[sarita]

HI ALL.

Well, i can only say AGAIN, that going down 5% is WAY too fast unless you enjoy suffering.There's no need to suffer. I have been tapering down for 3 months off of 5 mg. and no withdrawals. When I tried to taper from 5 mg to even 1/3, i'm frickin had the WORST withdrawals of my life.

I'm SO happy to hear I'll lose this FAT, as soon as i get off. One more month. I'm SO excited!!

Does anyone know how long it takes to get out of your system after you finally STOP?

[tamra]

Hi all,

This anxiety feeling has really taken me by suprise, however, considering the emotional numbness that I felt near the end of my lexapro experience...I'm thinking that it may actually be expected.

Let me explain for others that are coming off or wondering what's going on.... When you finally come off of lexapro...w/d's may last for a month but you will notice differences (mostly positive) for a few months. If you've noticed that you were "emotionless" on lexapro, as the drug comes out of your system, you will begin to "feel" again...love, happiness, joy, peace, disappointment, stress, and the list goes on. My first emotions that I noticed were all of the good ones. Once I began to "feel emotions" again, I noticed that I was absorbing other peoples stress and problems also. I could "feel" their stress and disappointment and went thru a time that it was so real, I would try to think of ways to help them & got caught up in it. This basically pushed me too far...with taking care of my boys home from school this summer. I learned that talking to my mom on the phone and listening to her vent about her day (which made her feel better) made me feel worse. It's all about absorbing the "drama". I learned to let it go in one ear and out the other...it was not "my" problem.

To work thru this "new" anxiety, I have been to one therapist appt which was very helpful in discovering a few "why's" about myself. I was a nervous wreck, but I would sincerely recommend it to anyone. The highly recommended dr/therapist office has been a waiting game for appts...which I find discouraging, so I'm looking for other ways to help on my own. I've been doing alot of online research on anxiety and the fight or flight responses in my body..and yes, EXERCISE. Not a house cleaning...but a sweat producing "anything". Once the stress hormones build up...you need to get them out of your body. Meds will suppress them...but exercise will "release" these out of your body so they won't build up. ( I just read this last nite...so, later today, I'll be outside sweating!)

I have found this situation to be like quitting smoking...you don't know when a craving or anxiety/panic feeling is going to come on... you need to sidetrack your thinking to get thru it. I had my quit smoking date set up when my doc put me on zoloft. I had such a bad reaction that I postponed my quit date...

Take it very slow is the best advice that I can give. Taper in small increments to make things more manageable. There are some out there that quit cold turkey or tapered very quickly and lived to tell there story... everyone is different!

On the weight loss....my eating habits have changed so drastically since being on lexapro that my weight is really melting off! I'm much more active now as well. I had been wearing my old baggy jeans since they were tight...and to my suprise, I have gone from a size 14 to a comfortable size 8... 35 pounds. I may have dropped a few pounds in March, but it's mostly been since then.

Don't get me wrong...there's a place for meds out there..Lexapro was a friend and there when I needed it. There may come a time that I need something again. Right now, I'm exploring alternatives to prescriptions because I've found that I'm just very sensitive to things. Multi vitamin, vit C, and fish oil. I've recently added back a vitamin B complex, which I stopped during w/d because I read somewhere that it may be making my symptoms worse.

It's great to see that there is still conversation here and everyone helping each other.

Live every day to it's fullest!

[Stormy]

today seems to be a bit better, although i am lightheaded and a bit numb in my brain.

I know that the 5mg was too fast. I had read that before I did it, but I have always dropped things on the spot and got through it. I did the same thing with smoking. I will get through this. I have gone through 2 weeks of living hell, a few more and then maybe things can start to improve.

I will do this. Even though I have to tell myself that it is normal to have these fits of crying and rage, I will beat this. Last night I was so angry over nothing that I started scratching my skin until it bled and throwing things (nothing breakable), I then fell into a pile on my couch in the dark and cried and cried until I fell asleep.

My husband is trying really hard to be there for me and understand what I am going through. during my episode last night, he said, "Just lie down and let me rub your back, maybe that will help a little." I did, and it did. I am thankful for him.

If I can't afford the supplements on the Road Back program, does anyone have any suggestions of where I can find them or something similar?

