Frogie: how to taper off Lexapro and Xanax?

[Frogie]

2 hours ago, joy2730 said:

Hi frogie 

 

Headaches are a withdrawal symptom - I only have them in withdrawal.

 

You do really well in withdrawal.though - good for you.

 

I am well

 

Joy

Hi Joy:

 

I'm sure my headaches are just withdrawl, but I tend to have health anxiety.

 

This morning, I'm short of breath, but that could be because my nose is stuffy.

 

I'm glad you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

1 hour ago, RachelSusan said:

Hi Frogie,

 

I'm just starting to come out of my wave.  I've started counting the good days. The internal tremors have come down to almost zero.  Let's see if this lasts. 

 

I'm very excited about your most recent taper.  Good for you.  You've got so many people here to watch and help you.  Be strong my friend. You've got this!!!!

 

RS

 

 

Hi RS:

 

i'm so glad you are coming out of your wave. This one was a big one. I hope the tremors stay away for you. You deserve a HUGE window.

 

I hope I can do this. I'm trying really hard. I had a headache yesterday, this morning, I have a little shortness of breath. I'm sure it's just anxiety. I just need to sit and breath and not think about it.

 

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[joy2730]

Hi Frogie 

 

Shortness of breath is a withdrawal symptom too.

 

I am really well.but keep reading reports of people never getting well after withdrawal and it worries me.  At the moment it is stopping me from trying to reduce anymore.  I just don't feel.I can take those risks.

 

It is horrible and I don't like it.

 

Joy

 

[Frogie]

Question for Apace41 (Andy)

 

Hi Andy:

 

As you see, I tapered. Last night I had a headache in the back of my head. This morning I'm short of breath.

 

I have a stuffy nose and coughing again. Do you think it's WD, or I'm getting sick again?

 

I wonder if it could be anxiety.

 

I really appreciate you answering my questions.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Just now, joy2730 said:

Hi Frogie 

 

Shortness of breath is a withdrawal symptom too.

 

I am really well.but keep reading reports of people never getting well after withdrawal and it worries me.  At the moment it is stopping me from trying to reduce anymore.  I just don't feel.I can take those risks.

 

It is horrible and I don't like it.

 

Joy

 

Hi Joy:

 

I'm not liking these WD symptoms. And I just tapered yesterday.

 

I'm going to make it. I've gone this far.

 

You will you!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

Frogie,

I am wondering, have you kept track of how many days it takes for the symptoms to hit you after you taper? The reason I am asking is because it usually takes a few days for people to feel the effects. Not every body of course, some people are very sensitive even the first day of a taper, but a lot of people seem to feel it mostly 4 days to a week later.  With this information in mind I am hoping that you aren't one of those people that feel it the first day and perhaps the headache and the shortness of breath might just indeed be anxiety? Is it possible for you to give it a week to 10 days and tolerate any symptoms that may come your way before you make any judgement about what is causing these symptoms?  Just remember whatever you do, you got pals that are watching out for you.

RS

[Frogie]

Just now, RachelSusan said:

Frogie,

I am wondering, have you kept track of how many days it takes for the symptoms to hit you after you taper? The reason I am asking is because it usually takes a few days for people to feel the effects. Not every body of course, some people are very sensitive even the first day of a taper, but a lot of people seem to feel it mostly 4 days to a week later.  With this information in mind I am hoping that you aren't one of those people that feel it the first day and perhaps the headache and the shortness of breath might just indeed be anxiety? Is it possible for you to give it a week to 10 days and tolerate any symptoms that may come your way before you make any judgement about what is causing these symptoms?  Just remember whatever you do, you got pals that are watching out for you.

RS

Thanks RS:

 

Usually I get nausea the 1st or 2nd day from tapering. But this is different. Last night like I said I had a headache in the back of my head, and this morning, I woke up with short of breath. I'm wondering if it is anxiety. But my nose is really stuffed up and I'm coughing again. I hope I'm not getting sick again. No fever, or sore throat. I can hold on through the weekend and see how it goes. I'm glad you are starting to feel better. Thanks for the support.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

Frogie,

 

It sounds like your sinuses.

 

I developed sinus issues by being on Lexapro, having never had them before in my life. 

 

Sinus issues can also cause nausea as its the ear, nose throat thing.

 

TC,

JC xx

 

 

[apace41]

16 minutes ago, Frogie said:

I have a stuffy nose and coughing again. Do you think it's WD, or I'm getting sick again?

 

I wonder if it could be anxiety.

 

I really appreciate you answering my questions.

