Frogie: how to taper off Lexapro and Xanax?

[Frogie]

4 minutes ago, direstraits said:

thinking of you and Brownie today...hope things keep getting better.

sending lots of hugs and love,ds

Thanks DS:

 

I hope she continues to get better too.

 

For some reason, today is a hard day, I've just been crying a lot.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

[direstraits]

sorry you're having a hard time today...you're not alone,I'm having the obsessive thoughts about the past torturing me again and anxiety through the roof...ugh.

 

hang in there,ds

xx

[Frogie]

10 minutes ago, direstraits said:

sorry you're having a hard time today...you're not alone,I'm having the obsessive thoughts about the past torturing me again and anxiety through the roof...ugh.

 

hang in there,ds

xx

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling today also.

 

I'm doing the best I can. My anxiety is through the roof also.

 

Hope you feel better soon.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Gridley]

I'm sorry you're having anxiety. That's one of my things.  You probably know about the yoga position of lying on the floor with your legs proper up on a wall  (like an "L").  That has helped me with anxiety. Put a sofa pillow to support your back.  10-20 minutes has helped me. Or, if this is to much exertion, just lie on the floor with your legs bent on a chair (like an "s").  This is good too.

 

How is Blackie tonight?

[Frogie]

52 minutes ago, Gridley said:

I'm sorry you're having anxiety. That's one of my things.  You probably know about the yoga position of lying on the floor with your legs proper up on a wall  (like an "L").  That has helped me with anxiety. Put a sofa pillow to support your back.  10-20 minutes has helped me. Or, if this is to much exertion, just lie on the floor with your legs bent on a chair (like an "s").  This is good too.

 

How is Blackie tonight?

No I didn't know about that. I take Xanax, which controls panic attacks pretty well except right now with the stress. I'll try it.

 

Brownie ate and drank water good today, and went outside, which she hasn't wanted to do. I'm not jumping up and down just yet, but it's a little improvement. She's still not herself

 

Thanks for asking.

 

Hope your anxiety goes away soon.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[ShakeyJerr]

12 hours ago, Frogie said:

Brownie ate and drank water good today, and went outside, which she hasn't wanted to do. I'm not jumping up and down just yet, but it's a little improvement. She's still not herself

 

Hi Frogie - 

 

Take this as a very positive sign. Any improvement is a move in the right direction. Chiana looked horrible for days and days, but now is back to her old self! Love and care can take our pets a long way in healing.

 

12 hours ago, Frogie said:

I take Xanax, which controls panic attacks pretty well except right now with the stress.

 

Not sure if I asked this before... Have you read Barry McDonagh's book DARE? How about Claire Weekes' Hope and Help for Your Nerves? Both books were a Godsend for me. They are filled with good guidance for handling anxiety overall, and for getting through panic attacks. I highlighted probably about 1/2 or more of both books! I work the methods every day, and even grab the books and read when anxiety and stress begin to spike.

 

Be well and keep heart!

 

SJ

[Frogie]

37 minutes ago, ShakeyJerr said:

 

Hi Frogie - 

 

Take this as a very positive sign. Any improvement is a move in the right direction. Chiana looked horrible for days and days, but now is back to her old self! Love and care can take our pets a long way in healing.

 

 

Not sure if I asked this before... Have you read Barry McDonagh's book DARE? How about Claire Weekes' Hope and Help for Your Nerves? Both books were a Godsend for me. They are filled with good guidance for handling anxiety overall, and for getting through panic attacks. I highlighted probably about 1/2 or more of both books! I work the methods every day, and even grab the books and read when anxiety and stress begin to spike.

 

Be well and keep heart!

 

SJ

Thanks for caring SJ: I'm so glad your baby is doing better.

 

I haven't read either books. Right now with all the bills, we don't even have the money to buy used ones. Our library is a joke, they have nothing. But I will when I can.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

Frogie,

 

I saw your post on my page. Thank you so much for stopping by. It made me feel good.