[boudinman]

Hey stormy. First, my prayers go out to you. Second, be kind to yourself, even when you feel like ****. Finally, meditation, a form of quieting the mind, even for only 60 seconds, can at least get you pointed in the right direction.

While I can't recommend any supplements, I suggest you go to NOW Foods.com. This is a highly reputable Vitamin and Supplement company with hundreds of articles that include scientific studies regarding the interaction of vitamins and other supplements with the mind and body. I subscribe to their weekly newsletter (it's free). And I use some of their products, like vitamin c, e, multi vitamins, magnesium, grape seed extract, etc.

Another place to go that's full of free, useful information is Yoga Journal.com. I subscribe to their newsletter (it's free). And what did I get in my box today, but a whole series of articles from the Yoga Journal about stress and its effects on the mind and body and things to do to minimize the damage...all for free. And people say miracles don't happen anymore. Hey, my higher power was thinking of me today, thank God.

I exercise with a Gazelle, one of those walking in place kinda machines. It cost a $100 bucks. I now get up in the morning to exercise (and trust me, I ain't no morning person.) It is helping. But you can walk around the block for 20 or 30 minutes, it will help. Not like magic, but everyday of 20 to 30 minutes walking helps my attitude, and of course, my wife appreciates that. (Man, I sound like a commercial)

After 10 days, I still get spots during the day and night where I become extremely irritable. Recognizing that but not obsessing about it and trying to quiet the mind by gently reminding myself that I do not need to think negative thoughts helps (I know, it sounds hokey, but hey, it helps).

I have to be cautious because my thought life can turn from good to bad in a second for no apparent reason. The point is for me to try and not let the lows get to low and the highs too high.

I know the first few days I was praying to God to not let me die. I'm much more positive today. In fact, one of my students asked why I was so happy this morning. That makes the brain buzz with good stuff.

Just be careful, watchful but also try to lighten up when you get the chance.

One more thing, thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. I appreciate it.



Thought Passion Action

[mrigdon]

Hello Everyone,

I brand new at the forum thing, so please help if you can... Up until 3 months ago I have never had a major illness in my lifetime of 33 years, I have been on Lexapro 10mg for 3 months for anxiety & panic attacks which worked great except for the insomnia part and the sickness was probably caused by living with in-laws while our house was being built and the worry that comes with building. After moving in to the new home, I assummed anxiety would be gone and by Dr. orders reduced to 5mg per day for 14 days and then was instructed to reduce to 5mg every other day for 14 more days, "I never made it that far" by day 14, I began to have swooping feelings and major major wore out feelings again...Is this the withdrawal or is the anxiety coming back....?

[boudinman]

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS AN OPINION BASED ON READING VARIOUS WEB SITES. DO NOT TAKE AS SCIENTIFIC FACT.

When reducing then eliminating Lexapro, some people have pronounced sideeffects, a few don't.

Sometimes withdrawal from Lexapro produces the symptoms that lead a person to get on Lexapro in the first place.

I had pronounced side effects from eliminating Lexapro from my systems. Anxiety, sleeplessness, irritability, overwhelming fear, energetic, feeling good one day, bad the next.

I have been reading that once an SSRI (anti-depressant medication) is eliminated from the system, that taking 5-HTP boosts serontin levels that help reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue, flat emotional feelings, etc.

8 studies worldwide confirm some positive results with 5-HTP; however, there are no studies that evaluate the long term use of 5-HTP. Of course, long term studies of SSRI is nearly non-existant as well.

Dosage of 5-HTP is recommended at 50 mg to 75 mg daily or every other day. Some people take up to 300 mg per day. DO NOT TAKE 5-HTP IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY TAKING AN SSRI LIKE LEXAPRO, PAXIL, ZOLOFT, ETC. The combination of the two can create a toxie event in your body.

After 10 days of cold turkey elimination of 20 mg Lexapro daily, I have begun to take 5-HTP. I feel better. Not wonderful. Not amazing. Just better. But, this is a big improvement to the side effects I encountered during the first few days of withdrawal.

I have taken one form of an SSRI...Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro...for ten years. Currently, the reason I decided to get off Lexapro was the flattening effects of the medication was beginning to profoundly affect my life. No motivation. Acceptance of negative outcomes in conflict resolution events (who cares, just let whoever or whatever is bugging have their way). Low, low energy. Fatigue. Irritability. Depression (what the hell is it all worth it for).

