[JISENHEART]

I FIND THAT NOT ENOUGH SLEEP OR WHEN I USE TO DO DRUGS THEY WOULD BE WORSE TRY SLEEP OR MAYBE GET BACK ON SOME MEDS I HAVE TAKEN MOST AND EFFEXOR XR IS THE BEST

Originally Posted by sara o

Hello,
I am new to the forum and hoping for some advice. I have read a lot about these "brain zaps" and think I am experiencing them, but hoping someone can explain to me exactly what it feels like. I have been completely off the Lexapro 10 mg for about 2-3 weeks and didn't start noticing these symptoms until about 5-6 days after I stopped the med. My experience is this electrical sensation which feels like it starts in my chest and travels up my neck and ends in my head. I almost feel a little disoriented after it happens. Sometimes I have to take a minute to get myself together. Has anyone else ever had these experiences? I know there is probably some info posted about this but I have 2 little kids and don't have a lot of time to read through all the pages and pages of postings. Thanks

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by sctschk

Hi all. It's been quite some time since my last post here and I wanted to update (and possibly encourage) you guys that around the 12-14mo mark, it DOES GET CONSIDERABLY BETTER! While, yes, this is a long time, the recovery and symptoms of my Lex withdrawal waxed and waned throughout this period. Just when I thought I was through, some physical ailment would return and harass me for a week or so. I am now 14mo out and I can with confidence say that I am 99.9% back to normal!! I had what I believe a toxic reaction to Lexapro in February of 2007 when I was put on it to relieve major panic disorder. Take a search of my username (sctschk) to see the list of reactions I had to endure over the time my body was recovering... not fun! I can say now though that I think I've finally healed... or at least have very VERY minor residual problems over the past few months. I would say 12mo is a good target to feel "normal" based on my experience. All problems have finally gone away, and all I'm left with now are just very sensitive/ticklish feet. Guess that's not too bad considering the rest - eh??? Probably normal for me anyway, I just didn't notice it before!!

So, I wanted to pop in and let you all know that no matter how hard the road is, how ********************py you feel, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. It DOES get better and you can make it. And the best part about it is that not only did I overcome the Lex reaction, but the panic disorder too. I am so grateful to have my life back!!! Who hooo!!

Jo

I have a question for you if, you don't mind answering... If you had loss of libido, did it EVER come back? thanks
Erin

[erinkj]

Mary, high cortisol levels will cause the extra weight to center around your middle, have you had that checked? Also, there is the menopause angle ! EAT MORE, frequently that is. When you don't eat enough or skip meals it signals your body to store fat and slow your metabolism. I don't have much room to talk here because, I get busy and skip meals, sometimes I just have no appetite. My hubby is constantly harping on me to eat at least 3 meals a day; 5 is best. I KNOW all of this very well and I give this advice to others as well but, well; I actually forget to eat sometimes. My husband sais "It takes a special kind of stupid, to FORGET to eat." Several years back while I was weight training, I could eat 5 meals a day easy...Now, Um, it's more like 1 or 2. Catch up with ya later....Peace...Erin

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by COHiker

Hey There,
I'm pretty sure you can buy the passionflower extract on the vitacost.com site as well. I have no idea behind the science of what I am about to say.....
I 've had a significant increase in my cravings for carbs every time I decrease. I wonder if it might be thr brain crying out for something that it does not get with the who seratonin upset during the withdrawal???
Just food for Thought
Busy day so I gotta run...
CO Hiker

YES! there is a connection to carb craving and serotonin. More specificly, low serotonin levels. I have a buch of info on that and I promise I will post it for you soon, I have to go feed the tribe their supper now....Peace...Erin

[jca1928]

hi all just wanted to post a quick update today is the three week mark of being back on lexapro i'm feeling a little better realy tired most of the time though + a head ache i'm hoping that it will go away soon. do you think i'm going to start to feel better over the next few weeks? today is kind of a ruff one. i'm not looking forward to going to work today at all. when i was on lex before i felt pritty good most of the time just had a low sex drive. i'm hoping that i'll at least get back to that piont of feeling normal soon. + ive been taking a daily supplement i got from wall mart called nature made and it says to take with zoloft,lexapro prozack and efffexor xr don't know if helping or not if any one has heard of this one let me know what you think. well gotta head out to work now thanks AJ

