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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 9 to 33 of 33. Go back in thread:
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
Posted by 1Runningman on March 10, 2005, at 8:36:56
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro » Marietta, posted by SLS on March 8, 2005, at 11:01:19
> > 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.
>
>
> - ScottI've been on 10 mg for about 6 months and decided to get off of it. The more I read, the more I think I probably should have never gone on it in the 1st place. I was in a moderate depression that I believe I was on the verge of coming out of on my own when I started to take it. I felt like hell for almost a week when I started it, also a lot of insomnia for almost a month. If I even had any idea what I would have to go thru to get on it, I probably never would have started it!
I definitely felt MUCH better after being on it for about 5 or 6 weeks and wanted to get off, but was told I should stay on it for a minimum of 4 months up to 9 months. I figured since I was feeling good, with minimal side effects, what the heck.
So finally after 6 months, I decided I wanted to get off this, especially after reading 100s of posts on withdrawals. Seems the longer someone is on this, the more chance of worse side effects. I was going to tell my Dr., but since he didn't have a clue what I was in for when he gave it to me, I don't really trust what he'll tell me to get off! I did my own research by reading everyone's personal experiences and any withdrawal tips I could find from medical sites. It definitely helps knowing what you MIGHT be in for, so you don’t get caught by surprise. If I would have done some research before I started this drug, I would have waited at least couple of more weeks before starting to take it, to see whether I REALLY needed to! I would have thought my doctor might have suggested this before prescribing it!
I cut down to 7.5 mg for a week, with minor side effects. I felt just a tad dizzy off and on for a day or two, and then I had a slight hung-over feeling after about 5-6 days which actually dissipated by the end of the day. By the 7th day, I felt basically normal again. Now I'm down to 5.0 mg on my 4th day. Yesterday, I actually felt some minor anxiousness, slight dizziness, and minor tingling in my left arm and face that I often feel when I get nervous. After I ate my lunch and took my vitamins the symptoms seemed to have backed off quite a bit. By the evening I was only feeling mild dizziness and minor fatigue. It hasn’t effected my sleeping at all, I’ve been sleeping very good, so far.
I'm hoping to go to 3.75 for a week, then 2.5 for a week, then 1.25 for a week, then stretch out a 1.25 dose until I'm only taking it once every 3-4 days and then stop. I think you can get the pills into 1/8s, I'm actually breaking them into quarters just using my fingers. I'll use an Exacto knife to get it into 1/8s though.
You can put the 1/4 tablet into a small container and cut it with the knife. That way if it ends up getting semi-crushed, just divide the piles into equal halves and you won't lose any of the powder.
I'm definitely not getting on any more medication unless it's a LAST resort after this!
Posted by Marietta on March 10, 2005, at 8:53:14
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro » SLS, posted by 1Runningman on March 10, 2005, at 8:36:56
> > > 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
>
> I've been on 10 mg for about 6 months and decided to get off of it. The more I read, the more I think I probably should have never gone on it in the 1st place. I was in a moderate depression that I believe I was on the verge of coming out of on my own when I started to take it. I felt like hell for almost a week when I started it, also a lot of insomnia for almost a month. If I even had any idea what I would have to go thru to get on it, I probably never would have started it!
>
> I definitely felt MUCH better after being on it for about 5 or 6 weeks and wanted to get off, but was told I should stay on it for a minimum of 4 months up to 9 months. I figured since I was feeling good, with minimal side effects, what the heck.
>
> So finally after 6 months, I decided I wanted to get off this, especially after reading 100s of posts on withdrawals. Seems the longer someone is on this, the more chance of worse side effects. I was going to tell my Dr., but since he didn't have a clue what I was in for when he gave it to me, I don't really trust what he'll tell me to get off! I did my own research by reading everyone's personal experiences and any withdrawal tips I could find from medical sites. It definitely helps knowing what you MIGHT be in for, so you don’t get caught by surprise. If I would have done some research before I started this drug, I would have waited at least couple of more weeks before starting to take it, to see whether I REALLY needed to! I would have thought my doctor might have suggested this before prescribing it!
>
> I cut down to 7.5 mg for a week, with minor side effects. I felt just a tad dizzy off and on for a day or two, and then I had a slight hung-over feeling after about 5-6 days which actually dissipated by the end of the day. By the 7th day, I felt basically normal again. Now I'm down to 5.0 mg on my 4th day. Yesterday, I actually felt some minor anxiousness, slight dizziness, and minor tingling in my left arm and face that I often feel when I get nervous. After I ate my lunch and took my vitamins the symptoms seemed to have backed off quite a bit. By the evening I was only feeling mild dizziness and minor fatigue. It hasn’t effected my sleeping at all, I’ve been sleeping very good, so far.
>
> I'm hoping to go to 3.75 for a week, then 2.5 for a week, then 1.25 for a week, then stretch out a 1.25 dose until I'm only taking it once every 3-4 days and then stop. I think you can get the pills into 1/8s, I'm actually breaking them into quarters just using my fingers. I'll use an Exacto knife to get it into 1/8s though.
>
> You can put the 1/4 tablet into a small container and cut it with the knife. That way if it ends up getting semi-crushed, just divide the piles into equal halves and you won't lose any of the powder.
>
> I'm definitely not getting on any more medication unless it's a LAST resort after this!
>
>
> I"m glad you are doing so well. YES the side-effects when FIRST STARTING were awful. Like you, i don't think i slept more than 1 or 2 hrs at a time for the first 2 weeks. By then, i was dragging!! I tried many 'suggestions' from the board -- i.e. taking at a differeent time of day, with food, w/o food, even over the counter herbs and Tylenol PM. NOTHING helped but time. Once i was able to sleep the Lex definitely helped me get on a more even keel emotionally. I have been off the Lex cold-turkey for a week now. I think maybe day 3 or 4, i felt slight "hangover" or mild dizzness. I have had a slight 'bitchy" attitude towards somethings but not sure if it's the withdrawl, PMS or just a "woman thing". lolgood luck..you are almost there it sounds.
Marietta
Posted by 1Runningman on March 10, 2005, at 9:49:03
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by Marietta on March 10, 2005, at 8:53:14
> I"m glad you are doing so well. YES the side-effects when FIRST STARTING were awful. Like you, i don't think i slept more than 1 or 2 hrs at a time for the first 2 weeks. By then, i was dragging!! I tried many 'suggestions' from the board -- i.e. taking at a differeent time of day, with food, w/o food, even over the counter herbs and Tylenol PM. NOTHING helped but time. Once i was able to sleep the Lex definitely helped me get on a more even keel emotionally. I have been off the Lex cold-turkey for a week now. I think maybe day 3 or 4, i felt slight "hangover" or mild dizzness. I have had a slight 'bitchy" attitude towards somethings but not sure if it's the withdrawl, PMS or just a "woman thing". lol
>
> good luck..you are almost there it sounds.
>
> Marietta
>
>
I wanted to get off this stuff as fast as possible, but after reading all the potential side effects, I decided to take it slowly! I figured since I had already been on it for 6 months, what's another 5 or 6 weeks with a decreasing dosage. Some of those side effects sound really hairy! I can cope with mild dizziness, mild fatigue, and slight anxiousness during the days, especially if I can get a normal nights sleep.I think if I get thru this week with no problems, it will hopefully go smoothly since I'll only be taking small percentages off the dose after that, until I'm completely free of it. If I knew all the symptoms would disappear in a week, I'd just stop, but I don't know that so I'm not taking any chances!
I feel practically normal today, so hopefully it will keep going that direction.
At least I know that this drug will work for me, IF... I ever have to use it again. Although, I'm really gonna have to feel like I need it before I do this again. Plus, I won't be starting out with 10 mg, no matter what the Dr. says! I'd probably start with 2.5 for a week then 5.0 for a week and I probably wouldn't even increase it past that point unless I REALLY felt bad!
I noticed almost EVERYONE said they were gaining weight also! I didn't gain anything substantial, but I found I was having a heck of a time keeping my weight down running 40-50 miles a week!! I actually did gain probably 3-4 lbs, but cut back on any excess snacks and got back to where I was in about 3 weeks or so! It seemed like once this drug got into my system, I felt SUPER hungry most of the time! I would say it definitely changes your metabolism, I'm probably eating around 500 calories less a day than I was before I started taking it, just to stay at the same weight! I'd hate to see what would happen if I weren't doing all this exercise. Fairly intense exercise too... Most of my mileage is between 6-7 minutes per mile, along with 3 upper body and 2 lower body weight workouts a week.
It sounds like you are doing OK... Good luck to you and hopefully, you are almost free!