Each person must carefully evaluate their own situation. If and when a person decides to get off their medication, they should at least have a plan of attack: Yoga (meditation and practice yoga positions) check out Yoga Journal.com. Next, nutrition. Diet. Sugars, probably too much intake, should be monitored. Eat right (whatever that means...ask or read about on the net). Exercise 20 to 30 minutes a day...this means cardio more than weight lifting or mild walking. Read about benefits of cardio exercise on the net. And of course, if you believe in God, pray.

Finally, educate yourself about non medicating alternatives to help relieve anxiety, depression, etc.

Hope this helps.

Me, after 10 days, feeling better.

Thought Passion Action

[bodyelectric]

mrigdon --

Sounds like normal withdrawal symptoms to me, but talk to your doctor about it. If the anxiety feels "different" than the anxiety you were originally treated for, it's probably a safe bet that it's withdrawal. And that's an unprofessional opinion, by the way.

Coming down 5mg every other day is very fast -- that sounds about like what I did -- and if you're feeling heavy effects now, they won't likely go away quickly.

I would seriously consider talking to your doctor about going back up to your full dose and coming down much more slowly. You could potentially cut out weeks (even months) of discomfort and misery. When you go back to your full dose, the symptoms should resolve very quickly. And then you can take your time about coming off, and (hopefully) the withdrawal symptoms will be minimal. After all, what's the hurry?

I think those of us who go off cold turkey or close to cold turkey (like you and me), once we're off, tend to think: "Well, I'm off now, I'll just stay off and deal with it. Afterall, I feel a little better today." But then the next day we feel worse. And then better. And then worse. And we're stuck in some sort of Lexapro-induced purgatory for weeks on end, trying to stick it out.

That's what I did, at least, and the more I read now, the more I wish I had done a program like the Road Back, at least as far as the weaning off the meds is concerned.

Either way, the symptoms go away eventually. Just try to do what is most compassionate for yourself. I hope that helps.

[sarita]

hi all.
so i'm starting my next 5% TAPER AND VERY EXCITED about getting off of this stuff. i went from 5 mg. to 2.25 mg with no withdrawals;

question for all; while on lex, has anyone suffered memory loss?

[boudinman]

memory loss-- just momentary lapses, freeze up, but nothing permanent. I've always been a bit forgetfull, even before the meds.

bodyelectric--yes, tomorrow will be like two weeks of cold turkey off lexapro. the first try was four years ago, and that was a near disaster. the second try was a couple of months ago that lasted a few days. I think I'll make it now, but you hit it right with the feel good stay off thinking. On Monday physical and mental pain, Tuesday morning mental pain, Tuesday afternoon much improved, Wednesday great, Thursday nuts but at least not physical pain, just overwhelmed with stress that hit me one right after the other during the day today. The stress, however, was legitiment; however, me going bonkers wasn't. I was actually glad to mow the grass, which helped, some.

I beleive, though, I'm on my way out of this stuff. Which means I must rely on alternative methods all the more on a daily basis, but hey, I guess that's called living, and that's better than thinkin' bout dyin' all the time.

Thought Passion Action

[bodyelectric]

Sarita -- how do you cut pills that small? Or are you crushing them into powder so you can weigh easier?

Memory loss? I don't recall...

(ha ha)

boudinman -- I enjoy John Deere therapy, too. I put on my headphones and blast my way around the yard.

[mrigdon]

quote:Originally posted by bodyelectric

mrigdon --

bodyelectric..I really appreciate your input, I was so sick I decided to go back to full dose and I'm feeling much better now after day 6 on 10mg...I plan to see the doctor and find out what my options are based on the experience that I had trying to get off..apparently to fast. I hope to try again the right way and pray that I make it through the sludge....Do you have any suggestions as to how slow to take it ?

[bodyelectric]

Hmmm. That's a good question. Sarita?

The Road Back is difficult to read, but the info seems good... http://www.theroadback.org/ad_ap_adhd.htm.

They suggest coming down 10% or less per week.

That'd mean that if you're at 10mg this week, take 9mg (or more) every day next week, 8.1mg or more the following week, 7.3mg the next week and so forth.

