![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 33. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Greenhornet on February 17, 2005, at 19:14:53
It has been quite sometime since I posted here. As of now I am off all medications except Lexapro and Wellbutrin and Whooh, -- I just cant seem to taper the Lexapro down slowly enough! If I go below 5mgm 3x a week I get the worst anxiety/akesthesia/jump-out-of-my-skin reaction! It is about the worst thing I can ever remember. I am using the liquid (which costs a fortune) and trying to go down 1cc (which equals one mgm) but the night after I do that, it's jitter-city again. I have heard that getting on a short-half life SSRI such as Prozac can be helpful and I have also heard if using Klonapin. But I have a problem there as I cannot take Prozac and Wellbutrin together (screwy liver enzymes) and around here the docs seem to be terrified of ANY bonzodiazapine addict, addict if you ask for it!
PLEASE HELP ----- any input greatly appreciated.
Posted by Nixon on February 17, 2005, at 19:14:53
In reply to Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by Greenhornet on February 17, 2005, at 18:14:32
> It has been quite sometime since I posted here. As of now I am off all medications except Lexapro and Wellbutrin and Whooh, -- I just cant seem to taper the Lexapro down slowly enough! If I go below 5mgm 3x a week I get the worst anxiety/akesthesia/jump-out-of-my-skin reaction! It is about the worst thing I can ever remember. I am using the liquid (which costs a fortune) and trying to go down 1cc (which equals one mgm) but the night after I do that, it's jitter-city again. I have heard that getting on a short-half life SSRI such as Prozac can be helpful and I have also heard if using Klonapin. But I have a problem there as I cannot take Prozac and Wellbutrin together (screwy liver enzymes) and around here the docs seem to be terrified of ANY bonzodiazapine addict, addict if you ask for it!
> PLEASE HELP ----- any input greatly appreciated.
Hi,I took lexapro for about 6 months. I decided to switch to a long acting ssri, prozac, which I felt was better for anxiety and I suffered little withdrawal. If you use this method you *MAY* alleviate some of your withdrawal symptoms. Good Luck. JN
Posted by SLS on February 17, 2005, at 19:28:56
In reply to Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by Greenhornet on February 17, 2005, at 18:14:32
I would consider taking smaller doses of Lexapro more often. I don't think it makes sense to take it one day and skip two. I think you will have an easier time taking it every day.
- Scott
Posted by Greenhornet on February 18, 2005, at 7:37:31
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by SLS on February 17, 2005, at 19:28:56
I agree about having to take it every day. Although I did come off another med that way, it just doesn't seem to work with Lexapro in the long haul.
And speaking of "long hauls" I think from what I have read here and heard elsewhere anyone who wants to quit SSRIs had just better be ready fot a long drawn out process!! Thanks for your input.GH
Posted by bruin on February 18, 2005, at 9:03:33
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by Greenhornet on February 18, 2005, at 7:37:31
The best way to taper is 5-10% increments at the most and let your body stablize before contuining. Tell me, what else are you doing for yourself in terms of helping your body through the taper?
> I agree about having to take it every day. Although I did come off another med that way, it just doesn't seem to work with Lexapro in the long haul.
> And speaking of "long hauls" I think from what I have read here and heard elsewhere anyone who wants to quit SSRIs had just better be ready fot a long drawn out process!! Thanks for your input.GH
Posted by Greenhornet on February 18, 2005, at 9:23:25
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by bruin on February 18, 2005, at 9:03:33
bruin --
Yes I read somewhere that one should not taper any faster that 5% per week but that gets tough down toward the end You know the law of dimishing returns!! I am thinking of investing is a TB syringe (smaller increments)
Taking care of my self Hummmm, well, I pray daily, play tennis once or twice a week, eat mainly fish, rice wholegrains and vegetables, run three to five miles two or three times a week, sail our boat, ride horseback daily AND I am preparing for our fifth son's wedding in May.
Oh yes, forgot I am 63 years old and have been married to the same wonderful man for 40 years
I think I'm doing OK dont you??
Posted by Greenhornet on February 18, 2005, at 10:02:06
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by Greenhornet on February 18, 2005, at 9:23:25
Sorry -- I reread my above post and besides leaving out that I also eat six or seven servings of fruit/day, I realize that it all sounded a bit conceited..My apologies, but I am a woman of great peace and content Oh, we have had our share of difficulties, so I'm a bit of a realist too !!
Posted by Ritch on February 19, 2005, at 14:20:14
In reply to Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by Greenhornet on February 17, 2005, at 18:14:32
> It has been quite sometime since I posted here. As of now I am off all medications except Lexapro and Wellbutrin and Whooh, -- I just cant seem to taper the Lexapro down slowly enough! If I go below 5mgm 3x a week I get the worst anxiety/akesthesia/jump-out-of-my-skin reaction! It is about the worst thing I can ever remember. I am using the liquid (which costs a fortune) and trying to go down 1cc (which equals one mgm) but the night after I do that, it's jitter-city again. I have heard that getting on a short-half life SSRI such as Prozac can be helpful and I have also heard if using Klonapin. But I have a problem there as I cannot take Prozac and Wellbutrin together (screwy liver enzymes) and around here the docs seem to be terrified of ANY bonzodiazapine addict, addict if you ask for it!
> PLEASE HELP ----- any input greatly appreciated.
I used to take WB and Celexa together. I later tried WB by itself and it made me too anxious. It might be possible that you are having trouble getting off Lexapro because the WB is too activating. Maybe a lower dose of WB would make it easier to get off Lexapro? Here's a "strategy" I had for getting off Celexa that worked remarkably well: Dexedrine 5-10mg/day (spread out). I didn't "intend" to get "off" Celexa using the dexedrine, I just stopped thinking about taking any Celexa and it didn't seem to matter if I took it or not. Weird I know, and probably a one-off experience unique to me, but it was for real. I didn't seem to notice that I "needed" the Celexa. I'm also equivocating Celexa with Lexapro here, just making the assumption that they are close enough to be regarded as the same to get off of. Hope this helps... (lower WB?, use dexedrine?)
Posted by oiselle2000 on February 19, 2005, at 22:05:20
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro » Greenhornet, posted by Ritch on February 19, 2005, at 14:20:14
I have been totally off of Lexapro since December & it took me about 10-12 weeks to wean myself completely (I took 20 mg./day). The nausea & dizziness were absolutely awful, but fortunately those have subsided. Since about November I have been experiencing crying spells & really rotten moods where I get extremely angry for no apparent reason. I took Zoloft for about 8.5 years then switched to Lexapro for about 1.5 years (so basically I've taken some form of anti-depressant for over 10 years). Does anyone know for how long these crummy feelings will last?
Posted by bruin on February 20, 2005, at 3:27:52
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro » Ritch, posted by oiselle2000 on February 19, 2005, at 22:05:20
No telling how long. Your biochemistry has been altered and your CNS has been thrown in disarray. However, crying spells are definitely part of the withdrawal.
> I have been totally off of Lexapro since December & it took me about 10-12 weeks to wean myself completely (I took 20 mg./day). The nausea & dizziness were absolutely awful, but fortunately those have subsided. Since about November I have been experiencing crying spells & really rotten moods where I get extremely angry for no apparent reason. I took Zoloft for about 8.5 years then switched to Lexapro for about 1.5 years (so basically I've taken some form of anti-depressant for over 10 years). Does anyone know for how long these crummy feelings will last?
>
>
Posted by bruin on February 20, 2005, at 3:39:11
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by Greenhornet on February 18, 2005, at 9:23:25
Sorry for taking so long to reply. Crazy time in my life. I used a file for my Lex. I have heard about putting it in seltzer or something, letting it dissolve and then having a way to measure how much you are taking.
You sound like you are doing great. Makes me wonder why you were on Lex to begin with:-)
Nonetheless, two things I would add is drinking tons of spring water every day. Also, have you ever juiced? Lastly, the only thing I would add is some more protein. Try this:
http://www.primaldefense.net/goatein.htm
It helps restore depleted glutathione, which is a necessity if cells are to heal.I'd also add Magnesium. Not knowing anything right now I'd say go with citrate, which is a good kind. Don't get any mag that is a mag/calcium combo. Hinders uptake. The mag will help with anxiety, sleep, restoring proper pH, and proper maintenance of the CNS. Solgar is a good brand and I've have success with amino mag 200, which I believe is made by Douglas labratories.
Lastly, maybe a good multivitamin and colloidial trace minerals. Get both in the liquid form. THey are much more effective that way.
> bruin --
> Yes I read somewhere that one should not taper any faster that 5% per week but that gets tough down toward the end You know the law of dimishing returns!! I am thinking of investing is a TB syringe (smaller increments)
> Taking care of my self Hummmm, well, I pray daily, play tennis once or twice a week, eat mainly fish, rice wholegrains and vegetables, run three to five miles two or three times a week, sail our boat, ride horseback daily AND I am preparing for our fifth son's wedding in May.
> Oh yes, forgot I am 63 years old and have been married to the same wonderful man for 40 years
> I think I'm doing OK dont you??
Posted by bell_75 on February 20, 2005, at 4:30:51
In reply to Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by Greenhornet on February 17, 2005, at 18:14:32
> It has been quite sometime since I posted here. As of now I am off all medications except Lexapro and Wellbutrin and Whooh, -- I just cant seem to taper the Lexapro down slowly enough! If I go below 5mgm 3x a week I get the worst anxiety/akesthesia/jump-out-of-my-skin reaction! It is about the worst thing I can ever remember. I am using the liquid (which costs a fortune) and trying to go down 1cc (which equals one mgm) but the night after I do that, it's jitter-city again. I have heard that getting on a short-half life SSRI such as Prozac can be helpful and I have also heard if using Klonapin. But I have a problem there as I cannot take Prozac and Wellbutrin together (screwy liver enzymes) and around here the docs seem to be terrified of ANY bonzodiazapine addict, addict if you ask for it!
> PLEASE HELP ----- any input greatly appreciated.Hi
I am very reccently trying to come off Lexapro and experiencing difficulty with my withdrawal symptoms so I was so glad to read your thread and see that I'm not alone..as unfortunate as that is to all of us that this unpleasantness has to exist.
I was on Effexor for 1 year then changed to Lexapro because of high blood pressure probs while on FX. I was then on Lexapro for 1 year and a half and just 2 weeks ago my doc said it would be a good time for me to go off my meds now.
I asked him what the effects of going off Lexapro would be and he vaguely said "oh people experience the usual bit of nausea for awhile but thats it"
As i was going on vacation the day after i saw him i decided to not start tapering off my meds until i got back. Thank god i did too!
My advice from my doc was "half a tablet for 4 days then stop". I did that and uuuuuck.
Everyday since I've been suffering terrible headache at the front of my head, sick in the stomach, the crying spells that I've discovered are a common side effect of going off and very random mood swings mostly angry and irritable.
I'm hoping these headaches will cease soon as I'm starting my first year of a college degree tomorrow..eek. So I'm going to be quite busy and need to be able to focus on schoolwork.
I'm sorry i cant be of much help but it was quite useful to discover that there is other people experience the same as me and that we can all support each other through it.
A few things I've found to bring me some sort of relief from the symptoms are plenty of water, meditation like simply lying on my bed with eyes closed and relaxing or giving myself a head massage, watching some happy/funny movies and talking with close friends :)
Ive come to realise now that when you're experiencing yucky stuff like this you need to look after yourself to the best of your ability and..if your lucky enough..let other people look after you too :)*hugs* Keep in touch
~Bell
Posted by oiselle2000 on February 20, 2005, at 13:35:59
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro-Oiselle, posted by bruin on February 20, 2005, at 3:27:52
Thanks for your response. What is CNS though?
> No telling how long. Your biochemistry has been altered and your CNS has been thrown in disarray. However, crying spells are definitely part of the withdrawal.
>
> > I have been totally off of Lexapro since December & it took me about 10-12 weeks to wean myself completely (I took 20 mg./day). The nausea & dizziness were absolutely awful, but fortunately those have subsided. Since about November I have been experiencing crying spells & really rotten moods where I get extremely angry for no apparent reason. I took Zoloft for about 8.5 years then switched to Lexapro for about 1.5 years (so basically I've taken some form of anti-depressant for over 10 years). Does anyone know for how long these crummy feelings will last?
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by oiselle2000 on February 20, 2005, at 13:41:47
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by bell_75 on February 20, 2005, at 4:30:51
One thing that has helped me with my Lexapro withdrawal (especially the nausea & dizziness) is getting regular acupuncture & taking herbal supplements. I'm still dealing with what my Dr. calls "labile moods" (where I pretty much feel like a monster from within shows his ugly head for a while). Good luck & hang in there.
> > It has been quite sometime since I posted here. As of now I am off all medications except Lexapro and Wellbutrin and Whooh, -- I just cant seem to taper the Lexapro down slowly enough! If I go below 5mgm 3x a week I get the worst anxiety/akesthesia/jump-out-of-my-skin reaction! It is about the worst thing I can ever remember. I am using the liquid (which costs a fortune) and trying to go down 1cc (which equals one mgm) but the night after I do that, it's jitter-city again. I have heard that getting on a short-half life SSRI such as Prozac can be helpful and I have also heard if using Klonapin. But I have a problem there as I cannot take Prozac and Wellbutrin together (screwy liver enzymes) and around here the docs seem to be terrified of ANY bonzodiazapine addict, addict if you ask for it!
> > PLEASE HELP ----- any input greatly appreciated.
>
> Hi
> I am very reccently trying to come off Lexapro and experiencing difficulty with my withdrawal symptoms so I was so glad to read your thread and see that I'm not alone..as unfortunate as that is to all of us that this unpleasantness has to exist.
> I was on Effexor for 1 year then changed to Lexapro because of high blood pressure probs while on FX. I was then on Lexapro for 1 year and a half and just 2 weeks ago my doc said it would be a good time for me to go off my meds now.
> I asked him what the effects of going off Lexapro would be and he vaguely said "oh people experience the usual bit of nausea for awhile but thats it"
> As i was going on vacation the day after i saw him i decided to not start tapering off my meds until i got back. Thank god i did too!
> My advice from my doc was "half a tablet for 4 days then stop". I did that and uuuuuck.
> Everyday since I've been suffering terrible headache at the front of my head, sick in the stomach, the crying spells that I've discovered are a common side effect of going off and very random mood swings mostly angry and irritable.
> I'm hoping these headaches will cease soon as I'm starting my first year of a college degree tomorrow..eek. So I'm going to be quite busy and need to be able to focus on schoolwork.
> I'm sorry i cant be of much help but it was quite useful to discover that there is other people experience the same as me and that we can all support each other through it.
> A few things I've found to bring me some sort of relief from the symptoms are plenty of water, meditation like simply lying on my bed with eyes closed and relaxing or giving myself a head massage, watching some happy/funny movies and talking with close friends :)
> Ive come to realise now that when you're experiencing yucky stuff like this you need to look after yourself to the best of your ability and..if your lucky enough..let other people look after you too :)
>
> *hugs* Keep in touch
>
> ~Bell
>
Posted by greenhornet on February 20, 2005, at 14:47:55
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro-Greenhornet, posted by bruin on February 20, 2005, at 3:39:11
> Sorry for taking so long to reply. Crazy time in my life. I used a file for my Lex. I have heard about putting it in seltzer or something, letting it dissolve and then having a way to measure how much you are taking.
>
> You sound like you are doing great. Makes me wonder why you were on Lex to begin with:-)
> Nonetheless, two things I would add is drinking tons of spring water every day. Also, have you ever juiced? Lastly, the only thing I would add is some more protein. Try this:
> http://www.primaldefense.net/goatein.htm
> It helps restore depleted glutathione, which is a necessity if cells are to heal.
>
> I'd also add Magnesium. Not knowing anything right now I'd say go with citrate, which is a good kind. Don't get any mag that is a mag/calcium combo. Hinders uptake. The mag will help with anxiety, sleep, restoring proper pH, and proper maintenance of the CNS. Solgar is a good brand and I've have success with amino mag 200, which I believe is made by Douglas labratories.
>
> Lastly, maybe a good multivitamin and colloidial trace minerals. Get both in the liquid form. THey are much more effective that way.
>
>
>
> > bruin --
> > Yes I read somewhere that one should not taper any faster that 5% per week but that gets tough down toward the end You know the law of dimishing returns!! I am thinking of investing is a TB syringe (smaller increments)
> > Taking care of my self Hummmm, well, I pray daily, play tennis once or twice a week, eat mainly fish, rice wholegrains and vegetables, run three to five miles two or three times a week, sail our boat, ride horseback daily AND I am preparing for our fifth son's wedding in May.
> > Oh yes, forgot I am 63 years old and have been married to the same wonderful man for 40 years
> > I think I'm doing OK dont you??
>
>Thanks for your input. The story of how I got started on antidepressants is a long one and is at once a "comedy-of-errors" / total screwup on someones part, and my error for not knowing thirty years ago what I know now.
While I appreciate your advice and respect your opinions perhaps it would be enlightening to some to know that there are some of us in this world who have gone a life-time and never used a food supplement or taken vitamins. Oh except for the time I was pregnant and nursing a baby. (Of course since we have six children than was quite a long period!) And since I mentioned my children, they too have lived very healthy, happy and productive lives and NEVER been given such things.
For them that means exactly that - never - as they have never been pregnant! They are all men !!
It is now beginning in the next generation also. None of my seven grandchildren have had anything but a very healthy diet either.
Lest you wonder about us still, there are three physicians four nurses and a nutritionist included in that group. Greenhornet
Posted by bruin on February 20, 2005, at 17:57:09
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro-Oiselle, posted by oiselle2000 on February 20, 2005, at 13:35:59
Central Nervous System
> Thanks for your response. What is CNS though?
>
> > No telling how long. Your biochemistry has been altered and your CNS has been thrown in disarray. However, crying spells are definitely part of the withdrawal.
> >
> > > I have been totally off of Lexapro since December & it took me about 10-12 weeks to wean myself completely (I took 20 mg./day). The nausea & dizziness were absolutely awful, but fortunately those have subsided. Since about November I have been experiencing crying spells & really rotten moods where I get extremely angry for no apparent reason. I took Zoloft for about 8.5 years then switched to Lexapro for about 1.5 years (so basically I've taken some form of anti-depressant for over 10 years). Does anyone know for how long these crummy feelings will last?
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by bruin on February 20, 2005, at 18:01:13
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro-Greenhornet, posted by greenhornet on February 20, 2005, at 14:47:55
Big difference. I am assuming your children haven't been on antidepressants. Hence, the need for minerals and vitamins depleted from the drug isn't as strong. Two points. You can't get all the proper minerals and vitamins from today's diet. Second, you body is crying out for these nutrients as it tries to heal from the damage done by the medication. A good diet is great, but one of only a many things you can do to tip the scales in your favor. Nonetheless, your body and your withdrawals. Best of luck.
> > Sorry for taking so long to reply. Crazy time in my life. I used a file for my Lex. I have heard about putting it in seltzer or something, letting it dissolve and then having a way to measure how much you are taking.
> >
> > You sound like you are doing great. Makes me wonder why you were on Lex to begin with:-)
> > Nonetheless, two things I would add is drinking tons of spring water every day. Also, have you ever juiced? Lastly, the only thing I would add is some more protein. Try this:
> > http://www.primaldefense.net/goatein.htm
> > It helps restore depleted glutathione, which is a necessity if cells are to heal.
> >
> > I'd also add Magnesium. Not knowing anything right now I'd say go with citrate, which is a good kind. Don't get any mag that is a mag/calcium combo. Hinders uptake. The mag will help with anxiety, sleep, restoring proper pH, and proper maintenance of the CNS. Solgar is a good brand and I've have success with amino mag 200, which I believe is made by Douglas labratories.
> >
> > Lastly, maybe a good multivitamin and colloidial trace minerals. Get both in the liquid form. THey are much more effective that way.
> >
> >
> >
> > > bruin --
> > > Yes I read somewhere that one should not taper any faster that 5% per week but that gets tough down toward the end You know the law of dimishing returns!! I am thinking of investing is a TB syringe (smaller increments)
> > > Taking care of my self Hummmm, well, I pray daily, play tennis once or twice a week, eat mainly fish, rice wholegrains and vegetables, run three to five miles two or three times a week, sail our boat, ride horseback daily AND I am preparing for our fifth son's wedding in May.
> > > Oh yes, forgot I am 63 years old and have been married to the same wonderful man for 40 years
> > > I think I'm doing OK dont you??
> >
> >
>
> Thanks for your input. The story of how I got started on antidepressants is a long one and is at once a "comedy-of-errors" / total screwup on someones part, and my error for not knowing thirty years ago what I know now.
> While I appreciate your advice and respect your opinions perhaps it would be enlightening to some to know that there are some of us in this world who have gone a life-time and never used a food supplement or taken vitamins. Oh except for the time I was pregnant and nursing a baby. (Of course since we have six children than was quite a long period!) And since I mentioned my children, they too have lived very healthy, happy and productive lives and NEVER been given such things.
> For them that means exactly that - never - as they have never been pregnant! They are all men !!
> It is now beginning in the next generation also. None of my seven grandchildren have had anything but a very healthy diet either.
> Lest you wonder about us still, there are three physicians four nurses and a nutritionist included in that group. Greenhornet
Posted by greenhornet on February 20, 2005, at 18:41:05
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro-Greenhornet, posted by bruin on February 20, 2005, at 18:01:13
> Big difference. I am assuming your children haven't been on antidepressants. Hence, the need for minerals and vitamins depleted from the drug isn't as strong. Two points. You can't get all the proper minerals and vitamins from today's diet. Second, you body is crying out for these nutrients as it tries to heal from the damage done by the medication. A good diet is great, but one of only a many things you can do to tip the scales in your favor. Nonetheless, your body and your withdrawals. Best of luck.
>
> > > Sorry for taking so long to reply. Crazy time in my life. I used a file for my Lex. I have heard about putting it in seltzer or something, letting it dissolve and then having a way to measure how much you are taking.
> > >
> > > You sound like you are doing great. Makes me wonder why you were on Lex to begin with:-)
> > > Nonetheless, two things I would add is drinking tons of spring water every day. Also, have you ever juiced? Lastly, the only thing I would add is some more protein. Try this:
> > > http://www.primaldefense.net/goatein.htm
> > > It helps restore depleted glutathione, which is a necessity if cells are to heal.
> > >
> > > I'd also add Magnesium. Not knowing anything right now I'd say go with citrate, which is a good kind. Don't get any mag that is a mag/calcium combo. Hinders uptake. The mag will help with anxiety, sleep, restoring proper pH, and proper maintenance of the CNS. Solgar is a good brand and I've have success with amino mag 200, which I believe is made by Douglas labratories.
> > >
> > > Lastly, maybe a good multivitamin and colloidial trace minerals. Get both in the liquid form. THey are much more effective that way.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > > bruin --
> > > > Yes I read somewhere that one should not taper any faster that 5% per week but that gets tough down toward the end You know the law of dimishing returns!! I am thinking of investing is a TB syringe (smaller increments)
> > > > Taking care of my self Hummmm, well, I pray daily, play tennis once or twice a week, eat mainly fish, rice wholegrains and vegetables, run three to five miles two or three times a week, sail our boat, ride horseback daily AND I am preparing for our fifth son's wedding in May.
> > > > Oh yes, forgot I am 63 years old and have been married to the same wonderful man for 40 years
> > > > I think I'm doing OK dont you??
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Thanks for your input. The story of how I got started on antidepressants is a long one and is at once a "comedy-of-errors" / total screwup on someones part, and my error for not knowing thirty years ago what I know now.
> > While I appreciate your advice and respect your opinions perhaps it would be enlightening to some to know that there are some of us in this world who have gone a life-time and never used a food supplement or taken vitamins. Oh except for the time I was pregnant and nursing a baby. (Of course since we have six children than was quite a long period!) And since I mentioned my children, they too have lived very healthy, happy and productive lives and NEVER been given such things.
> > For them that means exactly that - never - as they have never been pregnant! They are all men !!
> > It is now beginning in the next generation also. None of my seven grandchildren have had anything but a very healthy diet either.
> > Lest you wonder about us still, there are three physicians four nurses and a nutritionist included in that group. Greenhornet
>
>n reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro-Greenhornet, posted by greenhornet on February 20, 2005, at 14:47:55
"Big difference. I am assuming your children haven't been on antidepressants. Hence, the need for minerals and vitamins depleted from the drug isn't as strong. Two points. You can't get all the proper minerals and vitamins from today's diet. Second, you body is crying out for these nutrients as it tries to heal from the damage done by the medication. A good diet is great, but one of only a many things you can do to tip the scales in your favor. Nonetheless, your body and your withdrawals. Best of luck."
Bruin -
Thank you for your correction, my apologies for both my ignorance and for my arrogance. GH
Posted by sbmom on February 22, 2005, at 18:56:46
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro-Greenhornet » bruin, posted by greenhornet on February 20, 2005, at 18:41:05
I have been on Lexapro 10 mg since May of 2003 and am now trying to get off the Lexapro. My main symptoms are extreme dizziness and some muscle pain. How long is it going to take for the symptoms to subside? My doctor told me there is not a lower dose to go to in order to taper off. I just want to get off of this medication and go on with my life.
Posted by oiselle2000 on February 23, 2005, at 10:29:51
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by sbmom on February 22, 2005, at 18:56:46
There may not be a lower dose, but your doctor should have told you that you could use a pill cutter to reduce your dosage little by little (you can buy one at any drug store). When I was reducing I even cut my into quarter doses. The dizziness will subside. Mine was the worst a day or two after I reduced, but then would stabalize until I reduced again. Hang in there. It will get better. I also tried acupuncture for my dizziness & nausea and it was very helpful. It's a shame that doctors are not more helpful with drug withdrawal. Mine actually quit while I was in the middle of getting off of Lexapro & never informed me. I also never felt validated by her when I would try & discuss how bad my withdrawal was. She would tell me that my symptoms were "really rare" and never did or said that helped me. I was so frustrated. I realize now that these symptoms are more typical than atypical. I just wish doctors who prescribe these meds were better educated on the awful withdrawal symptoms that a lot of people experience. Good luck.
> I have been on Lexapro 10 mg since May of 2003 and am now trying to get off the Lexapro. My main symptoms are extreme dizziness and some muscle pain. How long is it going to take for the symptoms to subside? My doctor told me there is not a lower dose to go to in order to taper off. I just want to get off of this medication and go on with my life.
Posted by sbmom on February 24, 2005, at 11:02:26
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by oiselle2000 on February 23, 2005, at 10:29:51
Thanks for the info, I'll check into getting a pill cutter.
Posted by Spriggy on February 26, 2005, at 0:46:03
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by oiselle2000 on February 23, 2005, at 10:29:51
All I can say is take it SLOW. I wigged out on Lexapro (it caused akathasia in me) so my dr. told me to stop it. She failed to tell me HOW to stop the meds.
I weaned off in 3 days and then went off cold turkey.
I then spent the next 2 weeks in complete and utter HELL.. crying spells (no... more like WEEPING spells), hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, depersonalization, etc..
I ended up in the psych ward for 4 days because of this stupid drug.
Be careful. Take it slow. Otherwise your central nervous system will think it's a 5 year old at Chuck E Cheese.
Posted by Marietta on March 7, 2005, at 14:44:16
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by Spriggy on February 26, 2005, at 0:46:03
I was on 10mg for only about a yr and 4 mos. I am not a "lifer" just needed it to get thru some tragedies in my life at the time. I recently just STOPPED taking it (4 days ago) and feel fine. Will the "hell" start later? I am FINE with my life and think the Lex is a waste of my money since everything is on track??? Pls advise?
Posted by oiselle2000 on March 8, 2005, at 8:44:43
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by Marietta on March 7, 2005, at 14:44:16
I've heard that some people can just go cold turkey w/o symptoms of withdrawal. Either way, knowing how bad withdrawal can be, I wouldn't advise it & would work with your Dr. & taper of the Lexapro slowly just to be on the safe side.
Posted by SLS on March 8, 2005, at 11:01:19
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by Marietta on March 7, 2005, at 14:44:16
> I was on 10mg for only about a yr and 4 mos. I am not a "lifer" just needed it to get thru some tragedies in my life at the time. I recently just STOPPED taking it (4 days ago) and feel fine. Will the "hell" start later? I am FINE with my life and think the Lex is a waste of my money since everything is on track??? Pls advise?
Withdrawal symptoms sometimes take 3-4 days to develop. It is certainly possible that you won't experience anything intense as a withdrawal syndrome. I wish I could predict for you whether this will happen or not. I don't think it would hurt too much to take things one day at a time. However, if the withdrawal symptoms appear and are of significant magnitude, I think you should seriously think about reintroducing the drug and tapering from there.
If it were me, I would try reintroducing the Lexapro at 5.0mg and watch to see what happens. If the withdrawal symptoms remain unabated after 8 hours, I would then take an additional 5.0mg for that day. From there I would try to continue at 7.5 for a few days to a week and hope that your system accomodates to the reduced dosage. You could then lower it to 5.0mg. However, I would consider taking these smaller amounts of Lexapro several times a day. I think it helps the brain make a smoother transition and better avoids withdrawal symptoms. Take 2.5mg three time a day. When you reduce to 5.0mg, you might be ok taking 2.5mg twice a day. Ideally, it would be nice to use doses of 1.25mg to taper lower, but I don't know how well you could split the pills into 1/8ths.
If you to really struggle discontinuing Lexaparo, there is a liquid version available to work with that would allow for a more flexible dosing schedule and taper with greater precision. You might even consider crossing over to Prozac for a few days. I doubt you'll need to do that, though. You sound like you will have an easy time of it. If nothing else, split the pills into quarters and dose 2-3 times a day.
- Scott
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