 

Frogie,

 

As much as I appreciate the fact that you think I am some kind of "all-knowing oracle", anything I say here would be a pure guess.

 

Given that it is only one day of cutting, it would be unlikely that it would be a withdrawal reaction since it is so soon after the reduction.  However, some people do, in fact, react that quickly to a reduction so it can't be ruled out.  Given that you'd been sick for a while it is possible that you are still getting over what had been a pretty difficult cold/illness.  

 

These are NOT major issues in the scheme of things, Frogie.  Just try to take a step back, relax and keep your perspective.

 

Best,

 

Andy

 

 

[Frogie]

Just now, Junglechicken said:

Frogie,

 

It sounds like your sinuses.

 

I developed sinus issues by being on Lexapro, having never had them before in my life. 

 

Sinus issues can also cause nausea as its the ear, nose throat thing.

 

TC,

JC xx

 

 

Hi JC:

 

I just got over being sick. And being on 4 antibiotics. I can't be sick again! 🙁

 

I just wonder if it could be anxiety, being short of breath?

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

2 minutes ago, Frogie said:

Hi JC:

 

I just got over being sick. And being on 4 antibiotics. I can't be sick again! 🙁

 

I just wonder if it could be anxiety, being short of breath?

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

Sinus issues don't mean that you're sick Frogie.

 

I get them off and on, and I'm not ill when I get them, as does my hubby.

 

They cause headaches and nausea, and stuffed up nose.

 

TC,

JC xx

 

 

[Frogie]

2 minutes ago, apace41 said:

 

Frogie,

 

As much as I appreciate the fact that you think I am some kind of "all-knowing oracle", anything I say here would be a pure guess.

 

Given that it is only one day of cutting, it would be unlikely that it would be a withdrawal reaction since it is so soon after the reduction.  However, some people do, in fact, react that quickly to a reduction so it can't be ruled out.  Given that you'd been sick for a while it is possible that you are still getting over what had been a pretty difficult cold/illness.  

 

These are NOT major issues in the scheme of things, Frogie.  Just try to take a step back, relax and keep your perspective.

 

Best,

 

Andy

 

 

Thanks Andy:

 

I know you can't answer everything. You don't know "it all".

 

I wondered if it could be my illness coming back. I sure hope not.

 

i wonder if I'm just having some anxiety, because I had a headache and woke up short of breath.

 

I'm just taking it easy today.

 

Thanks for the reassurance, I really appreciate it.

 

Hope you are feeling better.

 

Take care,

Frogie 

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, Junglechicken said:

 

Sinus issues don't mean that you're sick Frogie.

 

I get them off and on, and I'm not ill when I get them, as does my hubby.

 

They cause headaches and nausea, and stuffed up nose.

 

TC,

JC xx

 

 

Oh good. When I blow my nose, it's clear, so no sign of infection. But I have a little cough.

 

I think it's anxiety too. Maybe just thinking I finally got below 5mg, and hope I can do it.

 

Thanks for all the help.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[apace41]

1 minute ago, Frogie said:

i wonder if I'm just having some anxiety, because I had a headache and woke up short of breath.

 

Anxiety can manifest in a multitude of ways and shortness of breath is definitely one of them.   It's impossible to say if your symptom is anxiety-based or not, but since it is  not a new symptom and you've been looked at in the past with no evidence of an organic problem, I highly doubt this is significant medically.

 

In other words, "this, too, shall pass."

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Junglechicken]

I think this latest drop has really heightened your anxiety levels Frogie, and you've got the microscope on every symptom.

 

Andy's right about taking a step back from it all.

 

TC,

JC xx

[Frogie]

Just now, apace41 said:

 

Anxiety can manifest in a multitude of ways and shortness of breath is definitely one of them.   It's impossible to say if your symptom is anxiety-based or not, but since it is  not a new symptom and you've been looked at in the past with no evidence of an organic problem, I highly doubt this is significant medically.

 

In other words, "this, too, shall pass."

 

Best,

 

Andy

Thanks...

 

I guess I just need reassurance knowing that I'm ok.

 

Health anxiety is no fun!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Just now, Junglechicken said:

I think this latest drop has really heightened your anxiety levels Frogie, and you've got the microscope on every symptom.

 

Andy's right about taking a step back from it all.

 

TC,

JC xx

You guys are right health anxiety s***s!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[apace41]

Just now, Frogie said:

Health anxiety is no fun!

 

You are:

 

"Singing to the choir"

 

"Preaching to the converted"

 

Choose your favorite of these, but do not, as so many do, mix the metaphors and say:

 

"Preaching to the choir."  THAT'S a no-no.