Posted by Marietta on March 10, 2005, at 10:08:28
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro » Marietta, posted by 1Runningman on March 10, 2005, at 9:49:03
Weight gain,hmmmm? You know, i probably did GAIN due to the Lex. At first, though, i was not eating hardly at all due to my "situation" that caused me to go on the meds in the first place. I lost about 20 lbs very quickly. Later when i "stablilized" emotionally i gained all that back and about 5 more. It is SO hard to lose; Of course, I"m 45 now and i know it is supposed to be that way. LOL I'm increasing exercise, eating nutritionous food (Weight Watchers) etc now for about 2 1/2 weeks and haven't lost a single pound. YUCK. I hope my metabolism kick starts again soon!!!
Posted by 1Runningman on April 19, 2005, at 13:39:11
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by Marietta on March 10, 2005, at 10:08:28
> Weight gain,hmmmm? You know, i probably did GAIN due to the Lex. At first, though, i was not eating hardly at all due to my "situation" that caused me to go on the meds in the first place. I lost about 20 lbs very quickly. Later when i "stablilized" emotionally i gained all that back and about 5 more. It is SO hard to lose; Of course, I"m 45 now and i know it is supposed to be that way. LOL I'm increasing exercise, eating nutritionous food (Weight Watchers) etc now for about 2 1/2 weeks and haven't lost a single pound. YUCK. I hope my metabolism kick starts again soon!!!
I'm back with my final report! I'm now feel that I'm completely free of "The Drug"! I'm drug-free for just over 2 weeks now and the mild fatigue and light-headedness I was experiencing is 99% gone. I noticed the dizziness dissipate just about the end of the 2 weeks. I feel like I'm probably 99% back to normal with no remaining side-effects!
I don't know if my wean-down plan will work the same for anyone else as it did for me, but at least it gives somebody else a plan to try if you'd like. I went from being on 10 mg for 6 months to 7.5 for a week, then 5.0, 3.75, 2.5, 1.25 all for a week, then 1.25 every other day for a week and stopped. I only experienced mild fatigue and dizziness that didn't really affect me at all until most of it disappeared after about 2 weeks.
I broke 10 mg pills into quarters by hand with no problem and used an Exacto knife to cut the quarters into 1/8ths. Sometimes they got a little crushed, but just make the pieces (crushed portions) fairly even and you'll be OK.
My metabolism seems to be back to what it was before I started taking it! I'm eating more food now than I was while I was taking Lexapro and my weight is going nowhere! That's just the way I want it.
I'm Free!! Hopefully, never to return!
Posted by Julee Petersen on October 7, 2005, at 19:56:28
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by Marietta on March 7, 2005, at 14:44:16
I tried to get off lexapro by taking my usual 10mg dose every other day. I did this 10 days and the dizziness would always come toward the end of the second day. It didn't improve as time went on! So I quit taking it. MISTAKE! I was so sick and so dizzy I couldn't function. I'm going back to 5 mg daily now. Thanks to all of these posts, I now know I'll keep cutting them up smaller and smaller for weeks at a time!
Posted by lhamolover on June 4, 2006, at 19:53:39
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro » Marietta, posted by 1Runningman on March 10, 2005, at 9:49:03
hi i was just reading the posts and im new here. im trying to get off lexapro and had no idea there were side effects.my doctor never told me anything. but that would explain the crying and sever depression and fear ive suffered the last couple of days. ive been on lexapro for 3 yrs now. i started having problems after the birth of my son. i have extreme anxiety and OCD issues. i think lexapro has helped me over the yrs but i want to get pregnant again and really want to get off the meds even though my doc said its safe to take it during pregnancy.i take 20 mgs and dropped to 15mgs and have been taking 15 for about a week and a half now. im scared to drop to 10mgs since ive been crying and bitchy to my husband and son for a couple of days. im really scared and i dont know how im going to be when im completely off of this. will i be extremely anxious to the point of not functioning again. will i have racing thoughts and stuff again. im so scared. but i am glad i got to read your posts it helps me but i could use all the support i could get so thanks for listening.
Posted by HelpMe58 on October 29, 2006, at 14:58:09
In reply to Re: Getting OFF Lexapro, posted by lhamolover on June 4, 2006, at 19:53:39
I have been completely off Lexapro for 2 weeks now. I did taper off for a month before that. At first I was a little dizzy and I could stand that. Now when I try to sleep it is like there is electricity or jittery feelings running all over my body and I have to get up. I am having mini panic attacks all day long now. I am exhausted and I hope all of this is the withdrawal and I am not actually going crazy. How long does the withdrawal last...at least give me an average!!!!!!! Am I nuts?
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