Frogie: how to taper off Lexapro and Xanax?

[JS11]

Oh Frogie,

I know about the nose thing, however, nasal spray was my first addiction so I am rather used to it.  There are many who avert their eyes when they see the nettie pots.  I do as I am a tea drinker but I was lucky to find other means.

 

Anxiety is my nemesis as well.  It is hard for me not to panic even though I "know," at least I am getting to, that it is probably withdrawal but when I have too much time to think and the my insides are pounding, all common sense and patience flees.  

I haven't been on here very much and am trying to reach out as I truly want to get to know people.  Hard to reach out it seems--although I do so want to-- when all I want to do is flee. And I keep forgetting how to post on people's threads so I keep going to conversations which feels a little intrusive.  Don't want to be too bold and just bound in.  Still not all too sure how that all works.  

 

I think Brownie is your little dog?  So glad you have her?  My long-time friend passed in May and I so miss his love and companionship.  He was 15.  I loved him so.  I do have a kitty.  She is an old girl but I adore her so.  Some days I just nestle in her fur, if she doesn't swat me as she has excellent boundaries.  

 

I am fighting some anxiety today as well.  The holiday is lovely but not having a set schedule, can cause me to panic.  Too much time for my brain and too few distractions.  

 

Have you felt any relief?  I do so hope.

take care,

JS11 

[JS11]

Oh that's too bad.  I have tried DGL too but I am not a fan of black licorice so not so much fun.  

Maybe the ones Jungle Chicken suggested will work.

Please let me know.  I may try some Mag Calm now to see if it helps.  It is hard for me to tell if it is the anxiety ramping up or if the Mag. is not agreeeing with me. 

I, like others, have become ultra-sensitive.

 

take care,

JS11

 

[Frogie]

6 minutes ago, JS11 said:

Oh Frogie,

I know about the nose thing, however, nasal spray was my first addiction so I am rather used to it.  There are many who avert their eyes when they see the nettie pots.  I do as I am a tea drinker but I was lucky to find other means.

 

Anxiety is my nemesis as well.  It is hard for me not to panic even though I "know," at least I am getting to, that it is probably withdrawal but when I have too much time to think and the my insides are pounding, all common sense and patience flees.  

I haven't been on here very much and am trying to reach out as I truly want to get to know people.  Hard to reach out it seems--although I do so want to-- when all I want to do is flee. And I keep forgetting how to post on people's threads so I keep going to conversations which feels a little intrusive.  Don't want to be too bold and just bound in.  Still not all too sure how that all works.  

 

I think Brownie is your little dog?  So glad you have her?  My long-time friend passed in May and I so miss his love and companionship.  He was 15.  I loved him so.  I do have a kitty.  She is an old girl but I adore her so.  Some days I just nestle in her fur, if she doesn't swat me as she has excellent boundaries.  

 

I am fighting some anxiety today as well.  The holiday is lovely but not having a set schedule, can cause me to panic.  Too much time for my brain and too few distractions.  

 

Have you felt any relief?  I do so hope.

take care,

JS11 

Hi JS11:

 

You are not intruding at all. I welcome everyone who can give me insight and help.

 

I take Xanax for my anxiety. But I've had a lot going on in the last month. I had to have dental work done. Then my dog, Brownie, got sick. She is my life. She's 16. I'm very sorry for your loss. We live in the boonies, and I'm not exaggerating. I moved here 4 years ago from where I was born and raised because my fiancé got a job here. A town if 600 people. Very clickish. If you weren't born here, you don't belong here. I had 1 person I thought was a friend, but I haven't talked to her for probably 3 weeks and she lives across the street. So that's how you're treated here. We don't have stores, like most places. We have an Ace hardware, small grocery store, a small restaurant that just opened, and a gas station with a convienience store. You have to drive 16 miles to my dr, the hospital, a Shopko (very small over priced Walmart type store), 2 dollar stores and a Safeway, without a deli or bakery and a family owned pharmacy. When I mean the boonies, it's the boonies. Now my fiancés dad isn't doing well. So we are driving to our hometown (2 1/2 hours one way) for Thanksgiving. And there are some other things going on, but I've bored you enough.

 

Can I ask you a couple of questions? I hope so. I have had anxiety attacks before, but I got very short of breath, my heart was going a mile a minute. Now my heart feels like it's skipping. Is that normal with your heart, or should I call the dr? 

 

I'm lost. I've never had one like this.

 

I'm glad you wrote me. I think we can connect and help each other.

 

Thank you for helping and any information you can give me. It's really appreciated.

 

Hope your anxiety goes away.

 

Don't be a stranger. It's nice to talk to you.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[JS11]

Hey Frogie,

 

Yes, small towns are not my idea of happy, happy, joy, joy.  The boonies are my idea of hell.  I know some people are into it, but not me.  And it must make it difficult if you are not able to connect with people in actual reality.  I am glad this forum is here.  It has been a life saver but being able to make friends with your neighbors would be lovely as well.

 

That being said, I am not a medical professional but my mother was.  So maybe I can pass along some of her wise words.  If you are uncertain as to the cause of your symptoms and need reassurance as to whether something is normal, then by all means I would say contact your doctor.  If for piece of mind if nothing else.  In that you are going back to your hometown for the Thanksgiving holiday maybe you can get a checkup.   My doctor would also tell me that they cannot diagnose me over the phone and if the symptoms are too worrisome to go to minor emergency or the hospital.  As you are in the middle of now where, maybe a first step would be just to call if you are concerned.  You have nothing to lose? 

 

Just my thoughts.  Hope you get some relief, Frogie.

take care,

JS11

 

 

[Frogie]

6 minutes ago, JS11 said:

Hey Frogie,

 

Yes, small towns are not my idea of happy, happy, joy, joy.  The boonies are my idea of hell.  I know some people are into it, but not me.  And it must make it difficult if you are not able to connect with people in actual reality.  I am glad this forum is here.  It has been a life saver but being able to make friends with your neighbors would be lovely as well.

 

That being said, I am not a medical professional but my mother was.  So maybe I can pass along some of her wise words.  If you are uncertain as to the cause of your symptoms and need reassurance as to whether something is normal, then by all means I would say contact your doctor.  If for piece of mind if nothing else.  In that you are going back to your hometown for the Thanksgiving holiday maybe you can get a checkup.   My doctor would also tell me that they cannot diagnose me over the phone and if the symptoms are too worrisome to go to minor emergency or the hospital.  As you are in the middle of now where, maybe a first step would be just to call if you are concerned.  You have nothing to lose? 

 

Just my thoughts.  Hope you get some relief, Frogie.

take care,

JS11

 

 

It's new to me. I just wondered if your heart ever felt like it skipped when having an anxiety attack?

 

My blood pressure is fine and oxygen level is fine.

 

Now that it's over I have a slight headache.

 

I was just curious if these can be symptoms of anxiety?

 

Thanks.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[JS11]

I wrote this in the previous post but erased it has now been erased twice so I will try NOT to move my pinky. 

Some months ago, I had experienced an adverse reaction to an anti-biotic known as neuro-toxicity.  This sent me to the E.R. on 3 subsequent days where I had multiple tests.  My heart rate and blood pressure were going crazy.   It was at first suggested that this was anxiety.  Yes, I have experienced an increased heart rate because of anxiety/withdrawal? but never like this.  I was sent to a cardiologist, given multiple tests and my heart was just fine.  I did experience a recurrence of the heart issues, I believe skipping too, and went back to the cardiologist.  Again my heart was just fine but they said if it happened again or I was overly concerned, I could wear a monitor.  I take Adderall and I do know that I have had some very odd heart sensations as a result.  They are scary but have always subsided.  I do believe it was and is my body's way of rebuilding and recovering from the medications. 

 

As you said, you have been ill and on 4 different medications.  Your are feeling better but illness coupled with all the other life stuff can exact quite a price.  Maybe your body is trying to get back to a stable place.  I'm not sure if that helps but again, that is just my experience.  I have been to the same doctor for a very long time.  I have called on multiple occasions just to get the reassurance only she can provide.  She has always been and continues to be my biggest ally.  If calling  your doctor helps ease your suffering and better answers your questions, maybe that would be of some comfort.

 

I hope you find relief,

take care,

JS

 

Edited November 14, 2017 by bubble
poster's request

[Frogie]

8 minutes ago, JS11 said:

I wrote this in the previous post but erased it has now been erased twice so I will try NOT to move my pinky. 

Some months ago, I had experienced an adverse reaction to an anti-biotic known as neuro-toxicity.  This sent me to the E.R. on 3 subsequent days where I had multiple tests.  My heart rate and blood pressure were going crazy.   It was at first suggested that this was anxiety.  Yes, I have experienced an increased heart rate because of anxiety/withdrawal? but never like this.  I was sent to a cardiologist, given multiple tests and my heart was just fine.  I did experience a recurrence of the heart issues, I believe skipping too, and went back to the cardiologist.  Again my heart was just fine but they said if it happened again or I was overly concerned, I could wear a monitor.  I take Adderall and I do know that I have had some very odd heart sensations as a result.  They are scary but have always subsided.  I do believe it was and is my body's way of rebuilding and recovering from the medications. 

 

As you said, you have been ill and on 4 different medications.  Your are feeling better but illness coupled with all the other life stuff can exact quite a price.  Maybe your body is trying to get back to a stable place.  I'm not sure if that helps but again, that is just my experience.  I have been to the same doctor for a very long time.  I have called on multiple occasions just to get the reassurance only she can provide.  She has always been and continues to be my biggest ally.  If calling  your doctor helps ease your suffering and better answers your questions, maybe that would be of some comfort.

 

I hope you find relief,

take care,

Jeri

 

Jeri:

 

First that's a lovely name.

 

I'm very glad you didn't erase your answer this time. I'm so sorry you went through that because of an antibiotic. I had a reaction to an antibiotic but I just got very red, hot and welts all over my face, arms and stomach. It's now in my chart along with penicillin. I'm very glad you are ok though. What a way to find out you can't take that antibiotic. I'm so sorry you had to go through tests with a cardiologist but at least you know your heart is ok.

 

It helped me a lot knowing that other people have had this problem. This was the 1st time it's happened to me when I had a panic/anxiety attack. Scared the you know what out of me. I have taken my blood pressure and oxygen level a few times since this happened this morning. My blood pressure has been 107/73 or so and my oxygen level has been 96-97, so I'm fine. My heartbeat has been around 88 or so. I even took it when I was having my anxiety and it was within those numbers. I know my heart is fine. I had an EKG in May for my physical and it was fine.

 

If I called my dr the1st thing he would ask, is what my blood pressure and oxygen level is. If I tell him that, he will tell me I'm fine. Just to relax and I will be fine. I have only seen this dr for about 3 years, but he is very good.

 

Since all of this has happened now I have a slight headache. So I took some ibuprofen and am relaxing in my chair drinking a cup of chamomile tea.

 

You have no idea how you have helped me today. I'm a total stranger and you stepped in and helped me. I'm very greatful and thankful for you.

 

What is Adderall taken for? I take Lexapro and Xanax. 

 

I hope we can keep in contact.

 

Again thanks,

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Flowers]

Hi Frogie

 

So sorry you have had a bad day.  I have heart palpitations and the feeling of my heart skipping a beat. I was checked out and everything was fine  with heart rate and BP.  It is a WD symptom but as you know anxiety manifests itself in different ways so could be that too. Our brains play tricks on us sometimes!  I still get these symptoms and awake each morning at the moment with my heart banging away in my chest. I just try to ignore it and not worry too much about it. 

 

I also feel shaky and breathless when in a wave but then that is when the anxiety is at its worst too. 

 

Of course if it helps erase your fears speak with your Dr. 

 

Hopefully your chamomile tea helped. I hate the taste of it but try to get some down as it does help.

 

Try to stay calm if you can and maybe see what the weekend brings. Maybe you were just having a bad anxiety day. 

 

I really hope you feel better soon.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

 

 

[Frogie]

25 minutes ago, Flowers said:

Hi Frogie

 

So sorry you have had a bad day.  I have heart palpitations and the feeling of my heart skipping a beat. I was checked out and everything was fine  with heart rate and BP.  It is a WD symptom but as you know anxiety manifests itself in different ways so could be that too. Our brains play tricks on us sometimes!  I still get these symptoms and awake each morning at the moment with my heart banging away in my chest. I just try to ignore it and not worry too much about it. 

 

I also feel shaky and breathless when in a wave but then that is when the anxiety is at its worst too. 

 

Of course if it helps erase your fears speak with your Dr. 

 

Hopefully your chamomile tea helped. I hate the taste of it but try to get some down as it does help.

 

Try to stay calm if you can and maybe see what the weekend brings. Maybe you were just having a bad anxiety day. 

 

I really hope you feel better soon.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

 

 

Hi Flowers:

 

I have anxiety and take Xanax, but I've never had my heart feel like it skipped a beat. Scared the you know what out of me.

 

But I checked my blood pressure, oxygen and heartbeat, and everything was fine so I knew it had to be anxiety. I just had an EKG in May at my physical and it was perfect.

 

I've been short of breath before, but never as long as it was today.

 

And now I have a headache because of all of this.

 

My dr would have just done the same thing as I did and told me it was anxiety.

 

They say the lower you get in your dose, the harder the symptoms are. I believe it. But I'm going to 'float' through it.

 

I drank some chamomile tea and took some ibuprofen, so I'm good for the night.

 

You reassured me that all these symptoms are just anxiety, and I just need to work through it.

 

Thank you for your help.

 

I'm sorry you aren't feeling well. I hope it doesn't last long.

 

Thanks for stopping by. It's always nice to hear from you.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

[manymoretodays]

Hey Frogie,

 

Rooting for you too.  Try a bath tomorrow or some walking/pacing, music, cuddle the Brownie, etc.  .  It does sound like high anxiety or even some of the inner restlessness(akathesia).  If you have to.............. go on up a teensy bit on the Escitalopram.........instead of your 10 percent drop just make it a 5% or less drop and then hold through the holidays.  I mean I'm just guessing, but it could be due to your decrease........... and not just a huge upswing in anxiety and other assorted symptoms.......... from the build up of situational stuff, and 4 rounds of antibiotics.  The immediate Escitalopram W/D was pretty darn intense for me once under 5mg.

 

Get some rest.  Your thread makes me anxious and is so busy as well so I don't pop on in much. 

 

Just know I'm a rooting away for you from just a State away !!!

 

Happy gratitude month and best,

 

mmt

 

 

 

 

[Frogie]

Hi MMT:

 

Thanks for stopping by. My thread has been busy the last couple of days, but everyone is helping me out with this awful anxiety.

 

I'm sure it's from tapering. It's been 3 days, it will get better I hope. And the antibiotics I've been taking. That doesn't help.

 

We don't have a bathtub, out of order, so I can't take a magnesium bath.

 

They say that the lower you go, the harder it gets. Boy are they right. 

 

I'm resting as much as I can, but I can't just lay around either lol...

 

It's rainy, foggy and cold this morning, so no walk. We haven't gotten any snow where we live but we are getting the cold. I wish we would get some snow, I'm ready.

 

Thanks for stopping by. Come back again or PM me if you think my thread is too busy. great to talk to you.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

[joy2730]

You are doing well

 

How about a magnesium foot bath?

 

You are good at sticking with the symptoms 

 

Joy 

[manymoretodays]

Ditto.....same suggestion on foot bath. Or google how to fix your broken bathtub and give it a whirl ...........or do it the old fashioned way with water from the kitchen and stove.  Maybe just ask your fiance?   

 

And Frogie, 

 

Have you ever considered a gym membership........often they have pools, hot tubs, and saunas?  Good place to get on out of the house to too.  My membership is free now with my Medicare add on(goes with disability), even though I am only barely 60.  Many  health insurers offer  help with gym memberships now.   Are you on SSDI as well?   Some(gyms) still do let you buy by the month as well, since I know you are a transient/temporary in your despised smallest town ever with icky people.  Or find a yoga class nearby.  I actually have not been doing much for months now as far as swims and yoga but WILL get back or do some at home..........  You/we have to really attend to coping skills however from here on in.

 

I do know what you mean about the ABX.  They can have a way of realing throwing off the healthy balance for awhile after.   And 4 courses is pure crazy..........I'm sure your prescriber/doctor means well but that's craziness.

 

And go easy with those extra Xanax doses........in reality maybe your fiance WILL help with doling out your doses and limiting your supply.  I can't imagine that an extra Xanax is of any benefit now.......probably makes it worse.  Is he supportive or just too beat to really care much when his paid work is over?

 

Over and out.

 

Happy happy, gratitude, gratitude, look on up and smile,

 

mmt

[Frogie]

1 hour ago, joy2730 said:

You are doing well

 

How about a magnesium foot bath?

 

You are good at sticking with the symptoms 

 

Joy 

Thanks Joy:

 

I'm doing the best I can with the symptoms.

 

We do have a foot soaker thing. My fiancé said we could try that. I have some magnesium salts.

 

I only took 1 extra Xanax during the day yesterday, but didn't take my night one. So I really only took my allowed amount for the day. I count the ones I take for the day and put them in an empty bottle. And I know the times I take them, so I'll be ok. But thanks for caring.

 

Please keep telling me that I'm doing ok. I need to hear that from everyone. And then I think I'll make it.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

21 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

Ditto.....same suggestion on foot bath. Or google how to fix your broken bathtub and give it a whirl ...........or do it the old fashioned way with water from the kitchen and stove.  Maybe just ask your fiance?   

 

And Frogie, 

 

Have you ever considered a gym membership........often they have pools, hot tubs, and saunas?  Good place to get on out of the house to too.  My membership is free now with my Medicare add on(goes with disability), even though I am only barely 60.  Many  health insurers offer  help with gym memberships now.   Are you on SSDI as well?   Some(gyms) still do let you buy by the month as well, since I know you are a transient/temporary in your despised smallest town ever with icky people.  Or find a yoga class nearby.  I actually have not been doing much for months now as far as swims and yoga but WILL get back or do some at home..........  You/we have to really attend to coping skills however from here on in.

 

I do know what you mean about the ABX.  They can have a way of realing throwing off the healthy balance for awhile after.   And 4 courses is pure crazy..........I'm sure your prescriber/doctor means well but that's craziness.

 

And go easy with those extra Xanax doses........in reality maybe your fiance WILL help with doling out your doses and limiting your supply.  I can't imagine that an extra Xanax is of any benefit now.......probably makes it worse.  Is he supportive or just too beat to really care much when his paid work is over?

 

Over and out.

 

Happy happy, gratitude, gratitude, look on up and smile,

 

mmt

Hi MMT:

 

Our bathtub is out of order. My fiancé is going to start to remodel the bathroom after Thanksgiving.

 

We have a foot soaker, and I have some magnesium salts. I'm going to try that later.

 

Like I told Joy, I took an extra Xanax during the day yesterday and didn't take my night one, so I didn't take extra. I count my daily ones out, put them in an empty bottle and leave the rest alone. I'm good at that.

 

My insurance used to give a free gym membership out. But then I had to change insurance because Drs didn't accept it anymore and the new one doesn't have gym memberships. I can't afford $40 a month when I have a Pilates machine, a stationary bike and a hot tub at home. And they charge $8 a class for yoga. Yes I'm on SSDI.

 

I know the antibiotics messed up my system. But I think a couple more days and I should be ok. 

 

Like I told Joy, just keep telling me I'll be ok, and everything will be fine. At least I don't gave nausea like I usually do lol...

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Thanks for the encouragement, I need it more than anything.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[manymoretodays]

You have a hot tub???!!!!!!!  You dog!  Use that and magnesium lotion or see if you can pour a bunch of Epsom salts in there.  You could probably pace around in there too.  And use your machines and music.

 

That change of timing in Xanax and then greater time between dosing really could explain a lot of yesterdays stuff then.  That inter dose withdrawal thing.

 

Well good, good.........today is sounding good and looking up then, eh?

 

Best,

 

mmt

[Frogie]

4 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

You have a hot tub???!!!!!!!  You dog!  Use that and magnesium lotion or see if you can pour a bunch of Epsom salts in there.  You could probably pace around in there too.  And use your machines and music.