(Actually, if it were me, I'd probably wait a week before starting the tapering to give my body a break from the stress it's recovering from.)

The supplementary stuff they tell you to take from GlobalDNASolutions is what they make their profit on, not that there's anything wrong with that. But if the price seems prohibitive, you might find similar or the same stuff on other vitamin sites.

I can vouch for omega-3. I have no experience with the rest of it.

I'm glad you're feeling better.

If your doctor has a look of disbelief that you experienced withdrawal symptoms, don't be too surprised. Forest Labs did a tremendous job of marketing these pills to doctors, who think they're perfectly harmless. And maybe they are harmless for the majority, who knows. But some of us sure have had problems coming off.

[bodyelectric]

Oh -- and I should add -- while you're tapering down from your full dose, you might start your anxiety relapse prevention plan, as boudinman suggested earlier. I'm building a site pretty much dedicated to prevention. There are ads on it that I'm thinking of taking down -- seems like they drive people off and don't make a penny, so they're undermining the purpose. Not sure what to do. Anyway, the address is www.withdrawalsymptoms.us.

[tamra]

Sarita, On the subject of memory loss...yes.

Last year, I wanted to stop my lexapro because it just wasn't "doing it" for me anymore. I was noticing negative effects of being on it & just not feeling emotion. My doctor had told me that due to the length of time that I was on lexapro, I should increase my dose because I probably became used to it. I went from 10 mg (my starting dose - for about 1 1/2 yrs) and went up to 15 mg for about 8 months and then up to 20 mg between Halloween and Christmas last year. I was mainly emotionless and unfeeling during the entire time...but...I don't remember the Christmas season last year. This is very unsettling to me because it's my most favorite time of the year. We have 2 young boys and our wedding anniversary is Christmas Eve. I knew that I had to make a change.

I'm assuming that it was an extremem case of the lexapro "fog". This year will be different. Tamra

Live every day to it's fullest!

[boudinman]

After 15 days of cold turkey, I had to start taking my 20 mg of Lexapro again. I was tearing my head off and all those around me. This is an insidious drug that has been foisted upon me. I'll regroup over the next few weeks and see where to go next. I'm depressed, but of course, the lexpro makes sure I don't get too depressed. History will record this era as the drug generation, and I may one day be one of its casualties. Until then, the fight goes on. This withdrawal makes stopping smoking like it was nothing. I now know what it feels like to be a heroin addict. Drug slaves were created to feed profits to the drug kingpins. Long live the pharmaceutical.

Thought Passion Action

[Swoozie]

Boudinman, I'm so sorry to hear that your withdrawal was so painful - it's a sadly familiar tale. I think many people are very sensitive to the effects of this medication and that cold turkey is the very worst way to quit. I had to go back on after halving my 10mg dose for a month so I'm going to go much slower next time - have you considered tapering?

[bodyelectric]

Don't beat yourself up, boudinman. It's okay to go back on. And it's completely understandable that you're angry.

Come off when you're ready, and do it slowly so your body won't suffer such awful withdrawal. In the meantime, try not to throw in the towel on the meditation and the other good things you've been doing for yourself.

I don't know about you, but I know that when I get depressed I tend to stop doing the things I know are good for me. Almost like I'm punishing myself for not measuring up to the high goals I set but never reach. I hole up and isolate in my cave, angry at myself for being depressed in the first place.

So I guess I'm talking to you under the assumption that you're somewhat like me when I tell you that you haven't failed at anything, and that everything really is okay. You'll feel better soon, and then you can tackle it again when you're ready. Take care, okay?

[sarita]

body electric,

i crush the pills and make lines much like cocaine lines. for ex: for 5 mg, i made 5 lines. each line equals 1 mg. so, i'd take one of those lines (1 mg) and just cut that into 4 so that it came out to 5%.

what do you mean RELASPE? Tamra, do you know anything about RELASPE?
i was only on 5 mg.......always, what would i relaspe?

i beleive it those supplements at the road back. that's all that matters to me. i'm sure you can get omega3 anywhere. the power barely i haven't found anywhere.

tamra,
glad to hear you and i both are similar on the memory loss.......
it's like a fog on those pills.

[boudinman]

bodyelectric---I fit your description perfectly. While my mind has quieted down, I've also lost an enormous amount of energy. And yes, just when I should be doing the things that help me out the most, I have little inclination to do them. But, I am still getting out of bed, writing and going to work. And I'll be back for an attack on this thing later. I'll try the 10% tapering solution next.

I appreciate your words of support. And yes, I have a nice cozy cave of my own.

Thought Passion Action

[keturahhro]

Hey I just got off Lexpro. I weaned it with my Doc. But I am goin thro a withdrawl/ detox and wondering IF anyone else felt this as they got of it completely. My feelings are the same as when Id forget my meds/ started it: cold, hot, sweating. BUT I am doing better w.o it. I am much more motived now and helpful and happier!. I am just crying alot. I think the lexpro masked my emotions and now Im letting them out. (well I got off my meds, the first 2 days I didnt have it I lost 2 friends over in Iraq) anyway anyone w. help/ideas please email me. Also if you have any remadies to "curb" the withdral. thx

[blackviper8891]

Well, after being on Lexapro for depression since March and having enough of the side effects (weight gain, inability to orgasm with sex, sleepiness and insomia both, and excessive yawning), I decided to go cold turkey and get off Lexapro 4 days ago. I was fine until yesterday when I experienced the headaches, dizziness, and the in'n'out of consciousness sensation. Luckily, I looked for answers and found this forum. I see im not insane, atleast. I'm just wondering, is there anyway to ease the withdrawl symptoms other than going back on it? Headache medication has been completely ineffective and I can barely function with these symptoms. I know I am more than pissed at my doctor and my therapist for putting me on this medication with no mention of side effects, let alone withdrawl effects.

[tamra]

Since everyone's experience with lexapro and w/d's is very similar, you can help yourself by reading thru the posts here. There are alot of tips, advice, and people going thru exactly what you've been thru...or...are going to go thru.

Lexapro withdrawal is not something that is going to "detox" in a week. There are things that you can do to help your withdrawal symptoms posted here. The w/d is something that is going to effect your mind and body for some time. That is why we're all here...and in my case...coming back again for some additional advice.

I hated it when I'd ask a question and someone would post back telling me to read the posts....but, when you start reading, you will be able to identify with others, their struggle, and what helped them thru it. You can make friends here and support each other one on one or post to the group and have alot of support from everyone. Post alot, if needed, or keep everyone updated & stop in to chat. You will always find someone that can sympathize with your symptoms or thoughts. Read as much as you can here...you'll stumble onto some suprising info that may help in ways that you haven't thought of.

I think that we've all seen the value in tapering your doses. We're all pissed off at our doc's for not giving us all the details of the drug...the good, the bad, and the ugly. Some of us are more sensitive than others...so a "slow taper" may be fine for some....but, a "painfully slow taper" may be better tolerated. There's no guaranty that you'll be "good to go"....it will just make it more tolerable.

Adjusting to life without lexapro is an entirely "new" experience. It can be absolutely wonderful, however, there are still some bumps in the road here and there....which is where I am right about now.

I hope this helps...it's not meant to discourage...there just isn't a magic pill that will make it all go away. Tamra


Live every day to it's fullest!

[bodyelectric]

oh -- by relapse I just meant falling back into depression or anxiety once you're off the medication. In my case, at least, I was prescribed Lexapro for reasons that didn't evaporate by taking meds. And by making the decision not to take meds anymore, I have to be more vigilant as to how I care for myself. Otherwise I might "relapse" into a condition in which I might need meds again to function. And I don't want to go there. That's all I meant.

[bodyelectric]

And welcome to the new guys! As Tamra said, there's a lot in these 154 pages to catch up on.

If you're only a few days off, I'd recommend going back up to full dose and tapering, but that's just my opinion.

[dll123]

Hi everyone,

I started Effexor 3+ yrs ago, then switched to Lexapro 10mg 3 yrs ago. Then went to Depakote for 6 months as my psychiatrist thought I might have bipolar disorder. Now I've been on Lexapro 20mg for about 1.5 years or so. Somewhere in there I've tried to stop 2 or 3 times, but not for longer than 2-3 days because the withdrawal symptoms always kicked my butt. I'd get irritable quickly, that was the worst part.

Last week I went from 20mg to 10mg a day. Then last night I didn't take any. Today I woke up with my head clear - it was great. I was noticeably more motivated, though not manic. I typically would have taken Lexapro about 24 hours ago, so as you might expect, I'm just now starting to feel a side effect or two.

I'm not irritable, though I was dizzy coming up the stairs, then about 10 minutes ago I got a very minor leg spasm. Thing is, when I'm on Lexapro or other meds like it, my limbs always jerk before I fall asleep. Not like normal people where their entire body jerks before falling asleep (like hitting the pavement in a dream), just a limb.... strange.

Also I woke up today and I hadn't clenched my teeth all night. I think Lexapro was actually making me clench my teeth, and the doc said I could take claritin to help lessen the effects.

The reason I'm here is I wanted to read what kind of symptoms I might expect for going cold turkey. It seems now I might want to stay one 10mg for a few weeks, then down to 5 for a few weeks, then 5 every other day for a few weeks, then stop.

All in all though - how long after we completely stop the meds must we wait until it's been cleared out and withdrawal symptoms stop? A few weeks, several months? Longer?

Thanks for being here - it's a good resource!

[wideawake]

Hi, All:
I've been on Lexapro for about 4 months at 15 mg. I went on after a difficult withdrawal experience with Paxil, which was still going on after 6 months. I'd like to eventually wean off of Lexapro, but am gun shy given my miserable experience with getting off Paxil. I would of course wean very slowly.

What is the general length of time that these symptoms last with lexapro withdrawal? Do people seem to be better after several months? With Paxil, it seems to be common for these symptoms to last months (1-2 years seems typical).

Thanks!

[sexysue]

quote:Originally posted by davinya

I think I may be the devil’s advocate here[}], but I feel I must throw in my two cents.

I am not disagreeing with anyone about withdrawal symptoms. Lexapro does have withdrawal symptoms! And I, too, do not understand why a doctor would prescribe Lexapro to an adolescent for TMJ! I’d find another doctor!

I’ve been on over 10 anti-depressants over the last 20 years due to PTSD. Most of them were SSRIs (Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac), but there were others. However, I only took one med at a time. One of the SSRIs was Lexapro. I was on Lexapro twice.

The first time I took Lexapro I had my first week, where I slept five hours a night[|)] (prior to this I was an insomniac and was lucky if I slept at all) and did not have nightmares. It was the first anti-depressant I’d ever experienced where it did not feel like I lost my “soul” or was stuffed with cotton as I felt with other anti-depressants. But alas, there was an issue with my insurance and couldn’t get my prescription refilled.

I went through a withdrawal period of about two weeks, starting after the third missed dose of 20mg nightly. It felt like my brain was in one place, and my body was in another. Every once in a while it felt like my mind and body snapped back together, and then they’d float away from each other again. This dissipated in about a week to nine days. I had a headache off and on for about a week after that. Then I was back to my old self before the Lexapro.

To be honest – this was the mildest antidepressant withdrawal I’ve ever experienced – especially compared to Prozac and the MAOIs.

Even after my withdrawal and missed doses for two months, I went back to Lexapro. I now sleep the average 8 hours a night, and haven’t had a nightmare in over a year.

I am quite sick of doctors giving antidepressants as a cure-all pill. It doesn’t work that way – especially for something like TMJ or normal adolescent mood swings, either. For some of us, who really need/ed “something,” whether arising from trauma or otherwise – the benefits outweigh the risks, and this is coming from someone who’s tasted a lot of bitter antidepressants in her day.

[StalonneX77]

Hello friends!
Welcome to our online pharmacy shop .
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[hopefulone]

Hi, I've been off Lexapro for a month now and I'm feeling so much better!! The dizziness has pretty much gone. I do feel it once in awhile, usually when I am fatigued.

The weight hasn't dropped yet -- but I was on vacation last week so that could be why.

[Stormy]

I am doing a little better now, but as I have seen many of you say, it is one day up and one day down. Over the weekend I felt wonderful and today i would like to rip someone's head off. I feel like I am slowly coming out of a comatosed fog, but then slip back a little. At times I can not stand to have one hand touch the other, because it irritates me. I am so angry most of the time, but then swing back to being very happy.

This is driving me nuts.