[dancinsunshine]

Hello everyone! Well, I decided to post because I am decreasing another 5mgs tommorrow morning so I want to keep in touch and let ya'll know how this works and also reading the posts give me hope of getting completely off the Lexapro. I am feeling "normal" again after almost 3wks at 20mgs(i went from 30mg to 20mg three wks ago). I know when i did the last drop i did 10mgs, but i don't want to jump that far this time. I had little side effects at all until about 5 days after so i know when to expect them. The worst was the restless legs and light brain zaps, but nothing crazy. Oh yeah, the insomnia, but the tylenol pm works great.

I was reading about the libido question, and though it may differ with age I am 28 yrs old and have never experienced the sexual side effects. I mean, I do notice now that i am lowering the dose gradually that i am feeling a little more sexual. I hope that for those of you that were effected by that side effect that it also comes back to you..I am pretty sure that it will!! My sister experienced that and it came back for her! So just thought i'd share that.

Sooooo wish me luck. I hope everyone is well. Thanks for the posts and info on supplements and such. I am taking all kinds of ******************** now, and i have to believe that is helping. Hey Erin, how'd u do on ur finals?? I am done!!yaaay

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by azaleagarden

Hi everyone,
After being off lexapro completely for 43 days, I am feeling worse mood-wise than I was when I first went completely off it. I think my psychiatrist believes I am no longer having withdrawls and should go back on meds. I'd appreciate some input from people who have been off for awhile.

I was on SSRIs for about 11 years (lexapro since 2003) and about 6 months ago decided to taper off. At the time I was feeling ok, I wasn't sure the meds were doing much anyway, and thought it would be good to get off in case we decided to have a baby.

I was at 20mg and tapered to 15mg, then to 10, 7.5, 5, and finally 2.5 mg. I spent 18-30 days on each phase of the taper. I have also been on Neurontin (gabapentin) 900mg since 2003 and birth control. I got a normal telltale range of withdrawl symptoms from the lexapro- the weird hungover feeling I call 'sloshy head', brain zaps, dizziness, some mood changes.

It got harder with my last two reductions- I found that I started to get weepy at 5mg and suicidal thoughts at 2.5. The physical symptoms seem to have gone away entirely, but I now have mood swings, crying spells, suicidal thoughts every now and then, anxiety (I had never felt anything like this before), despair, and a general lack of pleasure, like my original depression sypmtoms 11 years ago. My libido is still non-existant, just like it was on the lexapro (I was hoping that would have improved).

My doctor seems to think I will continue to feel worse unless I go back on the meds again, or try another SSRI. Could it still be withdrawal after almost 43 days, even if I am not having physical symptoms any more? Is there hope that it will get better any time soon?

seems like you were describing me to the T. My libido is coming back nice and slow after taking my last Lexapro pill in February 27, 2008. I got the brain shivers or zaps. Folks describe them differently but I think it is all one in the same. Seems like I compare it to a V8 engine. The Lexparo served as the 8th spark plug and ran pretty good - you didnt even consciously think about your nervous illness or depression. When removed (tapered or not), the engine begins to misfire aka withdrawal symptoms.

Seems like every week, I would get one physical symptom to vanish but then a new one emerge. 4-5 days after my last Lexapro pill, I got very moody, irritated, hard-to-concentrate (Salsa class was that way and I missed my steps!). Then, 2-3 days after that, I would be walking down the hall at work and bzzzz or fuzzzzz right in my head, then transmit through my body, and get disoriented for a few seconds. About a month and a half after my last pill, no more brain shivers (or became very minimal).

But of course, we're not done here yet! Whooozy, light headedness, stop it stop it stop it! Bonine was ok but wasnt helping. After almost 1 month of light headedness, it finally is subsiding. Not 100% gone but not as bad or noticeable.

Yep, I get "feeling in the dumps" here and there but I have learned to accept it and carry on to whatever I need/want to do, even if I don't feel like it. They say after doing this over and over, you eventually recover on your own and I believe that. It has worked with my anxieties - I just accept it and let go...pretty much telling it to go ahead and get me, I'll live.

Hang in there....