 

That change of timing in Xanax and then greater time between dosing really could explain a lot of yesterdays stuff then.  That inter dose withdrawal thing.

 

Well good, good.........today is sounding good and looking up then, eh?

 

Best,

 

mmt

Yeah we got the hottub for my fiancés back. But there is no way he will let me put magnesium in it. He is so picky about his baby, I don't even go in it.

 

The change of time in Xanax could have caused some, but it usually doesn't. I think it's the tapering.

 

Where can I get magnesium lotion in my little town? Does it stink? I love Philosophy lotions, they smell so good and make me feel good.

 

Just keep reassuring me that things are looking up and I'm getting better. I really need that.

 

Hope you are doing ok.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[manymoretodays]

Hey I have no idea where or to get the lotion in your "could be lovely" little town.  I've never used it myself.  Challenge yourself a bit though, empower yourself...........learn to self reassure a bit, and find some of your own solutions......then share.   Google the lotion or google "magnesium lotion survivingantidepressants.org" as someone here uses it and may be of help.  Do your first online order even.  I mean I know you have some stuff that seems horrible and the worst ever.........but hey, consider that most do.  Try, try to get out of the "why me" and into the "why not me" and look at the positives.  Try and get offline a bit more often too........that can really help.  I mean stay signed in when it's really bad(that's what I did) but just try to actually try some of the non-drug coping that is here.......sometimes in links in others threads and sometimes in symptoms and self care.  I mean you made this choice to go the distance..........YOU made this choice.

 

My "paradise" lovely town is really a city now........few retail stores though but those are only 20-30 min. away.  It's been a great healing place though......a bit behind the times, but no complaints.  Mansions literally going up on all the hillsides now and traffic as well as crime.  It's the best though.  As yours may be for you, for now, for today. 

 

I'm doing fine Frogie.   Hold steady now for a bit, okay?

 

Love, peace, gratitude, head up, smile,  things are looking up and getting better!  For all of us.

 

mmt

 

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

Hey I have no idea where or to get the lotion in your "could be lovely" little town.  I've never used it myself.  Challenge yourself a bit though, empower yourself...........learn to self reassure a bit, and find some of your own solutions......then share.   Google the lotion or google "magnesium lotion survivingantidepressants.org" as someone here uses it and may be of help.  Do your first online order even.  I mean I know you have some stuff that seems horrible and the worst ever.........but hey, consider that most do.  Try, try to get out of the "why me" and into the "why not me" and look at the positives.  Try and get offline a bit more often too........that can really help.  I mean stay signed in when it's really bad(that's what I did) but just try to actually try some of the non-drug coping that is here.......sometimes in links in others threads and sometimes in symptoms and self care.  I mean you made this choice to go the distance..........YOU made this choice.

 

My "paradise" lovely town is really a city now........few retail stores though but those are only 20-30 min. away.  It's been a great healing place though......a bit behind the times, but no complaints.  Mansions literally going up on all the hillsides now and traffic as well as crime.  It's the best though.  As yours may be for you, for now, for today. 

 

I'm doing fine Frogie.   Hold steady now for a bit, okay?

 

Love, peace, gratitude, head up, smile,  things are looking up and getting better!  For all of us.

 

mmt

 

MMT:

 

I do mostly online ordering, unless I know we are going to Walmart 50 miles away. I'm just tired of online shopping. I want stores like we used to have. I loved just jumping in the car and going from store to store until I found what I wanted. 

 

I'm not online when it says I am. I stay online and check here and there for messages. It's online all night long, but I'm asleep.

 

I'm holding for quite a while now. Not going through this with the holidays. And yes I did make this choice. But sometimes you need a little reassurance knowing you are going to be ok. That other people have been through this and they turned out fine after a few days. I'm not asking for pity. 

 

I'm glad you are doing well, but you've been through this. Are you still going through horrible symptoms? I hope not.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[joy2730]

Hi Frogie 

My doctor gave me diagram to help with citalopram w/do but I don't take it as I have been down that route.  However I think it helps  with w/d.

 

I am doing fine busy working on a new tapering routine for myself - if it eventually seems to be working I will share it then. 

 

Keep us all informed with how you are doing - it helps the rest of us

[joy2730]

That should say diazepam 

[Frogie]

2 minutes ago, joy2730 said:

Hi Frogie 

My doctor gave me diagram to help with citalopram w/do but I don't take it as I have been down that route.  However I think it helps  with w/d.

 

I am doing fine busy working on a new tapering routine for myself - if it eventually seems to be working I will share it then. 

 

Keep us all informed with how you are doing - it helps the rest of us

Hi Joy:

 

I took diazepam. Then tapered off of it and now take Xanax.

 

I'll be ok, always am. Just have to get it together.

 

Let me know when you have perfected your taper method. Maybe it will help us all, never know!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[joy2730]

Well it will be quite a few weeks yet to see if it helps me and it is contrary to advice on here in general but if it helps me then it will be good.  I really struggle with severe symptoms so I am trying to find a way.

 

At least because you are at home you are Able to stick symptoms out.  I have been in that position on benefits and being able to stick with symptoms but u just want to work at this stage of my life.

 

I have a loose plan to get down a little in dose and then when I retire go the whole way off.  My family are really benefitting from my income at present and I love my work so it is the only decision that will work for me.

 

I really like this site - it helps me so much - i have learnt such a lot from it and it has enabled me and those closest to me to make the above decision.

 

Apparently according to Joseph macullum (sp) the w/d symptoms should peak and then start to lessen in a pattern.  This happened to me with other drug withdrawals.

 

Does yours follow a pattern Frogie 

 

Joy

[Frogie]

19 minutes ago, joy2730 said:

Well it will be quite a few weeks yet to see if it helps me and it is contrary to advice on here in general but if it helps me then it will be good.  I really struggle with severe symptoms so I am trying to find a way.

 

At least because you are at home you are Able to stick symptoms out.  I have been in that position on benefits and being able to stick with symptoms but u just want to work at this stage of my life.

 

I have a loose plan to get down a little in dose and then when I retire go the whole way off.  My family are really benefitting from my income at present and I love my work so it is the only decision that will work for me.

 

I really like this site - it helps me so much - i have learnt such a lot from it and it has enabled me and those closest to me to make the above decision.

 

Apparently according to Joseph macullum (sp) the w/d symptoms should peak and then start to lessen in a pattern.  This happened to me with other drug withdrawals.

 

Does yours follow a pattern Frogie 

 

Joy

Hi Joy:

 

I hope your taper will help you the most. But hopefully it can help us too.

 

Yes I stay home. I'm on disability. It's about 1/4 a month that I used to make, but at least it's income. I fell in 2008 through some concrete steps that we told the apartment complex about, but they never fixed them. They didn't fix them after I was hurt until after I had to sue them for my medical bills. That's all I wanted, and they wouldn't pay them.

 

I really like this site also, and the people I have connected with. We all seem to be in the same situation and be able to help each other.

 

Usually when I taper, I get really bad nausea for about a week, then it subsides for the most part. This time I had no nausea, but the terrible anxiety. But this time I think my anxiety was caused by the taper, all the antibiotics, being sick and Brownie being sick. It should relieve itself in a few more days. I hope I don't get nausea then, that worries me. But if it does I'll deal with it. My anxiety was a little better this morning.

 

I miss my volunteer job. It got me out, but in this wave I'm no good for anyone. I don't know if I should try to go back next week or wait until the holidays are over. My Uncle will be coming for holidays and I will have my granddaughter too, I just found out they are going to work it out with me. That makes me happy.

 

 I'm just ready for this to be overwith, but it's going to be quite a while before it is, so I'll just settle for tapering and living with the symptoms.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

It's always nice talking to you.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Flowers]

Hello Frogie - you are going to have some visitors! That is so nice as I know you miss your granddaughter so much. Something to look forward to.

 

Glad today wasn't so bad for you as yesterday. We just have to take each day as it comes. I have been a bit stupid and overdid things in this wave which gave me a lot of anxiety today. I have ended up in bed and am really cross with myself!

 

Maybe not push yourself too much to get back to work but only you know how you feel and if you are up to it. 

 

Love from Flowers xxx

 

 

[joy2730]

So glad about your granddaughter.  Thanksgiving is an entirely new concept to me - we don't have it in the UK at all - just harvest festivals bonfire Halloween and Christmas around this time.  

 

Thanksgiving sounds very much like our Christmas.

 

It is good to be on disability when you need to be on it.  For me I had become too well to be on it and felt frustrated by being on benefits  so decided to come off it myself.  In the UK it is rare for people to take themselves off benefits but I knew I could work again once I had stopped a lot of my meds.  I felt I could work on 30 mg citalopam but I find it easier to work on less than 20 mg.

 

This probably explains why I do not want to risk getting seriously ill in withdrawal.

 

Joy

[Frogie]

Just now, Flowers said:

Hello Frogie - you are going to have some visitors! That is so nice as I know you miss your granddaughter so much. Something to look forward to.

 

Glad today wasn't so bad for you as yesterday. We just have to take each day as it comes. I have been a bit stupid and overdid things in this wave which gave me a lot of anxiety today. I have ended up in bed and am really cross with myself!

 

Maybe not push yourself too much to get back to work but only you know how you feel and if you are up to it. 

 

Love from Flowers xxx

 

 

Hi Flowers:

 

My Uncle comes for all holidays, which is so nice. And I asked my daughter in law a few weeks ago if I'm going to see my granddaughter open her Christmas presents. She said maybe. Well, she finally answered me the other day that I can have her for a few days over her holiday from school. I really miss her and enjoy her so much.

 

I don't want to push myself with my volunteer job (that's why they call it volunteer) lol.. But I do miss it. With the holidays, I don't know when I'll have my granddaughter and when my Uncle is coming and leaving, I might talk to them and tell them I promise I'll be back after the 1st of the year. I've been gone for over a month being sick, I feel bad like I deserted them.