 

LOL.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Frogie]

Just now, apace41 said:

 

You are:

 

"Singing to the choir"

 

"Preaching to the converted"

 

Choose your favorite of these, but do not, as so many do, mix the metaphors and say:

 

"Preaching to the choir."  THAT'S a no-no.

 

LOL.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Health anxiety s***s! Just like I told Junglechicken.

 

I won't preach to the choir lol...

 

I will just take an extra Xanax and snuggle with Brownie.

 

Thanks for caring Andy.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

Hi Frogie,

 

What's "surgical menopause"?  Sounds bad if you ask me.

 

Thanks for the Evening primrose suggestion, trouble is I'm taking SO many supplements as it is, and seeing my Naturopath next week. 

 

Will also have to see what the FSH test comes back with.

 

TC,

JC xx

[Frogie]

Hi JC:

 

I'm just having A LOT of anxiety. I'm shaky and can't breathe. 

 

I think everything has just caught up with me. Brownie being sick, my teeth, being on so many antibiotics, now my fiancés dad, and being in the boonies, among other things.

 

I heard magnesium helped. I used to take it but stopped because my supplements were causing nausea. I'm just taking omega 3. Do you know of something that wouldn't cause nausea, but help with anxiety? I can't afford to buy a lot of stuff. And would like to try just one thing at a time.

 

I really appreciate your help.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

4 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

Hi Frogie,

 

What's "surgical menopause"?  Sounds bad if you ask me.

 

Thanks for the Evening primrose suggestion, trouble is I'm taking SO many supplements as it is, and seeing my Naturopath next week. 

 

Will also have to see what the FSH test comes back with.

 

TC,

JC xx

I had a hysterectomy. So I went through surgical menopause. I wrote on my thread if you get time to read it.

 

Ask about the Evening Primrose, it really helped me.

 

What is FSH blood test?

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

1 minute ago, Frogie said:

I had a hysterectomy. So I went through surgical menopause. I wrote on my thread if you get time to read it.

 

Ask about the Evening Primrose, it really helped me.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

Duh, yes of course, ok.

 

I saw your update - give me a sec.

 

JC xx

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, Junglechicken said:

 

Duh, yes of course, ok.

 

I saw your update - give me a sec.

 

JC xx

Thanks... You are a lifesaver!

[Junglechicken]

5 minutes ago, Frogie said:

Hi JC:

 

I'm just having A LOT of anxiety. I'm shaky and can't breathe. 

 

I think everything has just caught up with me. Brownie being sick, my teeth, being on so many antibiotics, now my fiancés dad, and being in the boonies, among other things.

 

I heard magnesium helped. I used to take it but stopped because my supplements were causing nausea. I'm just taking omega 3. Do you know of something that wouldn't cause nausea, but help with anxiety? I can't afford to buy a lot of stuff. And would like to try just one thing at a time.

 

I really appreciate your help.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

Yes, I do Frogie. 

 

There are a few things my ND has me on which are really good for anxiety/CNS, and I think I mentioned them to you yesterday or the day before:

 

"Biocare" NT Complex / "Lamberts" Theanine & Lemon Balm Complex

Herbal tincture for CNS (Golden seal, Licorice, peppermint, Schisandra, Skullcap, Lemon balm)

Rescue Remedy for stress, Australian Bush flower essence for mood

 

You would need to order the top ones online.  I order mine through a company called "The Natural Dispensary".

 

Let me know how you get on.

 

TC,

JC xx

 

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, Junglechicken said:

 

Yes, I do Frogie. 

 

There are a few things my ND has me on which are really good for anxiety/CNS, and I think I mentioned them to you yesterday or the day before:

 

"Biocare" NT Complex / "Lamberts" Theanine & Lemon Balm Complex

Herbal tincture for CNS (Golden seal, Licorice, peppermint, Schisandra, Skullcap, Lemon balm)

Rescue Remedy for stress, Australian Bush flower essence for mood

 

You would need to order the top ones online.  I order mine through a company called "The Natural Dispensary".

 

Let me know how you get on.

 

TC,

JC xx

 

Does the Theanine & Lemon Balm help? I've read that those are good for anxiety?

 

Does it work pretty fast?

 

I appreciate your help, I do remember you telling me about these.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

25 minutes ago, Frogie said:

Does the Theanine & Lemon Balm help? I've read that those are good for anxiety?

 

Does it work pretty fast?

 

I appreciate your help, I do remember you telling me about these.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

Yes, they definitely help, but its a cumulative thing and needs to build up in your system over time.