 

I was just thinking about you this morning before I saw your post.  How are you feeling?  How is Brownie feeling?  I hope that both of  you are feeling better.  The very last post I read you said Brownie was doing a bit better but still wasn't herself. It will take time, for both of you. 

 

How are other things? Your teeth?  I assume the partial has been repaired and is OK? You had quite a few things go wrong in a short period of time.  I hope everything is looking up for you. 

 

I'm still on steroids for a another health issue and it has brought back symptoms of withdrawal.  One of my doctors said that anything like a steroid will indeed have an aggravating effect on what he is calling my "Serotonin Discontinuation Syndrome", but what I call withdrawal. Also other moderators have weighed in an agreed. The reason I mention others agreeing is because  after being told by people in the medical community that what is happening to me, and the rest of us, can't possibly be happening, I have grown sensitive.   It's so nice to come here and be supported.

 

xo

RS

[Frogie]

Quote

Hi RS:

I'm sorry to hear you are on steroids. I have been on them a couple of times and they messed with me too. I hope you get off if them soon.

 

I got a new partial. It fits and looks as natural as it is going to. But I'm happy.

 

I don't know if Brownie is getting better or not. She's eating and drinking, and going outside. So let's hope. Maybe all the meds she's on is working.

 

For me, I'm a wreck. I just sit with her and I cry a lot. And I'm still nauseous, but that's to be expected when you are upset like this. But I'm hanging in there.

 

We will know more the 1st sat of October. That's when we take her back to the vet.

 

Thanks for thinking of me. I really appreciate it.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[apace41]

16 minutes ago, Frogie said:

I don't know if Brownie is getting better or not. She's eating and drinking, and going outside. So let's hope. Maybe all the meds she's on is working.

 

Frogie,

 

If Brownie is doing all those things and seems to be returning to normal, odds are pretty good that she's improved a lot.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Frogie]

23 minutes ago, apace41 said:

 

Frogie,

 

If Brownie is doing all those things and seems to be returning to normal, odds are pretty good that she's improved a lot.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Andy:

 

I don't know if she's returned to normal, but she is eating better.

 

Thanks for thinking of me.

 

Hope you are doing better.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

[Gridley]

Eating better is a great sign.  Hope you are doing well today.

 

Gridley

[Frogie]

2 minutes ago, Gridley said:

Eating better is a great sign.  Hope you are doing well today.

 

Gridley

I hope so. I just can't get my hopes up. Sit and cry a lot.

 

Hope you are doing better.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

I'm really having a hard time right now as everyone knows.

 

This morning, I woke up took my meds, ate breakfast, did everything as usual, then all of a sudden I can't breathe!

 

Is it anxiety/stress related to my life right now? Or should I go to to dr? I take Xanax as you can see in my signature.

 

I quit smoking 18 months ago and have had 1 episode like this since I quit.

 

I even went outside to get some fresh air. My blood pressure is 117/76 and pulse is 78.

 

Anyone's help would be great.

 

Thanks...

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

Frogie,

 

Its a panic attack.

 

One of the classic anxiety symptoms is the sensation/feeling that you can't breathe.

 

I think you're just looking for re-assurance (which is what all of us HA sufferers continually seek).

 

You'll be fine.

 

TC,

JC xxx

[apace41]

5 minutes ago, Frogie said:

This morning, I woke up took my meds, ate breakfast, did everything as usual, then all of a sudden I can't breathe!

 

Is it anxiety/stress related to my life right now? Or should I go to to dr? I take Xanax as you can see in my signature.

 

Hi, Frogie.  Sorry you are having a rough patch.

 

While I am HIGHLY confident that this is nothing and that you are simply feeling the effects of the ongoing stress over Brownie, nobody can tell you in good conscience "don't get checked out."  That, of course, is a decision only you can and should make.  I would probably give it a little while and see how you are doing after you work toward relaxation.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Frogie]

7 minutes ago, apace41 said:

 

Hi, Frogie.  Sorry you are having a rough patch.

 

While I am HIGHLY confident that this is nothing and that you are simply feeling the effects of the ongoing stress over Brownie, nobody can tell you in good conscience "don't get checked out."  That, of course, is a decision only you can and should make.  I would probably give it a little while and see how you are doing after you work toward relaxation.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Thanks Andy:

 

I think I'll wait it out, I'm sure it's just nerves/anxiety.

 

I just can't catch my breath. That's what makes me think it's just nerves/anxiety.

 

Like I said, I checked my blood pressure and pulse, and it was fine.

 

If I'm not better tomorrow, I'll call the dr.

 

Thanks for caring. I really appreciate it.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

Hi Frogie,  being short of breath can be very frightening. Your vitals are normal though which is a good sign. You are probably right about it being anxiety, but like you said, if it doesn't clear up you can call the doctor tomorrow. Is there anything you can do to to help calm yourself?  I have my own little tricks and I was wondering if you had any you used for yourself?

 

How is Brownie eating?  Is she barking much?  Any improvement that you notice that you can share with us?

 

xo

RS

 

 

[Frogie]

5 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Hi Frogie,  being short of breath can be very frightening. Your vitals are normal though which is a good sign. You are probably right about it being anxiety, but like you said, if it doesn't clear up you can call the doctor tomorrow. Is there anything you can do to to help calm yourself?  I have my own little tricks and I was wondering if you had any you used for yourself?

 

How is Brownie eating?  Is she barking much?  Any improvement that you notice that you can share with us?

 

xo

RS

 

 

Hi RS:

 

I'm sure it's just nerves. Like you said everything is normal.

 

I don't think the dr can do anything.

 

I don't have a lot of coping skills, except I go outside with Brownie and get fresh air. She has been barking, and is eating.

 

I'm lost. Really lost. I don't know what to do??

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

This might sound crazy, but do some jumping jacks......you need to distract yourself from "the moment".

 

Whatever aerobic exercise you think you can manage, do it!

 

Keep us posted Frogie.

[Frogie]

4 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

This might sound crazy, but do some jumping jacks......you need to distract yourself from "the moment".

 

Whatever aerobic exercise you think you can manage, do it!

 

Keep us posted Frogie.

Ok I'll try that. I'll try anything right now.

 

Do you get short of breath? 

 

Anything that will help.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Shep]

1 hour ago, Frogie said:

This morning, I woke up took my meds, ate breakfast, did everything as usual, then all of a sudden I can't breathe!

 

Is it anxiety/stress related to my life right now? Or should I go to to dr? I take Xanax as you can see in my signature.

 

Hi, Frogie, as others have said, it's likely withdrawal related.

 

There's a symptom common with benzos called "air hunger" or more scientifically, dyspnea. 

 

I had this horribly during acute benzo and z-drug withdrawal and it wasn't necessarily triggered by an anxiety provoking event (although stress will definitely make it worse). Benzos are muscle relaxers and there are some theories floating around the benzo forums that air hunger could be triggered by a sudden weakness in the respiratory muscles. Not sure about the science in that, but since it happened a number of times in the middle of the night when I was sleeping (and not anxious), it does make sense.

 

I came across this breathing technique and found it very effective. 

 

4-7-8 Breathing: Health Benefits & Demonstration article and video (8 minutes)

 

I would go through this video twice a day and see if you can master this technique. I've been using it for over 3 years and it's one of the most powerful non-drug coping techniques I've found so far. 

 

And there's a cartoon version, too. 

 

4-7-8 Breathing Exercise by GoZen (video 3.5 minutes)

 

When air hunger strikes, it can be extremely frightening, so being prepared by learning breathing techniques well ahead of time can be quite helpful. 

 

Give these videos a try at least twice a day as part of your daily routine and see if it helps. It's also good for anxiety and insomnia. Once you master this technique, as soon as you feel yourself moving in an anxious thought-stream, simply bring your focus to your breath, breathe in to 4, hold to 7, breathe out to 8. And repeat. If holding to 7 or breathing out to 8 is too long, simply do the best you can. It took me quite a bit of practice to get it, especially while stressed, but it was worth the effort. 

 

Just follow the bubbles. 

 

 

If this isn't the right technique for you, you may want to check out this thread for other techniques:

 

Breathing for Mood and Well Being (Yoga and other Techniques)

[Frogie]

7 minutes ago, Shep said:

 

Hi, Frogie, as others have said, it's likely withdrawal related.

 

There's a symptom common with benzos called "air hunger" or more scientifically, dyspnea. 

 

I had this horribly during acute benzo and z-drug withdrawal and it wasn't necessarily triggered by an anxiety provoking event (although stress will definitely make it worse). Benzos are muscle relaxers and there are some theories floating around the benzo forums that air hunger could be triggered by a sudden weakness in the respiratory muscles. Not sure about the science in that, but since it happened a number of times in the middle of the night when I was sleeping (and not anxious), it does make sense.

 

I came across this breathing technique and found it very effective. 

 

4-7-8 Breathing: Health Benefits & Demonstration article and video (8 minutes)

 

I would go through this video twice a day and see if you can master this technique. I've been using it for over 3 years and it's one of the most powerful non-drug coping techniques I've found so far. 

 

And there's a cartoon version, too. 

 

4-7-8 Breathing Exercise by GoZen (video 3.5 minutes)

 

When air hunger strikes, it can be extremely frightening, so being prepared by learning breathing techniques well ahead of time can be quite helpful. 

 

Give these videos a try at least twice a day as part of your daily routine and see if it helps. It's also good for anxiety and insomnia. Once you master this technique, as soon as you feel yourself moving in an anxious thought-stream, simply bring your focus to your breath, breathe in to 4, hold to 7, breathe out to 8. And repeat. If holding to 7 or breathing out to 8 is too long, simply do the best you can. It took me quite a bit of practice to get it, especially while stressed, but it was worth the effort. 

 

Just follow the bubbles. 

 

 

If this isn't the right technique for you, you may want to check out this thread for other techniques:

 

Breathing for Mood and Well Being (Yoga and other Techniques)

Shep:

 

Thank you for researching all of this for me. Tears are running down my face because so many people care here.

 

I will read all the links you gave me , and try them.

 

As soon as I'm done with Lexapro, you get me to go off of Xanax (bet you are thrilled) lol...

 

Again, thank you for caring. You don't even know me.

 

I hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Shep]

You're welcome, Frogie. I'm glad you're going to try these out.

 

This is another one you may find helpful. It's from a hospital site (Hamilton Health Sciences) and what I like about it is the way she explains how to hold your posture so that your shoulders rotate out, expanding the amount of space in your lungs. This will be very helpful if you have another air hunger attack. If you can learn these techniques ahead of time, you'll be able to automatically implement them. Also, there's peace of mind in knowing what to do and not feeling like you need to call 911 right away. As with anything during withdrawal, first, simply breathe.

 

Managing Shortness of Breath video (5 minutes)

 

Managing an acute episode of shortness of breath video (6 minutes)

 

 

Edited September 20, 2017 by Shep
added second link

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, Shep said:

You're welcome, Frogie. I'm glad you're going to try these out.

 

This is another one you may find helpful. It's from a hospital site (Hamilton Health Sciences) and what I like about it is the way she explains how to hold your posture so that your shoulders rotate out, expanding the amount of space in your lungs. This will be very helpful if you have another air hunger attack. If you can learn these techniques ahead of time, you'll be able to automatically implement them. Also, there's peace of mind in knowing what to do and not feeling like you need to call 911 right away. As with anything during withdrawal, first, simply breathe.

 

Managing Shortness of Breath video (5 minutes)

 

 

Thanks again Shep:

 

You have no idea how much you are helping me.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Shep]

Oops, looks like I added that second link after you already quoted me.  Please check out my previous post again because I added a second video.

 

I'm glad these are helpful, Frogie. Air hunger was one of the scariest symptoms I had and I had no idea what it was at the time. But now that I know, I like to pass on ways of coping to others. 

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, Shep said:

Oops, looks like I added that second link after you already quoted me.  Please check out my previous post again because I added a second video.

 

I'm glad these are helpful, Frogie. Air hunger was one of the scariest symptoms I had and I had no idea what it was at the time. But now that I know, I like to pass on ways of coping to others. 

Ok I'll check.

 

It is very scary when you can't breathe even though you are.

 

I am really sure mine is all nerves/anxiety with everything that's been going on.

 

I will be so glad to be off these meds. But I'm going nice and slow.

 

Thanks again,

Frogie xx

[Flowers]

Hi Frogie

 

That must have been a little scary for you being unable to get your breath.

 

I hope it doesn't happen again and that you are able to calm yourself a bit - you are under so much stress looking after Brownie.

 

Let us know how you are doing.

 

Love and hugs 

 

Flowers xxx

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, Flowers said:

Hi Frogie

 

That must have been a little scary for you being unable to get your breath.

 

I hope it doesn't happen again and that you are able to calm yourself a bit - you are under so much stress looking after Brownie.

 

Let us know how you are doing.

 

Love and hugs 

 

Flowers xxx

Thanks Flowers:

 

It was a bit scary, but it happened to me once before. I just sat very quietly and took deep breaths.

 

I know it's all a combination of nerves/anxiety. Shep was awesome and sent lots of things for me to do.

 

Thanks for caring. You have no idea how much that makes me feel.

 

I hope you are feeling better.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

I just realized that I have been on SA over a year now and haven't even gone 1/2 way down on my Lexapro.

 

I guess that shows how strong this med is. 

 

I really thought I would be done with it by now, but too many ups and downs. Oh well, slow and steady wins the race.

 

Then I still have Xanax to go. I'm a bit frightened of that

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Gridley]

Frogie, I'm like you.  Lexapro then and benzo. Take your time.  That will help avoid the ups and downs.  I'm extending my hold at the moment.  You are getting off the Lex and you will get off the Xanax, my friend.  Cn't rush it.  First rule for me: be kind to myself.

[RachelSusan]

Frogie,

These medications are so powerful.  When I started here I had no idea how long it would take me to get off.  I think between the Zoloft, and the Gabapentin after that, I've got two or three more years.  I can make plans but my body is the one that tells me what to do. How I react to a taper tells me how slow I need to go, and it always ends up being slower than I thought.

RS

 

[Frogie]

12 hours ago, RachelSusan said:

Frogie,

These medications are so powerful.  When I started here I had no idea how long it would take me to get off.  I think between the Zoloft, and the Gabapentin after that, I've got two or three more years.  I can make plans but my body is the one that tells me what to do. How I react to a taper tells me how slow I need to go, and it always ends up being slower than I thought.

RS

 

Hi RS:

 

I'm taking my time, especially now.

 

Hope you do too.

 

We will do it together.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

12 hours ago, Gridley said:

Frogie, I'm like you.  Lexapro then and benzo. Take your time.  That will help avoid the ups and downs.  I'm extending my hold at the moment.  You are getting off the Lex and you will get off the Xanax, my friend.  Cn't rush it.  First rule for me: be kind to myself.

Hi Gridley:

 

I'm taking my time. I haven't done anything since July, so I think I'm going slow.

 

We can beat this together.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[miT]

Something similar happened to me Frogie. Hyperventilation is anxiety related and not threatening. It's your own mind causing you to breathe superficially. Breathing techniques should resolve it.

[Frogie]

Well, this morning I woke up and it was worse than yesterday.

 

I felt like I couldn't breathe, of course I was.

 

My fiancé wanted to take me to the er. I told him no, I would go to the dr.

 

I got there, without an appointment. They got me right in. My oxygen level was 98%, my blood pressure was 107/73 and pulse was 79. I was fine.

 

The dr said that everything that has happened in the last couple of months, and my dog being sick, it just caught up to me. He said I need to get out, even for a walk. Just get out of the house, I was driving myself crazy.

 

So, I start Wednesday, at a place that has a food bank and thrift store. I'm going to volunteer 2 days a week for a couple of hours.

 

Im so nervous about leaving my dog. What if something happens? That's the only thing that really scares me.

 

So that was my exciting day, so far. It's only 1:09pm. What else can happen?

 

Take care,

Frogie xx