 

I'm sorry you over did it and you are in bed. I wish I could crawl in bed, and just watch tv. But I can't bring Brownie to bed with me. That is our cats "safe place" from Brownie, so I sit in my comfy chair with Brownie and her favorite blanket and we snuggle and watch tv until my fiancé comes in and changes the channel to something he wants to watch. But I have to be fair.

 

I'm in a terrible wave right now too. But I have no nausea, it's all anxiety. I don't know which is worse. At least the nausea, I can control with medicine if needed, but anxiety you can only take as much Xanax as is allowed per day. And it's not helping. I want to throw something, or run out the door. Neither are wise moves, so I'll just stay warm with Brownie.

 

My fiancé has to take me to the store to get a few things. Not looking forward to that. You said you looked like a bag lady, so do I. I have a baseball cap on, no makeup(I gave up wearing that a long time ago), sweats and a t-shirt. But oh well, at least I'm dressed lol..

 

I've babbled to you enough, so again, I hope you feel better soon.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

12 minutes ago, joy2730 said:

So glad about your granddaughter.  Thanksgiving is an entirely new concept to me - we don't have it in the UK at all - just harvest festivals bonfire Halloween and Christmas around this time.  

 

Thanksgiving sounds very much like our Christmas.

 

It is good to be on disability when you need to be on it.  For me I had become too well to be on it and felt frustrated by being on benefits  so decided to come off it myself.  In the UK it is rare for people to take themselves off benefits but I knew I could work again once I had stopped a lot of my meds.  I felt I could work on 30 mg citalopam but I find it easier to work on less than 20 mg.

 

This probably explains why I do not want to risk getting seriously ill in withdrawal.

 

Joy

Hi Joy:

 

In the US you have to fight to get disability. You work for years for social security (the same place that disability comes out of), but they don't want to give it to you. But I had enough documentation that I received it the 1st time I applied. Usually you have to get an attorney and go to court to get it. I was lucky.

 

Halloween here, kids go door to door and you give them candy. Thanksgiving you eat turkey and all the stuff that goes along with it. You celebrate the pilgrims and Indians coming together. But you eat, watch parades on tv in the morning, and football. Then a lot of the stores are open and have huge sales you stand in line to buy your Christmas presents. It's kinda become a joke holiday. I miss the stores terribly though. I loved getting the good deals.

 

I can understand why you don't want to risk getting sick on withdrawaling. I don't blame you at all.

 

I hope you can come up with something that will help us all.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Flowers]

15 minutes ago, Frogie said:

Hi Flowers:

 

My Uncle comes for all holidays, which is so nice. And I asked my daughter in law a few weeks ago if I'm going to see my granddaughter open her Christmas presents. She said maybe. Well, she finally answered me the other day that I can have her for a few days over her holiday from school. I really miss her and enjoy her so much.

 

I don't want to push myself with my volunteer job (that's why they call it volunteer) lol.. But I do miss it. With the holidays, I don't know when I'll have my granddaughter and when my Uncle is coming and leaving, I might talk to them and tell them I promise I'll be back after the 1st of the year. I've been gone for over a month being sick, I feel bad like I deserted them.

 

I'm sorry you over did it and you are in bed. I wish I could crawl in bed, and just watch tv. But I can't bring Brownie to bed with me. That is our cats "safe place" from Brownie, so I sit in my comfy chair with Brownie and her favorite blanket and we snuggle and watch tv until my fiancé comes in and changes the channel to something he wants to watch. But I have to be fair.

 

I'm in a terrible wave right now too. But I have no nausea, it's all anxiety. I don't know which is worse. At least the nausea, I can control with medicine if needed, but anxiety you can only take as much Xanax as is allowed per day. And it's not helping. I want to throw something, or run out the door. Neither are wise moves, so I'll just stay warm with Brownie.

 

My fiancé has to take me to the store to get a few things. Not looking forward to that. You said you looked like a bag lady, so do I. I have a baseball cap on, no makeup(I gave up wearing that a long time ago), sweats and a t-shirt. But oh well, at least I'm dressed lol..

 

I've babbled to you enough, so again, I hope you feel better soon.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

You can always 'babble' at me Frogie. I love to hear from you and everyone else - Joy, RS, DS, JC, Scorpio, Want Relief etc etc. We keep each other going.

 

It's funny that animals find their favourite  places. Ours all do in our house. Now it is winter they are all coming in wanting to be in the warmest cosiest place which causes a few fights! The dogs like the sofas but I have our baby cat with me as he doesn't like the dogs! It's a constant challenge to keep everyone happy!

 

Your comfy chair sounds very comfortable to snuggle up with Brownie.

 

I really hope the anxiety doesn't hang around for long. You have gone through some bad times Frogie and come out the other side. I think you will be OK.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

 

 

 

 

[Frogie]

2 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

 

You need to dilute it so that you can measure and take a larger amount of solution.  You could dilute it so that instead of trying to measure .0065ml you measure .65ml or dilute it more and measure 6.5ml because each ml of the solution will be a weaker dose.

 

If you start working on understanding it now you'll be all ready to go when the time comes 

Thanks Chessiecat:

 

I get the concept of diluting the Lexapro, but I don't understand how to figure the percentage of water you add to the Lexapro to get to those calculations. Lexapro is 1:1 ratio, so how much water would you add to it to get to .65. Like 1ml water to 1ml liquid Lexapro and draw up .65 into the syringe? I think I'm missing something here lol... So that would be the same as .0065 because of the dilution? I'm complicating things way too much.

 

I'm in an anxiety wave right now, and just not grasping the concept I guess. I'm drinking chamomile tea to stay calm.

 

Thanks for trying to explain it to me. I really appreciate it.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[ChessieCat]

7 hours ago, Frogie said:

Like 1ml water to 1ml liquid Lexapro and draw up .65 into the syringe?

 

1.  1ml of Lexapro added to 10ml - each 1ml of solution will = .1mg dose      move the decimal point 1 place to the left to divide by 10

 

2.  1ml of Lexapro added to 100ml - each 1ml of solution will = .01mg dose     move the decimal point 2 places to the left to divide by 100

 

3.  1ml of Lexapro added to 1000ml - each 1ml of solution will = .001mg dose     move the decimal point 3 places to the left to divide by 1000

 

To get a dose of .0065mg you would do #3 and measure out 6.5ml of solution to take.  6.5ml x .001 = .0065mg dose

 

Instead of using 1000ml of water you could halve it and use 500ml and add .5ml of Lexapro.  The solution will still be 1ml = .001mg dose.

[bheb]

9 hours ago, Frogie said:

I'm in an anxiety wave right now, and just not grasping the concept I guess. I'm drinking chamomile tea to stay calm.

 

 

Hi Frogie, sorry to hear about this. Is your anxiety the physical "chemical" kind? Or do you find it centering on certain things, worrying about certain things? Either way, a hot bath might help. I'm not sure if you've tried it cause there's been lots of new posts here that I haven't read. Sending you healing vibes!

[Frogie]

7 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

 

1.  1ml of Lexapro added to 10ml - each 1ml of solution will = .1mg dose      move the decimal point 1 place to the left to divide by 10

 

2.  1ml of Lexapro added to 100ml - each 1ml of solution will = .01mg dose     move the decimal point 2 places to the left to divide by 100

 

3.  1ml of Lexapro added to 1000ml - each 1ml of solution will = .001mg dose     move the decimal point 3 places to the left to divide by 1000

 

To get a dose of .0065mg you would do #3 and measure out 6.5ml of solution to take.  6.5ml x .001 = .0065mg dose

 

Instead of using 1000ml of water you could halve it and use 500ml and add .5ml of Lexapro.  The solution will still be 1ml = .001mg dose.

Thanks ChessieCat:

 

I really appreciate all the work you put into this.

 

I will make sure to keep this so when I am ready, I'll have the information.

 

Take care, 

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

5 hours ago, bheb said:

 

Hi Frogie, sorry to hear about this. Is your anxiety the physical "chemical" kind? Or do you find it centering on certain things, worrying about certain things? Either way, a hot bath might help. I'm not sure if you've tried it cause there's been lots of new posts here that I haven't read. Sending you healing vibes!

Hi bheb:

 

My anxiety is definitely due to my taper. Usually I get nausea for 3-4 days when I taper. Guess my symptoms have changed. But I think it is getting better.

 

I don't have a bathtub so I'm going to try to soak my feet.

 

I really appreciate you stopping by and helping me out!

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Ftogie xx

[manymoretodays]

22 hours ago, Frogie said:

I'm glad you are doing well, but you've been through this. Are you still going through horrible symptoms? I hope not.

 

No.........I don't really go through "new" symptoms that are horrible anymore or nearly of the intensity that they once were.  I guess I just had expectations of where I would be right now. and all that I would be doing.........then disappointments that I wasn't able to.  But I feel like I am doing okay with the day at a time mentality and am really quite fortunate.   I still have a lot of "symptoms"..........it just gets easier to ride them on out now I think.  I'm really kind of ADD like or a little thought disordered now.......... lately anyway.........it usually passes though and I get more focus, etc.  Nothing dangerous or harmful.

 

How did you sleep?  Is your fiances hot tub outside?  I think you should ask him about using it yourself from time to time.  It sounds perfect for calming.........the nice hot water and jets. 

 

I'm glad CC gave you some more info. on using and diluting your liquid Lexapro.  Are you still holding at the 4.9mg.???   Day 4?  Do you take in the morning?  That's when I took mine.  Next time.........after the holidays and depending on how you do.........I really think you might consider just going down 5% of 4.9mg. or even less.........  to try and stay as stable and functional as possible.........no need to rush these things.  People in general really do seem to do better with slow, educated tapers.........and there are a ton of them here to support and encourage you.

 

I'm going to go on back to the start of your intro. sometime today again as I can't recall why you were prescribed the Lexapro or if you suffered depression too(like me) or just anxiety. 

 

Take care and enjoy a beautiful Sunday........sunshine and blue skies here........

 

mmt

[manymoretodays]

Well.......I got a little ways into your introduction..........and just some questions.  Looks like you are off the Prilosec. and Zantac successfully?   Do you use Zantac still on a prn basis?  Or have the GER(gastroesophageal reflux) symptoms abated?

 

And superduper great that you are NOT experiencing nausea with your recent taper.  Yay!