 

TC,

JC xx

[Frogie]

Just now, Junglechicken said:

 

Yes, they definitely help, but its a cumulative thing and needs to build up in your system over time.

 

TC,

JC xx

Thanks for all your help! You have no idea how much I appreciate it.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Ali:

 

I talked to everyone today, thank you by the way. Especially, Andy, Junglechicken, RS, and Joy.

 

I saw on Nikki's post, you said to try magnesium. I'm having anxiety so bad this morning, it feels like I can't breathe. I woke up like this.

 

I took magnesium chloride before, but stopped supplements because they made me nauseaous.

 

Should I try the magnesium chloride again? And how much? I just don't want to be nauseous again.

 

Thanks,

Frogie xx

[AliG]

What's up F?. Yes, do you have the oil or the epsom's salts?  These may be gentler ways of obtaining some relief but until you get them,  just take some magnesium in whatever form that you have. What do you have? 

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, AliG said:

What's up F?. Yes, do you have the oil or the epsom's salts?  These may be gentler ways of obtaining some relief but until you get them,  just take some magnesium in whatever form that you have. What do you have? 

Can I PM you?

 

I tapered, but not much. I woke up yesterday and today very anxious. I think my body has caught up with everything. Brownie being sick, my dental problems, I was on 4 antibiotics last month, no volunteering, my fiancés dad not doing well.

 

I have magnesium chloride in tablets. But it doesn't do well with my stomach.

 

Thanks,

Frogie xx

[AliG]

Yes, of course but please try to stay calm. This is not an emergency. 

[JS11]

Hi Frogie,

I just wanted to say hello.  I am so very sorry you are having such a difficult time.  

I think you said your infection is getting better.  Do you ever use a nettie pot when your sinuses act up?  I use the cheater from Costco as  putting a teapot up your nose just seems sick and wrong but it is so very helpful when breathing is an issue.  

I get a weird sensation in the back portion of my head too.  Not a headache exactly, more tingling but it is decidedly odd.

You have such wise guides helping you.

 

And thank you, Jungle Chicken for the recommendations for anxiety.  I have taken both Magnesium tablets and the Magnesium Calm but I'm not sure if the liquid form causes anxiety.  

Have you ever tried Ginger for nausea, Frogie

 

[JS11]

Oh darn it!

There are some ginger chews you can get, sometimes they have them in a bulk bin at a regular grocery store or in little bags at the health food store.  There are not very expensive.  I chew them but you can make them into a lovely tea as well. Regular ginger at the grocery store works well too.  I just shred some and pour boiling water over it.  I have delicate innards too and these have helped me in the past.  

I do hope you feel better soon and get some relief.

take care,

JS11

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, JS11 said:

Hi Frogie,

I just wanted to say hello.  I am so very sorry you are having such a difficult time.  

I think you said your infection is getting better.  Do you ever use a nettie pot when your sinuses act up?  I use the cheater from Costco as  putting a teapot up your nose just seems sick and wrong but it is so very helpful when breathing is an issue.  

I get a weird sensation in the back portion of my head too.  Not a headache exactly, more tingling but it is decidedly odd.

You have such wise guides helping you.

 

And thank you, Jungle Chicken for the recommendations for anxiety.  I have taken both Magnesium tablets and the Magnesium Calm but I'm not sure if the liquid form causes anxiety.  

Have you ever tried Ginger for nausea, Frogie

 

Hi JS11:

 

Unfortunatley I can't put anything in my nose, I feel like I'm drowning. Even if I get water up my nose in the shower. Sissy la la, I know lol...

 

The magnesium that I have gives me a very upset stomach and then a couple of days of it, I get diarrhea (too much information, I know).

 

Right now, I just feel lost. A lot has been going on and I think it's all caught up. It's all anxiety, and I'm having shortness of breath and it feels like my heart is going a million miles a minute. I've checked my oxygen level and blood pressure and I'm fine, that's  how I know it's just anxiety.

 

I have great people helping me. I couldn't ask for better. And I can add you to the list, thank you so much for caring.

 

I really try not to complain, but I just "freaked out" today. I apologize to everyone

 

I hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

12 minutes ago, JS11 said:

Oh darn it!

There are some ginger chews you can get, sometimes they have them in a bulk bin at a regular grocery store or in little bags at the health food store.  There are not very expensive.  I chew them but you can make them into a lovely tea as well. Regular ginger at the grocery store works well too.  I just shred some and pour boiling water over it.  I have delicate innards too and these have helped me in the past.  

I do hope you feel better soon and get some relief.

take care,

JS11

I've tried ginger and DGL, but it makes me sicker but it was very thoughtful of you to think of me.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx