Frogie: how to taper off Lexapro and Xanax?

[kesh]

Citalopram, which I got very quickly down to 2.5mg after very bad reaction (akathisia) at 10mg.

 

Diazapam 1.5mg, cut from 2mg 2 weeks ago (too big a cut, am suffering a bit now)

 

Propanalol 40mg

 

Main problem is akathisia. It's hell, but it's not 24/7.

[Frogie]

21 minutes ago, kesh said:

Citalopram, which I got very quickly down to 2.5mg after very bad reaction (akathisia) at 10mg.

 

Diazapam 1.5mg, cut from 2mg 2 weeks ago (too big a cut, am suffering a bit now)

 

Propanalol 40mg

 

Main problem is akathisia. It's hell, but it's not 24/7.

Wow you are on the same types of drugs I'm on.

 

I'm on 2.5mg Lexapro.

 

I can take 1mg Xanax 4 times a day, but only take it 3 times a day 99% of the time.

 

I get akasthisia too. It is he** but it is only in the morning (most of the time). I have it everyday though.

 

I got off of diazepam. It wasn't too bad to get off of, but I had Xanax.

 

What is Propanalol?

 

It takes forever to taper off these awful meds.

 

I've been on all of this stuff about 20 years. I'll be glad when I can get off of them and feel like a normal person again.

 

 

 

[kesh]

Propranolol is a beta blocker. Helps with the adrenaline side of anxiety and akathisia.

 

At the moment my akathisia is every other day, from waking until late afternoon. Before that I had 5 days feeling pretty normal. But then my latest diazapam cut kicked in.

 

I've been on meds before, last time about 6 yrs ago. This time I've only been on them a little over a month, so hopeful not too much damage done. But akathisia scares me so much I'm tapering off very slowly. 

[Frogie]

21 minutes ago, kesh said:

Propranolol is a beta blocker. Helps with the adrenaline side of anxiety and akathisia.

 

At the moment my akathisia is every other day, from waking until late afternoon. Before that I had 5 days feeling pretty normal. But then my latest diazapam cut kicked in.

 

I've been on meds before, last time about 6 yrs ago. This time I've only been on them a little over a month, so hopeful not too much damage done. But akathisia scares me so much I'm tapering off very slowly. 

I've been to a number of Drs over the years and they just keep prescribing my antidepressants and Xanax. It's time to get off. I've been on them about 20 years.

 

I hope I don't have any damage?

[kesh]

Everyone says the brain heals from all of it given time. I hope so.

[Kristine]

4 hours ago, Frogie said:

just wish I could get rid of these stupid headaches!

Hi lovely Frogie,  I've been reading about all the other issues (GI, nausea). I'm so sorry you are suffering.  Have you tried peppermint oil? It helps my headaches.  I either put it in a diffuser or mix it in a carrier oil and gently massage my temples and the back of my neck (but don't get it in your eyes!). It can also help nausea. Lying down in bed, take some peppermint oil mixed in a carrier oil and gently rub into your tummy in wide circular motions in a clockwise direction. The other issue that springs to mind is tension headache, which I'm sure many here can relate to.  I often find I subconsciously have my jaw clenched (and every other muscle in my body!) which I'm sure only makes my headaches worse. Then I try to consciously relax through mindful meditation. I admire all the self care approaches you have in place Frogie  Take Care. K

[Frogie]

11 minutes ago, Kristine said:

Hi lovely Frogie,  I've been reading about all the other issues (GI, nausea). I'm so sorry you are suffering.  Have you tried peppermint oil? It helps my headaches.  I either put it in a diffuser or mix it in a carrier oil and gently massage my temples and the back of my neck (but don't get it in your eyes!). It can also help nausea. Lying down in bed, take some peppermint oil mixed in a carrier oil and gently rub into your tummy in wide circular motions in a clockwise direction. The other issue that springs to mind is tension headache, which I'm sure many here can relate to.  I often find I subconsciously have my jaw clenched (and every other muscle in my body!) which I'm sure only makes my headaches worse. Then I try to consciously relax through mindful meditation. I admire all the self care approaches you have in place Frogie  Take Care. K

Thanks Kristine:

 

I'll have to try the peppermint oil. I want a diffuser, but fiancé thinks it's silly. I don't. I almost have him talked into it. What is a carrier oil? I'm not to educated in the oil stuff, just learning.

 

I'm trying everything I can. I did take some Excedrine migraine and it made me so sick to my stomach, not doing that again.

 

I've just had the heating pad on my neck and that seems to help.

 

How are you? Hope you are doing better.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

[Frogie]

1 hour ago, kesh said:

Everyone says the brain heals from all of it given time. I hope so.

I sure hope so too.

 

I hope I still have one lol... (Joking)

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Kristine]

33 minutes ago, Frogie said:

I'll have to try the peppermint oil. I want a diffuser, but fiancé thinks it's silly. I don't. I almost have him talked into it. What is a carrier oil? I'm not to educated in the oil stuff, just learning.

I have one of those 'ultrasonic oil diffuser' and love it.  It also has different light settings and is calming to watch.  Almost hypnotic.  There are many beautiful designs...and it's post Christmas Sales so I'm sure your fiancé could get one for you, late Christmas present? Early birthday present? 😜 I'll try an insert a picture of one. 

33 minutes ago, Frogie said:

What is a carrier oil?

When essential oils are used directly on the skin they need to be diluted because they are concentrated and only a few drops are required.  So a carrier oil needs to be used. I use Almond oil but apricot kernel oil and advocado oil are also popular choices (and very good for your skin!) ...they are available at any good health food store or pharmacy.  In general I use 30ml of carrier oil to 10 drops of peppermint oil (mix well)...this will last a long time  K

 

33 minutes ago, Frogie said:

How are you? Hope you are doing better.

Overall I'm feeling much better today. Had a good sleep (that always helps!), nausea is gone (fingers crossed), muscular pain has decreased and the dreaded vertigo is taking a holiday...so I can't complain.  Funny story.... last night I was walking to the kitchen and came face to face with a massive spider.  I hate hate hate spiders.  We have many in Australia but this one was a huntsman spider.  Harmless, but big and hairy. Well, I almost hit the ceiling, screamed like a banshee, and my poor CNS went into overdrive.  My husband calmly scooped up Mr Spider, took him outside and sent him on his merry way 😳 K

[Kristine]

This is just an example of a diffuser....but there are hundreds of different designs 😃 https://goo.gl/images/YiDGGN

[Frogie]

59 minutes ago, Longestroadhome said:

Good to see another lexapro user on a similar dose to me. I have also had vertigo....very scary!  I can vouch for peppermint oil too, it works wonders for headaches!

I'm on 2.5mg liquid Lexapro. You are just a little ahead of me.

 

I also have Xanax to taper off of.

 

Nice to meet you. We can help each other out if you would like.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

56 minutes ago, Kristine said:

This is just an example of a diffuser....but there are hundreds of different designs 😃 https://goo.gl/images/YiDGGN

That's nice, thanks I'll show it to my fiancé.

[Frogie]

1 hour ago, Kristine said:

I have one of those 'ultrasonic oil diffuser' and love it.  It also has different light settings and is calming to watch.  Almost hypnotic.  There are many beautiful designs...and it's post Christmas Sales so I'm sure your fiancé could get one for you, late Christmas present? Early birthday present? 😜 I'll try an insert a picture of one. 

When essential oils are used directly on the skin they need to be diluted because they are concentrated and only a few drops are required.  So a carrier oil needs to be used. I use Almond oil but apricot kernel oil and advocado oil are also popular choices (and very good for your skin!) ...they are available at any good health food store or pharmacy.  In general I use 30ml of carrier oil to 10 drops of peppermint oil (mix well)...this will last a long time  K

 

Overall I'm feeling much better today. Had a good sleep (that always helps!), nausea is gone (fingers crossed), muscular pain has decreased and the dreaded vertigo is taking a holiday...so I can't complain.  Funny story.... last night I was walking to the kitchen and came face to face with a massive spider.  I hate hate hate spiders.  We have many in Australia but this one was a huntsman spider.  Harmless, but big and hairy. Well, I almost hit the ceiling, screamed like a banshee, and my poor CNS went into overdrive.  My husband calmly scooped up Mr Spider, took him outside and sent him on his merry way 😳 K

I see the pharmacy I use sells peppermint oil. Can I buy it there? We don't have a good health food store, but I have olive oil. Can I use that?

