you want, but when you take that last pill or part of a pill you WILL get hit with the withdrawals...unfortuantely! Again, this place has been a life saver, if for nothing else to let me vent. I appreciate it more than you will ever know!

[liltaz]

I have been on Lexapro for over 2 years and have tried several times to stop it. I just started yesterday to wean off... with 5 mg...how long should I take it to avoid the 'brain zaps' (always made me go back on it)? I read it takes 6-8 days to get it out of your system...so I would guess even with a 1/4 pill I would have the withdrawl effects?

on another note...My husband was a Forest Pharmaceutical (manuf. of Lexapro) sales rep and sold Lexapro...NONE of his education or material on this drug spoke to the withdraw symptoms. They dont tell the Dr's this when they convince them to prescribe the drug, they only tell them the good stuff.

[Stormy]

I went to the dr. yesterday and was explaining the withdrawals and he just looked at me like I did not know what I was talking about. I mentioned the weight gain and he laughed and said that Lexapro does not cause weight gain. I told him again of some of the symptoms and he said, "ok, well, go back up to 10 mg." I about lost it. I went on a 10 minute "B" session and told him that I had come this far and I wanted off of this miserable drug. I told him I did not care what happened, I was getting off of it. i told him, NO more refills. I am not going up another pill. I am done." He wanted to know why I was so determined not to take it and I told him forget it, he would not understand anyway.

I can't believe how naive some of these doctors are. They don't understand a thing and just plug along giving us these pills.

It sounds like no matter how slow I taper, I am going to get my a$$ kicked when I come off all together. It kind of scares me.

I am also on Lamictal. I am bi-polar so i have to have something and I thought that since I am on that, I would not feel the withdrawals from the Lexapro, but I was wrong.

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by Stormy

I went to the dr. yesterday and was explaining the withdrawals and he just looked at me like I did not know what I was talking about. I mentioned the weight gain and he laughed and said that Lexapro does not cause weight gain. I told him again of some of the symptoms and he said, "ok, well, go back up to 10 mg." I about lost it. I went on a 10 minute "B" session and told him that I had come this far and I wanted off of this miserable drug. I told him I did not care what happened, I was getting off of it. i told him, NO more refills. I am not going up another pill. I am done." He wanted to know why I was so determined not to take it and I told him forget it, he would not understand anyway.

I can't believe how naive some of these doctors are. They don't understand a thing and just plug along giving us these pills.

Ya, your doctor and Tom Cruise both. I remember when I went to my PCP and explained to him that I was seeing a psychiatrist because I was too depressed to go to work. He told me "I needed to get back to work". That was the "profesional diagnosis" from a doctor that had been treating me since I was 16. This guy gave me paxil like it was candy but didn't understand why I couldn't go to work at that time. The whole medical profession REALLY needs a wake-up call.

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

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by liltaz

I have been on Lexapro for over 2 years and have tried several times to stop it. I just started yesterday to wean off... with 5 mg...how long should I take it to avoid the 'brain zaps' (always made me go back on it)? I read it takes 6-8 days to get it out of your system...so I would guess even with a 1/4 pill I would have the withdrawl effects?

It could take longer lil.

I'm concerned that you are getting zaps even while still on it. (read back through some of the earlier posts, this has happened to someone else too I remember)

Zaps can last 1-2 months as I remember it.

I believe you will have a 3-6 month groggy/cloudy phase after the zaps stop.

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

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by TPayne4shizzy
Here I am, about 4 months later. I am now more depressed then I ever have been. The anxiety is subdued but at the cost of feeling drunk and tired all day. The side effects are undesirable (weight gain of 15 pounds, sexual disfunction, tingling in fingertips and feet like I have bad circulation etc.) I want to get off Lexapro.

Try wellbutrin, it is great because it actually makes sex better. It's not natural, but sometimes you just have to "do what you gotta do".

Is your anxiety more about fear or anger/irritation?


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