[nhojttennits]

I just finished a 12 week double blind pfizer drug study for GAD and whatever I was taking was awesome. My anxiety was COMPLETELY gone during the study as if I was a new person. When the study was nearing the end my doc said I was probably tapering off but I never experienced any side effects other than the onset of my anxiety again. I told him I would love to take something close to the study meds so he prescribed 10 mg lexapro.

So now I'm on day 3 of taking Lexapro and am scared to continue after reading some of the stories on here. I have a few questions:

Why are you stopping?
Is it because of the weight gain? or because you don't want to be on meds for the rest of your life?
Does everyone gain weight from it?
How effective was it in handling your anxiety?
Is the withdrawal worse the longer you take it?

Thanks!

[ivysphotomom]

Just catching up after a busy few days.

My daughter turned 9 on Friday, so of course, we had like 5 days of parties/celebrations!!

Tomorrow will be the 2 week mark from my start of my liquid lexapro taper. I had been on a 10mg tablet (well, breaking a 20mg in half - not an exact science!), and first tried to drop to 9mg. I was fine for about 5 days, then had a particularly bad day. Mainly just so exhausted, couldn't wake up, felt like I wasn't in my body, etc. The next few days weren't so bad.

But the last 3 days, the same. Oh, after that one bad day last week, I bumped up to 9.5mg of lex. I've been holding steady on that since, even though I feel like ********************.

My jaw is tight again, my vision is blurry, I never did get brain zaps (thank goodness), my blood sugar drops super low, I get really shaky, etc.

I'm not sure what to do. At some point, I need to move off the 10mg. I know Julia said you need to adjust first to the liquid. I'm not sure how the liquid could be different from the tablet. I'm measuring it accurately.

One thought I had recently, is that last fall, I may have been experiencing withdrawal for months, even while being on lex. Because for the first month, I took 15mg, then dropped to 10mg, which I was on for 3 months. So during that 3 months on the lex, and feeling terrible w/drawal stuff, I could have very well been going through w/drawal, even on 10mg!!!!

Geeze. If I feel this ********************py, why draw it out? Maybe I should just drop to 7.5mg for a while, and bite the bullet and just get it over faster?

Yeah, Erin, I've read a lot about cortisol levels. In addition to having Hashimotos Hypothyroidism, I've been dx years ago with pretty bad adrenal insufficiency. Nothing like adding weak adrenals into them mix!

I also 'forget' to eat! Though I've noticed being on the lex, makes me ravenously hungry sometimes! I try to ignore it, thinking if I eat that much, I'll be HUGE! But it does make sense about needing small meals to keep my body from thinking it's starving....I also think age makes a difference. I just turned 46. And, I don't really exercise. Duh. My assistant just gave me two Pilates and Yoga DVDs she swears by. I'll have to check them out.

Well, time to get in the shower, then maybe eat something!

Any thoughts on what's going on would be most appreciated...

~Mary

[Rosalinde]

Originally Posted by nhojttennits

I just finished a 12 week double blind pfizer drug study for GAD and whatever I was taking was awesome. My anxiety was COMPLETELY gone during the study as if I was a new person. When the study was nearing the end my doc said I was probably tapering off but I never experienced any side effects other than the onset of my anxiety again. I told him I would love to take something close to the study meds so he prescribed 10 mg lexapro.

So now I'm on day 3 of taking Lexapro and am scared to continue after reading some of the stories on here. I have a few questions:

Why are you stopping?
Is it because of the weight gain? or because you don't want to be on meds for the rest of your life?
Does everyone gain weight from it?
How effective was it in handling your anxiety?
Is the withdrawal worse the longer you take it?

Thanks!

Hi. Yes, Lexapro works at first, but it screws up your brain's normal functions over time, giving you worse problems than you began with. The majority of people do gain weight on the drug. I went from a 127 pound size 4/6 to a 165 pound size 12 in 5 months. The drug is extremely difficult to get off of. Doctors recommend a taper of about 3 months which leaves people with horrible side effects. I tapered much slower from July '07 until April '08. Once off the drug, it can take up to 18 months for your brain to heal and you to return to normal. The nervous system is hypersensitive during this time and normal life stuff is extremely hard to deal with.

I have been off the drug for one month and am experiencing a lot of depersonalization, depression and fatigue. I had none of these before the drug. I was put on it for a mild case of insomnia. Big mistake. The 40 pound weight gain is not budging in spite of regular exercise and healthy eating. This drug changed my life for the worse. It is dangerous to manipulate the brain this way. It will be a year or so before I am my old energetic thin self again. What a mistake I made.

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by nhojttennits

So now I'm on day 3 of taking Lexapro and am scared to continue after reading some of the stories on here. I have a few questions:

Why are you stopping?
Is it because of the weight gain? or because you don't want to be on meds for the rest of your life?
Does everyone gain weight from it?
How effective was it in handling your anxiety?
Is the withdrawal worse the longer you take it?

Thanks!

Why I want to stop SSRI med's:
1. NO sex drive....I am a 35 yr old woman and SHOULD be in my prime! WRONG!!
2. Sexual disfunction! difficulty achieving orgasm. Significant loss of intensity when I do.
3. Lack of R.E.M /deep sleep. CONSTANT fatigue.
4. APATHY! when you are at a point that you no longer CARE about anything, you realise how beautiful life was when you "had" feelings that you did not label as "BLAH".
5. Stomache problems: acid reflux, gas, bloating and constipation.
6. Prolonged antidepressant use is hell on the hormones....and that sucks.

The list could go on indeffinately. The longer you use antidepressants, the more difficulty you will have stopping them. Withdrawls are HELL but, not just from lexapro. ALL SSRI have a discontinuation/withdrawl associated with them, some worse than others. If lexapro helps you and you wish to continue taking it then, that is your choice however, please keep in mind that lexapro (any SSRI realy) is not intended for "LONG TERM USE" these medications alter the way that your brain functions. They DO NOT "fix" the problem, they merely alter brain function to compensate for the problem. SSRI do not in any way help the body to produce more serotonin. SSRI simply prevent the uptake of the serotonin that is available so that it stays in the cleft longer, "soaking" more or less. So, if the theory that low serotonin levels is at the root of the problem then, the "problems" associated with this would be better treated by raising serotonin levels, not by altering the function of the neurotransmitters. If I had only known all of this 11 years ago, I would have been off of SSRI med's a LONG,LONG, LONG time ago. This is my oppinion. Educate yourself the best that you can about this class of medications so that you may make an INFORMED choice. Psychiatrists and General practitioners are not likely to acknowledge issues associated with this class of medication and many will tell you that the "withdrawl" symptoms are rare or, something equaly as rediculous. I am NOT trying to scare you here. I am only giving you "the heads up". I wish the best of luck to you...Peace....Erin

[erinkj]

Okay woman, I am getting quite worried about you! Where are you? HOW are you? I take that back. I am not "getting" worried about you; I "AM WORRIED" about you. Post a "Hello" at least please, so that I know you are o.k......Hugs...Erin

[Ohwell]

Haven't been on in awhile. Playing sea-saw with my thryoid levels again.
Feeling a bit jittery lately. But better over all. I am at 8 months off Lex. now. ITs nasty rainy here in the midwest. We've got like 5 inches today and still raining.

I just added something called "liverforce" organic mushrooms in pill form to help my liver. Suppose to also add a bit of energy as well. I'm hoping it helps! My sex drive is also gone. The lex. certainly doesn't help in that area!
Good luck all and take your supplements daily! Eat well. ohwell.

[Rosalinde]

Originally Posted by sctschk

Hi all. It's been quite some time since my last post here and I wanted to update (and possibly encourage) you guys that around the 12-14mo mark, it DOES GET CONSIDERABLY BETTER! While, yes, this is a long time, the recovery and symptoms of my Lex withdrawal waxed and waned throughout this period. Just when I thought I was through, some physical ailment would return and harass me for a week or so. I am now 14mo out and I can with confidence say that I am 99.9% back to normal!! I had what I believe a toxic reaction to Lexapro in February of 2007 when I was put on it to relieve major panic disorder. Take a search of my username (sctschk) to see the list of reactions I had to endure over the time my body was recovering... not fun! I can say now though that I think I've finally healed... or at least have very VERY minor residual problems over the past few months. I would say 12mo is a good target to feel "normal" based on my experience. All problems have finally gone away, and all I'm left with now are just very sensitive/ticklish feet. Guess that's not too bad considering the rest - eh??? Probably normal for me anyway, I just didn't notice it before!!

So, I wanted to pop in and let you all know that no matter how hard the road is, how ********************py you feel, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. It DOES get better and you can make it. And the best part about it is that not only did I overcome the Lex reaction, but the panic disorder too. I am so grateful to have my life back!!! Who hooo!!

Jo

Thank you for posting this. I think when people start feeling better they stop coming around which is understandable. Still, it is such an encouragement to read this. I am one month off the Lexapro after tapering for nine months, and it is very difficult right now. It is hard not to be frustrated and to want to force myself to be my old self again.

[Rosalinde]

Originally Posted by erinkj

Personaly, I have lost a few pounds with each reduction in dose. ( pounds I don't realy need to loose, not that I am complaining) I know several people who have lost considerable weight within weeks to a few months of stopping SSRI's. An example: I was on Paxil for 6 years and gained 20 pounds as a result. I lost 30 pounds within 3 months of going off of paxil without even trying. The weight loss depends on several factors such as any damage that may be done to your body due to taking lexapro. Lexapro can cause an excess of cortisol production for many people which causes weight gain, especially around the belly. Lexapro can also bring about adrenal fatigue and significant changes in hormones such as estrogen, all of which will result in gaining weight. Toxic build up in the liver will interfear with it's ability to function properly also resulting in weight issues (as well as other probs) use a liver cleansing supplement such as milk thistle or Lecethin. ( I think Lecethin is better for weight loss because it breaks down fats) and some advise against using milk thistle while taking lexapro. If you have tried to loose weight with excersize, diet, etc to no avail then, I reccomend that you have your cortisol levels checked as well as T3, T4 and a full hormone panel via saliva samples( this method is more accurate than blood tests, cheaper to). Note to ALL: Hormonal changes due to lexapro use are quite common and not just female specific, these changes occur in men as well. For that matter these problems are not contained to Lexapro but to ALL SSRI medications although, it appears to be more frequent among Lexapro users..Peace...Erin

Question: Do the hormonal changes reverse once the drug is stopped? How long does this take?

[Rosalinde]

Originally Posted by erinkj

I wonder if I should start a new thread for this?! . There is so very much for me to say on this subject. (weight loss)
First, a few basics. 1. There is no such thing as a "one size fits all" diet or excersize routine. To successfuly implement diet and excersize routines, they MUST be tailored to the INDIVIDUAL. ie: taking ALL of the factors into consideration such as: Age, goal, health, etc. So, the first thing every person needs to do is a complete assessment. (I can outline that for you if you like)
2. You will NOT loose fat if you do not build muscle!!! no way around that. this does NOT mean that you have to kill yourselves with lifting weights or that you will look like a man. Building muscle is far easier than fad dieting and less strenuouse than it sounds. You would be amazed at how simply this can be accomplished by things that you already do everyday. (I can advise on this also).
3. IGNORE the ever popular BMI (body mass index)!!! The BMI does NOT take body composition into account. Muscle weighs far more than fat! Example: my husband is 6'2" tall and weighs 250 lbs, according to the BMI he is in the "high risk" end and overweight???WRONG! The only fat my husband has is between his ears!!. He is very muscular hence, his weight. I am 5'7" tall and my weight averages 140lbs yet, I wear a size 5 and depending on the brand they can be loose. My sister is also 5'7" but weighs 125 lbs and wears size 9, we have the same frame size/bone structure, the difference is that I have more muscle than she does; which illustrates my point.
4. HIDE YOUR SCALE! Never weigh yourself more than once per week, once per month is better. As you gain muscle the scale WILL rise before it fall's. So, don't focus on the numbers. Water weight fluctuates DAILY, even hourly at times...Always allow at least a 3 lb weight fluctuation for this.
5. EAT MORE!!! 5 small meals per day..this can be difficult, believe me; I know. NEVER skip breakfast, it wakes up your fat burning furnace for the rest of the day...breakfast is your kickstart! Lean protiene (sp) is essential to build muscle. (again, more on this if you want) Don't starve yourself, that will only defeat weight loss. The only true rule on food is MODERATION. Even chocolate is okay so long as you balance your overall diet. (again, more)
6.Strengthen your core! This is an excellent way to build muscle and the benefits are ENDLESS..Think PILATES!

I reccomend 7-keto supplements.
7-keto is a safe DHEA metabolite and
has been the subject of research and
clinical study. Researchers believe 7-keto,
like DHEA, plays a role in many body
functions, including immune response,
memory, skin integrity, and weight
management. DHEA’s conversion to
the sex hormones has been a cause for
concern. Elevated DHEA levels can cause
a build-up of testosterone and estrogen
in men and women, increasing their risk
for reproductive cancers, such breast and
prostate cancers.Based on the work of Dr. Henry
Lardy of the University of Wisconsin
Department of Biochemistry, we know
7-keto offers many of DHEA’s benefits
without conversion into the sex hormones
estrogen and testosterone. As for weight
loss, Dr. Lardy's research shows 7-keto is
even more potent than DHEA for stimulating
enzymes in the liver responsible
for thermogenesis (burning calories).
Dr. Lardy was awarded a U.S. patent on
7-keto as a method for promoting weight control by treating a subject without.

As I said, maybe I should start a new thread for this. Tons more to say but, Past time to feed my clan so, gotta go for now, more later....This is just something to ponder for now...Catch ya later...Erin

Thank you very much. This is helpful. I've always been an avid exerciser and very tiny, but gained 35 pounds on Lex. It won't budge. I do one hour aerobics six days a week. I have also started walking 5 miles four times a week. I have noticed the scale going up a bit lately, and I bet it was increased muscle! Thanks, you have encouraged me.

[Rosalinde]

http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/reaction.htm

Very helpful information!!!

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by Rosalinde

Question: Do the hormonal changes reverse once the drug is stopped? How long does this take?

For some people the endocrine system (hormones) will re-regulate itself within a few months. For some, the changes may be permanent as in the case of premature menopause. HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is an option for some. The problem in answering this question is lies with the particular changes that have taken place for a particular person. Not all "cases" are the same. A large percentage of doctor's and medical re-searchers continue to deny that antideppresants cause any endocrine disruption however, there are medical re-searchers looking in this direction and conducting studies on this issue. Thus far, there are few studies concluded and published that I am aware of however, the few I have read point fingers to the antidepressant induced endocrine disruptions that we have been suspecting. Nothing will be done to fix or counteract this problem until medical science can confirm beyong doubt that it IS a problem. That said, it could be several years before ANYTHING is done. In the meantime we, the consumers must do our own detective work....I hope that helps toward an answer to your question. ....Peace...Erin

[Rosalinde]

Originally Posted by erinkj

For some people the endocrine system (hormones) will re-regulate itself within a few months. For some, the changes may be permanent as in the case of premature menopause. HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is an option for some. The problem in answering this question is lies with the particular changes that have taken place for a particular person. Not all "cases" are the same. A large percentage of doctor's and medical re-searchers continue to deny that antideppresants cause any endocrine disruption however, there are medical re-searchers looking in this direction and conducting studies on this issue. Thus far, there are few studies concluded and published that I am aware of however, the few I have read point fingers to the antidepressant induced endocrine disruptions that we have been suspecting. Nothing will be done to fix or counteract this problem until medical science can confirm beyong doubt that it IS a problem. That said, it could be several years before ANYTHING is done. In the meantime we, the consumers must do our own detective work....I hope that helps toward an answer to your question. ....Peace...Erin

That is incredibly scary. Are there physical signs that point to premature menopause or permanent hormone change? I am 32 and was on Lexapro 10 mg for a year. Then I tapered for 9 months. I've been off a month. My symptoms currently include weight that won't budge, lack of energy and motivation, vague mental state at times, irritability. I also feel a lack of ability to cope with normal everyday stresses. However, I am MUCH better than I was on the drug.

Other than that, no symptoms. Does it sound to you like perhaps I have escaped the permanent hormonal change? My periods have remained regular throughout being on the drug, tapering and now.

I also wanted to mention that this scares me to death because my husband of 10 years and I have not had children yet and would really like to in the next few years before I get much older. Please, God, don't let this be one more thing that has been ruined because of my foolish decision to take the Lexapro and my doctor's ignorance and irresponsibility in suggesting it.

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by Rosalinde

That is incredibly scary. Are there physical signs that point to premature menopause or permanent hormone change? I am 32 and was on Lexapro 10 mg for a year. Then I tapered for 9 months. I've been off a month. My symptoms currently include weight that won't budge, lack of energy and motivation, vague mental state at times, irritability. I also feel a lack of ability to cope with normal everyday stresses. However, I am MUCH better than I was on the drug.

Other than that, no symptoms. Does it sound to you like perhaps I have escaped the permanent hormonal change? My periods have remained regular throughout being on the drug, tapering and now.

I also wanted to mention that this scares me to death because my husband of 10 years and I have not had children yet and would really like to in the next few years before I get much older. Please, God, don't let this be one more thing that has been ruined because of my foolish decision to take the Lexapro and my doctor's ignorance and irresponsibility in suggesting it.

You may lower the alarm flag! I am so sorry, I did not intend to cause you upset. When I discussed "pre-mature menopause" I should have been more clear. I highly doubt that you are in danger of such a problem. In my re-search of "menopause" I have found evidence indicating that anti-depressants may speed up this course of nature as well as complicate it for SOME women, primarily women who have used SSRI med's long term and who range in age from 38-46. (this is not absolutely proven YET). Interestingly, women who have a history of anxiety and panic disorders are more likely to enter menopause earlier than those who do not. (statisticly). Some women experience a loss of menstrual cycle while on lexapro or after stopping it, I have never had this happen but, there are several women who have posted here in the past that had this happen however, it was not permanent. I have found nothing to indicate fertility problems associated with anti-depressants either unless, "lack of sex drive" could be considered a fertility issue . So, do not fret! Anti-depressants, lexapro in particular, appear to cause an increase in cortisol levels. Higher levels of cortisol will cause weight gain targeting the belly area, irritability and increased anxiety to name a few. Cortisol levels should have no affect on your ability to get pregnant but it may have alot to do with weight problems so, you may want to get your cortisol and t3/t4 checked. The most accurate testing for these is via saliva and is less expensive than blood tests. Ideally, you should get a full hormone panel run because it will at least provide a "base line" of your levels that will be very helpful to you and your physician in the event that you have any future hormonal problems. My advice? Take your supplements, excersize, smile and BREATHE...Peace...Erin

[dancinsunshine]

Just thought i'd pop in and say hello to all of u and update the my taper process. I have dropped from 30mgs to 20mgs(2 1/2-3 wks) and now to 15mgs for the last four days or so. I have had a few side effects such as the brain freeze feeling..not so much zaps on and off and the biggest one restless legs at night!! I am continuing to take my supplements daily and exercising also doing about an hour of cardio daily. I don't feel too bad so far. I remember the last time i dropped i felt more side effects around 5-7 days so i am waiting still for that! Overall i am keep positive though. If i feel anxious, i am telling myself "this is just the withdrawl" and it passes. I learned alot about positive self talk a while back and its coming in handy. Also, i am praying ALOT. God is helping me thru this along with my amazing boyfriend who lets me cry on his shoulder!! Except last night when he was worried about my mascara that was all over my face. I just was overwhelmed with frustrattion of how i feel deceived by the Dr's that put us on this ********************!! I do not recommend it to anyone unless they stay on a very low dose so that it doesnt take to long to taper off and the side effects won't be so bad. I think every thing happens for a reason. This process is bringing me closer to my God and also to my boyfriend. The thing is though, i feel a little snappy when it comes to family and hope it gets better. They know whats going on, but not as well as my man.
I got a double whammy doing the drop in mgs this week, because i started my period too!! Wow talk about emotional!! I know now that it is o.k. to cry, and i honestly stopped last night and was thankful that i had that feeling back. I think i was numb for a long time to real emotion and it's coming out. Now i just have to relearn how to deal with life on lifes terms and not ignore it by taking 30mgs of Lexapro. So...i am down to half the amount of the dose i was taking a month ago. My Dr. wanted me to do this in two weeks. uhhhh no i don't think so. I am so glad i can come here and vent. I know i may be rambling so i will close now. I hope and pray all is well with all of u as we take this crazy journey together. Oh sex drive is doing great too by theway to those of u that worry about it not coming back! Mine never left , but it's feeling stronger each day!! So i have hope for all of u.
luvs

[lovedby2]

I am new to this discussion board. I am not sure if I am posting correctly. Anyway, I am desperate to get information about amounts needed to go off Lexapro. I have been on 5mg of Lexapro for about three years. I have felt terrible the whole time, not understanding it was the drug. I want to go off and since I am on such a low dose, I am not sure how to go about it. I get electric shocks if I miss a dose. I now cut the 10mg in half to 5mg. I have always been on 5mg. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by lovedby2

I am new to this discussion board. I am not sure if I am posting correctly. Anyway, I am desperate to get information about amounts needed to go off Lexapro. I have been on 5mg of Lexapro for about three years. I have felt terrible the whole time, not understanding it was the drug. I want to go off and since I am on such a low dose, I am not sure how to go about it. I get electric shocks if I miss a dose. I now cut the 10mg in half to 5mg. I have always been on 5mg. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

Hello and welcome! You should reduce your dose by no more than 10% at a time. With 5mg pills, that is difficult to cut with accuracy. Ask your doctor to prescribe liquid lexapro at a 5 mg strength and start reducing by 1/2 a mg at first to see how you feel. If the withdrawl is not so bad then you could try 1 mg reductions. You should wait AT LEAST 2 weeks between dose reductions to make sure that you are stable before reducing again. It can take as long as 7 days before you feel any difference from the lowered dose which is why you need to wait before lowering the dose again. If you do not take a multi-vitamin now then, I recomend that you begin taking a good quality multi along with fish oil, lecithin, and a calcium/magnesium with vit D supplements. The supplements help more than most people realize. If you cannot get the liquid then, Aunty has instructions posted here for mixing your own from the pills. Good luck. If you have any other questions please, feel free to ask..Welcome ....Peace...Erin

[erinkj]

Ohwell: I saw your post and I am sorry you are having a tough time. I wish I could help. Keep your chin up! . I am worried about Julia! any chance that you or anyone else may have heard from her?

Mary: Try not to overdo it with all the ball games but, do enjoy the sunshine if you can. You still having light sensetivity?


JULIA: CHECK IN, I AM WORRIED ABOUT YOU!

Peace and hug's to all....Erin

[erinkj]

Keep up the good work , you are comming along beautifly! I am SOO glad that finals are over...nowm we can both take deep breathes and relax ...Peace...Erin

[LexaGROSS]

I weened off Lexapro about a year ago, just before I graduated from college. I had mood swings and brain zaps, but I was fine soon after.

I got on it again, however, last fall and I'm sick of it. I have to force myself to do anything inimate with my boyfriend...not because I don't love him, but because I have absolutly no desire that way. That stupid, bloody Lexapro has stolen my youthful passion from me. So, I took a pill every other day, then half a pill every other day, and then stopped. Maybe too soon. I have hot flashes, cold chills and felt genrally strange until last wednesday...that day I experience forgetfullness and confusions, I couldn't tell my boyfriend what the date was or when his birthday was. I couldn't repeat answers to questions I was told. It was like something wasn't connecting right. Then, as we were going up some stairs I apparently lost it. I either blacked out or feinted, because I fell off the steps, busted my lip, bit my tongue and was shaking and gasping for breath and bruised lots of other body parts.

My questions: Has anyone heard of this total confusion from withdrawal? My mind was just not working, not connecting somehow and it is terrifying. Then, I fell off the stairs, and I was awake while the ambulance came and got me, but I dont' remember anything until just before I arrived at the hospital. Has anyone else had this similar brain-malfunctioning feeling?
Please help!

[MomToBe]

I currently take lexapro and im pregnant. The doctors told me i need to stay on it for now. I hate taking it. I have been on anti depressants since i was your daughters age. I have had horrible libdo issues from taking them, i feel that is a problem i will always have now from taking them since i was so young. I have tryed to stop taking them before and i feel like electric pulses are going through my body, i hate it! my advise is to get her off fast and never get her back on! i would so much rather be depressed then deal with the side effects!

[neveradullmoment]

LexaGROSS,
I have had the same symptoms and still due currently.As far as blacking out,no I havn't but light headed now and then yes.
I took Lex for yrs and stopped cold turkey.It has been 9 months and everyday is a bit better and some are Great.Allthough some days I feel like I am under the Bus.
Read theses threads in detail and get yourself fit nutritionally and exercise actively and be patient.hehe
Good Luck