 

I would be climbing the wall screaming about the spider. I don't like spiders at all. I don't know what I would do if I saw one that big. My fiancé worked in Iraq as a contractor. They had camel spiders. Huge but harmless.

 

I'm glad you are doing better. That makes me happy.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Kristine]

21 minutes ago, Frogie said:

I see the pharmacy I use sells peppermint oil. Can I buy it there? We don't have a good health food store, but I have olive oil. Can I use that?

I buy mine from the pharmacy. Just make sure is 100% pure peppermint oil.  I've never used olive oil...might be a bit greasy...but I'm sure your pharmacy would stock a carrier oil if you ask.....or they could order it in for you. K

[Downbutnotout]

I’m happy that you are all having windows.You all have good attitudes, and I dont know how to make myself have one. I just tried meditation. I have the calm ap. It was about gratitude. My son is visiting for the week, and I’m trying very hard not to burden him with my problems. I did try my calm ap about gratitude. I did go and played majong today. That’s all I really do. Tomorrow, I’m going to try and exercise. I used to be able to enjoy life. Please tell me again why drugs aren’t going to help me. I did have 3 windows, but that was a long time ago already. I have lost all confidence in myself. I feel bad that I may have hurt someone’s feelings, and that wasn’t my intention at all. This is such a cruel disease. I have depression. 

[Frogie]

59 minutes ago, Kristine said:

I buy mine from the pharmacy. Just make sure is 100% pure peppermint oil.  I've never used olive oil...might be a bit greasy...but I'm sure your pharmacy would stock a carrier oil if you ask.....or they could order it in for you. K

They might be able to order something. I'm not sure, I live in such a small place. Maybe I could get if off of Amazon?

 

Thanks for the help!

[Downbutnotout]

19 minutes ago, Frogie said:

They might be able to order something. I'm not sure, I live in such a small place. Maybe I could get if off of Amazon?

 

Thanks for the help!

So sorry I went on your thread. 

[Frogie]

19 minutes ago, Downbutnotout said:

I’m happy that you are all having windows.You all have good attitudes, and I dont know how to make myself have one. I just tried meditation. I have the calm ap. It was about gratitude. My son is visiting for the week, and I’m trying very hard not to burden him with my problems. I did try my calm ap about gratitude. I did go and played majong today. That’s all I really do. Tomorrow, I’m going to try and exercise. I used to be able to enjoy life. Please tell me again why drugs aren’t going to help me. I did have 3 windows, but that was a long time ago already. I have lost all confidence in myself. I feel bad that I may have hurt someone’s feelings, and that wasn’t my intention at all. This is such a cruel disease. I have depression. 

I'm sorry you are having such a bad time. But try to think about the good things. You meditated, played a game and are very lucky to see your son. And you are going to try to exercise tomorrow. That's great! I gave a Pilates machine and a stationary bike that I sit and look at all day. I haven't talked to 1 of my sons for almost 10 years (very long story I don't wish to discuss). But I did get to see my oldest son, daughter in law and granddaughter last weekend. First time since August. They are too busy for me even though I only live 2 1/2 hours away. My granddaughter finally got her Christmas presents from me and my fiancé. I saw them for about 45 minutes. I've had a headache for almost 2 weeks. But people come by my thread and try to help me, just like I try to help them. That's what this forum is for. To help each other and get off this poison with the help of the mods and people you talk with. I always try to have a good attitude when I'm on here, that's how you make "friends". I complain on here, you just haven't read my thread. But other people complain too. But we have learned to help each other. And I would be happy to be your friend. If that's what you want.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

PS. The calm app is awesome.

 

[Frogie]

6 minutes ago, Downbutnotout said:

So sorry I went on your thread. 

No problem. I just answered you.

[Downbutnotout]

Just now, Frogie said:

I'm sorry you are having such a bad time. But try to think about the good things. You meditated, played a game and are very lucky to see your son. And you are going to try to exercise tomorrow. That's great! I gave a Pilates machine and a stationary bike that I sit and look at all day. I haven't talked to 1 of my sons for almost 10 years (very long story I don't wish to discuss). But I did get to see my oldest son, daughter in law and granddaughter last weekend. First time since August. They are too busy for me even though I only live 2 1/2 hours away. My granddaughter finally got her Christmas presents from me and my fiancé. I saw them for about 45 minutes. I've had a headache for almost 2 weeks. But people come by my thread and try to help me, just like I try to help them. That's what this forum is for. To help each other and get off this poison with the help of the mods and people you talk with. I always try to have a good attitude when I'm on here, that's how you make "friends". I complain on here, you just haven't read my thread. But other people complain too. But we have learned to help each other. And I would be happy to be your friend. If that's what you want.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

PS. The calm app is awesome.

 

That’s great about your granddaughter. You do seem to have a good attitude and a lot of friends on here. I am trying to find some hope. I’m sorry about your headache. Is it related to the withdrawal?  Good for you if you can enjoy your son, did, and granddaughter. I am having trouble with that. It’s part of the depression, and the worst part of this. I am not exactly making friends because who wants to be friends with a complainer? I’d be happy to be your friend. 

[Kristine]

2 minutes ago, Downbutnotout said:

I am not exactly making friends because who wants to be friends with a complainer? I’d be happy to be your friend. 

I'm your friend D!!!! 

[Downbutnotout]

Aw, thanks K. Everyone likes you. You have the right attitude. I know you’d give me some of it if you could. 

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, Downbutnotout said:

That’s great about your granddaughter. You do seem to have a good attitude and a lot of friends on here. I am trying to find some hope. I’m sorry about your headache. Is it related to the withdrawal?  Good for you if you can enjoy your son, did, and granddaughter. I am having trouble with that. It’s part of the depression, and the worst part of this. I am not exactly making friends because who wants to be friends with a complainer? I’d be happy to be your friend. 

It was great to see my granddaughter. I miss her a lot. I used to live 20 minutes from her, now 2 1/2 hours away, but at least I got to watch her open her presents. I think some of my headache is related to WD, but some of it is my glasses. I went to one of those places where you get your eyes checked and get your glasses in an hour. Well, I ended up with 4 prescriptions. I'm going to a qualified optometrist and get correct glasses. I think that will help. I go to therapy. My therapist said for me to come up with 5 things everyday that I'm greatful for. I can't do 5 but I do a couple. Maybe you could try that? You don't always complain. I've read your responses on other people's threads. You are compassionate with people. I don't think you realize that. And see you just complimented me about my granddaughter. You are not a bad person. I would be your friend.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

11 minutes ago, Kristine said:

I'm your friend D!!!! 

😊

[Downbutnotout]

21 minutes ago, Frogie said:

It was great to see my granddaughter. I miss her a lot. I used to live 20 minutes from her, now 2 1/2 hours away, but at least I got to watch her open her presents. I think some of my headache is related to WD, but some of it is my glasses. I went to one of those places where you get your eyes checked and get your glasses in an hour. Well, I ended up with 4 prescriptions. I'm going to a qualified optometrist and get correct glasses. I think that will help. I go to therapy. My therapist said for me to come up with 5 things everyday that I'm greatful for. I can't do 5 but I do a couple. Maybe you could try that? You don't always complain. I've read your responses on other people's threads. You are compassionate with people. I don't think you realize that. And see you just complimented me about my granddaughter. You are not a bad person. I would be your friend.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

Aw thanks, Frogie. I felt a little something. That’s good. I used to feel all the time. It’s the one thing I miss so badly. Being human. That would be good if you could solve it with another prescription of glasses. 

[Frogie]

14 minutes ago, Downbutnotout said:

Aw thanks, Frogie. I felt a little something. That’s good. I used to feel all the time. It’s the one thing I miss so badly. Being human. That would be good if you could solve it with another prescription of glasses. 

You are welcome. I'm glad I could make you smile. I hope glasses work for me too. Glad to be friends.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Scorpio]

Hi frogie

’so good to read you finally got to see your granddaughter on your weekend away and that brownie doesn’t seem to have been to upset by your separation over the weekend.  Sounds like your granddaughter loved her Christmas presents and also her happiness at the fact you intend going home in the not too distant future. 

 

Hope your headaches have eased, when do you go to the opticians 

 

[Frogie]

Just now, Scorpio said:

Hi frogie

’so good to read you finally got to see your granddaughter on your weekend away and that brownie doesn’t seem to have been to upset by your separation over the weekend.  Sounds like your granddaughter loved her Christmas presents and also her happiness at the fact you intend going home in the not too distant future. 

 

Hope your headaches have eased, when do you go to the opticians 

 

Hi Scorpio:

 

It was wonderful to see my granddaughter and watch her open her Christmas presents finally. I only got to spend about 45 minutes with her but it was better than nothing.

 

Brownie survived. I went over and fed her and spent some time with her each day. She is happy to be next to her mommy in my chair.

 

I gave in and went to the chiropractor yesterday. The headaches are better today. I hope I get to go to the optometrist sometime in the next week or so.

 

Today I'm having some more akasthisia in my knees again. It's just driving me crazy! I want to dig my knees off my body.

 

I hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Scorpio]

Hi frogie.

 

oh akithasia is miserable, I had it, although I didn’t know it had a name, when first put on lexapro for a couple of months. I say, with everything crossed I haven’t had it since, but I sympathise.  Good to hear the chiropractor helped. And hopefully the optometrist will sort out your eyes and recommend the right glasses. 

 

I had a good six days after the flu, not a window just better days, but today back to square one and moping around achieving nothing. I have just given in to it today as very fatigued as well and hopefully tomorrow will be better as I have my grandson after nursery at lunchtime. The weather here is cold, dark, grey and dreary as only Britain is so good at - I know you are wishing for snow again, I’m just wishing for brighter  skies to lift the gloom. 

 

’

 

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, Scorpio said:

Hi frogie.

 

oh akithasia is miserable, I had it, although I didn’t know it had a name, when first put on lexapro for a couple of months. I say, with everything crossed I haven’t had it since, but I sympathise.  Good to hear the chiropractor helped. And hopefully the optometrist will sort out your eyes and recommend the right glasses. 

 

I had a good six days after the flu, not a window just better days, but today back to square one and moping around achieving nothing. I have just given in to it today as very fatigued as well and hopefully tomorrow will be better as I have my grandson after nursery at lunchtime. The weather here is cold, dark, grey and dreary as only Britain is so good at - I know you are wishing for snow again, I’m just wishing for brighter  skies to lift the gloom. 

 

’

 

I'm sorry you aren't feeling well.

 

I sure hope you have a better day tomorrow with your grandson. I know it's so hard when you don't feel well.

 

I hope the optometrist can help me too. Hope yo get to see them in the next week or so.

 

It's supposed to snow here tomorrow, just an inch or so and flurries possible sat and mon. I'll be glad to see it. I hope the weather warms up for you.

 

This akasthisia in my knees is just driving me crazy. I want to rip my knees off my body. I hope it goes away soon.

 

I hope you feel better soon. It is easier to give into it than fight it. Too much energy to fight it.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Scorpio]

Hi frogie

 

i hope your dream comes true and tomorrow you wake to snow covering the land - brrr,    I feel for you and your knees, horrible, I have no idea how you can ease it, is there any tips on here to help. Or is it a matter of just get through it. Very hard to cope with but seems to be a nasty symptom that quite a few suffer from. 

[Frogie]

1 hour ago, Scorpio said:

Hi frogie

 

i hope your dream comes true and tomorrow you wake to snow covering the land - brrr,    I feel for you and your knees, horrible, I have no idea how you can ease it, is there any tips on here to help. Or is it a matter of just get through it. Very hard to cope with but seems to be a nasty symptom that quite a few suffer from. 

I think it's supposed to start snowing tomorrow, so probably won't see it until Thursday. 

 

I dont know know what to do for the akasthisia, but it's only in my knees and driving me crazy! Maybe someone will come along and read this and have an answer for me. I can only hope.

 

Thanks for thinking of me. I really appreciate it.

 

Hopefully you will be better tomorrow.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Hi Andy:

 

I don't know if you are back or not.

 

If you are, I hope you enjoyed yourself.

 

If you aren't, tell me you will answer me later when you do come back.

 

I am, and have been, since before Christmas, having akasthisia in my knees. It's driving me crazy! I just can't get comfortable and just want to dig my knees off my body that's how it's affecting me.

 

Could it be stress related? Going through the remodeling, not seeing my granddaughter 1st Christmas since she was born, just the holidays in general, and then going away last weekend and not having Brownie with me. Even though I did see her and fed her and loved on her.

 

Or could it be my CNS healing a little and it just happened to pick my knees?

 

My weight hasn't changed. I've had headaches. I finally went to the chiropractor yesterday and feel much better, but I also think it has to do with my glasses and the iPad. I know you have probably been reading my thread.

 

Do you know what I can do for it? It's driving me nuttier than I already am! Lol...

 

I'm sorry you are struggling and I hope you feel better soon. I'm sorry to even bother you.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

[apace41]

8 minutes ago, Frogie said:

I am, and have been, since before Christmas, having akasthisia in my knees. It's driving me crazy! I just can't get comfortable and just want to dig my knees off my body that's how it's affecting me.

 

Could it be stress related? Going through the remodeling, not seeing my granddaughter 1st Christmas since she was born, just the holidays in general, and then going away last weekend and not having Brownie with me. Even though I did see her and fed her and loved on her.

 

Or could it be my CNS healing a little and it just happened to pick my knees?

 

Hi, Frogie. 
 

Yes, I'm back but I would have seen this anyway.  You don't need to post on my thread to get my attention.  LOL.

 

Akathisia is a very irritating and hard to dissect symptom since it is simply that inner restlessness that you can't really do much about.  The best you can do is try to distract yourself with something else, get up and move if your knees demand it, and try to keep yourself as calm as possible.  It is the product of a stressed CNS.  

 

Whether it means you are healing or not is hard to say.  Let's hope so.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, apace41 said:

 

Hi, Frogie. 
 

Yes, I'm back but I would have seen this anyway.  You don't need to post on my thread to get my attention.  LOL.

 

Akathisia is a very irritating and hard to dissect symptom since it is simply that inner restlessness that you can't really do much about.  The best you can do is try to distract yourself with something else, get up and move if your knees demand it, and try to keep yourself as calm as possible.  It is the product of a stressed CNS.  

 

Whether it means you are healing or not is hard to say.  Let's hope so.

 

Best,

 

Andy

I figured you would read it. I won't post on your thread except to say hi and see how you are.

 

I thought it might be because I've been stressed to the max. You've read it all. 

 

Hopefully it will calm itself down?

 

I walk around the house, bend my knees, put the heating pad on, everything I can think of.

 

Have you ever had it? Was it located in one spot, like my knees? What did you do for it if you did have it?

 

I am literally going nuts!😝😝

 

Thanks for the help, you have no idea how I appreciate you.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[apace41]

2 minutes ago, Frogie said:

Hopefully it will calm itself down?

 

It should.  For some people it can hang around for a while but it hasn't been a typical symptom for you so I don't think it will stay long.

 

3 minutes ago, Frogie said:

Have you ever had it? Was it located in one spot, like my knees? What did you do for it if you did have it?

 

I have had it but it was not really "in a spot."  It was more a general state of restlessness that made me feel like I couldn't sit still.  One of the things I would do is to take a long walk outside or to go exercise.  It feels like there is excessive cortisol flowing through the body and it would seem that exercising might help release some of the excess.

 

Hopefully it will lift soon.

 

Best,

 

Andy